50 States Goal Reveals Common Ground

From sea to shining sea, America sure is beautiful. 

The outdoor spaces and experiences available to us are more than just life-enhancing natural resources. They serve as a common thread connecting us all.  

From trails and bike paths to state and national parks to running and other fitness events — coming together in the name of fresh air and exercise is a great thing. But beyond the health and wellness elements, these experiences also have the power to reconnect us with ourselves, our country, and each other.

Have you been to all 50 U.S. states? 

Imagine how your perspective or predisposed ideas about people or places might shift after visiting every state in America. Now imagine how your relationship with yourself might evolve if visiting every state was part of some bigger, personal life goal. For example, hiking a national park, running a half marathon, or riding your bike in every state. 

People all over the country have committed to endeavors like these. Like Chrissy Elliott, the YMCA’s former Brevard County district executive director, who completed her 50-hike challenge last year. 

Years ago, while working as a local fitness reporter, I met Marlene and Dick White. Now in their 60s, these two athletes ran marathons in all 50 states. We’ve been friends ever since I wrote a story on them, and the inspiration stuck. 

In late 2020, I hiked my first state peak, and committed on the spot to climbing to the top of the other 49. So far, I’ve reached eight. Still to come: Florida’s Britton Hill in the panhandle — the lowest of all the peaks at just 345 feet.

After reading about how Alaska’s Mt. Denali scrapes the sky at 20,000 feet — and how summiting requires weeks, thousands of dollars, a professional guide, and oxygen tanks — I decided I’d replace Alaska’s highest point with Puerto Rico’s. After all, this is my list, and I can do it however I’d like. 

And so can you. 

Maybe your ideal version of this involves birding and visiting historic monuments. Or paddle boarding. Or rock climbing. Or swimming. Or belly dancing in state parks at sunset. This is, as they say, your party. 

Your challenge, should you choose to accept it. 

This concept — the decision to do something active and outdoorsy in all 50 states — isn’t rigid. It’s fluid, flexible, and yours to adapt. There’s no time limit. It all counts. What you did before counts. What you do here forward counts more. 

The only rules: Take thoughtful care of the environments you pass through, make smart decisions, behave respectfully, and — because communities are built on shared experiences — be sure to capture and share your experience in a way that works for you.  

For those interested in joining this journey in your own way, or following along with mine, I encourage you to connect with me on social media. Let’s cheer each other on, and see where it leads. 

Connect

Instagram: @MichelleMulak  @Fifty.Hikes  @Fifty.Rides   #WorkoutWanderlust

Website:  Workout-Wanderlust.com