A Sacramento Doctor's firsthand look at the daily challenges, purpose, and people behind a walk across America.
Sacramento, Calif. – People often ask me, "What's it really like walking across America?"
The truth is, there really isn't a typical day. Every day is different. Different roads. Different weather. Different conversations. Different surprises.
But if you join Rich and me for one day during this final walk from Bozeman to Seattle, I think you'd be surprised by what you would see—and by what you wouldn't.
My day usually begins around five in the morning, without needing an alarm. That may have something to do with falling asleep around 8:30 the night before from pure exhaustion.
I'll wander down to the hotel breakfast with whichever brother is supporting me that week—David for the first half of the walk and Tim for the second. The breakfast probably isn't exactly what I would prescribe in my naturopathic clinic, but when it's included with the room and there are 25 miles waiting outside, you become very grateful for instant oatmeal, sometimes fruit, eggs, and any coffee, better than no coffee, and don't forget the powdered "cream."
Then we drive back to the exact place where I stopped the afternoon before.
Every Mile Has to Be Earned
One thing I love about these walks is that every mile has to be earned.
No shortcuts.
More Than Just Walking
Around 8:00 or 8:30, usually an hour or so after I have begun walking, I may already be on the phone. On days when we will be arriving in a town for a press conference, that is an important time to reach the media.
That's when television stations, newspapers, and radio stations are deciding which stories they will cover that day. Our press release has already gone out several days earlier, but now it's time to follow up.
"Hi, this is Dr. Dennis Godby with Walk USA for Health Equity. I just wanted to make sure you received our press release. We'll be arriving at City Hall around 4:30 this afternoon for the press conference."
Sometimes they already have it.
Sometimes I have to send it again.
Sometimes they say, "That's a really interesting story. We'll see if we can send someone."
Sometimes they say they will definitely be there.
Sometimes the answer is less definite, which means we won't know until 4:30 whether anyone is coming.
You never know which media call may introduce thousands of people to the idea that where someone lives should never determine how healthy they can be.
This final leg will be different because Rich Saalsaa is walking beside me all the way from Bozeman to Seattle.
That changes the rhythm of the day in wonderful ways.
Twenty-five miles gives you a lot of uninterrupted conversation. We'll be able to talk about the next town, media opportunities, social media, the people we hope to involve, and how we can make the walk as successful as possible. Some of our best ideas will probably happen somewhere along the shoulder of a highway in Montana, Idaho or Washington State.
Of course, sometimes we won't talk at all.
After enough miles, two people can become very comfortable saying absolutely nothing.
Of course, Rich isn't the only one who keeps me entertained. My brother David has made it his stated goal to keep me laughing as much as possible—and he certainly succeeds. His stories are raw, funny, refreshing, and completely unpredictable. After a long day of walking, laughter can be every bit as important as a good meal or a night's sleep.
Staying Safe on America's Highways
One thing most people almost never think about is the shoulder of the road.
I do.
I've been studying highway shoulders since my first long-distance run to Canada in 1978. Even now, while riding in a car, I catch myself looking out the window and wondering whether a road would be good—and safe—to walk.
Walkers and runners on highways have to always be facing traffic. It is extremely unsafe to walk with traffic.
While most passengers are probably admiring the scenery.
I'm examining the shoulder.
A shoulder can determine whether a road is reasonably safe or extremely dangerous. Some are almost nonexistent. Others are wide and smooth, like the shoulders on interstate highways—which, unfortunately, are generally the roads we cannot walk on. A good shoulder gives us room to stay away from traffic. A poor one may leave us only inches from passing cars and trucks.
Then there are bridges. Some leave barely enough space between the traffic and the barrier for one person. Those are not places where I stop to admire the view.
The overwhelming majority of drivers, including truck drivers, are very considerate. They move over when they can and often change lanes completely. Sometimes, on a two-lane road with oncoming traffic, they simply have nowhere to go.
Reflective clothing is essential, but one of my most important safety practices is movement. When a vehicle is approaching, I will always swing my arms widely and deliberately to attract the driver's attention. People notice motion much more easily than they notice a still figure beside the road. It also makes clear that I am out there for a purpose—not simply a random person wandering along the highway.
Beyond visibility, staying safe requires constant awareness: watching the traffic, listening for vehicles, noticing curves and hills, and always knowing where I can step if a driver comes too close. Endurance matters, but awareness and judgment matter even more. I have never worn ear phones because while you can see oncoming vehicles, you also have to hear what is going on behind you.
Gravel roads present a different challenge. They are harder on my feet, harder on my old meniscus, slower to walk, and every passing vehicle can leave us in a cloud of dust. Long stretches through corn and soybean fields can seem endless, and I might even be tempted to be sarcastic, and ask, "are we having fun yet?"
Heat, Hydration, and Endurance
People also don't realize how important shade becomes.
The highest temperature may come around four in the afternoon, but the hardest part of the day is usually between eleven and two, when the sun is directly overhead and there is almost nowhere to hide.
A single tree can feel like an old friend.
So can the shadow of a building.
Even a passing cloud is appreciated.
On really hot days, David or Tim may tuck ice into the flap on the back of my hat before I head out.
It's amazing how much happiness a handful of ice can bring.
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As a naturopathic doctor for the last 20 years, I have witnessed the power of a preventative lifestyle and naturopathic medicine to transform the health and lives of thousands of patients.
Sacramento Naturopathic
2530 J Street, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95816
Phone: (916) 446-2591
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