Fit Philanthropy: Walk a Mile With Cross-Country Man!

Some could say it's a modern-day story of Forrest Gump -- one man on a solo journey across the U.S. But instead of saying he's doing it "for no particular reason" like Gump, Florida native John Crow is on a mission. "I want to find out what world peace looks like," said Crow, who leaves next week to embark on an ocean-to-ocean walk from Fernandina Beach, Fla to Santa Cruz, Calif.

If you had asked him a year ago, Crow wouldn't have believed he would be doing this. But over the past 12 months he has felt the need to do something big while spreading an equally big message. Like so many of us, Crow believes our society is missing out on a lot of what life has to offer. "As a culture, we're so dialed-in (to our own lives) that we're disconnected," he said. "I want to talk with as many people as I can about the importance of getting reconnected with ourselves and others." And trekking 3,500 miles across the country is Crow's way of doing just that.

"You don't really relate to people or your surroundings in the car," he said. "Being alone and on foot makes me more approachable." It also allows him to practice what he preaches by stopping to help people along the way who need a hand within their community or their own home.

Over the course of the next year, the 36-year-old wants to inspire people to turn off the TV and get involved in the world. He wants to encourage us to serve others. And he wants to promote inner peace. "I believe inner peace spreads to community peace which leads to world peace," he said, "and that alone could solve a lot of problems today."

As if walking an average of 20 to 25 miles a day is not enough, John will be doing it all on a tight budget of $5 a day. Carrying his own supplies, he will live as closely to nature as possible, camping and consuming only clean foods from the earth, such as rice, nuts, fruits, vegetables and water. Five dollars a day may not sound like much, but not only is it doable, it's actually better for us, according to Crow. "Most of the money we waste on food is from eating out and eating processed foods," he said. Crow, who also fasts for up to three days on occasion, says he just feels better, clearer and more energized when he eats only what his body really needs.

After a peace rally send-off on March 21 -- the first day of spring -- where the local community will join him in walking his first mile, John is inviting others from across the country to do the same. It's during those miles, that he will connect with people and inspire them to get connected in their own lives.

"We all have the potential to do anything," he said. "It doesn't have to be walking across the country. You can give your bagged lunch to a homeless person or hold the door for someone." Living in a state of inner peace and service can change the world according to John. "And I believe anyone can do that."

To follow John's journey and walk a mile with him when he gets to your town, visit his blog.

Want more inspiration stories? Take a look at this woman who is climbing the seven continents for people in the Congo!

Read about others who go to extremes for a cure through the St. Baldrick's Foundation. Many men and women shave their heads to raise money for children's cancer treatment.