Top walker in Fitness Challenge has lost nearly 30 pounds

In less than two months, a Sedalia man has lost nearly 30 pounds and walked close to 700 miles while participating in the Sedalia Fitness Challenge.

Mike Walter, 56, is team captain for Oui Fit. His team members are his immediate family and their spouses and as of Feb. 23, Oui Fit is the top team for percentage of weight lost at 10.89 percent.

“I’m very proud of my team,” Walter said.

The challenge began in January and since then, Walter has walked, ran and biked to lose 27 pounds and stay in shape.

“I wanted to get to 175 and I’ve met that goal,” Walter said.

His team has logged 965 miles and Walter is leading the pack with the most individual miles logged at 472, according to the Feb. 23 log sheets.

Walter said he began the challenge by walking about five miles per day, which left his body aching.

“Start off slow and easy and gradually increase,” Walter said.

He began to cut sweet foods, flour and starches out of his diet because he said exercise alone will not do it.

“You have to change your eating habits,” Walter said.

Cutting out the sweets and starches was not difficult for Walter, but when birthdays and holidays come around it is hard for the whole family.

Walter’s team ranges in age from 40 to 70 years old. His mother, father and sister occasionally join him for his morning walk or run at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center.

“I spend a lot of time there,” Walter said.

Monday, Walter ran 12 miles and walked 13 miles. He said he usually walks, runs or bikes five to six days per week for more than three hours per day.

He also has began walking to places like his bank near his home instead of driving.

“Anything you do is better than doing nothing at all,” Walter said.

Walter is a retired science teacher for the Sedalia School District, so he does not have a hard time fitting in a daily workout.

A recent doctor visit proved that his diet and exercise routine has paid off. His blood pressure was down and he expects that his cholesterol will be lower as well.  

Ten laps around the multipurpose center equals one mile. Walter has a beaded string that hangs on his T-shirt to help him keep track of laps and miles walked.

Walter is planning a trip to kayak, hike and bike with family members soon and plans to continue to keep exercising after the challenge is completed.

“It’s definitely been a challenge and it’s been a lot of fun,” Walter said. “I would recommend to anyone to give it a try.”

The challenge features 404 participants on 51 teams.

The next fitness activity is a 5K walk/run on March 20. Bothwell Regional Health Center staff will be at the multipurpose building from 9:30 to 10 a.m. to offer BMI, blood pressure and fat analysis screenings. Any challenge participant is welcome to attend.

The challenge ends March 21 and is sponsored by State Fair Community College.