The Importance of Training

Training for the Overnight is part of the full Overnight Experience

Whether you’re a novice or regularly take part in endurance events, you can complete the Out of the Darkness Overnight route by creating a plan and sticking to it. Taking on 16-18 miles in one night is no easy feat, which is why we want to ensure you feel as prepared as possible before you arrive at the Overnight this June.  Take your first steps towards a successful Overnight season by putting in the time now to ensure you get to experience the Overnight journey to its fullest.  By the time you complete your training, you will not only feel more prepared for your walk, but you’ll be able to truly take in the importance of this entire evening.

To simplify your training process, we’ve created a few options for you to get on track. Here are a few ways we will help you meet your Overnight training goals*:

1. Sign up for our E-Training Guide: This weekly guide will keep you on a training schedule and offer tips and stretches to keep you training smart. 
2. Create or attend a Training Walk: It’s easy to start a training walk and we’ll help by posting your walk location and reaching out to Overnight participants in your area. Training Walks are a great opportunity to get some miles in while meeting with fellow walkers in your own community. 
3. Print out a copy of the Overnight’s recommended training schedule: Post this somewhere visible, so you can continue to keep on track with your training. 
4. Your Walker Coach: We’re here to help you every step of the way throughout your Overnight journey and we’re always just a call or email away.

Getting in those training miles shouldn’t take up a lot of your time. Here are a few quick tips to help you get in extra steps in your daily routine:

1. Get off your subway/bus stop, a stop or two early (always using your discretion of course!). Those extra 10-20 minutes can help you reach your weekly mileage goals. 
2. Skip spending lunch at your desk and try stretching your legs with 30 minutes of walking. If you need some inspiration for a good route to walk near your home or office, try using Google Maps or free sites like MapmyWalk.com for ideas. 
3. Avoid the elevator and take the stairs or even park your car in the farthest spot in the lot and walk the rest of the way. It’s those little tweaks we make to our daily routine that can add-up to some serious mileage. 
4. If you have a treadmill at home, turn your hour of Mad Men into an hour of training! By the time Don Draper has done something despicable, you’ll have clocked-in another training hour. Or, if you have a gym membership, go during the hour you like to watch your favorite program, that way you’re getting in your training time too!

Remember, the Overnight is fully equipped to support you. We will have rest and quick stops every 2-3 miles so you can take a moment to stretch and grab a healthy snack or refill your water bottle.  Our Crew and staff will be patrolling the route on bicycle and sweep vans for whenever you need a motivational push or a bump up to the next part of the route. We want you to feel as prepared as possible come the day of the Overnight, but we want to ensure you that we’ll be there to help whenever you need some extra assistance.

Train safe, stay hydrated and remember that with every step, we are helping to bring an end to the stigma associated with mental illness and suicide and build a stronger community.

*The training information contained on this blog and our site is meant to be used as a guideline. Before you begin any training plan, you'll want to consult with your doctor to go over your current physical condition and determine what you are able to undertake safely.

If you’d like to share an Overnight training story or an experience to be featured on our blog, please email us at coaches@theovernight.org