From Five Rivers MetroParks to Hocking Hills to the Great Smoky Mountains, their love of adventure grew while their waistlines shrunk. By 2013, the Fairborn couple had lost a combined 254 pounds.
They have shared their passion for the outdoors at the Adventure Summit as speakers and created the Every Trail MetroPark Challenge to encourage others to get outside with them. Michelle and Brian Coleman are now embarking on a new adventure hosting the monthly Cruisin’ with the Colemans Speaker Series at Base Camp Outdoors Co. in downtown Dayton. The series will kick off with “From the Couch to the Summit,” their origin story, at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 23. The events are free and open to the public.
“It’s in our nature to share what we’re doing and show other people that they can do this too,” Brian said.
“This is a different kind of challenge for us,” Michelle said. “We want to give people the nuts and bolts they need to make a change themselves.”
While the couple has completed six Camino pilgrimages and has their own YouTube channel, the teachers-turned-adventurers remain relatable.
“No one looks at us and says, ‘look at this incredibly fit couple,’” Brian said, smiling. “Our videos are incredibly real.”
While the Colemans will be encouraging others to embark on their own adventures, the couple isn’t finished adventuring themselves – far from it. They have plans to finish creating memories in the lower 48 states with trips to Nebraska and Idaho this year.
An RV trip to Alaska is also on the bucket list and there is talk of possible excursions to Machu Picchu and Mount Kilimanjaro.
“We want to do the big, hard, challenging things while we still can,” Michelle said.
The Colemans Adventure Timeline
September 2009 – Took their first “big” hiking trip to Hocking Hills State Park.
December 2009 – First outing with the Dayton Hikers.
November 2010 – First big solo hike in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. They have now hiked more than 300 miles of trail throughout the park.
August 2011 – Hiked a section of the Appalachian Trail for their 40th birthday, their first backpacking experience on their own.
Summer 2014 – Took their first 4-week road trip vacation with just a tent and a plan to hike several national parks, including backpacking the Grand Canyon National Park.
Winter 2015-2016 – Created and led the first Every Trail MetroPark Challenge.
Summer 2017 – Walked their first Camino on the Camino France.
August 2017 – Bought an RV to get out and live a more adventurous life.
Summer 2018 – Cruisin’ with the Colemans was born on Instagram, Facebook, and a blog.
Summer 2019 – Walked the Camino Frances and Camino Portuguese.
Summers 2020-21 – RV’d 13,000 miles.
Summer 2022 – Walked the Via Francigena from Switzerland to Rome – 50 days of walking to celebrate 50 years on earth.
Summer 2024 – Walked the Camino del Norte, the most challenging Camino to date with more than 35,000 feet of elevation gain over 35 days walking on the northern coast of Spain.
MORE DETAILS
Cruisin’ with the Colemans Speaker Series
At Base Camp Outdoors Co. (420 E. 1st St., Dayton)
* From the Couch to the Summit: The Origin Story of the Colemans, January 23, 6:30 p.m.
As they closed in on their 40th birthdays, the largely sedentary couple realized if something didn’t change, they might not see their 50th. Discover their journey from purchasing a pair of hiking boots to summiting Cadillac Mountain, Angel’s Landing and Cruz de Fero.
* Hidden Gems around Dayton, February 27, 6:30 p.m.
The Colemans have been exploring and hiking Dayton’s trails for more than a decade. Learn about their favorite trails, biggest surprises, and perhaps discover a new hidden gem to check out.
* Navigating Dayton’s Five Rivers MetroParks Hiking Trails, March 20, 6:30 p.m.
The Colemans have hiked every mile of the MetroParks trail system multiple times. This Hiking 101 seminar will encourage you to hit the trail and begin your adventure.
* Using Five Rivers MetroParks as a Training Location, April 17, 6:30 p.m.
The MetroParks offer diverse trail conditions, rolling hills, and even places to practice backpacking. It’s everything you need to start hiking, level up your hiking, and go from novice to expert.
* Camino 101: Everything You Need to Know to Prepare for Your First Camino, May 15, 6:30 p.m.
The Colemans have walked six Caminos on four different trails in three countries, covering more than 2,500 miles. They will help you prepare for your first Camino, talk about what to expect, share some Camino history and their favorite moments.
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