The 100 Mile Challenge

This journey will be no different than the rest, except it will take twelve months to finish.  Along the way, there will be breathtaking views, mountainsides loaded with wildflowers, maybe a bull moose or elk sighting.  "The Hiker" will share all of it with you, the followers of this blog.

My passion for hiking gets me OUTSIDE and it provides me with excellent EXERCISE.  I need total solitude at times and I need to be active.  Hiking provides me the mental and physical therapy needed to maintain a good quality of life.  For you, it may not be hiking.  Maybe running, biking, tennis, fishing, or golf is what does it for you.  Whatever works, do it, and do it often.

The “100 Mile Challenge” idea came to me one evening after returning from a day hike.  I grabbed a tablet and pen and began writing.  Yes, actually writing it down.  I had a two-page draft of how it would work in less than an hour.

The idea is to use my passion for hiking as a platform to:

• Promote the increase in "Quality of Life" (especially those with PD) through exercise
• Maintain or plan a "Healthy Lifestyle"
• Raise funds to Support Parkinson's Association of the Rockies

This will be long journey for not only “The Hiker” but anyone who pledges/donates and decides to follow him.  A journey that long requires a few stops along the way to refresh and refocus the mind and body.  We will call them Milestone Events.  They won't exactly be rest stops for "The Hiker."  Rather, they will be opportunities to involve followers in the "100 Mile Challenge."  More on that later.

Success in an effort such as this depends on people like you who want to GET OUTSIDE, who want to BE ACTIVE, and who want to GIVE BACK to their community..  Ultimately, success of the "100 Mile Challenge" will depend on “The Hiker.”  He will do the work.  Do your part by submitting a pledge for the coming year or donate now.  Click on "Pledge Here" or Donate Here" to the right of this text.

“The Hiker” has been at it for 46 years.  The last four have been with a group of hikers from ACAA (Aurora Center of Active Adults).  The group hikes somewhere in the Denver area each week through October.  "The Hiker" considers this group of like-minded soles a life saver of sorts.  It is great therapy to be outside with friends.  It also provides a keen sense of accomplishment each week when the hike is over and time is taken to record events of the day.

ACAA offers members of the community various health, wellness, and exercise programs.  Check it out.  "The Hiker was at the ACAA gym five days a week for five weeks after knee surgery.  It was time well spent.  See link.

Those who hike regularly do it because they love the outdoors.  They are continually inspired by those who they hike with.  They understand that with exercise, their quality of life will be extended by some degree as a result.  What is not to like about that!

"The Hiker" begins his journey August 2, 2011.  The first hike will be in the Eagles Nest Wilderness.  Daily posts begin today.  Watch for information on this and future hikes.

It is all about the journey!