Motivation Monday: What Walking Can Do for You

It’s a new week, and the first full week of a new month. We should be ready to jump out of bed and take on the day! That’s not always the case though, because Mondays can be hard. Luckily, we have another dose of Monday Motivation to jump start your weekly training for the 3-Day. One easy way to get moving is to remember all the benefits of walking—physical, mental and emotional. Here are some of the life-changing benefits of taking those extra steps:

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It reduces the risk of developing breast cancer: According to research conducted by Susan G. Komen®, women who get any regular exercise or physical activity have a lower risk of breast cancer than women who are inactive.

It helps curb a sweet tooth: One good move begets another! Once you get out and moving, you’ll probably also want to treat your body well on the inside. Try one of our smoothie recommendations after your walk to keep your health-kick moving.

It will get you outside: We’re right in the heart of winter, which means you are spending more time inside than in other times of year. Getting outside gives you Vitamin D from the sun, and also a nice bit of fresh air! Working out in the gym is good too, but if you can get outside, it will help you feel even more invigorated.

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It promotes heart health: Heart health is hugely important for your vitality, so getting out for a walk can help your health now and in the long run. Plus, February is Heart Health Month, so your walk is actually a celebration!

A little bit goes a long way: You don’t need to have an intense exercise routine to lower your risk of breast cancer. If you haven’t been doing much training yet, just getting up and getting moving will help you look good, feel good and kick start your training for future walks.

It keeps you social: Make a Friend Day is coming up on February 11th, so grab your teammates or other friends and lace up your walking shoes. It’s a great way to pencil in some catch-up time with someone you haven’t seen in a while or start a walking club with a group. Being around friends will always help put a smile on your face!

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It’s a mood booster: Any physical activity, walking included, can help with your overall mood and energy level. Guess that’s why they call it putting some pep in your step!

What other benefits do you get from walking, besides training for an excellent sixty miles, that is!?

REMINDER: The health, safety and training information contained in this blog post, or otherwise provided to you in connection with your participation in the 3-Day, is not intended to replace or be construed as medical advice and any such information is not a substitute for seeking medical advice or treatment from your medical provider. Before starting any exercise program or following any recommendations, advice or other instructions regarding training for the 3-Day or any athletic event, you should first consult a physician and have a physical examination.

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Monday Motivation: Inspirational Quotes from Strong Men and Women

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Mondays can be tough, so how can you start the week off on the right foot? You just need a little bit of motivation!  We are starting an ongoing series to provide Monday Motivation that will help you approach each new week with excitement and purpose. We’ll share quotes that move us and inspiring stories from our incredible 3-Day family.

This week, in honor of one of the most quoted speakers of the last century, we are celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a list of quotes that we love. These come from strong women who have all made notable contributions to their fields, and have some serious knowledge on strength, passion and love. Let their words pump up your morning, day and week.

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It’s a brand-new Monday – Let’s get out there and make the most of it!

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“Buckle up, and know that it’s going to be a tremendous amount of work, but embrace it.” – Tory Burch

“Remember, no effort that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost.” – Helen Keller

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“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”– Maya Angelou

“Light tomorrow with today.” – Elizabeth Barrett Browning

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney

“Power to me is the ability to make a change in a positive way.” – Victoria Justice

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“Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get.”  – Ingrid Bergman

“Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.” – Jim Rohn

“You are more powerful than you know; you are beautiful just as you are.” – Melissa Etheridge

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What are some of your favorite quotes that help you hit the ground running (or walking!) on Monday mornings?