They’re not missing a step, pedal or stride
Roughly one-third of the way into the second annual 100 Miles for Hope challenge, 10 participants have accumulated the maximum scores for activities each day. The activities are being counted on the Kilter app, as participants log more than 40 activities such as walking, cycling, rucking, pet fitness, yoga, pickleball and more.
The challenge began April 1 and runs through Sept. 6 and raises funds for The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation (V&CF). The foundation provides grants to military families in need, and funds the work, training and education of accredited American Legion service officers who help disabled veterans navigate the complicated VA system to obtain their proper benefits.
There is still plenty of time to join the challenge by participating (two options to register here) or making a donation to support the V&CF (learn more here).
Participants agree that the 100 Miles for Hope challenge offers physical, mental and other benefits. Here are some of the stories from those who have logged perfect scores so far.
‘Being active has helped relieve stresses’
David Wallace, a Navy veteran from the Panama war era, is using the challenge as part of his training for his first marathon this fall.
“This 100-mile challenge ironically coincides with my training plan I developed leading up to October’s Chicago Marathon I am participating in,” said Wallace, a member of Dyer-Gunnell American Legion Post 180 in Vienna, Va. “Tracking my workouts is just added fun with the Kilter app.”
The second annual challenge is literally for anyone. The range of options available on the app allow participants to pursue activities based on their level of fitness.
“I feel this 100-mile challenge is something that came at the right time for all who are participating thanks to the pandemic,” he said. “Being bottled up inside the house is not good and for some, harmful both physically and mentally. Whether you are going for a long walk, bicycle ride or even gardening. Whatever your form of activity, it at least momentarily helps you forget about the bad and focus on something good. It can also be a great way to engage your membership and community.”
Wallace focuses on running, strength training, core workouts and indoor cycling. “I have recently added yoga to improve my stretching. Since I do a lot of running, I try to add other exercises that either complement my goals to improve running and put less wear and tear on my knees.”
He also participated in the first 100 miles challenge last year when he met a goal to complete a half marathon in under two hours. “So, I wanted to aim a little higher and complete a marathon at age 50.”
Wallace is looking forward to the Mount Rush Half Marathon in South Dakota this September.
“The challenge physically (and mentally) is really about what can my body withstand? My recovery time is different and not as fast as I used to be but, the satisfaction of completing any of these distances, is the reward itself.”
His commitment to fitness has helped him in terms of mental wellbeing during a challenging year. He overcame the personal loss of his grandmother and, due to COVID, lost his job with a company he was at for more than 11 years.
“Being active has helped relieve all those stresses and help me think clearer about whatever situation I am in and determine a better, more positive outlook,” he said. “Being back in shape, and probably the best shape I have been in since I was in the military just makes me feel better on the inside, because I know I look better on the outside.”
‘Best shape of my life’
Jonathan Tennis, a member of American Legion Post 7 in Clearwater, Fla., served in the Army from 1998 to 2003. The annual challenges have boosted his fitness.
“I liked the previous 100 miles challenge and will do everything I can to help raise funds and awareness for veteran causes,” he said. “There is nothing really motivating me to complete the max number of activities other than I've been able to be in the best shape of my life thanks to COVID and working from home. I normally complete four or five activities each day between a workout, walks and bike rides.”
His walks are built into his daily routine. “I have to walk the dog every day and walking around the neighborhood is a nice way to get 2-plus miles in easy,” Tennis said. “Other than that, I live in Florida where we have 365 days of good riding weather so I spend as much time on my bicycle as possible.”
Tennis has taken advantage of working from home due to the pandemic.
“I know COVID was terrible for lots of folks and so I am always hesitant to say this but working from home has been great,” said. “I realized how little I moved once I got to the office. I'd still workout after work but there was very little movement in my body for 8-plus hours each day. Now, I take a quick walk between morning meetings or go on a bike ride for lunch or hit the weights between meetings in the afternoon. I must sound a bit like a meathead but I'm not. I just really enjoying how active I have found I can be when not tied to my cubicle 8-plus hours a day or in my car for 60 to 90 minutes each day.”
While the challenge is not yet halfway complete, Tennis has his eyes set on the finish.
“I’m excited to see if I can keep this streak going until the end and excited to see who else has their streak going when the final bell rings on Sept. 6.”
‘I love the challenge and helping veterans’
Dawn Olsen is driven to complete a perfect 100 Miles for Hope for veterans.
“I love the challenge and helping veteran organizations,” said Olsen, director of American Legion Riders Chapter 112 in Elk River and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. “I also want to get stronger and lose the COVID weight I put on.”
Olsen answers the alarm clock at 3:45 a.m. and starts her day with a run or walk, even though it is always dark and often cold. In addition to helping her become more fit, the challenge helps her mental wellbeing.
“I feel a lot better if I work out than if I don’t work out,” Olsen said, who has also done strength training as part of the challenge. “I have more energy and feel good. I am more positive.”
Olsen also runs for a little girl named Hannah of the United Kingdom who has some development disabilities.
“I’ve been in her life for seven or eight years,” she said. “I was matched with Hannah and post a couple of times a week to say, ‘Hey, I ran for you today,’ and that gives the family support too. I try to do what I can for Hannah and her mom.”
‘I hope this becomes a yearly challenge’
Steve Kellam, a member of David C. Harrison Post 14 in Smyrna, Del., is also among the participants with perfect scores to date.
“As I have aged, I have begun to suffer from several different medical problems and have focused the last year on becoming healthier,” a Navy Vietnam veteran. “I began walking on the treadmill on a daily basis some time ago and have used the 100 Miles for Hope to help motivate me to continue to do so. Being one who responds to visual stimulation, seeing the miles add up each day helps with the motivation.”
Kellam, who is also a member of the post’s Riders chapter, has seen an array of benefits.
“My goal is simply to continue walking each day to help me become healthier,” he said. “I have already lost quite a bit of weight, my blood work continues to show improvements in several areas, and I feel better both physically and mentally. This challenge helps me to continue that trend, at the same time giving back to those who need it which is also our goal as Legion Riders.
“I hope this becomes a yearly challenge.”