A trailhead in Clinton marked the starting point of Maxi’s journey across Missouri along Katy Trail State Park.
A son of Kim and Bertrand Maxi, I was born and raised in Kansas City, the fourth of eight children. Struggling with mental wellness after a character-building 2021, I realized that I had to improve my overall wellness. I have always found comfort in the outdoors. I also decided to adopt the slogan, “One Hard Thing,” with the premise of challenging myself with one tangible goal that is mentally, physically or emotionally tough, or out of my routine. Combining my love for nature and my new personal challenge, I set some goals for myself:
• 2022 – Visit 30 Missouri state parks. (I visited 31.)
• 2023 – Hike with 100 individuals. (I hiked with 113 individuals, 93 of whom I met for the first time.)
• 2024 – Walk across Missouri and hike with 200 people.
One Hard Thing
While waiting for my next job opportunity in 2024, I decided it was the perfect time to do the next One Hard Thing. I wanted to push my limits physically, mentally and emotionally, but wondered if this challenge could also be fun and help me make buds along the way. After some research and flexible planning, and receiving interest and feedback from online friends, walking across Missouri became my new challenge.
I began planning March 28 and I started walking April 5, which is also when I informed my friends and family about what I was doing. They responded as expected: most were excited and encouraging – some fearful and worried. Some of the feedback provoked introspection, and some advice, worth its weight in gold, helped me endure the daily pains.
My trek had city roads, sidewalks, back roads and conservation areas, although for most of the journey I followed Rock Island and Katy Trail state park trails.
With designated camping sites few and far between, the big task was finding places to stay each night. I asked social media friends for advice and to camp in their yards or properties as I traveled.
Walking with an open mind and heart was the expectation I set for myself. I was aware of the possible challenges – from distant tornadoes that brought a still air, to intermittent rain, only falling momentarily as I walked but pouring when I decided to rest for food or the day. I spent a few days alone, some days with passing friends for brief moments and other days where I had the opportunity to share steps or space with people.
Some people opened their homes or yards and others gifted stays at hotels and hostels. I sat around dinner tables with families, sharing stories of my travels and hearing the progress of upcoming school events. Places like Leeton, Windsor, Sedalia, Rocheport and St. Charles offered opportunities to visit local club meetings, town halls and school plays. I did not go on this journey with expectations of adventure, but I believed if I gave people the opportunity to show up and share kindness, they would.
The journey brought about a variety of experiences and opportunities. The further I get from April 2024, the easier it becomes to reflect and appreciate the physical toll – the mornings I spent replacing the tape on my tender feet and finding strength to take one more step; overcoming mental fatigue and seeing that country mile that seems to stretch forever; seeing what felt like a mirage as bikers appeared and disappeared all within seconds. I fought emotional battles as I lay alone with my thoughts, feeling like I could hear the aches of my body over the distant chatter of the coyotes.
After 24 days, over 300 miles and through many towns and counties, the journey that began with those first steps at Kansas’ border ended with the final steps in Portage Des Sioux, where I ran my hands through the Mississippi River with the Rivers Shrine overhead.
Thank you to all who supported me both in person and virtually, showing me the true definition of “trail angels” and “trail magic.” A special shout out to my friend Alexis for being my lifeline, tracking my journey daily. Through this adventure, I shared space and time with nearly 180 individuals from all walks of life. Thank you for sharing the memories and the struggle. I hope you continue to win your daily battles and find your way to safely experience the outdoors.
I hope to see you again on the trail.
Editor’s note: Isaiah Maxi inspired many people to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. He documented his travels on his social media groups while inviting people – many of whom he had never met – to join him in-person along the way.
In late 2024, we asked Isaiah to share his story with our readers. He passed away in July 2025 due to an undiagnosed heart condition. Early screening is key to preventing heart disease. Read more at cdc.gov/heart-disease.
