I am embarking on a new goal (2012 Paralympic Judo Team). As a Martial Artist/Sensei I have felt a strong desire to compete. I have participated in tournaments in the forms/Kata division, but that is non-combative. Standard sparring (Kumite) is rarely open to a blind competitor due to the possibility of . . . → Read More: Paralympics]]> http://blindmotivation.com/2011/10/paralympics/ As I was looking around online I found another interview that Mike did with Mark Winsor an online radio host. If you check out the video you will have a good idea of how tiring and long the Arizona Trail hike was. At the point of this interview we were about 4 or 5 days away . . . → Read More: In the media: Mark Winsor Interviews Mike Armstrong on Arizona Trail]]> http://blindmotivation.com/2011/10/in-the-media-mark-winsor-interviews-mike-armstrong-on-arizona-trail/

Well… I made it! The final number of miles hiked on the AZT was 782. It took me a bit longer than we had originally planned with a total of 57 days from start to finish. The 45 days of actual hiking gave us an average of 17 miles a day. Thanks to the . . . → Read More: Well… I made it!]]> http://blindmotivation.com/2011/06/well-i-made-it/ Fox 10 did a story on Mike Armstrong yesterday morning, check out the video below to see it.

Blind Man Hikes Across Arizona: MyFoxPHOENIX.com

An Arizona man has just completed an 800 mile hike across the state, and what makes this story so inspirational is that he did it without the benefit of sight.

FOX 10’s Kristin Anderson . . . → Read More: In the News: Blind Man Hikes Across Arizona (Video)]]> http://blindmotivation.com/2011/06/in-the-news-blind-man-hikes-across-arizona/ Sensei Mike Armstrong (First Blind Man to Thru-hike the Arizona Trail)

Earlier today I was privileged to guide Sensei Mike Armstrong across the Arizona/Utah border. In the past 57 days Mike has hiked 782.3 miles and became the first blind man to hike the Arizona Trail end to end.

When we first set out on this adventure . . . → Read More: First blind man to thru-hike the Arizona Trail]]> http://blindmotivation.com/2011/05/first-blind-man-to-thru-hike-the-arizona-trail/ Passed the 750-mile mark of the Arizona Trail today. Team Armstrong will complete this 807-mile journey at noon Saturday. FBC CEO Marc Ashton hiked with me for 22 miles Wednesday along along East Rim of Grand Canyon–finished in under . . . → Read More: Update from Team Armstrong]]> http://blindmotivation.com/2011/05/update-from-team-armstrong-3/ We finished off 24 miles and arrived in Tusayan, we got to the hotel about 7pm and enjoyed a steak dinner. Both Sensei’s feet are sore and mine are pretty well blistered. We are both tired but we only have 10 miles tomorrow where we will arrive at . . . → Read More: Check in from Team Armstrong]]> http://blindmotivation.com/2011/05/check-in-from-team-armstrong/ Checked in with Mike last night; even though him and Bob Pelikan (Sighted Guide) were covered in SNOW (yes it does snow in Arizona) and hammered with strong winds they reached their 24 mile goal in time to enjoy a hot shower and dinner in Flagstaff as a reward.

Mike has told me that his leg is . . . → Read More: Update from Team Armstrong]]> http://blindmotivation.com/2011/05/update-from-team-armstrong-2/ Just checked in with Mike Armstrong’s logistics support and even though the GPS was giving them issues Shane and Sensei Mike have completed 21 miles today.

Sensei Mike’s regular guides Ben and Yancey unfortunately had to return to work today. Luckily other guides have stepped up to help guide Mike to the finish line.

Sensei Mike is on . . . → Read More: Arizona Trail Checkin]]> http://blindmotivation.com/2011/05/arizona-trail-checkin/