With all the storms that have been hitting the West Coast, and the still chilly temperatures for much of the rest of the country, it’s not exactly the time of year when you want to spend your days outdoors. However, there is never a bad time to start training for this year’s 3-Days, even in the wintertime. Finding the motivation to do it? That’s the tricky part. We have some simple tips to get you started on your training plan and walking goals for 2017.

Start small and be reasonable: If this is your first year of training for the 3-Day, you’ve been taking a work out hiatus since you walked in 2016, or just hit a little bump over the holidays, that’s okay! The key in starting a new training plan, or upping the ante on the one you’ve currently got going, is to always be honest with yourself about what you can handle. Trying to go from 0 to 100 will only stress you out and set you up to feel discouraged. Start by training a few times a week, then work your way up to more and longer training sessions.

Give yourself reminders: Write on your bathroom mirror. Put a post-it on the fridge door. Set your phone or computer background. Even set a daily alarm! Whatever it takes to keep your goals top of mind, just keep those reminders coming. They can be in the form of a motivational quote, your goal for the week, or the promise of a reward (new work out gear?). We have fun, inspirational graphics on our blog if you need help with ideas.

Get jammin’: One thing that gets a lot of people going when it’s time to get their fitness on is music! Whether you use Pandora, Spotify, or your trusty iTunes library, having a go-to work out playlist will help you keep walking with purpose and oomph. The 3-Day has its own Spotify account with playlists from past 3-Days and more to keep you moving all winter long.

Team up!: It’s proven that working out with a buddy helps you hit the gym harder and more often. Whether you have a lot of friends also training for the 3-Day, or pick a buddy with similar fitness goals, finding a friend makes a huge difference! They help you stay accountable to not miss a training day, and keep you going when you’re out on the trail. 3-Day participants can easily find a training buddy at The3Day.org/Friend. Chat as you walk and the miles will fly by!

Eliminate excuses: We can all think of plenty of reasons not to do our work out. That’s the easy part. The tough part is eliminating those excuses! Hopefully reading this post has helped motivate you, but another simple tactic is to sit down and write out all of the excuses you’ve given yourself in the past. Then, think of your own ways and motivations to overcome those obstacles and write those down. Keep your list handy for days when you’re thinking about talking yourself out of going for a walk.

Don’t forget your food: Getting moving is always a good idea, but you have to stay hydrated and eat right to make sure you’re getting the most out of your training. Try to drink a gallon of water a day, (it’s harder than it sounds) and focus on lean proteins, lots of greens and healthy sugars in food like fruit. Use our smoothie recipes to get you started!

Try something new: A new year and new training season is the perfect time to test out something fresh! If you’ve always wanted to try boxing or barre or cycling or yoga, give it a go! Any movement is good for your body and mind, and you might find your next favorite fitness class.

What are ways that help you stay motivated this time of year?

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.