Fanfare, Ribbons, and Stats!

Dear Explorers,

I write to you from the safety and warmth of Social Workout HQ in New York. I flew back from Murmansk this morning, looking out the window at vast Greenland, and smiling. I'm very proud of us. As far as I know, ours was the first ever virtual trek to the North Pole, and it was, by the numbers, the best Social Workout challenge ever.

In percentage terms, more of us started the challenge, and more went farther in it, than we've ever seen before. (To those few who never quite got going, we hope you'll join us next time!) Collectively, 33 of us logged 7.6 million steps, or roughly 3,781 miles. We made it to the Pole, and then some. Had we gone West instead of North, we could have walked from New York to California, and half way back.

The average distance covered per person during the expedition was 114 miles. Susanna B. logged more steps than anyone, racking up fully 405,000 steps, or 202 miles! Our old friend kmcm s. was less than a mile behind Susanna overall, and was also one of just three challengers, along with Amy P. and Liz P., to walk 10,000 steps, or more, every day for 31 days in a row. Amy P., in particular, consistently walked the farthest every day. Wild applause for our four leaders, who will each receive limited edition True North thermal underwear, and/or organic cotton t-shirts! (Design pending, and we will advise when these are available in the SW Store!)

Equally fervent applause to each of you, and every member of this elite crew. All of you contributed, not just your daily steps, but also your wonderful comments and encouragements along the way. Virtual polar missions require not just iron willpower, but also a sense of humor and a generous spirit. You guys rocked on all fronts, and none of your efforts went unappreciated.

For the record, our statisticians have yet to determine who logged the most steps on a single day, but early analysis suggests that it may well have been our very own von Hottie, who managed 27,814 steps in mountainous terrain on December 29th. (If anyone did more, please advise!) In honor of this exceptional feat, and in general appreciation of her indomitable spirit, we're pleased to award von Hottie a pair of bedazzled, Arctic-tested, pink True North ear-muffs.

Thus, one month later, we have arrived safely home. With our wild December walks still fresh within us, it's time to set new goals, and conquer new challenges. I hope we can stick together, virtual-like, and share more dreams and more successes. Find your own True North, then, and let's step forward together into the new year!

Grab a Friend and Start a New Goal or Challenge!
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Set Your Own Goal!
http://socialworkout.com/feat/discovery

Start Your Own Group Challenge!
http://socialworkout.com/challengeCreation/design

The Jan Plan -- The Annual January Detox
http://socialworkout.com/janplan

Social Workout 101 -- The Monthly Baseline
http://socialworkout.com/sowo101