In 2012, Kacie Fischer accomplished an extraordinary feat: she roller-skated across the United States. Her journey spanned 55 days, from April 28 to June 21, covering approximately 2,800 miles from Solana Beach, California, to Jacksonville, Florida. Dipping her skates in both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
Reflecting on her journey, Fischer shared the challenges she faced, particularly the difficult road conditions. “I knew this effort was going to be tough, but the worst part was some of the roads we found,” she said from Ponte Vedra, Florida. She recounted walking in her skates through dirt-covered farming roads in Arizona and navigating rock-strewn paths in West Texas, often in tears from the ordeal. She also battled against 30 mph headwinds that reduced her speed to a mere 2-4 mph, a stark contrast to her average speed of 15-20 mph.
Fischer’s motivation for this grueling journey was twofold: to raise funds for the Special Olympics in honor of her autistic cousin and to inspire others to achieve the seemingly impossible. Despite being new to inline skating, Fischer trained rigorously for nine months with inline coach Blair Atwell in Los Angeles, even practicing in the rain to prepare for any conditions she might encounter.
Accompanying Fischer was a support team traveling in a bus, which broke down three times. Her fiancé, Adam Cleveland, and triathlon coach Kevin Crossman, who cycled alongside her, were integral to her support system.
Fischer’s determination is rooted in her love for pushing boundaries. Growing up in Bellingham, Washington, she played soccer, hockey, and ran cross-country. At age 21, she faced heart failure but recovered, and she has since endured torn muscles, broken bones, infections, and a torn lung from racing up 86 flights of the Empire State Building in 2010. After her 2,800-mile journey, she was diagnosed with compartment syndrome, a painful condition affecting her leg muscles, which likely prevented her from competing in the marathon in Duluth.
Kacie Fischer’s journey across America on inline skates stands as a testament to human endurance and the spirit of adventure. Her story continues to inspire those who dream of achieving the extraordinary.