Samir completes a 44-mile birthday hike in 15 hours to motivate Americans on July 4th!

On this Independence Day, we not only celebrate America but here at HFR we also celebrate our visionary founder Samir Becic! Fun fact: he was born on the bi-centennial of America’s birthday, on July 4th, 1976.

Some bosses lead with force, others with micromanaging, while yet others (like Samir!) lead with inspiration and drive. His confidence in his team is not only motivating but has also created strong company loyalty among company culture. Our editor, a few years ago, said it best. Samir can enter a room and effortlessly touch people with his enthusiasm, sincerity, and motivation.

Samir: Happy birthday on behalf of the entire Health Fitness Revolution team!

This year, Samir is in Aspen, Colorado celebrating his 44th birthday, originally planning on hiking 44 miles over the course of two days. Well, he outdid himself! He hiked 44 miles over the course of 15 hours in order to motivate Americans to be more active (and walk 1-2 miles a day). Congrats on doing it in one day, Samir, You Rock!!

July 4th…America’s birthday…but also mine! As America takes its big hike (to overcome COVID, social unrest, etc), I will also embark on my longest hike of 44 miles (70.8km). I will be hiking a mile for each of my 44 years over two days but will attempt to complete it in one 🙂 pic.twitter.com/LAubWq9n7o

— Samir Becic (@SamirBecic) July 2, 2020

Here is his journey:

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Today I embarked on my longest hike of 44 miles (70.8km). I will be hiking a mile for each of my 44 years over two days but will attempt to complete it in one while carrying 50 lbs of supplemental weight! I love a good birthday challenge! Rio Grande trail is 42 miles long.

A post shared by Samir Becic (@samirbecic) on Jul 3, 2020 at 1:49pm PDT

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After 5 miles I feel ok! My goal is to finish 44 miles in 15 hours or less while carrying 50 lbs of supplemental weight! I’m posting as I get internet access.

A post shared by Samir Becic (@samirbecic) on Jul 3, 2020 at 3:34pm PDT

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After 11 miles I still feel ok! My goal is to finish 44 miles in 15 hours or less while carrying 50 lbs of supplemental weight! I’m posting as I get internet access. The posts may be hours delayed.

A post shared by Samir Becic (@samirbecic) on Jul 3, 2020 at 5:18pm PDT

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After 15 miles I’m feeling a little tired. My goal is to finish 44 miles in 15 hours or less while carrying 50 lbs of supplemental weight! The tweets may be hours delayed due to internet access.

A post shared by Samir Becic (@samirbecic) on Jul 3, 2020 at 5:46pm PDT

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After 21-22 miles I’m feeling tired! I need a substantial break to eat and drink water/coffee/green tea! My goal is to finish 44 miles in 15 hours while carrying 50 lbs of supplemental weight! The tweets may be hours delayed due to internet.

A post shared by Samir Becic (@samirbecic) on Jul 3, 2020 at 6:40pm PDT

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After 32 miles I’m exhausted! I don’t feel my shoulders or my feet- that is actually a good thing. My goal is to finish 44 miles (70.8km) in 15 hours while carrying 50 lbs of supplemental weight! The tweets may be hours delayed due to internet access.‬

A post shared by Samir Becic (@samirbecic) on Jul 3, 2020 at 9:54pm PDT

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Mile 38 or 40, I’m not sure. I only know that I’m thinking about quitting any moment. This is insane…even for me :)! However, I hope to motivate Americans to do 1-2 miles a day! If I can do 44 miles (70.8km) as a 44 year old in 15 hours, you can do 2 miles at any age. Do we have a deal America??

A post shared by Samir Becic (@samirbecic) on Jul 3, 2020 at 11:12pm PDT

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Mile 42, each step is a huge effort! Really, not a joke! However, I already have seen myself finishing 44 miles in my mind. I visualized the finish line. I will be victorious! Today I embarked on my longest hike of 44 miles (70.8km). I will be hiking a mile for each of my 44 years over two days but will attempt to complete it in one while carrying 50 lbs of supplemental weight! I love a good birthday challenge!

A post shared by Samir Becic (@samirbecic) on Jul 4, 2020 at 12:16am PDT

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I barely did it…44 miles (70.8km) of hiking on my 44th birthday while carrying 50 lbs of supplemental weight. Happy 4th of July! Today I embarked on my longest hike of 44 miles (70.8km). I will be hiking a mile for each of my 44 years over two days but will attempt to complete it in one while carrying 50 lbs of supplemental weight! I love a good birthday challenge!

A post shared by Samir Becic (@samirbecic) on Jul 4, 2020 at 1:20am PDT