One Step At A Time: One Harborite's Inspirational Crusade Across America

Have you ever just wanted to do something great; something that inspires others, promotes a good cause and fills you with a sense of personal achievement? One harborite is making his “something great” a reality. Nicholas Valentine is on a 3000 mile one-man journey across America from West to East coast. Did I mention he is doing it on foot?

That’s right, Nick’s Walk is a walk across America aimed at raising awareness for diabetes, healthy lifestyles and personal inspiration.  On June 19, Nicholas Valentine stepped out of the waters of the Pacific Ocean and embarked on an expedition to realize his dream of impacting the world one step at a time. His journey is chronicled on his website, nickswalk.com where he regularly updates his progress. The site also features information on his motivation, his goals for the walk and how to donate (the walk is funded entirely by the generosity of those who wish to see him succeed).  When he took a few days to rest and calculate the next leg of his route, Nicholas spoke with Go Go Grays Harbor about the experience thus far, his goals and what lies ahead.

Everybody, meet Nick.
Photo courtesy of nickswalk

First off, how's the journey so far? Where are you currently at?

Nick: The journey so far has been amazing yet extremely challenging. Currently I have made it as far as Hood River Oregon where I am taking a week to do more planning and mapping. It was important to stop at this point because these first few weeks have been a steep learning curve and I need to make the proper adjustments.

What inspired you to take on this expedition across America in the name of diabetes awareness?

Nick: There are a couple aspects to that answer. For quite awhile I had dreamed of going on a great adventure and getting myself into better shape. When I decided to finally make this walk happen, I (and my friend Jared, who helped me plan this journey) knew it would be a wasted opportunity to not use it to help or inspire others. I decided that this walk would be a great inspirational tool to motivate those at risk of becoming diabetic by inspiring them to become physically active. My family has had a history of diabetes and I did not want to be a part of that.

What do you hope people take away from your efforts?

Nick: Inspiration. I would love for people to say to themselves, "Hey if that guy can walk across America I can make some small changes in my own life to live healthier."

Is it what you expected so far?

Nick: The physical challenge has been very hard and about what I expected, but what I never expected was the generosity and beautiful nature of both friends and total strangers. I often find myself getting quite emotional when people stop on the side of the road to tell me I have inspired them, or when people leave comments on my site and Facebook telling me they believe in the project.

Posing with a summer road crew member.
Photo courtesy of nickswalk

Have you seen anything crazy/funny/unusual as you walk?

Nick: It's very strange walking out on the open road. I think one thing that stands out in my mind is all of the garbage littering the side of the road. It's very sad because… you see how people have really trashed the environment. I have seen many things in just a few weeks from people’s tires blowing out, to 4 person bicycles and more. Combine that with a ton of awesome scenery and it’s very exciting because I'm just getting started and I will see so much more.

Do you miss Grays Harbor? Anything you miss most?

Nick: Well before I left it wouldn't stop raining, so I was ready for a break from the Harbor but yes. I miss my family and friends and everyone up at Grays Harbor College. I also miss "All Wrapped Up" coffee and Gepetto’s pizza in Montesano.

How long is the journey going to take?

Nick finds more friends along the way.
Photo courtesy of nickswalk

Nick: It's hard to say. I think it could be five months if I average enough miles per day but it could take longer.

Wow! Five months of walking. How many pairs of shoes do you think you’ll go through?

Nick: I'm starting my second pair after this break is over so I think maybe 7 pairs.

This is going to be a huge accomplishment for you. What are your plans for afterwards? Any thought on that yet?

Nick: Yes, I plan on finishing a book about my journey and I would love to speak to different groups about the walk, health, inspiration and making projects and things that can change lives.

How can people get involved and show their support for Nick's Walk?

Nick: The entire project is funded and supported by donations through my Fundly site at www.fundly.com/nickswalk.  This is the most direct way people can keep the walk safe and an effective campaign of inspiration. Also on my site www.nickswalk.com there is a list of other ways people can help. I encourage everyone to visit my site and click the Facebook button so they can follow along with all of the most recent posts and video blogs. I should also mention that everyone who donates will get a free copy of my ebook that I am writing about my travels.

Any closing thoughts for our readers?

Nick: I just want to say thanks to everyone involved so far and thank you for the interview!

Be sure to follow Nick's progress and donate to the cause if you find yourself inspired by this amazing feat (feet? haha). Go Go Grays Harbor wishes all the best for Nick on his journey: Keep Calm, Stay Strong and Walk On!

The open road...
Photo courtesy of nickswalk

Harbor 1/2 Marathon and 5k Run

I may need to preface this by, I am not a runner, but I play one on tv. 

Actually, I know quite a few runners who are geared up for this weekends 5k in Hoquiam.  13.1 miles designed for both beginning runners and for those avid marathoners. 

Bands will be playing at 8th street landing from 12:00-5:00p.m. and all runners will receive coupons from local businesses.  This is a great chance to get out and support the community and become a bit healthier at the same time.

The race is open to participants 19 years and older and will begin at 11:00 with registration between 9:00-10:30 at 8th street landing in Hoquiam. 

You can find all race info here including race route and registration form for your participation t-shirt.

If you are unable to participate this weekend, Hoquiam has so many fun runs lined up in the coming months including the Haunted Hoquiam, Turkey Trot and Ho Ho Hoquiam.. all of which are a good time frame away to start training.  Remember our interview with Sheena Paniagua?  Check it out again for some great tips on how to get started in the world of running!  Or check out another online resourse coolrunning.  Whatever you do this weekend, get outside and do something!

Run, Harborite, Run!

It's the world's most popular hobby, it was the key to early man's survival and it's the 19th most popular personal goal in the world. When is the last time you went running? And I don't mean from the parking lot to the time clock on days when you're late to work. I mean full on concentrated running or jogging for no other purpose than, well, to stretch your legs and run.

Been awhile? How about never? I'll admit I've only truly gone on a dedicated run a handful of times (4 or 5 tops) and they've all been within the last six months. Before that, never. I loathe a treadmill (the human hamster wheel), and I think I look ridiculous when I run so I keep to other options for my exercise. But last Thanksgiving I wanted a pre-feast workout and the gym was closed so I put my earbuds in, laced up and decided to give it a shot. It was pouring, by the way, and for all my spin-circuit classes I still had no stamina for continuously jogging, but it felt good to just go. I've enjoyed the few times I've gone out since then and I'm considering following a training program to run a 5k later this year.

5k, you say? Why, yes! Turns out there's plenty of organized runs scheduled for 2012 in the Grays Harbor area that you and I could be a part of. I had no idea and I bet you didn't either unless you're already a participating runner. Then good for you, you're one (thousand) steps ahead of me and everyone else.

In fact one of my good friends, Sheena Paniagua, is a seriously dedicated runner (and Harborite) and has participated in many runs locally and regionally. She has been a huge resource for me as I strive to become more fitness oriented and she was kind enough to let me pick her brain for inspiration, tips and tricks on this whole running gig. Here's what she had to say:

Ali: So, I'll be frank right off the bat. Why run?
Sheena: I use running as a way to stay active and to be in good physical and mental shape. What first inspired me to start running was having my daughter and just the simple fact that it was something I've always been terrible at. It was the hardest, best challenge I could think of for myself.

Ali: Wow, that's pretty inspirational! How long have you been running? Any personal goals you're working towards?
Sheena: I've been running steadily for about a year and a half now. I have no specific goals with running right now other than to compete in a minimum of 6 races including one half marathon every year.

Ali: Six races and a half marathon?! I'm excited that I might do one. Any programs that you'd recommend for a beginner like me?
Sheena: I know the YMCA has a running group three days a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays to help locals prepare for the half marathon in Grays Harbor this summer.

Ali: Thanks, I'll check it out! I like the idea of running outdoors - any good routes in Grays Harbor you can recommend?
Sheena: My favorite outdoor place to run in Grays Harbor is along riverside in Hoquiam and run the loop around the bridges.

Ali: And when it rains... any tips for making it bearable?
Sheena: Get some underarmour coldgear to help keep warm and somewhat dry. Other than that, hit the tread mill if it's absolutely terrible out. That way there's no excuses!

Ali: How about tunes- what's your favorite running music?
Sheena: My must-have tunes for running would be Rihanna, Skrillex, Drake and anything else with a faster beat that can keep my running speed steady.

Ali: And an energy drink to keep up the pace, right?
Sheena: Energy drinks are high in sugar, calories and later give you a crash so avoid those! I would recommend at least a daily vitamin and some protein powder as far as supplements go.

Ali: Any final words of advice for me and my fellow beginners?
Sheena: My advice to beginners would be to take it slow and steady. You don't start out running long distances or going for speed, you slowly work into both and every week slowly increasing both until you get to the desired distance, speed, etc. And of course running shoes with good support and tread are important too for your back, joints and posture.

Sheena, posing at her first half-marathon, this last December. That's 13 miles, people!

If you're interested in participating in a local run this year here are a few events already on the calendar:
March 17 - St. Patrick's Day Run , Hoquiam. Info Here.

March 17 - Boston Marathon at Seabrook. Info Here
April 7 - Easter Bunny Hop Into Hoquiam Run, Hoquiam. Info Here
April 15 - Spring Fling Triathlon/Dualthon. Elma. Info Here.
May 5 - Annual Run for the Birds, Hoquiam. Info Here
June 16 - Harbor Rock-N-Roll Half-Marathon, Aberdeen/Hoquiam. Info Here.
July 14&15- Ocean Shores Tri & Footfest (8 different race options), Ocean Shores. Info Here.
August 4 - The Dirty Dash, McCleary (ORV Park). Info Here.
September 8- Reynvaan Run, Hoquiam. Info Here
October 27 - Haunted Hoquiam Run, Hoquiam. Info Here
November 7 - Turkey Trot Fun Run, Hoquiam. Info Here
December 1 - Ho Ho Hoquiam Run, Hoquiam. Info Here

All the detailed Hoquiam run information is available on their Fun Run website HERE.

That's a ton of options! And most of them are far enough away that there's plenty of time to train. If you'd like to give it a try, Sheena was correct that the YMCA has a training program set up. There is no link on the website to the information, but if you stop in they can provide you with a flyer describing the program times and costs.

If you would like to train on your own or with a friend, try the very popular Couch-To-5K program! A link to the 9-week program, which you follow on your own 3 days a week, is HERE.

I'm excited to branch out into something new and set a goal for myself to accomplish. I look forward to the hard work and training, and the reward of completing what I set out to do. I hope you will join me! I'll probably be the one in the back of the pack so I could use the company.