Being and staying active is always easier with a buddy. Now that most of us are working at home, we have had to find other ways to get their steps in. And sometimes that means calling your mom.

Ericka Young and her mom, Debbie Dickson, registered for the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Together But Distant 5K and decided to train together in a socially distant way. BlueCross BlueShield is the parent company of Palmetto GBA.

“We thought it would be a good way to keep us motivated and to get away from our computers every day and walk,” said Dickson, Palmetto GBA Jurisdiction J Operations Vice President. “Ericka walks her dog, Tucker, and we call each other on the phone when we’re walking. That’s one way we hold each other accountable.”

It also has helped the two keep in touch. “It’s been nice to talk to my mom every day since I don’t get to see her as much now that we aren’t in the office,” said Young, an Accountant I at Palmetto GBA.

Young admits her mom has been more diligent about her training since they began 11 weeks ago.

“My mom has been more determined than I have,” Young said. “I’m really proud of her because she’s really motivating me. Seeing how well she’s doing gets me motivated to get some more steps in when I get off work.”

Dickson has come to view the time she spends on her morning walks as a respite from her busy workdays. She began walking a mile every morning and has worked up to walking three miles before starting her day.

“It’s really a stress-reliever,” she said. “When I get in from my walk and sit in front of my computer, I’m there all day. It’s nonstop conference calls and emails, so it’s nice to have this appointment with myself every morning.”

Participating in the Together But Distant 5K training also has helped the two look at other ways they can improve their health.

“This has motivated us to make other healthy choices and changes,” Young said. “We noticed how good our bodies felt and started doing other things, like drinking more water. It seems so simple, but it’s so important.”

And participating in the company-wide virtual 5K has helped them feel more connected with their coworkers, according to Young.  

She and Dickson will join other Together But Distant 5K participants as they run and walk on Race Day, Saturday, Oct. 24.