How I did it: I spent over two years meaning to do this, and not. Then I began to suffer some serious and painful medication side effects which I could not escape. My MD told me that I HAD to walk 30 minutes each day. This was in early March.

I was totally sedentary, so I started out at 5 minutes each day, 3 or 4 days a week. I gradually upped it to 30 minutes, 4 or 5 days a week over a period of 2 months. Then I got sick (my doc says prob. swine flu) and did a number on my lungs. At first I couldn't walk very consistently, but I kept at it.

Now I'm walking 7 days a week nearly every week and I'm up to 40 minutes. The dog loves it. I'm getting past my side effects, but have no intention of giving up walking.

Lessons & tips: Just do it. Get up and get going. Keep at it on a daily basis. If you're totally sedentary (like I was), start out with a 5 minute walk EVERY DAY. Lengthen it slowly. I'm up to 40 minutes and look forward to arriving at the point of an hourly walk each day. Then I'll push the intensity up a bit.

Resources: My pedometer has needs a new battery. I don't walk with my GPS unit. I do carry a voice recorder to capture any ideas or reminders. Comfortable shoes make it easier.

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Aug 06, 2009, 03:27PM PDT | 0 comments | 2 cheers