PCT Wellness Challenge

Join Brian Buford's Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) adventure!

The Employee Success Center and Get Healthy Now are hosting a wellness challenge where you can join Brian on his journey through the Pacific Crest Trail —solo or as a team. Tracking starts April 22nd, when Brian begins his PCT hike. Get Healthy Now Program Participants can earn up to 300 points toward their 2026 premium incentive for participating.

Up for the challenge? Register for the PCT Wellness Challenge as a team or an individual

Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Wellness Challenge Overview

Challenge Details:

  • Host: Employee Success Center and Get Healthy Now
  • Start Date: April 22nd, 2025
  • Objective: Join Brian Buford on his journey through the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), either solo or as a team.
  • Distance: 2655.8 miles
  • Duration: 6 months
  • Team Recommendation: 3-5 people

Registration:

Incentives:

  • Get Healthy Now Program Participants: Earn up to 300 points toward your 2026 premium incentive.

Daily Mileage Calculation:

  • Total Distance: 2655.8 miles
  • Duration: 6 months (approximately 180 days)
  • Daily Distance for Team: 2655.8 miles / 180 days = 14.76 miles/day
  • If you prefer teams of 5 members, each team member needs to walk approximately 2.95 miles per day to complete the challenge in 6 months.
  • If you prefer teams of 4 members, each team member needs to walk approximately 3.69 miles per day to complete the challenge in 6 months.
  • If you prefer teams of 3 members, each team member needs to walk approximately 4.92 miles per day to complete the challenge in 6 months.
  • If you prefer teams of 2 members, each team member needs to walk approximately 7.38 miles per day to complete the challenge in 6 months.
  • If you prefer to take on the challenge solo, you need to walk approximately 14.76 miles per day to complete the challenge in 6 months.

Note: You can include your regular daily movement and steps towards this challenge. Every step counts!

The PCT Wellness Challenge encourages participants to accumulate steps and mileage through various forms of movement. Here's how any movement counts towards steps/mileage:

How Movement Counts Towards Steps/Mileage

Movement is tracked using fitness devices like Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin, etc., which measure steps and mileage through built-in accelerometers. These devices count steps based on arm swings and overall body movement, converting different activities into steps and mileage.

Examples of Movement Counted as Steps/Mileage

  • Walking: The most straightforward way to accumulate steps. Walking at a brisk pace can significantly boost your step count.
  • Running/Jogging: These activities cover more distance in fewer steps due to longer strides.
  • Cycling: While not directly counted as steps, cycling can be converted into steps using conversion tools.
  • Swimming: Similar to cycling, swimming can be converted into steps using specific calculators.
  • Household Activities: Activities like vacuuming, gardening, and even playing with pets can contribute to your step count.
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Sites to Convert Movement to Steps/Mileage

  • StepsToMiles: This site helps you convert steps into miles based on your stride length
  • Good Calculators: Offers an activity-to-steps conversion calculator for various exercises
  • The Calculator Site: Provides a steps-to-miles calculator for accurate conversion based on individual stride length
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Fitness Devices

Daily steps and mileage accumulated on fitness devices like Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin, etc., count towards your total steps/mileage for the day. These devices track your movement throughout the day, providing a comprehensive view of your activity levels. By using these tools and understanding how different movements contribute to your step count, you can effectively participate in the PCT Wellness Challenge and stay motivated to reach your fitness goals! 🚶‍♂️🏃‍♀️🚴‍♂️