Man walking across the U.S. promotes healthy living

Many visitors pass through Ritzville each day, whether it is to grab a quick meal before continuing on the freeway or to explore the city’s history. One traveler passed through Ritzville on June 8 during a journey to meet new people and encourage young people to exercise.

Zach Thomas, 21, is walking from his hometown of Redmond to New York City in an attempt to encourage people to try something new and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Walking has always been a hobby of Thomas’ and he uses the exercise as a way to relieve stress and work through problems, he explained. He stated after dinner, he would always walk, and found the exercise positively affected his mind and body.

After realizing the medical advantages of walking, Thomas said he began to realize the mental affects it had as well.

His favorite part of the day is the seven-mile walk to his work in the morning because it allows him to prepare for the day and clear his mind, he explained.

He also enjoys meeting new people and learning about their lives. Thomas said he hopes to also inspire young people to build new friendships.

After graduating high school, Thomas attended college in California to pursue a degree in business. After graduation, he started a software solution company in San Diego for medical pressure ulcers.

Thomas and his business partner sold the company to Del software after a successful first year.

He then began working for a Tech Company in Seattle.

Thomas said he thought of the idea to walk across the nation after brainstorming ways with his sister to get young people excited about exercising. Inspired by Tom Hanks’ running journey in the movie, “Forrest Gump”, he decided to walk across the United States.

In order to prepare for the journey, Thomas said he began walking farther each day and placed weights in his backpack. Along with the physical aspects of the trip, he also practiced fasting to train his body to handle minimal food and water.

After only preparing for two weeks, Thomas decided to begin the trip.

To allow people to follow his journey, he is documenting his experiences using the tagline “Walk About Nation” on Facebook and Instagram.

Thomas said the phrase came from a leadership camp he attended in college.

He decided to base his journey from the camp because it taught him that walking is about self-discovery, he explained.

Thomas said one reason he enjoys walking is because it is a simple exercise, which makes it difficult for people to find excuses to not do it. He hopes walking across the nation will show young people the simplicity of exercising and motivate them to be healthy.

Overall, the journey is 2,830 miles and he anticipates arriving in New York by mid September.

His backpack includes a variety of items to provide him with food, water and shelter during the trip.

Thomas said he packed energy bars and beef jerky for food, a water bottle, a one-person tent, a sleeping bag, hiking poles and a change of clothes. He has also set personal goals to ensure he remains on schedule.

By using a GPS map on his phone, Thomas said he is able to navigate directions and find the nearest trails to walk on.

Thomas stated he tries to walk at least 30 miles a day and pass through one city for a meal.

After only walking for one week, Thomas said he has met many amazing people and received generous gifts from community members of the cities and towns he passes through.

Thomas said he was woken up by Wenatchee police officers at a local supermarket informing he could not sleep on the ground of the parking lot. After explaining his cause, Thomas said the officers purchased a new set of hiking poles for him and expressed their support for his journey.

Thomas said many people have expressed their appreciation for Walk About Nation. He feels very blessed in the fact people have been so supportive and kind to him during his journey.

After his first week of walking, Thomas said he has already met inspiring people along the way. On his first day walking from Redmond, he met a group of ladies over the age of 65 who have made exercising and healthy lifestyle a priority.

For over 30 years, the friends walk or hike seven miles once a week. Thomas said the group’s motivation to stay active showcases the importance of exercising despite age.

Thomas arrived in Ritzville on June 7 during one of the warmest days of the year. He expressed appreciation for the generosity of community members, and Memories Diner for providing him with food and water.

Although Walk About Nation is focused on inspiring young people to be active and healthy, the trip also serves as a self-discovery mission for Thomas. As he continues on his journey, he said he looks forward to meeting new people and experiencing different communities along the way.