110 Miles

Toward the end of May I stumbled on an American Heart Association challenge that piqued my interest: to walk (or run or bike or what have you—in short, to move) 110 miles during the month of June. I signed up. Figured it might get me off my butt.

It was also a fundraiser, so I dutifully posted my request for donations on Facebook: $200 (it was the default amount). I quickly fulfilled the commitment, thanks to several dear friends.

Then all I had to do was walk. I bought a new Fitbit (who knows where the old one got to—the story of my life), and decided on a 10,000-step daily goal. Which amounts to about 4.3 miles. And yes, every day I've managed to do it. Some days, much more.

And today, I passed the 110 mile marker. 

It's gotten me back moving. It's given me a daily motivation. And although I'm doing this simply to get my ass off the chair, I am so struck and impressed by the many stories of people who are doing the challenge for a loved one felled by a stroke or a heart attack, or of people who themselves have a serious health issue and are trying to get healthier. 

Here are a few photos I've taken during the last 20 days of moving through the world:

I am a new big fan of the American Heart Association. I've enjoyed the camaraderie of the FB page, and the focus on health and movement. There are still 10 days until the end of the month, and you can bet I'll be walking at least 10,000 steps each and every one: a 150-mile June!