Athlete of the Week
Rick Eles from Ontario
April 21st, 2020
Rick Eles walked his way to 1000 KM in less than 4 months. See how he did it!
Did you walk, jog or run this challenge?
My children got me an Apple Watch for my 70th birthday last April. I didn’t even have a cell phone, so it forced me to get an iPhone! It became addictive, and from April 23rd to December 31st, I walked 2810 km! I had a major heart attack in 2003 with stents inserted to correct my situation! I have always been a walker but had no idea how much I was walking until I got the watch and phone. I guess I am OCD
How often do you walk?
I walk at least twice a day with my dog. Once, in the early morning, before my wife gets up, and the second time, I walk with my wife and our dog. I sometimes go a third time!

What was your greatest obstacle while aiming to reach 1000KMs?
Living in northern Ontario, the morning walks this winter have been difficult. I sometimes have to decide to go early or wait until it is a little warmer.
How do you stay motivated and find the time to walk and run?
Being retired, I consider walking to be like a job that I have to do every day.
What advice would you give someone to stay focused on reaching 1000KM in 2020?
If you are having difficulty getting motivated, find a friend to go with you! Then two people will win!
April 22 update
1272km
Fantastic. An inspiration to us all!
Amazing discipline & determination !! Congrats again Rick !!!
I love your story. Good on you!
Great job, Rick!! Keep it up!!
Congratulations to a fellow walker. I like you don’t cover a lot of ground on any one day but I just go often. Slow and steady for me. Don’t think I can match your 2810 but it is not a race anyway. Good for you.
Outstanding Rick ……it’s when you read stories like this that push me to move my spirit towards Mother Nature. Keep on walking your an inspiration ?