Starting this week, the place that I work is holding a challenge which offered up an interesting opportunity. The idea is that as a participant, you walk 10,000 steps per day for 40 days. Over the course of the next 40 days, as you progress with your walking, you figuratively “climb” everest. It’s 280,000 steps to the Top.

We’re keeping track of the steps we take with pedometers, and there’s not only a “solo” mission, but we can also make teams of 6 to participate as well. The average steps of the top 3 performers on each team are then compared – and competing head to head with other “teams” at the company – from all groups across Europe and Asia.

Not only is the health benefit of getting more exercise a great one, but there’s also $15,000 up for grabs per location to send to charity. That means there’s an extra incentive for me to get my butt moving – and see if I can make it to the figurative top of “Everest” in 40 days. My first day is today, and I’ve done 11,477 steps – just over 5 miles (10,000 steps is about 5 miles).