During the winter and holiday months, we know that grief, stress, and overall mental health distress can weigh heavily on folks. Boosting our physical health helps to improve our mental health, and in turn can save lives. Imagine Zero of Weld County’s Move Through the Darkness Challenge was created to encourage people to support their wellbeing through physical activity and time spent outdoors.
This 2-month-long, self-led, inclusive, no-cost event creates a community around building skills and habits that can have a positive impact on mental wellness during the winter months. Throughout the challenge, participants are also connected with resources that educate them on the various dimensions
of wellness and get them moving through dark times.
Sad Senior Woman
“Move Through The Darkness is a zero cost challenge that empowers people to run, walk or exercise to make an impact on the lack of movement, depression and suicide we see in the winter months,” says Mandy Mullen, owner of run. Windsor, “Participants pledge a certain amount of physical activity while receiving free access to weekly professional speakers, in-person events like group walks/runs, and more!”
How the challenge works:
• The challenge runs from December 1st – January 31st.
• Participants sign up individually or as a team for “X” number of miles to run or walk.
• Throughout December and January, participants record their mileage on the event website.
• During the challenge, participants receive tools and resources that promote, support, and teach ways to maintain physical and mental health.
• At the end of the challenge, participants who meet their goals receive awards and recognition.
John O’Rand, a community member who participated in the challenge last year, said, “At the end of last year, I was not motivated to do much, it was cold with long dark days. I found that MTD got me out and moving around, it helped me find a strong support team that encouraged and motivated me to get more out of each day.”
Any donations received from participants of the event benefit Windsor Gives and Imagine Zero of Weld County, a oalition of community members, non-profits, and businesses who work together to promote awareness and support prevention efforts of suicide in Weld County.
This winter, Imagine Zero of Weld County encourages you to be proactive about taking charge of your mental, emotional and physical health this winter. Register for the challenge and encourage your family, colleagues, neighbors to do the same and “Move Through the Darkness” with you! Registration opens on November 1. Visit https://www.movethrough.org/.
This free challenge and finisher prizes wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors and donations. Click here to become a sponsor or donate today. For more information, contact: Micaela Sanchez 970.313.1170 (Ofc) or
970.397.4131 (Cell) or email: Micaela.Sanchez@NorthRange.org