Hi Dennis,

Just a note to let you know I enjoyed reading your book “Three Hundred Zeroes”.  Since I’m an AT section hiker I knew what the title refered to before downloading it onto my Kindle.  But, I had no idea that we might have more in common than hiking the AT.  You see, last October I was finishing up my section hike of NY when I noticed that I was hiking very slowly.  I figured it was just old age since I was 46 yrs old. (Ha!) I too was very athletic and had worked hard to get fit before hitting the AT.  Just a few years earlier I had summited Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru in Tanzania.  Basically, I was a fitness nut.  I knew something was wrong but had no idea what it was.  I returned home to Huntsville, Alabama, (home of the Redstone Rocket) and immediately got very lazy.  Not three weeks later I had a heart attack and emergency heart surgery. 

The doctors told me I had an artery that was smaller than it should be and it finally caught up with me and got blocked. The rest of my heart was just fine.  I ended up with a double bypass and everyone I knew was in shock.  Much like you, I’ve touched a lot of people with my illness.  Almost everyone I know started eating healthy and exercising.  They figured if it can happen to Michael then it can happen to anyone!  I recovered so quickly that the doctors told me to skip cardiac rehab and just go home and walk as much as possible.

That was 8 months ago and here I sit planning my next section hike for this coming October.  I’ve hiked the AT from Georgia to the Hudson River and plan on making it to Maine within the next few years. I’m experiencing some of the same problems that you described in your book.  I feel as though I have a governor on my heart and can’t go uphill quickly like I use to.  Otherwise, I’m feeling very good and have been lifting weights, kayaking, hiking, jogging, etc.  As you know, the worst part of the experience has been the mental aspect of the illness.  Although happily married for 24 years, my daughter has been a greater source of inspiration for me.  She’s 14 yrs old and a junior olympic volleyball player. I was in a bed in the ICU before surgery and all I could think about was getting out of that hospital so I could watch her play volleyball.  That’s when I decided to tough it out and do whatever it took to get well.

Last weekend my daughter (blonde hair) and I rafted down the Ocoee River.  I attached a picture of us on the river and we’re in the back row.  I started her backpacking and kayaking when she was only six yrs old.  I’m glad I’m still here to experience those things with her and to teach her outdoor skills.

So, thanks for writing the book and giving me the confidence to continue with my section hikes. My cardiologist thinks I’m crazy and so do my friends.  I’m determined to finish the AT so Bear Mountain here I come!

Thanks Again, Michael

Michael and daughter, Becky, White Water Rafting!