As another year winds down, we’re checking in with staff who turned their New Year’s resolutions into long-lasting habits. Whether it’s thousands of daily steps or miles logged on a treadmill, their stories show that progress isn’t always about perfection—it’s about persistence, creativity, and finding joy in movement.

This month, we reconnect with Carmen Hua, Health Educator in Disease Surveillance and Control, who is wrapping up her third year of walking 10,000 steps a day. We also speak with Liliana “Lily” Davalos, Health Educator in the Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, whose 2025 goal pushed her to reclaim her love of running.

Carmen Hua: Three Years, Thousands of Steps, and a Streak Still Going

When Carmen made her 10,000-steps-a-day resolution back on January 1, 2023, she wasn’t expecting it to become a years-long daily practice. But nearly three years later, she’s still moving—rain, heat, vacations and life’s curveballs included.

Looking Back & Keeping the Streak Alive

(Dish) When you first started in 2023, did you imagine you’d still be going?
(Carmen) Honestly, no! I put “10,000 steps” in my head because I’d always heard about it, but I never imagined I would stick with it this long. Those early days surprised me with how much walking helped my mental health—clearing brain fog, giving me fresh air and sunshine, and helping me reset.

(Dish) What’s helped you stay consistent?
(Carmen) You just have to do it. Even on a bad day, I know I’ll feel better afterward. Getting a treadmill helped when it was hot or rainy outside. But outdoor walking is still my favorite because of the fresh air, sunshine, and recognizing familiar faces in my neighborhood.

Motivation, Community & New Habits

(Dish) Any unexpected motivators along the way?
(Carmen) My dog, Ponzu, waits by the garage door for his walk every evening. I’ve also encouraged my mom to start walking more. She used to spend most of her days indoors but now walks more than I do! Our walks have become a special time for us to connect. We leave our phones behind, step away from the noise of the day, and just catch up while enjoying the fresh air together.

(Dish) You even competed in Walk Around Nevada, right?
(Carmen) Yes! I did it the first year and actually won the individual category. Logging steps daily kept me accountable, and I’m competitive, so that helped.

Challenges & Favorite Moments

Travel is still her biggest challenge since it requires planning routes, finding hotel fitness centers and adapting on the go. Weather has thrown surprises too: “One time in the middle of summer, it started hailing! I had to run home.”

She’s also expanded her routine with hiking near Red Rock, new walking trails, and even grocery runs on foot. “If I can avoid driving, I will,” she laughs. Her sunhat, UV jacket, and UV umbrella are now essentials, even if strangers occasionally call out, “It’s not raining!”

Looking Ahead

(Dish) What’s next?
(Carmen) I just want to see how long I can keep this going. I used to average only 250 steps a day. Anyone can build a habit—starting is the hardest part. But once you get momentum, you’ll reach your goal.

The Power of a Streak

Streaks can be a surprisingly powerful motivator. Once you’ve built a chain of consecutive days—whether it’s steps, runs, or any healthy habit—you naturally want to keep it going. Each day becomes part of a bigger picture, and breaking the streak feels harder than completing the habit itself.

Why Streaks Work

• Visual progress: Seeing your streak number climb is rewarding and energizing.
• Accountability: A daily chain encourages you to show up, even on low-motivation days.
• Momentum: The longer the streak, the easier it is to maintain the routine.

Carmen’s Streak

Since January 1, 2023, Carmen has walked 10,000 steps every single day. Her step-tracking app shows her daily streak and provides a simple reminder of how far she’s come, one day at a time.

Try tracking your own daily habit; even small streaks can build big motivation.

Liliana “Lily”: Running Toward the Next Big Goal

For her 2025 resolution, Lily set a challenge that pushed her just beyond her comfort zone: run seven miles nonstop. She already knew she could do six, and seven felt like the milestone that would help her reclaim her long-distance running groove.

Why Running? Why Now?

(Dish) What inspired your resolution?
(Lily) Seven miles felt realistic but still challenging. I used to run a lot in 2020, when I was incredibly consistent, but life got busy. This goal felt like a good way to get back to something I enjoy.

Routines That Made the Difference

(Dish) How did you stay consistent?
(Lily) I’m a creature of habit. My long run is always Sunday morning on the treadmill, no exceptions. I give myself flexibility during the week, but Sundays are my dedicated time. I “habit stack”: gym, then grocery shopping, then home. Even on days I don’t feel great, I at least walk because it helps me feel better.

She tracks distance through the treadmill and uses her phone’s accelerometer to stay mindful of movement. A running belt, she says, is an underrated essential.

The Hard Parts & Proud Moments

Time has been her biggest challenge—between warm-ups, cool-downs, and the run itself, she needs a full hour. “I miss my younger knees!” she jokes. But she pushed through and celebrated a major win: a 32-minute time on the ¡Andale! 5K this September, despite the incline.

Running continues to be mental nourishment as much as physical. “I always feel great afterward. It helps me clear my mind and organize my day. I get my best ideas while running.”

And her treadmill entertainment? Podcasts. Las Culturistas is her go-to for long runs, a little treat she saves just for those sessions.

Looking to 2026

(Dish) What’s next?
(Lily) A half marathon. I’m moving it from an aspiration to a goal—the Vegas Rock and Roll Half is in February. After that, I will still continue to run on the weekends.

Advice for Anyone Starting a Resolution

(Lily) Forward motion counts. Even if you stop to breathe, as long as you keep moving, you’re running. Pick a time that works for you. Connect the goal to something you enjoy—your favorite show, a podcast, a ritual. And remember: you don’t need a gym. A park or your neighborhood works too.

What Is Habit Stacking?

Habit stacking is a strategy where you build a new habit by linking it to one you already do automatically. Instead of creating a routine from scratch, you “stack” the new behavior onto something familiar.

Why It Works

• Cuts down on decision-making
• Builds momentum from existing routines
• Makes consistency easier

In Action

Lily uses habit stacking on Sundays: gym → long run → grocery shopping → home. Connecting habits helps her stay on track and maintain a routine that feels natural.

Try pairing a new goal with something you already do and let the routine build from there.