Week 1: Walking Across America

QOTW

“Do the thing and you will have the power.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

I’ve officially crossed the 1-week mark on my walk across America.

Here are my stats from the first 6 days:

122 miles covered
246,000 steps taken
35.5 hours of walk time
9-10 hours of sleep each night

I’ve been blown away at how amazing the body is.

Straining and struggling. Then adapting and strengthening.

I’d be limping and grimacing for 3+ hours, then catch a second wind and power through miles.

One thing I’ve noticed: I actually enjoy not having anything playing in my ears—no music, no podcasts, no audiobooks.

It’s allowed me to not only tune in to my environment…
But to tune into my body.

To be hyper-aware of every single sensation and feeling.

We live in a world where everyone is trying to escape their thoughts…
To have as much convenience & comfort as possible…
To be entertained by screens all day.

This first week has shown me how completely backward that way of living is.

I’ve felt so free out here.

So in touch with the sky, air, mountains, and gravel below me.

I know I’ll face bigger challenges during this trip.
But part of me is looking forward to it.

Because I’ve loved how I’ve responded and handled things so far.

I’m learning I’m infinitely stronger and tougher than I thought I was.

I’m beginning to realize that I can do anything—I’m capable of so much more than my mind wanted me to believe.

And now, I 100% believe this is true for everyone.

The Challenges:

The first 3 days, my legs were wrecked.
 

Hip flexors
Hamstrings
Calves
Feet

But my left foot has been the biggest issue.

An old arch injury had me walking slightly on the outside of my foot, which led to bruising and constant pain.

Thankfully, I swapped out a pair of shoes (shoutout to REI’s 365-day return policy) and the new ones are 100x better.

Today, I’m giving my body a break.

Spending the day between the hot tub and soaking my feet in an ice bucket.

I’m seeing just how crucial a morning & evening stretch and mobility routine is.

Navigation Struggles:

Relying on Google Maps has been both amazing and frustrating.

Day 1: It sent me through a mountain biking ridge trail in Anaheim Hills from miles 17-20. It was “closed.” About a mile in, I saw a sign that read:

"This is mountain lion country."

Good thing adrenaline kicked in—I powered through that climb to my checkpoint.

Two days ago: Google Maps led me 2 miles down a dirt road… only to hit a No Trespassing sign.

I hoofed it back 2 miles and just walked next to the railroad tracks.

Lesson learned: I need to review routes more carefully.

Fueling & Hydration:

Still dialing in my nutrition, but so far, I’ve been snacking lightly throughout the walk:
 

🍌 Bananas
🍊 Oranges
🥩 Meat sticks
🥜 Pistachios

Then, I have a big meal in the evening.

My running vest has a 1.5L water bladder that’s been a lifesaver.

I’ve also upped my electrolytes—1 packet every 1-2 hours (game changer).

Upcoming Route:

Joshua Tree → Twentynine Palms (2 days, 41 miles total)
 

From there, I enter a 93-mile desert stretch—no gas stations, no stores, nothing.

I plan to complete this in 4 days, camping alongside the highway under the stars.

I need to carry ~1 gallon of water per day for that stretch.

After that, I’ll stop at a gas station (first one in 93 miles), then another 15 miles to Parker, AZ.

Then it’s onward to Sedona.

Cities on my route:

📍Sedona
📍Flagstaff
📍Springfield, MO
📍Nashville
📍Knoxville
📍Roanoke
📍Virginia Beach

And last but certainly not least, keep sharing this journey with people you love and those who you think would resonate with our mission.