8 to10 AM – We packed and loaded the trailer to get ready to move on to our sponsor Baymont hotel in Little Rock, AR.
10:30 AM – Pushed from Stuttgart to Hummoke, AR 14 miles. It took approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach Hummoke.
Break 11:45 – Took a 5 to 10 minute break for Gatorade and water.
12 Noon – I pushed on to England, AR for another 14 miles. We arrived in England at around 1:15 PM. So I’ve pushed my wheelchair all the way from America to England. Ha!
Break 1:15 PM – Took a 15 minute break for an apple, granola bar, Gatorade and water. I need lots and lots of water.
1:30 PM – Pushed on for 34 miles into North Little Rock, AR. Half way through the push we took a short break for fluids. The heat and humidity were almost unbearable. When the humidity gets so high, your body’s natural cooling system, perspiration, can’t work efficiently. See, your body sweats in response to heat and the air dries it causing evaporative cooling. When it is too humid you get no evaporative cooling. To make a long story short – it’s miserable! You also have to be careful. If you are in the heat and suddenly stop sweating you might be nearing heat stroke so get in the shade, cut out excessive activity and drink some water.
*Note* – Dora called local Little Rock television station channel 7 contact “Angela” an hour before we arrived. Angela told Dora they would meet us out on the road when we got close to North Little Rock on Highway 165. When I passed the sign that said “Welcome to North Little Rock,” Dora called again about the television station meeting us. They said that they would be coming out in a white van with channel 7 logos on it. I pushed another 15 miles on into North Little Rock and noticed thunderstorms coming in from the North West. Andy had a flat tire on his bike just ½ mile before we reached Interstate 440. We pulled over at a gas station and Dora again called Angela at the TV station. Because of the lightning and thunderstorms rapidly approaching, and the fact that we were already well into North Little Rock, we decided to quit for the day. Dora called again to Angela at channel 7 to let her know that we would wait at the gas station for the camera crew. Angela told Dora that they were short staffed, and that it was doubtful if anyone would come out to meet us. The news teams get pretty busy when thunderstorms approach. Angela said that she would try to meet up with us at a different time.
4 PM – We loaded up and drove to our sponsor hotel, Baymont. On the way we ran into rain where we had to pull off the road momentarily because it was impossible to see through the downpour.
5 – 6 PM – We arrived at our sponsor hotel, Baymont. We took a short meal break and then uploaded pictures and updated the log.
7 – 10 PM – Unloaded some office supplies and other things. We straightened up and organized the room to work more like an office. Dora bought a new Lexmark 3 in One printer, scanner and copier at Office Depot, since other one had been broken on the road.
11 PM – Went to bed.
The title of today’s blog is an anonymous quote that I really like. A lot of time is spent these days talking about fitness. A lot of people think to themselves, “Yup! It’s time to get in shape! I just need a plan and I will really do it right. I’ll start on Monday.” Only Monday never seems to come. How many times have you thought about working out or eating better only to drop the ball? Maybe you even made dramatic promises to “lose twenty pounds by New Years day!” but never got past the thought. I admire the desire you have to get in shape, I even like that you recognize something in yourself you’d like to improve. Good for you! The only thing is you must get past the thought and create the action! When you start an exercise and nutrition regimen it is good to have a plan. You will have a more efficient and profitable work-out if you have a routine to follow. Also, nutrition can be tricky and you need a plan there as well. However, don’t let your lack of these things stop you from getting active – today. RIGHT NOW! Ok, right after you finish reading this. Something as simple as walking around the block or riding a bike is a great start. In fact, invite a friend and pass your new enthusiasm for fitness along to someone else! While you are walking you can start formulating that all important comprehensive fitness plan. The gym isn’t the only place you can get in shape but it can be a fun place to work out and get motivated by like minded people. Never been to a gym? No problem! Every day lots of people step into the gym for the first time. Even my pal Arnold Schwarzenegger had to have a first time so don’t sweat it! If you need help ask a trainer to assist you. Much of the equipment has instructions for proper use right on them. Also, many gyms have beginner programs that will get you started. If weights aren’t your thing try one of the many group exercise classes gyms offer. I’m sure you’ll find something that makes you feel great and have fun while getting in shape. As for nutrition, stay away from fad diets and certainly don’t starve yourself. Eat sensibly and reference well documented sourced for your nutritional needs. So put your good thoughts to action – get moving, get fit and get started today.
7:00 a.m. CST – First thing in the morning, Dora went to Wal-Mart to exchange the printer.
8:45 a.m. CST – We drove back to Marianna, AR, where we stopped yesterday, to continue the push towards Stuttgart, AR.
Total miles pushed: 52
10:00 a.m. CST – This morning I met with Charlie Bargman, the Director of Parks and Recreation for the city of Chester, in front of the large bronze statue of Popeye. Elzie C. Segar, a resident of Chester, created Popeye’s character in 1929. We were told that Elzie was a small man who worked on the riverboats on the Mississippi River. Local legend has it that even though Elzie was small in stature, he never lost a fight. I like Popeye. He always looked out for the little guy and make sure he ate his spinach! Ha! I guess it is a little funny but it’s true. Eat right, stay fit and healthy and you can defeat the big old Brutus we call obesity. By staying healthy and fit you become a champion for healthy living and an example to the community. Are you, just one person, important? Of course you are! Your example will inspire others to live healthier and be more fit. Each individual making the decision to take responsibility for their own fitness will make this revolution happen!
6:30 a.m. CST – I departed for WISH-TV-CBS for a 7:40 A.M. live interview with Anchor Pam Elliot, on the “Good Morning Indianapolis” show. Pam Elliot was a great interviewer. She really covered the subject well and we were able to let her know that the Big Push and Revolutions tour was to raise awareness and to demonstrate that if I could push my wheelchair across America paralyzed from the chest down, then anyone can become healthy and fit whatever their limitations or adversity they must overcome. We discussed that after the Big Push, I would continue my fight for fitness and write and publish the book “Revolutions” about my journey and plans to improve
10:00 a.m. CST – This morning I was presented a Proclamation from Mayor Peterson. As a way to thank the mayor’s office for their support and commitment to the Kevin Saunders’ Health and Fitness Tour of America, I presented Mayor Peterson with a plaque. I gave an impromptu motivational presentation to let everyone know the purpose for this Tour and that I would continue spreading my message of motivation and inspiration during my journey. I challenged the city to get in shape before I returned. I offered to provide tools and resources to help with the efforts that are currently ongoing in the Indianapolis area to make everyone healthier. My new book, “Revolutions” is a great motivational tool full of tips and information about the tour. My other books, “Blueprint for Success” and “There’s Always a Way” are available as well at 
In addition to being a Paralympic wheelchair athlete and author I work as a motivational coach and inspirational speaker. In that role I’ve been invited to speak to the University of Southern Florida Bulls today. Bulls head coach Jim Leavitt and I worked together at Kansas State where he was the co-defensive coordinator while I was the team’s motivational coach. At that time under Coach Bill Snyder’s leadership Kansas State Football experienced what was later referred to as the greatest turnaround in college sports history. Here in Florida Coach Leavitt has created his own amazing story taking this team from non-existence to Division 1-A status in just five short years. Coach Leavitt is truly a man that lives the philosophy of never give up and there’s always a way.
8 a.m. CST- Today was great because I was able to meet with many different people. While I was in Portland, I presented Mayor Hozier a plaque from the Kevin Saunders’ Health and Fitness Tour of America. Stephanie Arnold, assistant to Mayor Hozier, was another one of the interesting people I met today. She is on the 2004 Olympic Women’s Archery Team that will be competing in Athens, Greece. We wished her good luck and told her to bring back the Gold. I also spoke with The Portland Commercial Review, Jay County’s daily newspaper. They interviewed me about my history and the mission of the Tour. I explained how I had overcome the tragedy I faced years ago to achieve goals I never thought were possible. I overcame adversity and found the motivation and inspiration to live my dream. My current dream is to help Americans fight obesity by supplying them with the motivation and the knowledge they need to be successful in that fight. My book, “Revolutions”, will cover my methods and plan to achieve that goal. We also talked about my motivational coaching & inspirational speaking career and how I used that platform to get my message across. New Castle, IN. I pushed two morning sessions, 20 miles each, with a little less than an hour break between. I pushed through Farmland, Modoc, and into Hagerstown. Then I had to get in the follow vehicle to get to New Castle in time for my 1:30 p.m. interview.Indianapolis, IN that afternoon, I got back in the van and we quickly drove to Indianapolis.Hagerstown to Indianapolis. But hey, I don’t let it keep me down. I’ll just keep rolling on spreading my message of health and fitness to everyone that will listen.