If you think changing your life has to involve sweat-soaked gym selfies, expensive subscriptions, or burpees (honestly, who invented those?), think again. Sometimes, all it takes is a decent pair of shoes, some determination, and the willingness to keep moving, rain or shine. Just ask Nicolas Masset, whose unlikely daily journey has stunned even himself.
The Simple Challenge: Putting One Foot in Front of the Other
At 33, Nicolas Masset might seem like an ordinary guy: he lives in La Roche-sur-Yon in Vendée, he teaches mathematics online, and he knows his way around a sweatshirt with a hood. But for the last two months, he’s been doing something extraordinary in its simplicity. “It’s nothing crazy, I just walk, that’s all,” he laughs, barely out of breath during a phone call (probably mid-stride, because, why sit still?).
His self-imposed challenge? Walk for an hour every single day, for an entire year. The goal: lose weight and feel healthier. It’s not about looking good for Instagram or prepping for a marathon—the aim is to reclaim his energy and break free from the limitations his weight once imposed on him.
Routine, Rain or Shine: A Relentless Commitment
Each morning, come wind, rain or suspiciously optimistic French weather, Nicolas dons his trusty grey beanie, his sunglasses (if the sun dares to cooperate), and his go-to hoodie. He heads out at a pace that sits somewhere between chasing a late train and leisurely admiring the landscape—a delicate balance, really.
Over time, he’s experimented with various routes but has finally settled into a six-kilometre loop along a greenway, which he shares with cyclists (and maybe the odd curious squirrel). “It’s not a stroll,” he insists with a wry chuckle when asked over the phone. This is a daily commitment, not a sightseeing tour.
- Walking six kilometres daily
- No matter the weather
- Usually out in the mornings
- Grey beanie, sunglasses (weather permitting), hoodie: essential kit
Shifting Mindset and Physical Transformation
Between his walks, his thoughts wander and sometimes spill over on TikTok, where he shares updates, thoughts, and snippets of his journey. After two months—on February 1, 2024—he took stock. “From a fitness perspective, everything has changed,” he enthused in a TikTok video (watched more than a million times). Once, going up stairs or hills left him instantly breathless. Now? “I’m much less out of breath.” Playing with his children at the park, he can run and keep up for longer. Progress, measured one step at a time.
On his social media, the burning question keeps popping up: How much weight have you lost? Nicolas doesn’t dodge it: so far, five kilos. He’s content with the result—not because the journey is over, but because he recognizes the value of patience. “By year’s end, I hope to lose another 25. I’ve stopped weighing myself every week—now just once a month. I don’t want weight to become an obsession.”
From Shame to Strength: The Drive Behind the Steps
If motivation is sometimes mysterious, in Nicolas Masset’s case, it’s crystal clear. He repeatedly references his “overweight”—he’s unflinchingly honest about it. “I’m fat, I’m tired of being fat,” he declared in his very first video. Embarrassing situations related to his weight? He’s had several. “It was difficult, there were many things I couldn’t do,” he confides, pausing—he keeps the details private, as is his right.
But there was a moment when the shame turned into determination. At the park with his children, he tried to run and catch them. “I couldn’t even last 15 seconds. I was too out of breath to keep running.” That was the tipping point for him—enough was enough.
Now, two months into his daily marches, Nicolas is still officially overweight, but the transformation is already profound. “I still have weight to lose, but now I have energy.” He ends his phone interview almost as he started it: just a little out of breath, but a lot more alive.
The Takeaway: Simple Steps, Real Change
Nicolas Masset’s story is a refreshingly honest reminder: you don’t need to run marathons or buy into wild fitness trends to transform your health. Sometimes, the bravest act is to face yourself, set a clear goal, and stick to it—one determined walk at a time. Whether or not there are five kilos less on the scale, he’s already gained something much more valuable: the energy to run with his children, and the pride that comes from overcoming yourself, metre by metre.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
