Hike the Appalachian Trail without leaving Altus

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Seidl
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Annamarie Mason, aviations technician with the 97th Maintenance Directorate, walked 3,790,970 steps during the last year, equaling 1,896 miles, as part of a Health and Wellness Center "Hike the Appalachian Trail" competition.

In July last year, the Health and Wellness Center teamed up with the Fitness Center at Altus Air Force Base to launch an innovative year-long event encouraging physical activity and overall positive lifestyle choices. The challenge was to hike the distance of the Appalachian Trail over the course of the year.

"We wanted it to be a year-long project that would encourage people to be physically active, and make better lifestyle choices," said Gayle Kenyon, health educator, Health and Wellness Center.

Participants in the competition would simulate hiking a different region each quarter. They tracked their miles by counting steps with a pedometer. To meet each milestone, it was necessary to walk 10,000--12,000 steps a day.

The Appalachian Trail spans approximately 2,160 miles from Georgia to Maine. The trail was divided into four regional segments of equal distance--Southern Appalachians, The Virginias, Mid-Atlantic/Southern New England, and Northern New England.

"They (participants) got a pedometer, at every milestone they got a little gift, to keep them going. They also received information on each region they were going through, to make it a little more real. I looked for recipes that were healthy using the vegetables and signature foods from that state or region; in Georgia there were a lot of peach recipes, in Maine we had some lobster recipes, going through New York there were apples. The idea was to help people to think about the choices that they make and their lifestyle, and make good choices that are going to not only enhance their physical fitness, but their overall well being," said Kenyon.

Thirty-three individuals started off, but only one stayed committed for the entire year and completed the hike.

"It was a self thing. I wanted to see if I could do it. I really want to walk the Appalachian Trail; I really want to do that. I want to ride bikes across the United States, I want to walk the Appalachian Trail, those are two dreams I have, that's what I want to do," said Mason about her motivation to stick with the project.

At the presentation of her trophy and certificate,Mason reflected on how her accomplishment affected her, "I feel pretty good about it, that I actually stuck with it, did it, wrote down every night how many miles I did. I mean it was... sometimes I just wanted to pitch it, but I persevered and I did it."

"Heck yeah, I sure would!" Mason said, responding to a question about whether or not she would recommend everyone come out and try the Appalachian Trail challenge next year.

For more information on the Appalachian Trail challenge and other Fitness Center and HAWC programs, contact the Fitness Center 481-7440 or http://altusfss.com/recreation-hobbies/fitness-center/ and the HAWC can be reached at 481- 5647.