My Journey to 100,000 steps in a single day

So... with some fear and trepidation, I've set the tentative date for my first 'for real' attempt at 100,000 steps in a 24 hour period - Saturday, September 16, 2017. I say, 'tentative', not because I lack resolve, but because I need a little cooperation from the weather.  Mainly, I want to avoid significant rain or threat of rain. Based on my test walks and other people's experiences who have tried this, I am certain that achieving this goal will not be easy and will involve a certain degree of pain and suffering - particularly in the second half of the day.  And so... I am asking for the help of all friends and family that can spare an hour or so to lend a helping hand.  All you have to do is show up at Quidi Vidi lake on Sept 16th and walk a lap with me.  Text or message me on Facebook first to confirm the attempt is on, and then meet me down at the lake.  Having the pleasant distraction of your company will be a big help.  Plus, I can't very will s

Well, it's been 5 months now since I set this ambitious goal, and while it has taken me longer to get there than I originally thought, the dream is still alive! Before setting a date for my first full-on attempt, I thought it would be good to start with a smaller goal of doing 50,000 steps in a day, and see how I felt after that.  If I was literally on my last legs and struggling, then I would know I was not ready to attempt 100,000.  If, on the other hand, I was still in relatively good shape, I would know that 100,000 may be realistically in my grasp. My first 'test' was in early May.  I packed 3 different running shoes, and my trusty Blundstones.  I had changes of shirts, shorts, long running pants, plenty of food and liquids, and even a 'medical kit' with blister pads, anti-chafing gel, first aid, and Tylenol.  I was prepared!! I decided that to make things as realistic as possible, I would start at 4:00 am, just like I would need to when attempting the fu

  The Journey Begins - With Careful Planning   With the popularity of Fitbit step-trackers exploding in the past few years, a popular fitness goal has emerged of taking 10,000 steps a day.  This level of activity is presumed to help maintain a basic level of fitness and health. I’ve noticed over the past 9 months or so since I got my own Fitbit as a Father’s Day gift, reaching 10,000 steps on a normal day requires an additional 30 minute walk over and above my normal ‘office routine’.  On particularly active days – say if it’s a Saturday working around the house or going on a more extended hike, I’ve gotten up to 20,000 steps in a day. But isn’t it human nature to assume more is better?  And sometimes it’s fun just to dream up a personal challenge for no good reason other than to see what is possible.  Setting a challenging goal and then working hard to achieve it is rewarding.  Addictive, even. So… somewhere or other I heard about a challenge to complete 100,000 ste