Take the National Walking Month Challenge!
Did you know that May is National Walking Month? To celebrate this year, we’re kicking off a month of fun walking activities with our very first Will Walk for Coffee National Walking Month Challenge! Just head out for your daily walk and try to cross one item off the list each day. Save the image below and cross out items as you go. Then share your image at the end of the month for a chance to win some fun walking prizes!
Here’s a look at the challenges:
Walk at Sunset
There’s just something about a walk at the end of the day that brings the day to the perfect close. No matter how crazy the day may have been, a little bit of movement while the sky is filled with the warm, colorful glow of sunset helps to put everything into perspective—or at least help you unwind a bit.
Recruit a New Walking Buddy
Walking has been such a game-changer for me—and that’s why I love to share my love of walking with my friends. Walking with a friend is great for accountability—and it’s just a great way to connect while getting some exercise. If you have a friend who’s been talking about joining you for a walk—or someone who would just make a great walking buddy—now’s the time to invite them along on a walk!
Walk in Nature
Walking is great for your health—but walking in nature comes with even more health benefits. Even if you’re usually an indoor walker, take some time this month to go for a walk outside and experience the benefits of the fresh air and natural scenery.
Walk 3+ Miles in One Walk
Any walk is a good walk—whether you’re walking around the house or going for a stroll around the neighborhood. You don’t have to walk far or walk fast; you just need to get moving. But, this month, challenge yourself to walk a little farther than you’d normally go—and let us know where your walk takes you!
Share Your Walking Playlist
I’ve shared a whole lot of walking playlists for you to try out (you can find them here). But now’s your turn! Share your favorite walking playlist—and tag Will Walk for Coffee, so we can try it out, too! Don’t have a playlist? Now’s the time to make one!
Take a Gratitude Walk
For several years now, my friend and I have been making a point of ending our day with gratitude. Before we turn in for the night, we send each other a message with three things that we’re grateful for. Taking the time to focus on the things you’re grateful for can change your whole mindset—so, this month, take at least one day to try a gratitude walk. While you walk, take the time to focus on three (or more) things that you’re grateful for—and see how it gives you a whole new perspective on your day.
Explore a New Trail
I’m lucky to have some great trails in my area—from multi-purpose trails to metro parks. But I’m always on the lookout for great new places to walk. During this month, find a new trail to explore—and maybe it’ll become a new regular walking trail for you!
Walk Twice in One Day
My daily walk is an important part of my day—but I really love the days when I get to walk more than once. Maybe it’s a walk with my family after dinner—or an impromptu walk with a friend. It’s a great way to bookend the business of the day.
Walk at the Mall
Though I love walking outside, the weather doesn’t always cooperate. And while I’ve got a treadmill in my basement, sometimes I just need to get out and be around other people inside the bright, airy mall. Need help getting started? Here’s a look at mall walking. Don’t have a mall nearby? Try another indoor location—like a rec center with an indoor track—and let us know what you find!
Stretch Before Walking
I feel like this is one thing that few of us do on a regular basis—but it’s also important for warming up your muscles for a walk. Sure, you should warm up every time you walk—but, for this challenge, we’re starting small. Just give it a shot once—and see if it makes a difference in how you (and your muscles) feel!
Listen to a Book or Podcast
Listening to music while walking is a great way to get moving while you step to the beat. But I love listening to a book while I walk. I love getting caught up in the story—or learning something as I walk. I’ve reviewed a bunch of audiobooks (you can find them here) or choose your own and let us know what you think!
Walk in Silence for 15 Minutes
Okay…you all know how I feel about this challenge. It’s hard. During those days when my ear buds die on the trail, leaving me in silence, it’s a real struggle. But those are also the times when I come up with some great ideas. So give it a shot, and let us know how it goes!
Wear Something Silly
Working out doesn’t have to be serious! Try hitting the trail in silly, mismatched socks—or a fun hat. Personally, I love walking in my bright-colored sloth leggings—because walkers are, after all, the sloths of the trail!
Try a Walking Workout
Want to change things up a bit? Try a walking workout video! You can find all kinds of them for free on YouTube. Try one of the ones I’ve reviewed (you can find them here) or try something different!
Walk 10,000 Steps in One Day
Although it’s a somewhat arbitrary number, 10,000 has become the target number for daily steps. It’s not always easy to achieve—especially if you sit at a desk all day—but give it a try this month! Let us know what you did to reach that goal!
Power Walk for 15 Minutes
Whether you’re walking 11-minute miles or 25-minute miles, you’re still out there putting in the work and getting those steps in—and that’s a good thing! But for one day this month, try pushing yourself to walk faster. Give yourself 15 minutes of arm-swinging, sweat-inducing power walking, and see how it feels!
Greet a Furry Walker
There’s a pretty good chance that, wherever you’re walking, you’ll run into at least one four-legged walker. Take the time to say hello and give some pets (if the owner says it’s okay, of course). Because sometimes petting a pup just adds a little bit of extra joy to your day.
Walk for 30+ Minutes
When you’re busy all day long, quick walking snacks are sometimes the way to go (read my take here). But at least once this month, try to move for at least 30 minutes—to get your heart pumping for an extended period of time.
Greet a Fellow Walker
Sure, it’s fun to pet a furry walker on the trail—but the two-legged ones could use a friendly greeting, too! Smile and say hello to the walkers you pass along the way. (Petting not recommended.)
Walk Near Water
I’m fortunate to have a great trail nearby that runs along a rushing river. Sometimes that means the trail will flood—but I love the sights and sounds of the water on my walk. This month, find a trail that takes you near water—whether it’s a river, the ocean, or even just a pond.
Share a Photo from Your Walk
You know I love to take pictures while I walk. I share them nearly every day! Give it a try—then tag us when you share it, so we can see the view from your walk!
Walk with a Friend
Walking alone can be a great way to relax and regroup—but there’s just something special about walking with a friend. My walking buddies are some of my closest friends—because we’ve gotten to know each other so well during our miles on the trail.
Pick up Litter While Walking
Keep your favorite trail looking beautiful for your fellow walkers! Take a minute to pick up some of the trash you see along the way.
Walk in Your Neighborhood
I’m a big fan of hitting the trail—but, sometimes, a walk through the neighborhood is nice, too. Take the time to stroll through your neighborhood and say hello to the people who live around you!
Share a Walk Selfie
Walking makes me smile! Take a selfie while you’re on the trail, and share the joy with your friends! Tag us, so we can see, too!
To be entered to win, share your completed image—no matter how many squares you’ve been able to fill in—by June 2, 2025. Post on social media with #WillWalkForCoffeeChallenge and tag us on either Facebook or Instagram—or both! And feel free to comment on our month-end post, too! We’ll reach out to winners by June 9th.
