Walktober is Here! Let’s Keep the Momentum Going
Can you smell that crisp autumn air? Fall has officially made its grand entrance! Let’s take a moment to soak in the beauty of the changing leaves, the crisp autumn breeze, and the early signs of the winter holiday season. The NOVA Office of Employee Wellness and Wellbeing (OEWW) is excited to announce that October is Walktober! It’s the perfect time to lace up your walking shoes and join the Walktober craze. This month-long celebration is an opportunity to revisit the spirit of last month’s Walk Week and continue our commitment to health and wellness. Let’s make walking a priority in October and beyond.
There’s a place for you in Walktober.
Whether you’re a seasoned walker or just starting out, we encourage you to choose a level of engagement that fits your lifestyle and goals. So, grab your favorite walking buddy/ Push Pal to make this October a memorable one filled with fresh air, exercise, and a whole lot of fun! In the following section, we’ll provide tips, strategies, and resources to help you plan and implement a successful Walktober.
Use These Ten Ideas to Hit the Ground Walking
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- This October, participate in the Campus Rec Walking Challenge and/or Walk for a Cause.
- Join Campus Rec’s Be Fly! 30 MILES IN 30 DAYS October Walking Challenge.
- American Cancer Society- Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
- Susan G. Komen® – Komen Walk Where You Are.
- George Mason Thriving Together 5K and 1K Walk/ Run.
- Autism Speaks DC Walk.
- American Society for Suicide Prevention- Out of the Darkness Community Walks.
- Represent DMV in the Virtual Liver Life Walk.
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night Walk.
- Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Prince George’s County.
- Marine Corps Marathon.
Tale a Walk in our Community, on our beautiful campuses and/or in one of our Virginia State Parks!
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- For You History Buffs: The Manassas Campus Wellness Committee will host Hiking With the Historian, Friday, October 25 from 3:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Interested? Please contact Thuy Ngo-Nguyen at tngonguyen@nvcc.edu to register.
- Discover additional destinations to hike and walk in the broader community.
- Moving outdoors is for everyone: Boardwalk Hikes in Northern Virginia – Explore seven beautiful boardwalk hikes in Northern Virginia on trails close to nature and unique wetland habitats near Washington, D.C. All of these boardwalk trails are level and easy, and many are stroller and wheelchair accessible.
- Walk while enjoying The Festival of Leaves in Front Royal, VA. Where better to celebrate the beauty of fall foliage than in the Shenandoah Valley? Visitors at the 52nd annual Festival of Leaves will enjoy food, crafts, and live music across three stages in the town’s historic district. There will be an Oktoberfest celebration with drinks from Vibrissa Beer, Saga Meadery, Philip Carter Winery, and Quièvremont Wine. New this year, there is a car and bike show. 414 E. Main St., Front Royal, free.
- Up for a day trip- Visit the Apple Harvest Festival – First 3 Weekends in October at Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges.
- Stroll the beautiful town while enjoying 4 days of 40 fantastic film options at the 12th annual Middleburg Film Festival in Middleburg, Virginia. October 17 – 20, 2024
- Park farther from the entrance while doing errands.
- Take your four-legged friend out for an extra walk.
- Plan a family scavenger hunt in the backyard or park.
- Take a post-dinner walk-and-talk with a friend, spouse or child.
- Download an audiobook and listen to a chapter on a walk in the neighborhood.
- Walk around the house, apartment, or even in-place while brushing your teeth or waiting for your coffee to brew! This is called “habit stacking.”
- Have a garden? Get out there. Every step counts, and yes, gardening and lawncare continue in the fall and winter.
- Participate in virtual walking opportunities from Walk At Home
As you embark on your Walktober journey, remember that every step counts. Whether you’re walking alone or with a group, indoors or outdoors, make it a habit that benefits your physical and mental health. By participating in Walktober, you’re not only improving your well-being but also contributing to a healthier and more vibrant workplace. Let’s make this October a month to remember! Revisit the NOVA Walk Week Walker Wisdom Tips for additional guidance and feel free to add images of you and your walking partners to the Fall 2024 NOVA Walk Week Padlet.
Submitted by:
Dahlia Henry-Tett, Chief Wellness Officer (CWO), employeewellbeing@nvcc.edu