I have vaguely heard about Walktober in the past. It doesn’t seem to be much of a thing in the UK (yet!). It seems to have originated in 2016 from The University of Texas as part of their Living Well programme, or from Hamshire as part of a school programme. They even had prizes to keep participants motivated through the autumnal days and potentially inclement weather.
While it can be quite easy to stay active outdoors during the summer when it is drier and warmer, we sometimes need an extra boost of motivation to get out when it is cold and wet. And typical autumn comes with a lot of that if you live in the UK.
The Texas University version of Walktober encourages participants to count their steps, aiming for between 6,000 – 10,000 steps per day or around 30 – 60 minutes of activity each day.
While it seems aimed at kids and students, possibly down to coincide with International Walk to School Month, it is a great initiative for everyone!
It’s not just for kids!
While the whole walking to school thing seems to be a strong part of the original Walktober theme, there is no reason why we grown-ups can’t get involved too. In fact, I think it’s a great idea to keep us all moving that bit more while the weather gets cooler and the nights longer.
Being part of a movement or campaign can really give you that boost you need to do something or go somewhere, just when you need it. I spotted that my friends at Go Jauntly are giving Walktober a much-needed enthusiastic nudge of promotion too, which is great! Not only can you download the app to find local walks to keep things interesting, but you can also join in by creating some walks for others to do too – share your favourite place or space in your neighbourhood. I personally love the personalised green routes that the app creates for me. It was a fab way to get to know my new area when I moved.
What about the weather?!
I know that the weather can be a bit of a barrier to getting out and walking at this time of year. But fear not, I’ve got you covered with my recent blog post “How to go walking in the rain“.
Get out and Walktober!
The great thing about Walktober is that you can make it what you want to. Whether that is hitting a step target every day, making sure you’re out for a Reverse Commute, or getting 30 minutes walking/wheeling/scooting (outdoors) each day. Whatever works for you and gets you outside and doing! There are loads of ways you can jazz up your local walks if you need a quick fix, by checking out the Go Jauntly suggestions or by making a game of getting out for a walk in your neighbourhood (how many cats can you meet on your way around) Or you could give one of my “Outdoor Nature Activities for Adults” a try.
Up for the challenge
If you’re up for the challenge of getting out every day in October as part of Walktober, then let people know about it! Recruit your friends, family and colleagues to get them reaping the benefits of walking outdoors. Share your photos and any tips you have for others.
It’s 31 days of getting outdoors, and you never know what amazing benefits it will have on your life after that!
Are you up for the Walktober challenge?
Let me know in the comments below.
Fancy tracking your activity for Walktober?
Head over to the Challenge page on the Go Jauntly app and get yourself set up. They even have a handy messenger to give you a reminder to get out each day if you need it!