YOU'RE WALKING TOWARD THE FINISH LINE!

Captains, week 6 of Miles for Wellness Challenge 30 ends Sunday, November 3. This means your next check-in is soon. Please remind your team members to send their tracking sheets to you on Monday, November 4.

Once you have received your team's step counts, update your captain's spreadsheet and complete the bi-weekly reporting form. The deadline to complete the form is by end of day on Wednesday, November 6.

REPORTING ACCURATE STEPS

Please be sure your team members are accurately reporting their steps. If you are using a smartwatch, pedometer or step-counting app while taking part in physical activities you should not use the conversion function in the participant's spreadsheet to report those steps; they're already accounted for in the number of steps your watch or pedometer reports. For more help on filling out the participant's spreadsheet, find directions here.

COMPLETING THE CHECK-IN FORM

Below are some helpful tips for completing the bi-weekly submission form:

• If you cannot find your team name listed on the form, you can type it in.
• The step total you need to report can be found on your captain's spreadsheet in the blue box in the top right corner.
• Do not use commas or decimals in your step count.
• Do not attach your participant sheets; you should transfer all information to your captain's sheet and upload it when completing the bi-weekly check-in form.

Share the information below with your team as you make your way through each zoo along the Challenge's trail.

SAN DIEGO ZOO

You may not be able to visit San Diego Zoo in person, but this virtual field trip will give you a glimpse of the park's over 680 species and subspecies.

A CLOSER LOOK - KOALA

San Diego Zoo is home to the world's largest koala colony outside of Australia. Because koalas eat only leaves, they often sleep or rest for up to 18-20 hours every day. Since you most likely can't sleep that much, read up on foods that can boost your energy.

LOS ANGELES ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDENS

Want to explore the Los Angeles Zoo from afar? This virtual field trip will transport you there.

A CLOSER LOOK - WESTERN LOWLAND GORILLA

Known as gentle giants since they lead primarily quiet, peaceful and non-aggressive lives, gorillas are the largest and most powerful of the great apes, a primate group that also includes chimpanzees, bonobos and orangutans.

Want to be strong and powerful like a gorilla? Learn about progressive overload and how it can help you gradually get stronger.

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO

Watch the video here for a glimpse of what's known as America's mountain zoo without traveling 6,714 feet above sea level in Colorado Springs where Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is located.

A CLOSER LOOK - GRIZZLY BEAR

Featured in Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's Rocky Mountain Wild habitat, grizzly bears once roamed the entire western United States and weigh upward of 700 pounds. They can run up to 35 miles an hour for short sprints, are good swimmers, and cubs can climb trees as well.

Looking for a way to refresh your exercise routine? Follow in the grizzly bear's footsteps and take your next workout outside for added benefits to your mental and physical health.

BI-WEEKLY REPORTING FORM

Submit your team's steps for each check-in and the final deadline using the bi-weekly reporting form.

The reporting periods for each check-in are:

• Weeks 1-6: Monday, November 4-Wednesday, November 6
• Weeks 1-8 (Final Submission): Monday, November 18-Wednesday, November 20

TRAIL FACTS

Check out the points of interest guide here to learn more about each zoo your team will explore along this virtual adventure.

QUESTIONS? Email milesforwellness@nc.gov anytime.