I’m 1,139 miles into the 3,035 mile walk which puts me at 37.5% of the way from ocean to ocean. I feel that gives me a sufficient enough sample size to be somewhat of an authority on long walks and, given my extended break, am answering some of the frequently asked questions I’ve gotten both online and from people I’ve met along the way.
What inspired you to do this?
A variety of things. My grandmother, Meemaw, and her adventurous life. Me getting out of a long term relationship and it being an opportune time to do a big thing. Once I had the idea I was scared that if I didn’t do it, one day in the distant future I’d regret the hell out of it. I think, in general, I just think it’s a cool and exciting thing to do. My good friend Guy, attempted to do it back in 2005 and on some level I probably wanted to do it maybe to succeed where he failed (which isn’t as bad as it sounds if you click through that link and read a little about it.)
What have you learned about yourself so far?
It’s entirely cliche but I’ve learned to appreciate the small things and not take things for granted. Maybe not permanently–I’m sure my baseline will gradually shift back to where it was but now, when I’m out on the road, everything is magnified and the simple life is enough. I’m more satisfied on a daily basis; when you expect not a lot, not a lot becomes more than enough.
How many miles per day?
23.72 is my official miles per day over the entire walk, but that includes days off and early days of 18-21 miles per day. On days I walk now, I’m averaging between 25-27 mostly depending on if I’m going to be in a town at the end of those miles.
Have you found that it’s easier or harder than you imagined it being?
A lot easier, for sure. When I was planning the walk, it seemed a little scary, and it certainly has been at times, but for the most part I’m having such a fun time out there, easily one of the best things of my life. There’s nothing really physically difficult about the walk itself. After a couple weeks, your body is used to it and it’s just a matter of waking up and starting to walk each day. You take breaks, and eat when you want, and then continue walking. The hard parts are the isolation and being away from loved ones, particularly in my situation of starting a new relationship right before heading to Los Angeles. That’s been hard, but, in the general sense, I’ve been surprised by how “easy” and exhilarating it is.
How do you charge your phone?
By far the most popular question. I have a portable charger that when fully charged gives my iPhone up to eight charges. Link here.
What do you do to pass the time? Music? Podcasts? Audio books?
I do music occasionally, but a lot of the time I don’t listen to anything. I really don’t get bored and I can’t explain why. I just think a lot. Like, really a lot.
What do you eat?
Beef jerky, dried fruits, trail mix, peanuts, pringles, Arizona iced tea, oranges and bananas.
Have you ever felt unsafe?
There was one time in Riverside, CA where a man was following me and yelling at me at 4 in the morning. I ended up running away from him. I feel scared almost every night I sleep outside; I’m still not used to it and I’m not sure I ever will.
Are you going to shave your beard?
Haven’t decided on that yet. For now, I’m just going to keep it, but I’m not sentimentally attached to it.
How do you plan your routes?
Google Maps has walking directions that are pretty good. Right now, in the prairies, there’s only really one route to go anyway, so I just walk east. Other than a few stops in major cities, I’m going the shortest route that Google offers.
Are you planning on hosting meetups along the way?
Yeah, starting in Kansas City next month, for sure. KC, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Cincinnati (maybe), Philadelphia, New York City, Boston.
When do you plan on finishing?
Tentatively it’s looking like July 23rd in the Atlantic Ocean in Boston. There will be a big party that night somewhere in Boston and everyone is invited. Pa will be there.
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