This is yet another reason why I am a big fan of Zappos and its people! What a great way to build coroporate moral while promoting a healthy lifestyle?? Love it and am looking foward to seeing how they do this year…Mike has promised to keep me updated so of course I will share! Congrats to him for dropping 10 pounds and I hope he kicks some butt this year!!  Go team Zappos!! -Julia

Corporate Challenge 2010

Corporate Challenge is celebrating 25 years of having a healthy way for local companies and their employees to compete or cheer on their colleagues. There are over 34 different events throughout the Las Vegas area during a 12-week span of time.  Events begin the end of March 2010 and continue through the second week of June 2010.

There are a multitude of events such as basketball, horseshoes, golf, poker, range shooting, tennis, track and field, swimming and volleyball. Companies are divided into one of four categories, depending on the number of employees. I am lucky enough to fall into the 50+ category so the Zappos Mayor, Jerry Tidmore and myself are highly desired this year.

Last year I did the track and field event but didn’t prepare myself properly so I pulled a hamstring which was very painful. This year I have a personal trainer who is helping me get into shape not only for corporate challenge but because I want to be in better shape. I have been seeing him for the last 12 weeks and I go 2-3 times a week. In this time I have notice I have a lot more energy and am finally starting to see results; I’ve also lost 10 pounds.

This year I am doing a few more events. I’m doing track and field in 4 events, Shot Put, Softball Throw, 400 and the mile. I did pretty good last year in the events before the injury, so I’m going to try to beat my own scores from last year. I am also trying out for Range Shooting, Speed Walking and Horseshoes. Here is a picture of me from last year showing off the medals I won.

So to prepare for the events we have team captains for each event and they coordinate practices each week so we have some idea on what to expect. In most cases people sign up for events they may have done before so there is the drive to do well for your company. In track and field we have a great captain, Mike Foley, who is a phenomenal runner and has great ways of getting us in shape for our events. We usually meet a few times a week and we go through the stretches and then run a few miles or more depending on the event you are doing. I’m trying out for the range shooting team tonight but I hear the completion is pretty tough so we will see how I do.

I think Corporate Challenge is a great way to team build for companies and I like meeting people from different companies in Las Vegas. Its healthy competition and most people seem to have a good time at the events. Opening ceremonies are on March 24^th and always a good time. People from each company walk in a parade and carry their company banner. Last year the “Zappettes” had the honor to sing the national anthem.

Check this out!

-Mike