Minot Area Team Wellness hosted Walk Minot, a series of walks over the summer months at various different locations. The walks were widely attended by community members of all ages, from the elderly to babies in strollers.
As the colder weather sets in, walking outdoors may be the last thing on people's minds. But Team Wellness hoped to continue their walking program's momentum into the winter months and keep community members active.
"We decided to hold Winter Walk Minot to keep people going, and to keep up the incentive. Walking is a good aerobic activity, it builds stamina, and keeps your heart healthy," Gail Slinde, extension agent for NDSU Extension Service, and member of Minot Area Team Wellness, said.
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Katina Tengesdal/MDN --
Minot Area Team Wellness discusses plans for their Winter Walk Minot event. Pictured left to right is Laurel Barnard, Diane Thorne, Lori Scharmer, Michelle Fundingsland and Gail Slinde.
The winter walks will be held in a variety of community settings - some indoors, and some outdoors.
"With our outdoor walks, we did choose protected areas so that people will be out of the wind, but it is winter. People will want to have their cap and gloves, and some good boots that don't slide on the ice. Dress for the occasion," Slinde said.
Winter Walk Minot will begin on Thursday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. in Minot's Oak Park. Winter Walk Minot participants will walk through the Sertoma "Christmas in the Park" lights display, and should meet at the ticket booth.
"The walks will go for about an hour, but people can drop out whenever they feel they need to. The first walk is more of a sight-seeing walk, so people may take their time a little more," Slinde said.
People who participate in Winter Walk Minot will be eligible to be entered in a door prize drawing, held at the end of each walk.
In addition to getting participants up and moving during the Winter Walks themselves, Team Wellness hopes to introduce some locations in the community where people can continue to walk on their own and keep up with their fitness goals all winter long.
Outdoor trails that are maintained during the winter months include Roosevelt Park; Oak Park; Dakota Bark Park located near the 83 Bypass West to 16th street; and Riverwalk, a 2.5 mile trail along the Souris River accessible from a number of places including the Railroad Museum and Roosevelt Park. Other trails are maintained as long as weather allows, such as the North Hill soccer complex and the South Hill complex.
Minot has some cross-country ski trails available as well, in Oak Park, Souris Valley Golf Course and Bison Plant Trail.
For those who don't like walking outdoors in the cold, indoor facilities available for walking include the Minot State University Dome, the Dakota Square Mall, Town and Country Shopping Center and Arrowhead Shopping Center.