Give yourself something to aim for…

Do you find it hard to motivate yourself to be active during the colder months?

Studies show that it is more vital than ever to get outdoors when days are shorter, and our mood tends to dip so maybe setting yourself a goal to aim for will help give you a reason to get walking this winter.

One great way to motivate yourself is to sign up for a challenge event in the future that you then need to work towards. Walking challenges are perfect as they present the need to build your physical fitness but also provide brilliant experiences where you forge relationships and get a real sense of achievement. That goes for the training too.

Walking is an exercise that’s often overlooked. But it has lots of health benefits, including helping build stamina, burning excess calories, and making your heart healthier. It’s also great for your mental health. When you go for a walk, mood-boosting endorphins are released that can help reduce stress levels and anxiety. Spending time outside and in nature can also quieten your mind and help you relax.

So, every step you take towards your challenge training is also making you healthy and happier! Win win! Like Andrew Harrison pictured who along with his group from WALX Preston took part in the Kielder 10 k recently.

We have outlined below all the benefits of signing up and working towards a challenge walk:

• It will keep you motivated to exercise and walk whatever the weather.
• It can help you link up with others who are doing the same challenge so you can train together or share progress via a community. You could ask friends, colleagues or family to join you or spread the word amongst your local group.
• It will make you feel positive, aid confidence, and give you purpose. Having a goal and ticking off the miles on a training plan help you focus too.
• Increasing those miles will help improve heart health and other diseases plus aid weight loss too.
• Increasing your speed as you get fitter will also help ward off dementia, heart disease and other conditions which study show are all improved by brisker walking.
• Completing a distance or speed challenge could be a great opportunity to raise vital funds for a charity of your choice – so you will feel good and do good at the same time!
• Challenges can be a great way for teams or clubs to build camaraderie by doing something positive together. Great for workplaces or organisations that want to do something good for society as well as some team building.
• Finally, challenges are a great way to mark milestones such as special birthdays or to remember loved ones who are no longer with us. Lots of people tell us they were inspired to do something in memory of those they have lost.

So – why not take on a challenge in 2024?

There are plenty of amazing challenge walks in stunning locations across the UK and worldwide, many like the Macmillan Mighty Hike have a sign-up fee and a minimum amount to raise for the charity. Others allow you to choose the charity. All the good ones will make sure you are supported, safe and not likely to get lost or left unattended should you not be able to complete for any reason and all of them provide a medal, T shirt or both to reward you for your efforts.

If you want to feel supported every step of the way whilst training and on the day – you could join the WALX 16 mile challenge which is on September 14^th 2024. Plenty of time to build up the miles and get fit for the stunning (but hilly) coastal scenery you will encounter en route.

Sue Gravells 2023 finisher

Now in its 7^th year this challenge is organised by WALX HQ and is set in the stunning Dorset area of Purbeck which is bordered by the Jurassic Coast but also features, forests, chalk downs, heathland, ancient castles and tranquil villages. You will never get bored that’s for sure!

Our local groups will also support you to build up towards the challenge and we have a training plan which we can send out to those who sign up.

On the day, we are with you every step of the way with designated motivators who walk with you and cherry marshalls who provide water and snacks along the way

At the finish, you will get a medal at the WALX festival HUB where you can enjoy the retail stalls or even a massage.

After a short rest, you can even join us for our annual Supper event with a live band, local food and a lot of fun. What a way to celebrate your achievement?

Sarah Bennison a nordic walking UK Instructor from Essex who completed the Challenge event in 2023 says………………….

Completing the 16 mile Nordic Walking Challenge in Purbeck was a rewarding experience, well worth the effort of the ups and downs, to experience both stunning views of the coastline and also physical and mental wellbeing.

By taking part in the challenge you will be motivated to keep the training going, increase your fitness and subsequently reap physical and mental rewards.

We have it on good authority that Sarah also manged to join in the dancing afterwards too!