Having been a vocal advocate for healthy lifestyles for years, it seems only fitting that I "walk the talk" with the Million Step March. As a family doctor, I know that even mild activity done daily has tremendous health benefits, even more so when combined with a reasonably healthy diet.
This also seems like a good opportunity for me to resurrect memories from bygone days – hiking with friends, appreciating the countryside at a much slower pace, and more intimate detail.
And so, I bring you my account of the first four days of the Million Step March.
DAY 1:
We started in downtown Asheville with a good-sized crowd and a nice ceremony. I walked with the mayor, Terry Bellamy, who was a delight and clearly knew a significant proportion of the people we passed: "Thank you! Call me. Great meeting last night. How’s your daughter?" These were informed, real interactions with people she clearly cared about.
I had anticipated a cool, probably wet day, but the mayor's sunny disposition must have cleared the skies – mid-70s, few clouds. I "crispy-crittered" within an hour, applying sunscreen and a broad-rimmed hat a bit too late. Given the choice, however, I'll take a bit of sunburn over several hours of cold wet rain any day.
Steps today: 24,400 – more than 12 miles.
DAY 2:
The weather service was dead wrong again today! Predictions were for very cool, wet weather again. It's hard to complain about another beautiful day.
We hiked along U.S. 70 and quickly recognized the luxury of the sidewalks in Asheville and Black Mountain. If I had a wish for any town, large or small, it would be to have a safe, comfortable place to walk, not just for the erstwhile tourist, but for anyone who would prefer to transact their business on foot.
We visited the Presbyterian Home for Children in Black Mountain, meeting the Million Step March tractor-trailer at the site. The staff there were enthusiastic (and dedicated), and had billed our visit as a "special program." The kids weren't quite sure what to make of us, but warmed up with pedal-powered smoothies and T-shirts. The real hit of the afternoon, though, were the jump ropes that Kathy and Gary distributed. Almost every kid took a turn with expert rope twirling provided by Kathy and one of the staff. An hour later, folks were still jumping, even with dinner approaching. They were not able to walk with us but the energy and fun they generated far exceeded my hopes for the day.
Steps today: 23,000 – about 11 ½ miles.
DAY 3:
Be careful what you ask for – you might get it! The weather report was spot on – upper 40s, gray, rainy-looking sky.
The only way to get from Ridgecrest to Old Fort was to head through the woods on a road less traveled. (U.S. 70 merges with I-40 for about 10 miles – not very conducive to walking.)
This was, however, our most glorious morning by far. The broad trail followed the contour of the mountains, gently sloping downhill for more than four miles. We marveled at gorgeous vistas of the Blue Ridge at a distance, identified a panoply of pink, purple, yellow, and white spring blooms and became entranced with the sounds of the stream that followed us around every turn.
Once we returned to reality on Old U.S. 70, the walking got a bit tougher, though almost as scenic.
Heading out of town, the stiffness of the two days trekking settled in as the temperature took a definite turn south.
Old Fort looked a bit worn around the edges as we entered town, but we found a charming coffee shop complete with walls of art for sale, great coffee and a full range of citizens interested in our march. One particularly welcoming woman let us know about a 20-year project she and other volunteers had undertaken to renovate the town's Revolutionary War era namesake – Fort Dawson. We traded brochures and she took our picture for the Old Fort weekly newsletter.
Today Kim and I took the approach of walking with minimal breaks. We were the hares, while the remainder of the team took the turtle approach. Although we finished the day within 10-15 minutes of each other, the hares did manage to avoid a late cold soaking rain.
Steps today: 28,430 – more than 14 miles.
DAY 4:
No events were scheduled today, no scenic routes planned, and the Weather Channel got it right: a cool, dank morning. Today was a day to pound the pavement and try to finish before the rain set in.
But the rhythm of walking has been established and the too-long hills we climbed during the day turned out to be invigorating rather than grueling.
Today was the end of my first stint with the march, and I'm going to miss it. I've decided I will try to mirror my colleagues' efforts wherever I am – whether walking at work, using the treadmill, or doing a bit of strength training. It may not be 10-12 miles worth of activity, but I'll come as close as possible.
Gary and Kathy – you're troopers! Tangela, Russ and John-Paul – it was great getting to know you.
Steps today: 26,444 – more than 13 miles.
Posted by Don Bradley on April 7, 2008