Mental health advocate Kyndal Edwards has reached New Bern after walking more than 10,000 miles across the United States to raise awareness about mental health and addiction recovery.
Edwards began Friday’s journey in Havelock and traveled 22 miles before arriving in New Bern around 5 p.m., bringing his total distance to 10,788 miles.
“The walk was good,” Edwards said. “We did a little bit of running — 22 miles from Havelock to here in beautiful New Bern, North Carolina.”
Edwards began his journey nearly 500 days ago and has since walked from coast to coast while promoting conversations about mental health and addiction recovery.
Cross-country walk for mental health reaches New Bern
Friday’s walk came during another day of high temperatures across Eastern North Carolina, and Edwards said even someone with years of experience must take precautions in the heat.
“Very hot day,” Edwards said. “I was out in the sun all day. It was brutal.”
He said heat exhaustion, dehydration and a lack of shade along highways are some of the biggest challenges he faces while walking.
Cross-country walk for mental health reaches New Bern
“Even being conditioned as I am, the heat doesn’t bother me as much as others, but I still have to worry about heat exhaustion, dehydration, not being able to find shade on the highway when you need it,” Edwards said.
To stay safe, Edwards said he drinks plenty of water, replaces electrolytes and protects himself from the sun.
“I do stay hydrated. I eat what I need for my cramps whenever I do. I put a bunch of sunscreen on every day,” he said.
He also encouraged others to listen to their bodies before pushing themselves outdoors in hot weather.
“Especially when you’re not used to it, it’s also good to know your body,” Edwards said. “If you’re tired, don’t feel like you have to push. Don’t go hard because you’re trying to prove something.”
Edwards plans to remain in New Bern for a few days before continuing his journey through Greenville and into Virginia.