Pedometer Challenge FAQs





When does the Challenge start?

You and your team should start logging your steps from the morning of Wednesday 14 September 2011.



When does the Challenge end?

The last day of step-counting is Tuesday 11 October.



How do I take part?

Check if your workplace is participating. Then get together with your workmates to form a team of 3-6 people. Give your team a name and nominate a Team Captain. Your Team Captain will be the main point of contact for your team. Team Captains can then:


  • Register the team through the Journey Logger (only the Team Captain needs to register).
  • Purchase pedometers through this website using PayPal, if you don’t have pedometers already.
  • Present PayPal receipts to your Company Coordinator in exchange for pedometers and step logs.
  • Log steps on behalf of the team throughout the challenge, using the Journey Logger.


How does a Team Captain register their Team?

Team Captains can register their team by setting up a Journey Logger account. If you are a Team Captain and you already have a Journey Logger account, you can enter your team details by logging in, clicking on ‘Edit my Details’ and filling in the ‘Pedometer Challenge’ tab.



How do I record/log my steps?

Check out the How to Log Steps section.



When is the Leader Board updated?

The Leader Board will be updated every week, with a mid-week update in week 2, 3 and 4. Your Team Captain will have until Friday 14th October to log your team’s final step counts. The final Leader Board will be published the following week.



What does the Leader Board show?

The Leader Board shows the average number of steps walked per team member in the top ten teams taking part in the challenge. Some teams in the challenge have three people and some have six, so the average number of steps walked is used to determine the rankings. The Leader Board will be updated at the end of every week, and mid-week in week 2, 3 and 4. The overall Leader Board will be published after the challenge ends. Below the League Table, all teams' results will be published on a weekly basis.



My team doesn’t have access to a PC terminal, can I still take part?

Yes you can, please contact your Company Coordinator for details of how to log steps.



My Organisation hasn’t signed up to participate, can I take part?

We would love to offer everyone the chance to participate, however our remit is to work with large employers who have signed up to implement workplace travel plans as part of the Smarter Travel Workplaces programme. Find out more about becoming a Partner of the programme.



How many steps should I take per day?

Researchers have recommended 10,000 steps (or approximately 5 miles) per day for overall good health and well-being. Remember to start small and aim to build up to 10,000 steps bit by bit. If you are very inactive, have a health problem, or are worried about any aspect of your health, you should consult your doctor before undertaking this challenge.



The number of people in my team has changed since we started the challenge. Do I need to tell anyone?

Team Captains log the average number of steps per team member in the Journey Logger. If the number of people in your team changes, the Team Captain will have to bear this in mind when working out average steps.



What happens if I forget to wear my pedometer one day?

If you forget to wear your pedometer on a particular day, you can use the step count from another day where you had similar physical activity levels.



I entered the wrong number of steps – how do I change that figure?

As Team Captain, you can log into the Journey Logger and update your step counts. You can ‘back log’ for one week.



I will be on holidays during the challenge – do my steps still count?

Yes they do. Just be sure to make a note of your daily step totals on your step logs, and to give your weekly total to your Team Captain.



What are the benefits of walking?

Studies show that active employees take less time off work, suffer less workplace injuries and are more productive at work than a less active workforce.

Benefits of physical activity »



Can I include other physical activity?

Activities such as cycling or Pilates can be included for this challenge, but gym-based activities (e.g. running on the treadmill or using a stepper/cross trainer) cannot be counted. Use the conversion table below to estimate your steps for any activity where the pedometer will not work (e.g. cycling or swimming).


10 Minutes

of
moderate intensity exercise

(causes slight but noticeable increase in breathing and heart rate, but you can still maintain a conversation)

1000 Steps

Sample activity: brisk walking, swimming, cycling, horse riding, dancing, active gardening

10 Minutes

of
high intensity exercise

(makes you ‘huff and puff’ and taking a full breath between sentences is difficult)

2000 Steps

Sample activity: aerobics, fast cycling, jogging, football, squash, netball




Is this challenge just about walking to work?

No – walking anywhere, anytime will count. Walking to, or part of the way to work is a great way to increase your steps and reduce your personal and environmental travel costs.



I am wheelchair bound – can I take part in the Pedometer Challenge?

Yes you can certainly take part. If you are a wheelchair bound participant we recommend that you buy a bicycle odometer from your local bicycle store. The bicycle shop should be able to fit this for you and they will take into account the wheel diameter so that it’s as accurate as possible.


You will use this odometer to keep a record of your distance travelled daily. To convert the distance taken in the wheelchair to steps please allow 3 steps for every 1 meter travelled. Using this conversion you will be able to give your daily steps to your Team Captain. If you would like further information please contact Sharon at pedometerchallenge@smartertravelworkplaces.ie.


Source of conversion information: Global Corporate Challenge.



Other Questions?

If you have any questions that are not answered on this page, please contact pedometerchallenge@smartertravelworkplaces.ie



Best of luck in the Challenge!