THE BEST WAY TO START YOUR DAY. This local free-to-attend group walking series is going strong this summer, several outings yet to come. Pictured is Erickson Park, Chippewa Falls.

Walk into the Weekend is a free weekly walking program being offered the summer every Friday morning at 7am throughout the Chippewa Valley thanks to Prevea, HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital.

The walks typically take about an hour, and if you’re not available to walk on Friday, you can walk each route on your own time. The group walks will happen rain or shine, unless there are thunderstorms, and if that happens, participants will receive an email by 2pm the day before, stating the walk has been canceled. Registration is required.

For every Friday walk attended, participants’ names will be entered into a raffle to win a prize at the end of the event series too! Each Monday, participants will receive an email that contains the planned route and any info you may need for that week’s walk.

Walk into the Weekend schedule:

• June 30: River Prairie Trail, Altoona (canceled because of poor air quality)
• July 7: Irvine Park, Chippewa Falls
• July 14: Carson Park, Eau Claire
• July 21: Erickson Park, Chippewa Falls
• July 28: Irvine Park, Chippewa Falls
• Aug. 4: River Prairie Trail, Altoona

To register for Walk into the Weekend, head to HSHS's website. Participants must sign and turn in a Fitness Program waiver and release form. Send any questions to Registered Nurse, Michelle Maier at michelle.maier@prevea.com.