Fat Man Walking and Blogging

Posted on March 22, 2006

So far Steve Vaught has traveled 2,300 miles and lost over 110 pounds on his journey to lose weight by walking across the United States from San Diego to Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. Steve Vaught keeps a journal on his website, TheFatManWalking, which now receives over 700,000 hits per month thanks to media coverage and an Oprah interview. He has also received over 80,000 emails. The BBC reports that Steve's journal covers thoughts on life, his journey and junk food.

Steve's online diary is full of reflective musings, both on weight loss and the quest to live a better life in a car-dependent society where, in many areas, junk food has become almost a staple diet.
When he left San Diego last April, he passed 21 fast food restaurants in a four-and-a-half mile stretch of road.
"I thought when I got out into the country, I'd leave all that behind," he said.
"But I've walked through the Midwest, the breadbasket, and it is one of the most unhealthy places on earth.

Vaught also tells BBC News, "I'm not trying to be a hero or an icon to anyone. I am just an ordinary guy, trying to take control of my life and figure out where it went awry."

His journal could use a couple more blogish elements (like permalinks) but the lack of these certainly doesn't diminish his interesting journal or the bold adventure he has embarked on.