Deescalating Adversity from New Heights

CSOFT has come a long way since our first Hiking Challenge just one year ago. As our journey reaches October once again, the chance returns to see how far we can each travel in a competition among teammates as we celebrate this month of changing seasons with an event that’s always brought us together without fail. (1 for 1!)

Last year, the Daunting Heights prevailed by an impressive 27 miles over The Trusty Compasses and The North Stars in their dead-heat race for second place, logging a total of 194+ miles together with team captain and individual winner Yoyo Zhao (123.26 miles) to claim the honors and Amazon gift cards they well deserved. This year, we are keeping the teams of old, but with a new cast of captains to lead our six groups from around our global offices.

The challenge starts as soon as you do! Before you start planning that first route, take a moment to find your team’s tracker page (pop-up linked below), and locate the drag-and-drop portal for uploading your files and personal info:

• Your name, team, and the distance traveled in miles (multiply kilometer values by 0.62 before submitting!)
• A screenshot of a GPS map-enabled fitness app (AllTrails, NikeRun, Strava, etc.) that clearly shows your route and distance travelled (required)
• A photo or two from your hike that captures you, a great view, or both (encouraged)

Submit as many hikes as you like, but note you will need to upload each of them one by one.

Also be aware that all hikes submitted in the Challenge must be made on foot and on new ground during the month of October 2022 (October 3rd-31st). No biking, treadmill walking, commuting to work, laps around the block, or past hiking trips/photos will be accepted.

Most of all, take this chance to explore somewhere natural, broaden your horizons, and get credit for time spent destressing. In a year fraught with global strain and tension, to come down from a high mountain is one way we can all stand to quite literally deescalate.  

Stay safe and know your limits. We’re looking forward to seeing where your journey takes you!