FAQ
Got Questions?
If you do not see an answer below, feel free to reach out to us! kdpt.meadesp@KS.GOV
I am a little confused... I heard this involves... streaking?
THIS IS A FULLY-CLOTHED ACTIVITY! "Streaking" in this context refers to completing a consecutive number of days in a row where you run or walk at least one mile. This is referred to as a run (or walk) "streak." Think of a "winning streak." That's what we're talking about here. Not that other kind of streaking. (And... if you DO choose to take it in that context out at the state park, you will likely be removed and trespassed!)
I want to participate, but I don't live near Meade State Park. Can I still sign up?
Yes! This is a "virtual" event. That means you complete the challenge at your own pace, on your own time from any location that works best for you. There are some perks to completing your daily mile (or more) at Meade State Park... but you can just as easily "Complete the Streak," win "Highest Mileage Overall" or win some great random drawing prizes from completely all your miles in your own neighborhood. If you do win a prize, we will work with you to ensure you receive your hard-earned prizes even if you live far away.
It's cold out there! Can I complete my mile (or more) indoors on a treadmill? (... or indoor track? ... or walking laps in a gym? ... or walking a million circles around my house?)
Yes! Treadmills are a great way to stay active on miserable weather days... and if walking a bunch of laps around the inside of your house is what you need to do to get your mile in sometimes... that counts!
What if I have something come up and I miss a day?
IT. IS. OKAY. We promise. No one is going to publicly humiliate you if you miss a day during the run streak. We will not show up at your house and demand you pay a failure fine. This holidays are stressful! We get it things will come up. You will not be "kicked out" of the challenge. In fact, you will STILL be eligible for drawing prizes and even "highest mileage" awards. Don't give up just because something came up!
I'm in the middle of training for a (marathon, race, triathlon, conditioning for basketball, soccer, etc.). Can miles and workouts I had scheduled count for my daily mile?
Sometimes. For example, if you had a two mile run scheduled for winter conditioning for basketball, you can count those miles for the Run Streak Challenge. You don't have to complete your workout and then do an additional mile. Example two: You are doing winter conditioning for basketball practice and you do full court sprints, layup drills and scrimmage and your step count comes out to one mile. This will NOT count. The miles have to be dedicated to either running or walking. You can read more about what mileage counts on the RULES FOR PARTICIPATING page.
I'm still using the same Nokia phone I had in 2001, so I can't track my miles using any of those fancy phone apps and I don't have a watch that will track my daily steps, miles. How can I participate?
First of all, congratulations on keeping unplugged and in the moment. Secondly, we have paper/pencil forms we can either e-mail you upon request (and if you don't do e-mail either, we can send it through the mail!). We didn't need fancy phones and watches to tell us how far a mile was in 2001, so we really don't need them today either! You can use a scaled paper map to help ensure your walking/running routes are hitting at least one mile. Then, just pencil it in on our tracking sheet or on a piece of paper. Make sure you record where you walked your mile as well.
I recently fell off my roof and now I have a boot on my foot and a scooter. Is there a way I can still participate?
Yes! We can work with anyone who has any kind of accessibility needs. But please make sure you are clear with your doctor. If you and your doctor determine it is safe for you to scoot on your scooter for at least one mile that you have to assist with the injury, you can sign up and participate! The same goes for anyone with mobility needs (electric or man-powered). As long as you are out doing at least one dedicated mile, you can participate.
How can I prove I walked at Meade State Park on a "Specialty Day" so I can earn double entry into the drawing?
A photo will be sufficient. This challenge is also based on the "Honor System" so please make sure you are being truthful to keep the activity fun for everyone. Remember, it IS the holiday season and SANTA IS WATCHING!! A full list of Specialty Days during the duration of the challenge can be found HERE
Can I capture the park raccoons and tie them to a sled and force them to pull me around in the snow? Will this count for my daily mile?
No. That will absolutely go terribly for you.
Can I pet the dumpster raccoons?
No. Please stop asking this.
