Heart Attack Survivor Embarks on AT Thru Hike

Two years ago, Mike Osmond, a Bradenton, FL restaurant owner had a heart attack. Oh, and they found out then he was also a diabetic. And today, March 24, 2007, he embarks on his thru hike on the Appalachian Trial.

The journey tops a long list of accomplishments Mike Osmond dreams of doing before he dies. So in December, on his 50th birthday Mike made a commitment to step up his training, climbing up and down the stairs of a five story parking garage in downtown Bradenton fifty times a day while wearing his forty pound backpack. The items he carries inside are essential to his survival, including a very special package of pills.

Mike, we’re pulling for you! Check out the news story and video. You’ll also want to track Mike’s progress on his trail journal.