Average Jane Gives Credit Where Credit Is Due

I've now been walking pretty regularly since mid-summer and I have really seen a difference in my physical makeup and energy levels. Now that walks have gotten to be an almost daily occurrence, I can hardly fathom why I didn't start doing this sooner.

Three women are responsible for my recent foray into fitness and I'd like to thank them all now.

The first is Bossy, who ended up being my inspiration. When she was in town for her (No) Book Tour earlier this year, I had the chance to chat with her one-on-one and we got around to the subject of exercise. She said that she goes out and runs every single day and hates every minute of it. Then by the time she goes in and showers, she's glad she did it.

That was a revelation for me. I apparently had it in my head that exercise was supposed to be fun, but the idea that it was just something you do because you have to – like brushing your teeth – really got me thinking.

I started eyeing Couch-to-5k again and wondering if my aversion to running could be overcome.

I might have remained in the thinking and planning stage if it hadn't been for my friend LuAnn. She's the one who first suggested that she come over and walk with me in the mornings during her summer break.

I'm incredibly grateful that she got me out of my office chair and out onto the sidewalk. She's really a runner, so I'm sure my slow walking wasn't exactly fun for her, but the walks were just what I needed.

Last but certainly not least, there's my current walking buddy, A Librarian. She took over when LuAnn went back to school and we've gone from walking one or two days a week to walking almost every day.

It's been incredibly helpful for me to have someone to walk with. On occasion I'll still walk our route by myself, but I much prefer having a buddy to chat with while I walk.

We're certainly not breaking any speed records – it still takes us about an hour to cover the 3.4 mile route – but it just feels good to be outside and moving.

So thanks, ladies, for helping me break out of the doldrums and reclaim a healthier physique. I can't imagine a more valuable gift.