Step With It: Spring Step Challenge

It’s mid February, who is feeling the winter blues? I love the wintertime, like love it, but some days the cold seeps into my bones and I can’t shake it. I’m convinced living in Vermont makes you a stronger person. We have to put on three layers top and bottom to make it through the work day, start our cars 20 minutes ahead anytime we want to go out, and wear boots everyday for 5 months.

The Secret to Living in Vermont
Vermont-living is not for the faint in heart, but some of us have the privilege to call the Green Mountains our home. Part of living in Vermont and surviving the winter months is finding activities outside that you love. Seriously, it is the secret to surviving. You’re cold? Go outside. It is counter intuitive, but it works. Try it. You’ll feel better because you took in the fresh air and doing a mental detox and you’re exercising rather than eating a pizza. My personal mantra is laps before lattes. I tell myself if I can do anything a with the forethought that the espresso machine is waiting on the other end.  

My core winter activities include Nordic skiing and hiking. I’m kind of a wimp about winter running and mostly stick to the treadmill in the wintertime. Lame, I know. What are some of your winter activities? I know the Brandon Free Library and Maclure Library have snowshoes available for community members to use.  

Join us for the Step With It Challenge
I’ve been blessed to be able to work at Furnace Brook this winter. Mary and I have been hiking local trails a couple times a week and it has helped remarkably with my mood! During one of our hikes we decided we wanted to encourage other people to get outside and enjoy all that God has blessed us with here in Vermont.  

So, we have created the Step with It step challenge beginning 2/20 and ending on the first day of spring, 3/20. We are asking you to join us in finishing the last leg of the winter season. The step challenge is an easy way to hold each other accountable to getting outside and staying active. We often forget how beautiful it is outside because we’re just trying to stay warm.

For the next month we will walk/run/hike/ski or whatever to stay positive and finish this winter season out on a strong note. There is a calendar available on the registration form available for printing off to log your steps and there are some creative activities to try if you’re looking for inspiration.

Join us each Wednesday and  submit your weekly step totals on Facebook, Instagram, or by email to abigail@furnacebrook.org. The individual with the most steps will be announced on Thursday morning. Log your steps however you choose. Note: 1 mile is approximately  2,000 steps.

Step With It challenge: Get Stepping!
1) Register directly on our website or follow the links on Facebook or Instagram.
2) Choose a weekly activity or challenge to push yourself! 
3) Submit your weekly step totals on Facebook, Instagram, or by email to abigail@furnacebrook.org. And or share with the #stepwithit.
4) Enjoy the benefits of fresh air, exercise, and community encouragement!

Don’t forget to tag Furnace Brook on social media with your pictures using the hashtag #stepwithit. Also, tune in to the blog as I’ll be posting words of encouragement, health tips, and recipes!


Be well,
Abbey

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 John 1:2

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