100-mile finisher boosts V&CF, lowers weight
When the pandemic hit five months ago, Robert Michaelson’s gym shut down. So the retired Air Force veteran put on his sneakers and started walking six to eight miles daily.
“It’s just part of my lifestyle now,” he said. “My wife says I’ve lost weight; maybe the weight is redistributed. I guess I have lost weight since my pants don’t fit the same way.”
Michaelson quickly signed up for American Legion National Commander Bill Oxford’s 100 Miles For Hope campaign when it was unveiled Aug. 3. Michaelson, adjutant of Capt. Mark “Tyler” Voss American Legion Post 313 in Boerne, Texas, walked the majority of his miles. But he finished with a 27-mile bike ride at the Crownridge Canyon Natural Area in San Antonio.
The 100 Miles for Hope challenge is intended to get participants active while also funding the Veterans & Children Foundation. From Aug. 3 through Veterans Day — 100 days — Oxford challenged American Legion members to walk, run, bicycle, ride a motorcycle or cover that distance any way they choose.
Half of the $30 registration fee goes to support veterans and military families.
“I do a monthly donation to the Veterans & Children Foundation anyway,” Michaelson said. “This was just a little additional way to contribute. And I want to get the rest of the post involved, too. The commander signed up, as well as several other members.”
Oxford is encouraging American Legion Family posts, units, squadrons and chapters to join together to encourage participation. For example, American Legion Riders chapters are creating 100-mile rides as part of the campaign. A new flyer to promote the 100 Miles for Hope campaign has been created and is available for posts to display and distribute.
As a physician and former Air Force flight surgeon, Michaelson offers recommendations to those who want to participate but are not currently active.
“If you haven’t been exercising, go see your physician first,” he said. “Make sure that you are clear to do some exercise and start slowly. Then you can build up and make it part of your lifestyle. You will feel so much better doing it.”
Michaelson recommends breaking down the 100-mile goal into smaller chunks.
“If you do a half mile a day, or a mile a day, most people can walk that,” he said. “You don’t have to do it like I did, 6-8 miles a day. You’ve got 100 days to do it. Anyone can do that. And besides, what is most important is to support the Veterans & Children Foundation.”
For more information about the challenge, including the registration page and FAQ section are available at legion.org/100miles.