NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A teenager who is walking barefoot across the country made a stop Thursday in Nashville.

Dashiel Alsup, 19, began his walk May 2 in Ocean Shores, Wash. His goal is to reach Jacksonville, Fla., by early December.

Alsup is walking to raise money and awareness for the Soles 4 Souls charity that provides free shoes to needy people around the world.

By the time he reaches Florida, he will have walked more than 3,000 miles. He has traveled 2,800 miles so far.

Alsup said not thinking about the big picture is the key to staying focused.

"In order to stay optimistic, you have to do it step-by-step, and, really, optimism is what makes the world go around, so you have to break it down," said Alsup.

Alsup said his arches sometimes hurt from the journey, but overall his feet have held up pretty well.

Related Link:

Soles 4 Souls

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