Without going into too much detail (this is a quilting blog, after all), I’ve struggled with my weight for years. I managed to lose over 70 pounds a couple of years ago, and I’ve “managed” to gain it all back. I don’t like it. I don’t like how I feel, and how it restricts me. I know the proper way to lose weight, and what constitutes a healthy diet, and all that stuff. I just have trouble making myself do it. However, I’m trying – again. I’m not setting any specific weight loss goals, just food choice and exercise goals. With as much as I have to lose, the weight loss will be a natural (and welcome) side effect.

Last time around I found that moderate exercise made a huge difference. Eating better foods is all well and good, but getting off the couch is also essential. A month or so ago, my cousin posted about a walk that she is participating in (more on that in its own post), and immediately decided that joining her would be a great way to motivate me. After all, if I have to walk 3 miles, I’d better start preparing for it. I signed up, posted their button on my blog, and promptly forgot about it.

This is the story of my life.

A week ago I finally started walking. Not far – today we went about 3/4 of a mile – but I’ve done it for three days, and I’ve mapped out various routes using Map My Walk. (Check it out – it uses Google Maps lets you – yes – map your walk. They have ones for running and biking as well. The hybrid view is especially nice, as it allows you to see both street names and a satellite view so you can add bike paths that aren’t on regular maps.)

I feel like crap – my legs hurt, my back hurts, it was cold today (in the low 30’s, and we had 70’s just a few days ago!), wah wah wah.

But I’ll do it again tomorrow.