University at Buffalo - The State University of New York

Lunch break perfect time for a walk, run

Carol Wilczak and Mary Janik, who work in the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office, walk from Clemens Hall to Alumni Arena. Photo: NANCY J. PARISI

By KEVIN FRYLING

Published: April 29, 2009

For some at UB, lunchtime is a chance to chat with co-workers, step out for a bite to eat or run some errands. All too often, it also can be a meal eaten over a keyboard—playing catch up in anticipation of the afternoon rush.

But for those who’ve discovered the energy boost provided by physical activity, lunchtime is an opportunity to pair up with a friend for a stroll through the halls, a brisk walk outdoors—or even a spirited run across campus. UB walkers and runners include everyone from staffers in Crofts and Capen halls to librarians in Lockwood Library to faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).

“We walk together every day. In rain, sunshine, cold, whatever,” says Serafino Porcari of Central Technical Services, University Libraries, one of many walkers on campus. Porcari has paired up with the same office mate, Susan Neumeister, for walks since the 1980s. “I think we’ve both derived some great health benefits from it,” he adds.

Although she first came up with the idea, Neumeister jokes that Porcari over the years has become an even more enthusiastic walker than her.

“If he’s not here, I don’t walk,” she laughs.

In fact, one of the most popular reasons to walk in pairs or small groups is motivation.

“You’re not as likely to say, ‘Oh, I don’t feel like it’ when you know someone else is depending on you to go,” says Susan Davis, who walks with co-worker Daisy Waters. Both women, also of Central Technical Services, prefer the indoor track in Alumni Arena, but venture outside in the fall and spring.

Also fans of the track are Jeffery Sherven, instructional support technician in the Printmaking Program and supervisor of the experimental Print Imaging Center (ePIC), Department of Visual Studies, CAS, and Renee Ruffino, creative design director and adjunct professor of communication design, Department of Visual Studies, who’ve been jogging together since 2001.

“We’ve met a lot of people over the years,” says Ruffino of the time she and Sherven have spent running in Alumni Arena. “There’s a nice sort of camaraderie.”

In addition to the indoor track, Ruffino and Sherven are a familiar sight on campus, especially during the summer, when their favorite routes—circuits of Lake LaSalle, the Ellicott Complex, stretches of the Amherst bike path north of campus—take them all over the campus. It only takes about 20-30 minutes to cover several miles, Sherven says.

“It’s important to have a break in the middle of the day,” he adds. “It’s easy to get caught up and feel like you’re too busy for a run.”

Over in Crofts Hall, another group adheres to a similar philosophy. Even with half-hour lunch breaks, Elaine Marks, Rebecca Hemming and Barbara Fecio, all of Procurement Services, make sure to take a short stroll at noon, as well as on their 15-minute breaks in the morning and afternoon.

“Mostly we walk outside,” says Marks. “We like the fresh air—and it just feels good to get out of the office.”

Carol Wilczak and Mary Janik, staffers in the CAS Dean’s Office, agree.

“I miss it when I make other plans,” says Wilczak of her and Janik’s walking habit. “It’s a great way to get some exercise—and some conversation.”