Walking Challenge Launch Playbook

Subject

Want to help us pilot a walking challenge? (first 20 people)

Body

Hi,

{{company_name}} is exploring a company-wide walking challenge. Walk The Distance plots real-world steps onto a virtual route along a famous long trail (e.g. the Appalachian Trail) with checkpoints and team progress. Before we roll it out to everyone, I'm putting together a small pilot group — first 20 people who commit.

You don't need to be a runner or a fitness person. We want a mix — walkers, hikers, or folks who just want to move more. If you're in, reply "I'm in".

Pilot runs {{pilot_start_date}} to {{pilot_end_date}}. I’ll take the first 20 who commit and lock the list. About a week before {{pilot_start_date}} I’ll email that group with the QR code so you can install Walk The Distance, join our pilot group walk, and pick a team in advance — that way Day 1 is a real mini-challenge instead of a setup scramble. After the pilot we’ll ask for quick feedback and decide whether to roll it out company-wide.

Thanks,
{{your_name}}

Subject

Get the app: our walking pilot starts {{pilot_start_date}}

Body

Hi everyone,

Our walking pilot officially kicks off the morning of {{pilot_start_date}} and runs through {{pilot_end_date}}. To make Day 1 a real mini-challenge instead of a setup scramble, the join window is open today — about a week early — so you can install Walk The Distance, join our pilot group walk on {{trail_name}}, and pick a team before we start.

The app works with the devices and apps you already use: Apple Health, Garmin, Fitbit, and Samsung Health (or your phone alone). How to get set up today:

1. Scan the QR code (or tap the link on your phone). It takes you to download Walk The Distance. After the app is installed, you should join our pilot group automatically; if not, scan the QR again.
2. When prompted, join our pilot group walk on {{trail_name}}.
3. When prompted, connect your desired tracker.
4. (Team challenge only) On the company page, make sure you join a team for the team challenge.

{{join_qr_or_link}}

A heads up about Day 1 ({{pilot_start_date}}): {{pilot_reset_note}} — e.g. "we’ll reset everyone’s pilot trail progress to zero so the group starts at the same line on Day 1," or "your early-access miles already count toward the pilot total — jump in now and get a head start."

Questions? Just reply to me.

— {{your_name}}

Subject

We’re walking! Our pilot is officially live

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Hi everyone,

Today’s the day — our walking pilot is officially on. Every step you log from here moves us along {{trail_name}} together.

A heads up about your trail progress: {{pilot_reset_note}}. (Examples: "we just reset everyone to zero so the pilot starts at the same line today," or "your early-access miles already count toward the pilot total — no reset, you’re already on the trail.")

What’s next:
• Pilot runs through {{pilot_end_date}} — that’s our mini-challenge window
• Leaderboards and team standings update in the app throughout the day
• Share a line of feedback with me as you go so we can shape the company-wide rollout

Anyone on the pilot list who didn’t install during the early-access window — same QR as last week:

{{join_qr_or_link}}

Let’s go,
{{your_name}}

P.S. Every step counts — commute, lunch, walking the dog. No minimum or step target for the pilot.

Subject

Quick feedback on our walking pilot?

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Hi everyone,

Thanks for being part of the {{company_name}} walking pilot. As we wrap up our 30 days on {{trail_name}}, I’d love your honest feedback so I can bring it back to leadership — we want to properly evaluate whether to roll Walk The Distance out company-wide as a paid program.

Even a short reply with bullet points helps. A few things I’d love to hear:

1. Did Walk The Distance change how active you were, or how you think about daily movement?
2. Anything you loved — favorite features, moments on the trail, or checkpoints?
3. Anything that didn’t work well, or that you wish were different?
4. Would you keep using it if {{company_name}} kept the program going? Why or why not?
5. Anything else you think leadership should know before we decide?

If you’re OK with me sharing a short quote from your reply with leadership (or in the company-wide kickoff if we go that route), just put "OK to share" at the top of your reply.

Please send your thoughts by {{feedback_deadline}}. I’ll pull everything together and bring it to our stakeholders so we can make an informed call on whether Walk The Distance becomes part of the {{company_name}} wellness program going forward.

Thanks for being our trail blazers,
{{your_name}}