Are you getting in Shape?

Sankofa here. Hello. Welcome to the science and fitness page. I am carrying Miles Dean on my back for 6,000 miles in approximately 180 days. In order for me to do this, I must be in shape. Each day, I will travel between 20-30 miles. As I carry him, I am getting plenty of exercise and six of my vital signs will be monitored.

As I make it along the trail, Miles will monitor my heart rate (which, at rest, could average 26-33 beats per minute/bpm), my respiration rate (which should average 8-15 bpm and should never exceed my heart rate). I will also be checked to make sure I'm not dehydrating because I should be drinking, at least, 5 gallons of water each day. In addition, my gut sounds will be checked to make sure my digestive system is functioning properly (he will use a stethoscope for this check). Finally, my capillary refill time (CRT) will be monitored to insure that I'm not going into shock brought on by the stress of the journey (he does this by pressing on my gums and monitoring how long it takes for the blood to flow back into the pressed area). By the way, he has to do this routine daily for both me and Blaze. He's got his work cut out for him...but it was his idea...

If you exercise for 15 minutes each day, at the end of my trip will you be in as great of shape as I hope to be?