Take Advantage of Daylight Savings

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There are no two words as welcome as “Spring forward” in the month of March. Yes, we sadly lose an hour of March 12^th, but that means that spring is coming closer and closer on the bright horizon. It also means longer sunshine time during the day, giving us much needed daylight even when we leave work. Take advantage of the extra sun-time with added trainings, new fundraising plans and more this month.

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Add in evening walks

Start organizing weekday team training walks to get the gang together an extra time each week and get your steps in. Or, leave the computer at work, and walk home one day a week. It will help you unwind after the office, get an extra training in, and will also keep you more unplugged after a long day. Instead of binging on Netflix or worrying about work emails, take advantage of the fact that you left that laptop at your desk and dig into a new book or sink into a bath after your great walk home.

Do some warm weather fundraising

Now that the weather is getting warmer, and it’s light outside longer, you can use this to your advantage with after work grocery bagging or other fundraising events like bake sales and sports events. Take a page from Team Captain Christi Kokaisel of Cassie’s Cups and host a golf tournament with a local mini golf course, driving range or country club. Everyone will love the excuse to head outside and get their competitive juices flowing!

Photo via Thomas Rehehaus

Hit the farmer’s market

Warmer weather also means the return of farmer’s markets and other local vendors providing the freshest fruits, veggies and more. You’d be surprised how good local can taste! Plus, it’s always a nice gesture to support your local vendors and farms. Eating clean means you’ll be able to eat healthier too! Get inspired with our Happy & Healthy Pinterest board and then break out your basket for some shopping.

Try out new work outs

If there’s a class you’ve been meaning to take, a personal training session you’ve had your eye on or a work out challenge you want to take on, now is the time. With longer daylight hours and upcoming warmer weather, you have an extended time window to get things done. Also, with Spring Breaks and even summer vacations on everyone’s minds, you can probably convince a few friends to join you on your new quest.

Photo via Ian Schneider

Try out a new walking route

More daylight hours mean it’s time to blaze new trails. That curve on the path that you’ve always turned around at…go for it! If you end up wandering, you’ll have more time to head home before the sun sets. Have you always wanted to try a local hike, or even a destination hike like the Appalachian Trail, the Rocky Mountains or along the California coast? Start planning! Spring is the time for fresh starts, and nothing will get your heart racing or help you set more goals for walk season than challenging yourself or checking something off your bucket list.

What are you looking forward to this spring?

Susan G. Komen 3-Day: March Fundraising Calendar

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Happy March to one and all! The 3-Day Series starts less than six months from now, which means it is time to kick fundraising into high gear. No matter where you are in your fundraising efforts, there is still plenty of time to grow your goals, or help your friends and team members grow theirs. With that in mind, we are starting a monthly blog post with new, creative fundraising ideas to keep your efforts fresh and fun each month.

There are lots of holidays and other events happening in March, so get ready to be inspired!

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March is Women’s History Month, Craft Month, and Nutrition Month, among others, and there are plenty of fun ways to use those holidays to your advantage:

We have tons of fun craft ideas on our Pinterest page that you can use to raise funds.
Or host a craft night for your team to bond, exchange ideas and have a little fun!
Nutrition Month is the perfect time to amp up your training by asking for donations for every mile you walk this month, with proceeds going towards your fundraising.

March 15^th also marks six months to the start of the Seattle 3-Day, so if you’re walking in that event, it’s the perfect time to remind friends and family to donate to your goal.

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Other key days this month include

March 1: Peanut Butter Lover’s Day: Unofficially known as Grahamwich Day in the 3-Day family! Volunteer to make school lunches for donations, and be sure to include a PB&J sandwich.
March 9: Popcorn Lover’s Day: Host a movie night, complete with popcorn bar, and ask attendees for donations! You can create fun flavored popcorn with sea salt, cinnamon and sugar, BBQ rub and more.
March 12: Daylight Savings Time: We may gain more sunshine hours, but we still “lose” an hour in the day. Ask for donations of $23 (or $230!) for the 23 hours in that sunshiney spring day.
March 17: St. Patrick’s Day: We will be sharing festive fundraising ideas specific to the holiday, but feel free to get creative on your own!
March 21: First Day of Spring: Here’s a challenge from us! For every $50 you raise “spring” over something and take a video, making your jumps taller and taller each time. Start with small jumps like a shoe box, then work your way up to “springing” on your bed. Just be sure to leap safely!
March 23: Puppy Day: Have a furry friend? Hold a puppy kissing booth! Even if you don’t own your own pup, you can offer dog walking services or make homemade dog treats for donations.
March 26: Make Up Your Own Holiday Day: Celebrate your team, your cause, or anything you love most, and ask your friends and family to share the love with a donation.

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What are your fundraising goals for March? How will you work to achieve them? Share here to brainstorm with fellow walkers or reach out to your local coach for more ideas!

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 11^th, 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!?