At Falkbuilt, we’re always building something. Most days, it’s beautiful interiors. Throughout June, Walk Lobster helped us build healthier habits, stronger connections, and a little friendly competition.
Inspired by Rock Lobster by the B-52’s, what began as a lighthearted walking challenge quickly took on a life of its own. Tiny lobsters started appearing around HQ and the Factory. Erika kicked things off in a full lobster costume. Before long, Falkers were fitting walks into lunch breaks, before sunrise, after dinner—even while brushing their teeth.
Somewhere along the way, Walk Lobster stopped being just a walking challenge. It became part of everyday life at Falkbuilt.
More Than a Walking Challenge
Walk Lobster wasn’t really about counting steps. It was about creating a reason to move, spend more time outdoors, connect with coworkers, and build healthier routines together. Everyone started in the same place—with a Walk Lobster T-shirt, a step tracker, and a goal. What happened after that was entirely up to them.
Some Falkers wanted an excuse to get outside more often. Others quietly set their sights on the leaderboard. Walking meetings replaced sitting meetings. Lunchtime laps turned into evening hikes. Family strolls, dog walks, neighbourhood loops, parking lot laps, and treadmill sessions all became opportunities to squeeze in a few more steps. The challenge even inspired some creative strategies.
As Chris C. admitted: “I’m not proud of this… but I definitely marched around the bathroom while brushing my teeth. When you’re chasing a goal, every toothbrush lap counts.” Like many Falkers, Chris discovered the challenge offered far more than a growing step count. “The best part was sleeping better, feeling better and building a habit I actually plan to stick with.”
That’s exactly what Walk Lobster was designed to do.
Celebrating Along the Way
Every participant received a Falkbuilt phone tether and their first enamel charm—a cheerful yellow smiley face proudly declaring them a Happy Falker. At 100,000 steps, Falkers unlocked the Good Falkin’ Tunes cassette charm. At 200,000 steps, they earned the coveted lobster charm.
Each milestone also earned additional entries into the grand prize draws. Rather than rewarding only the highest step counts, the grand prizes—including Red Lobster and Sport Chek gift cards, along with Falkbuilt backpacks—were awarded through prize draws, giving everyone who reached the milestone goals a chance to win. The farther Falkers walked, the more entries they earned, making every extra step worthwhile.
Midway through the month, Falkers gathered for a Lobster Hydration Station in the cafeteria. With Gatorade, fresh fruit skewers, and veggie cups, it was an opportunity to refuel, celebrate milestone achievements, and cheer one another on.
73 Million Steps Later…
By the end of June, the numbers were almost impossible to believe.
Together, Falkers logged an astonishing 73,304,526 steps.
That’s more than 55,000 kilometres, roughly equivalent to:
- 1.37 trips around the Earth’s equator
- 183 walks from Calgary to Edmonton
- Nearly 290,000 climbs to the top of the Calgary Tower
- About 13,700 hikes to the summit of Mount Assiniboine
Whether someone walked around the block or across the city, every single step helped make Walk Lobster an incredible success. Some people came for the prizes. Others came for the fresh air. By the end of the month, everyone came for each other.
And the Lobster Legends Are…
When the final leaderboard was set, four Falkers earned the title of Lobster Legend. While each had their own approach, they shared the same qualities—determination, consistency, and a willingness to go the extra mile.
Shane
1,017,861 steps
For Shane, walking isn’t something he squeezes into his day—it’s simply part of his routine. Most mornings begin before 3:30 a.m., giving him time for a walk before driving his son to work. Later comes another Pokémon GO walk, followed by what he calls his “big walk,” often covering close to 40 kilometres. On one Sunday alone, Shane logged roughly 55 kilometres over nine hours. His dedication earned him this year’s Lobster Legend title—his second company walking championship after also finishing first in Falkbuilt’s walking challenge back in 2021.
Ed
930,989 steps
For Ed, Walk Lobster wasn’t just about finishing near the top of the leaderboard. Walking has been an important part of his wellness journey for several years, and the challenge simply gave him another reason to lace up his shoes each day. Some of those walks took him through Calgary’s parks and pathways. Others happened wherever life happened to take him—including laps around the hospital while his partner, Lana, was receiving treatment. Whether he was exploring the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, wandering the pathways behind the Calgary Zoo, or getting outside despite a Calgary hailstorm, every walk reminded him that movement can happen wherever life takes you.
Hamidullah
888,591 steps
Hamidullah quietly climbed the leaderboard through consistency and determination, earning an impressive third-place finish.Although running is his regular form of exercise, Walk Lobster inspired him to get out and walk even more throughout the month. “To be honest, I really love to walk, but running is my daily exercise. I’m grateful to Falkbuilt for organizing this competition. It gave me even more motivation to stay active and made the challenge even more enjoyable.” His steady commitment throughout June secured his place among this year’s Lobster Legends.
Marwan
881,431 steps
For Marwan, the challenge fit naturally into a routine he already enjoys. “It’s just a yearly routine for me to shed that winter weight, though the challenge did help boost my steps by about 20%.” There were no elaborate training plans or marathon hikes—just simple, consistent walks that added up to an impressive fourth-place finish and proved that small habits can produce big results.
Each of this year’s Lobster Legends received an exclusive Lobster Legend T-shirt, while Shane also earned permanent bragging rights with his name engraved on the Lobster Legend Trophy.
The Leaderboard Was Only Part of It
Walk Lobster certainly produced some impressive numbers. But its greatest success wasn’t measured in steps. It was about stepping away from our desks. Exploring our communities. Walking with family. Spending time with our dogs. Encouraging one another. Building healthier habits that will hopefully last well beyond June.
Most importantly, it reminded us that Falkbuilt’s culture isn’t built inside our walls. It’s built by the people who show up every day, support one another, and find ways to make work—and life—a little more fun. More than 73 million steps later, Walk Lobster proved that when people move together, great things happen. Put your claws together for this year’s Lobster Legends—and for every Falker who helped make Walk Lobster such an incredible success.