Staying active this winter can help beat the blues associated with those gloomy winter days stretching from November to January. This virtual walking challenge will help you get on track in November and help you stay on track through January. Beating the Blues is a 3-month long, 100 mile walking challenge that focuses on self-care, camaraderie, and accountability. Everyone will receive a llama-inspired water bottle. Everyone who walks 100 miles by January 31st will receive a finisher’s medal. Those who register for the VIP package will also receive a long sleeved t-shirt with the event logo. Why November – January? Because those are tough months for a lot of us. Why 100 miles? Because it breaks down to a mile a day which is manageable and long enough to change your mood. Why llamas? Because they’re adorable.
HOW IT WORKS:
Register for this event on Eventbrite beginning October 1, registration ends October 31. The walking starts being recorded and tracked November 1st. The challenge ends January 31st.
Download the Beating the Blues Virtual Challenge app, where you will self-report your daily mileage (on the honor system), track toward your mileage goal, see the total miles logged by the entire challenge group. App download details and instructions will be sent out via email to you at the end of October and it is a hyperlink on this event page.
We recommend using Strava (it’s FREE) or some other app to record your daily miles if you don’t have a mileage tracking device like Garmin.
REWARDS:
Registration: custom printed llama themed water bottle
VIP Registration: water bottle + long sleeved t-shirt with event logo
100 miles: Finisher’s medal
(Please enter your email and address on the Eventbrite sign up in order to receive your swag)
Swag will be mailed out in February
GIVING BACK:
Kaleidoscope Healing Arts is all about being active, staying mentally strong and giving back to the community. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Northwestern Medicine Dekalb Behavioral Health Foundation Ben Gordon Center in DeKalb to support community mental health. This organization provides behavioral healthcare services and crisis services to Dekalb County. So, not only do you get 3 months of exercise and some awesome rewards, you are also helping support others on their mental health journey in the community.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Where can I walk?
Whenever and wherever you like. Keep safety in mind, but go explore the outdoors or the great indoors on a treadmill or inside a store like Lowe’s. Fun fact Lowe’s allows dogs and you can get 1.4 miles walking through the isles.
What time does the event start?
Feel free to walk any time of the day, every day that you are able, from November 1st to January 31st.
Can I walk with others?
Absolutely! But be sure to practice social distancing.
How do I submit my miles?
All miles will be self-reported in Beat the Blues app. At the end of October, you will receive information via email with instructions for downloading and using the app. It’s super quick & easy to use the app, we promise!
Do I have to use Strava?
No. We recommend Strava because it’s a free app that provides a great way to record of all those miles. But there are a lot of other ways to track: fitness tracking devices, watches or phone apps.
WHAT ELSE?
In order to add some fun, we are encouraging participants to join our group on the GroupMe app or on Facebook to encourage, post pictures and share trails. Feel free to post pictures on Instagram and tag @kaleidoscopehealingarts.
Questions? Send your questions to camibake.lcpc.atr@gmail.com
REGISTER HERE:
FOLLOW THE EVENT HERE: