I've always loved a challenge, especially one that gets me outside! Whether I'm walking in the woods with my dog, taking a solo winter camping trip, or paddling deep into the Boundary Waters, time in nature gives me a chance to slow down, clear my head, and reset.

I've also always wanted to hike the Grand Canyon. When the opportunity came along to hike for a purpose beyond my own goals, it was an easy yes.

I mean, come on... It's the GRAND CANYON.

Why NAF?

Before my wife, Aimee, started working in NAF's Research department in 2023, I didn't even know ataxia existed. Since then I've learned a lot about these rare neurological diseases and their impact on people and families. My own experience is probably a pretty good example of why more awareness is needed.

As a biologist by training and a scientist at heart, I've been especially interested in learning about the research. I've watched how NAF works with researchers and clinicians to move ataxia science forward in real ways through providing research grants, organizing scientific meetings, and training new doctors.

But research needs attention and resources. The more people who know about ataxia and understand its impact, the more opportunity there is to drive progress. So I'm here to log the miles, raise some money, and help spread the word.

How you can help

I'm training hard for the Rim-to-Rim hike. Raising the money might actually intimidate me more, but I'm all in.

If you're able, please donate to support my hike and NAF's mission. Every gift helps. 

If you can't donate, please share this page.

And cheering me on as I train means a lot too. Send good vibes!

Thank you for being part of the adventure. 

Training Updates

Week 1: It’s official

I'm officially registered for the Xtreme Hike and meeting my fellow hikers on Zoom tonight.

So far, training has included breaking in a new pair of trail runners and trying out Pilates. The girls have enjoyed joining me for laps in the pool, evening walks, and family bike rides. I'm also starting to think about how I'm going to fuel myself as the training mileage increases. I'm tackling my first double-digit hike this weekend!

T-minus 59 days!

Week 2:  Prep 

After finally making a decision on a new of trail shoes (third time's the charm!), I put on some miles in Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan, MN): a 12 mile walk through some very nice old growth forests and oak savannas.

I learned some good information about my food, like the brand of electrolyte powder that I do NOT like...and that if I bring a banana in my pack, I should plan to eat that early (they do not hold up well after 7-8 miles of hiking).

I was also able to get over to a local trail in the bluffs along the MN River Valley.  There is a lot more elevation on this trail and, after hiking a couple of loops and getting lost at least once, I finished around 4.5 miles.  

The girls are all in on helping me train.  My almost 5 year old is happy to provide some resistance training by letting me push her around in the stroller on jogs and pull her in a trailer behind my bike.  My 9 and 11 year old competitive swimmers are jumping right into at home workout videos with me to follow along and proudly say "see, it's not that hard!"

Week 3: Test Hike

This past Saturday I spent the day at Afton State Park exploring all of the trails up and down the bluffs along the St. Croix River.  My day started a little later than planned with some early morning storms, but I was able to get on the trail in some light rain at 9am and finished at about 5:30 after logging a 21.5 mile trek.  

Grand Canyon Flash Flood

A large flash flood just tore through the Grand Canyon and flushed through the canyon that the North Kaibab trail follows (our original starting location), destroying bridges and buildings and, most tragically, taking lives. It's a stark reminder of how powerful nature really is. We are continuing to follow updates as they come in.

OUR TRIP IS STILL ON...but it sounds like the hike will now be a loop from the south rim at the South Kaibab trail, down the Colorado River, and back up the Bright Angel trail. We should know more the next Zoom call we have with the trip guides.

This week the girls are back to school, so it will be an adjustment juggling training with busy mornings, our fulltime jobs, and running around each night with 3 kids in 5 activities. Fingers crossed we can get into a good rhythm.

T-minus 40 days.

Weeks 4 & 5: Miles and Miles

We took the whole crew to the State Fair and spent the entire day eating and walking our way around the Great MN Get Together.  Some may not think that walking around the state fair counts as training; however, I dont think they realized how many kids are able to fit in one stoller and how hard that is to move around. I am not sure how many steps are in a mile, but my legs tell me that 20k+ is a long way to push a stroller.  

Me and the oldest girls took an impromptu overnight backpacking trip to the Afton State park.  They were gracious enough to allow me to carry the majority of the gear for them.  Fiona was kind enough to also allow me to carry hers (most snacks and fidgets) in addition to mine.  After getting to camp we spent the afternoon exploring some of the trail and watched the hawks and eagle ride are currents along the St. Croix River Valley bluffs. 

I continue to enjoy hiking up and down (and up and down) the trails at the Richard T Anderson Conservation Area.  It is a lovely area that provide a nice mix of restored prairie overlooking the MN River and old growth Maple/Basswood forests.  With some support from Aimee's parents to shuttle kids around for evening activites, I was able to spend a few hours putting on another 6-7 miles and LOTS of elevation.

Week 6:  Final Gear Prep

The Grand Canyon north rim trail to the river are still closed and it does not appear that any water service will be repair within the canyon so I made a couple of changes in my gear to bring some more water; I now have the capacity for 4.5 liters.  I am planning to head out on Sunday this weekend to get one last gear, food, and clothing shakedown.  I am still deciding on different clothes options.  Temperatures in October are typically just above freezing at the time we start on rim of the canyon and reach into the upper 90's at the river (layering will be key). 

18 days to go!!!

For more information on the National Ataxia Foundation, 

visit their website at ataxia.org