Utah’s Own Forrest Gump

What could you accomplish if you had the courage to do it?

Do you remember when Forrest Gump decided to run across the United States?

Well, Utah has its own dedicated walker, and he has outpaced the accomplishments of Forrest Gump's coast-to-coast run. To be fair, Forrest decided to run while Isaiah Glen Shields has chosen a more patient pace. As his life wasn't going the way he wanted, Shields decided that he would take a walk, and not just around the block.

Shields put together a cart of minimal supplies and started walking from Utah to Washington. His destination? The furthest western point in the continental U.S. From there, he was off to Maine, but he didn't cut straight across the country; he looped down through Texas, the southern states, and up the Eastern coast.

That might have been enough for some of us lesser walkers, but Shields decided to head to Europe, presumably not by foot—then walked from as far north as possible down through Finland and Sweden.

This epic walk helped him work through his issues and, just like Forrest Gump, has inspired others as well. Shields says his favorite part of the journey has been connecting with people. He noted how kind people are as he realized that people are generally good.

Read More: Start Enjoying A Walk Utah, Walking Vacations Are So Much Fun

He also learned that most things you think you cannot do can be accomplished, one step at a time. That is a lot of steps—in fact, 14 pairs of shoes worth—but if this story helps you take on something scary that you have been wanting to do, I think Isaiah Shields would be pleased that his story helped you decide you can.