Take Advantage of Daylight Savings

3DAY_2017_Social_Holiday_DayLightSavings_v2

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.

race_3018_photo_40560290

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?

Make the Most of February

February gets a bad rap sometimes, especially because it’s the shortest month of the year. Even with only 28 days, it packs a lot of punch! It has already hosted the Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day and more, and we still have Mardi Gras on the horizon! If you haven’t made the most of February, there’s still time though. Here are some fun and simple ways to make the most of the rest of your month…

Get outside!

Much of the country is experiencing milder temperatures than usual for this time of year, and there is no excuse not to celebrate warmer weather, especially when it’s happening in what is usually the heart of wintertime. If you can, go for a walk with friends this weekend! It will get you training out in the fresh air; plus new scenery can lead to great brainstorming for fundraising ideas.

Give one more fundraising push

Try to end the month on a high note with your fundraising! We have loved hearing from our 3-Day walkers who have already hit their fundraising goal for 2017, but there is still plenty of time left for everyone. Check out our exciting and creative fundraising ideas here on the blog, plus on Pinterest, or share one of the cute graphics above on social media to help give a boost!

Practice your acceptance speech

We think every 3-Dayer deserves an award, and this weekend you can practice your speech. The Academy Awards are this Sunday, so get your 3-Day team together and host a watch party! It’s a cozy and relaxing way to spend a Sunday night, and the red carpet is always a glamorous affair.

Let the good times roll

Mardi Gras is right around the corner, and if that’s not an excuse to do a little indulging, we don’t know what is! Our Mardi Gras themed pit stops are always a blast on the 3-Day so if you’re a member on a Mardi Gras-themed crew team, or you want your walking team to be blinged out at the 3-Day, look for deals on beads, feathers and more at local stores. There will also likely be fun culinary events and more in your local neighborhood. It’s the perfect way to end the month!

Plan a trip

You can also give yourself something to look forward to next month by planning a spring trip. Spring breaks are coming up, and it’s the best time of year to head for warmer weather. Plan a hiking or camping trip and you can still keep your 3-Day training on track, or take some much-deserved time off with a relaxing beach day. Knowing that there’s sunshine ahead will help you get through the last weeks of winter with ease.

Think pink!

Hit your fundraising goal? Have a great training session? Get a new friend to join your 3-Day team? Reward yourself with some pretty pink gear for the upcoming 3-Day walk season! ShopKomen.com has outfits and accessories for every occasion that you can wear now, and on your 2017 walk. Plus, a little bit of pink is sure to brighten even a February day.

Do you have anything fun planned for the last few days of the month?

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:

race_3016_photo_47581331

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.

race_3019_photo_47669887

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!

race_3019_photo_47669818

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!?