FAQ's

FAQ's....if you don't see your question, just ask !!!

Q:  Why?

A:  It's something I first thought about nearly 30yrs ago, the idea has lingered in my mind all these years, I've thought seriously about it a few times, but there was always something that kept me from making the first step...and that was FEAR...of the unknown, of the shear magnitude of it, everything....

Q.  What changed the FEAR?
A.  Nothing changed the FEAR, its still there!!...what has changed is how I feel, I'm fit strong empowered capable and have a huge drive to do it !!  With all I've been through getting my health and fitness back, and how much of my success is due to the YMCA family. The time seemed more than right for me, and with the support of the Wheeler YMCA, to help spread the word of fitness and empowerment that's within us all.

Q. What are you most fearful of?
A. I've done a lot of research, have tried to gain as much understanding as to what to expect.  And what really scares me, is being hit by a car and being startled by something or someone while I sleep.

Q.  What do you have for safety?
A. Not a lot, bear spray (thing mace with more range), this will work equally well on bears and ''primates''  ( a saying I got from someone who did this walk).  I also have a device that's very much like a life alert button, where I can signal for help with my location.  Of course I will also have a first aide kit for the day to day boo boo's

Q.  Where do you sleep?
A.  At the end of a long day walking, you may very well be between towns, in these cases I will pitch a tent, weather that be in the forest, off the road, in a field or hidden in plain site.

Q.  Do you carry a backpack?
A.  No, actually it would be near impossible making this trip alone to be able to carry enough water let alone all the other supplies I'll need.  You push a car with all the gear and water needed. The cart is similar to a double stroller,  more durable and without the seats.

Q. How do you eat?
A.  Food is a big issue, my daily requirements for nutrition are going to change dramatically, beside the increase in need calories I'll also need to change what I eat, a away from my normal high protein low carb typical diet.  In addition to the change in what I'm eating I have to be careful to bring enough food and water for when I'm between towns, which could be several days.  During these times I'll be eating mostly freeze dried food, that can be mixed with water.  Other foods would be to heavy take up to much space and would spoil.  As well I will have electrolyte and salt tablets should I need them.

Q. What do you do if it rains?
A.  Get wet!!...sure I can take days off, but who wants to sit in a tent waiting for it to stop raining...might as well walk.

Q.  Will you take time off to explore a town or city?
A.  I may take a day or two off, I picture that more for needing a day to rest, than to see the sights.

Q.  How many miles do you plan to walk everyday?
A.  I hope to walk on average 20 miles a day.

Q. How far is the trip and how long do expect it to take?
A.  Its just about 3,000 miles, or 7 million steps, the trip should take about 7 months.

Q.  What do you wear for shoes and how many pairs do expect you'll wear out.
A. Has to be sneakers, so don't want a boot tan line...  Footwear is an individual choice.  I'm just coming off of a foot stress fracture and I think the rigidness of a hiking boot might be too much, although who knows once I'm really in the trenches.  I'm planning on 7 to 8 pair of shoes.

Q. Will anyone walk with you?
A.  I don't know.  I'd welcome anyone who might like to join for part of it.  The Wheeler YMCA will be reaching out to other YMCA's along my route we have hope they may want to get involved in the message of fitness and empowerment, or just come by and say hi...so stay tuned.

Q.  How will you know which way to go?
A.  I've got a GPS mapping program as well as paper back up maps.  For the most part I will be sticking to a route however the GPS often takes me on a few side roads as better alternatives for walking.

Q. Will we be able to track where you are?
A.  The GPS has a link you will be able to look at to track my progress.  I will also be blogging and send in updates.

Feel free to ask any more questions.  The involvement will feed my soul for this trip !!!!