“Just remember, one foot in front of the other, when you are really suffering at the end of the day, just remember, one foot in front of the other. Push through the pain.” Doug MacPhail.
Doug, 65, has hiked the Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy Challenge event – roughly 35 some odd miles in one day – 14 times. Yes, friends, 14 times.
Doug is also hiking the entire 2,181 mile Appalachian Trail in sections. He’s been hiking the A.T. for 11 years with 1,692 miles completed. “I have 480 remaining –plan to finish in 2019,” he said.
Of course, hiking 35 miles in one day or 2,181 along the Appalachian Trail are not on everyone’s radar screen. But you can take a 1-mile, 3-mile or 5-mile hike for fun and health – both physical and mental.
“Hiking is a wonderful physical activity. However, it is also quite therapeutic. Many people, especially our youth, suffer from nature deficit disorder. Go outside and play!” he said.
With cooler and colder weather right around the corner in many parts of the country, Doug has another piece of advice.
“Get outdoors, year round. All four seasons in the woods are beautiful, especially winter,” he said.
For those of you in the Greater Pittsburgh area, Doug is one of the folks featured on a local T.V. special focusing on the wonderful outdoor opportunities in our area. Catch it Weds. Sept. 19th at 10 p.m. on WTAE. (If you miss it, check their website for other showings.) Until then, here is the trailer:
https://www.wtae.com/article/wtae-channel-4-presents-chronicle-pittsburgh-outdoors/23105510
And remember, it’s easy – “One foot in front of the other.”
