Walk the Block Challenge: Small Steps, Big Impact
I’ve often said that fall is the perfect time to start a new walking routine. The kids are back in school, the temperatures are becoming less oven-like, and have you smelled the fall air? It’s amazing.(And if you need more reasons, take a look at “10 Reasons to Start Your Walking Routine This Fall”)
Of course, there’s still a lot going on during this time of year. It may seem like you’re spending all of your time running from school drop-offs to errands to meetings to extracurricular activities—and you might struggle to find the time to fit in a long walk. But when you’re starting your walking routine, it’s all about starting small. Just a daily walk around the block can make a difference.
So, for September, we’re kicking off the Walk the Block Challenge. The goal is simple: take a walk around your block once a day for the entire month.
Why Walk the Block?
It’s Fast!
Most of us can walk around the block in 10 minutes or less.
It’s Flexible!
You can tackle the challenge at any time during the day: first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, after dinner. It doesn’t matter when you do it—just that you do it once a day.
It’s Stress-Busting!
When life gets hectic, it’s even more important to get out for a walk. The fresh air is great for your physical and mental health—and it will give you a boost of energy to help you push through the rest of the day.
It’s Habit-Forming!
If you can find the time for a quick walk once a day for 30 days, there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to keep it up into October—and beyond! And once you get outside and get around the block, you may just want to keep going!
How to Join the Challenge:
Pick Your Block
Your “block” doesn’t have to be a literal neighborhood block. It could be a walk around your office parking lot, a walk around your neighborhood, or even a path through your house on a rainy day.
Commit to One Loop a Day
That’s it. If you have the time and/or energy to do it again, go for it. But once you’ve completed just one loop, you’ve done enough for the day!
Track Your Progress
Grab your calendar, your planner, or an image on your phone—or save the calendar image here!—and color, cross off, or do whatever you want to each day in September to track your progress and keep yourself motivated. (I know it’s already the 2nd—feel free to color in the 1st as a FREE square.) Show us a picture of your tracker!
Celebrate Your Wins
Once you finish your walk, give yourself a pat on the back, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and high-five the neighbor. Celebrate your awesomeness! Want to celebrate yourself a little bit more? Plan something extra special for September 30th, when you’re able to color in that last square.
Add to the Fun!
Want to add some extra fun to your daily walk around the block? Try some of these:
Coffee Walks
Brew up your morning coffee, pour it into a travel mug, and enjoy it while taking your walk.
Family Walks
A walk after a meal can aid in digestion—and it’s just a nice way to end the day. Make it an evening ritual with your family and/or pets.
Make It Mindful
Sometimes you just need to disconnect for a few minutes. Put the phone away for your walk, and simply take in the sights and sounds and smells of the changing season.
Crank up the Tune
It doesn’t take a long playlist to get around the block; just one or two songs will do. Make a motivational one- or two-song playlist and enjoy while you fit in a quick walk.
Let’s Get Started!
I’m so excited for you to join in the Walk the Block Challenge this month! Let’s see how just a small habit change can lead to big results!
I’d love to hear how this month’s challenge goes for you! Feel free to share your progress throughout the month! Post pictures, share updates on your tracker, and show us your block! Be sure to include #WillWalkForCoffeeChallenge and #WalkTheBlock – and tag Will Walk for Coffee in your posts, so we can all cheer you on!
Here’s to making some big steps forward in September…just by walking around the block.
