Walkers Buy Into Mall Routes

Every weekday morning, as many as 40 people go for a walk in a place where all the scenery comes with price tags.

MainPlace/Santa Ana is one of numerous malls across the country that opens a bit early so people can go for a walk.

St. Joseph Hospital in Orange started the MainPlace Pacers Club in 1985. There are several reasons for walking in a mall, says Dianne Ouillette, the hospital’s senior representative. Some people feel safer walking indoors, with the mall’s security guards on hand, she said. And the mall offers a flat course with no worries about traffic or other obstacles.

“And they can walk every single day, no matter what the weather is, rain or shine,� Ouillette said.

The club has 5,000 official members, ranging from young mothers pushing strollers to office workers to seniors. Registration in the club is free, but it is required; members get a badge that will allow them into the mall before 10 a.m., the official opening hour.

On any given morning, there could be anywhere from a dozen to 40 or 50 walkers, Ouillette said. The mall opens to walkers at 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. At 8:45 a.m. each Monday and Wednesday, fitness instructor Mary Jane Steed leads a stretching and warm-up session. She also gives walking tips and answers general questions.

Most people walk on the upper deck, which is marked for distance. One lap around the mall is five-eighths of a mile. Although that will take walkers past four department stores and numerous specialty shops, the object is not to window shop.

Walkers, said Ouillette, are after a real, full-fledged fitness walk.

Registration can be accomplished during mall business hours at the Walking Store, on the upper level near Robinson’s. Registration is also offered each Monday from 9 to 10 a.m. near Bullock’s.

Several malls in Orange County offer similar programs. Call mall information for details.

What: MainPlace Pacers Club walk.

When: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.

Where: MainPlace/Santa Ana, 2800 N. Main St., Santa Ana.

Whereabouts: From the Garden Grove (22) Freeway, exit at Main Street and go one block south to MainPlace/Santa Ana. Enter the mall from the bridge on the third floor of the west side parking deck (near May Co., on the far side of the mall from Main Street).

Wherewithal: Free, but registration is necessary.

Where to call: (714) 771-8072.