Day 365 - 5.97 miles (2,326.28 total)

I have one day of walking left to complete my year and this will be the last post describing things I learned walking two hours a day. Today I will talk about the most important lesson of all: gratitude. I am deeply grateful for all the questions, comments, support, kind words and encouragement I have received from you over the course of the last year.

I can’t remember how many times I’ve been asked, “Are you still walking everyday?” When I responded that I was, I was always asked about how it was going and encouraged to continue. Those kind thoughts helped me along.

I heard words of encouragement from family, friends and total strangers. I heard from people that I inspired them to start walking and exercising (those meant the most to me). I also heard from people who were keeping track of my progress and adventures. It is a bit surreal to know so many of you followed along with my journey. When I started this, I never thought anyone would care.

But some of you certainly did, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Tomorrow marks the end of this journey, but not the end. I have other adventures waiting for me, some that I will tell you about tomorrow. For now, I will leave you with my deepest thanks. I appreciated your e-mails. I appreciated your honks as you passed me on the road. I appreciated your smiles when I passed by your stores. I appreciated the words of encouragement. And I appreciated my family — especially my wife Stephanie — who I found waiting for me at home when I would get back from my two hours, usually with a simple question and a hug: “How was your walk?”

My walk was great.