want to start - where?

Question
I recieved a heavy duty wagon for my toddler this christmas so I can begin walking.  I live on a dirt road, 1/4 mile to the main road one way and 1 mile to the main road on the other. The main road loops around, making a perfect 3 mile lap. I was walking 3 miles with my sister 2 years ago, but now I am out of shape again.  I don't know where to start. And now I have to drag the baby, too.  I think I am still in good enough shape to walk a mile or so, but I am going to be walking alone. What do I need to know?  How do I get motivated?  What is the best time of the day to walk?  If I do it at nap time, Onica will lay down and sleep in the wagon. (it's padded) Help!

Answer
First, get some good running shoes from a running specialty store. And replace them every six months or 400-500 miles (whichever comes first).

Next, start gradually. Don't try to jump into a full mile right away. One idea might be to go the 1/4 mile and back to make a half mile, and do this daily for 2-3 weeks, before doubling it to a mile. Then, slowly progress your distance until you can do 4 miles every day comfortably. You may feel like doing more but be cautious and avoid injury.

Your motivation should be vastly improved health. Many times it shows up as subtle things like better sleep, easier weight control, stress reduction, more self-discipline and more energy. But the list of chronic diseases you can reduce or avoid are huge.

There is no advantage to any particular time to exercise. You should fit it in any way possible and don't miss your daily walk for any reason.

The way to approach it is that it is not optional. Daily exercise is as much a requirement as eating and sleeping. Quite simply: activity = health and sedentary = disease. What deceives us is that we can be sedentary for a long time before the chronic disease shows up. In a sense, it is never too late to start taking exercise seriously, but the later we start, the weaker we will be, and the harder it will be to make it work and reap the benefits.

I applaud your desire to restart your exercise program. Just take it one step at a time, and you will make it!