I've heard it said that one of the biggest challenges with any type of fitness routine is just getting started. But, I know in my own experience that just getting started is far from the hardest part of dedicating yourself to running again. Getting started, to me, is the easiest part there is. Remember what your gym looked like 2 weeks ago when all of the Resolutioneers started up? That's where I'm at right now. How many of the Resolutions crew have already dropped off the map slowly but steadily? That's where I don't want to be. That first week isn't the real challenge. This is still very much the cushiest part of getting back in the game. My soreness is limited, I'm still enthusiastic and I still want to do this.The kicker is going to be where I'm at in week five, ten, fifteen and so forth.

As far as first weeks back in the proverbial saddle go, I've had better and I've had worse. It was a slow start, but it was a start nonetheless. Two solid 20 plus minute jog/walks on the treadmill (boooooo treadmills) during the week and a really nice walk around Old Town Alexandria that added a couple of miles to the activity log wasn't really the original plan, but it was better than sitting on my ass playing Arkham City like I really wanted to do. At least it was better for me in the "Hey, Let's Live To Be An Old Man" way of thinking that I'm trying to aim for. I missed out on a planned fourth day of activity for no good reason really. Even if I had an excuse, I'm not really sure what it was. A partial demerit for me in that I didn't get that fourth day, but I did cover at least six miles of movement last week that weren't there the week before. Progress.

I'm curious as to how many of you incorporate long brisk walks into your workout routines - or do you just consider it a part of your day that doesn't count towards it? I spend at least an hour (probably closer to 90 minutes) a day out walking around during the week. Between my walk to Metro, subsequent walk to my office, and the time I spend outside with my dog taking her around the neighborhood, I get in at least some activity everyday. When I was good about my 4 days a week routine last year, my third day was generally dedicated to a strong brisk walk rather than another run. It worked fairly well for me as a way to remain active while still giving my legs a chance at recovery and keeping my joints from completely hating me. Add in the fact that I got the drag the mutt along on these walks (a tired dog is a happy dog) and my long walk day was a nice part of the routine.

This week's goals aren't super ambitious. Last night, I went about a mile and a half to get the week started on a good point. Two more of those and another long walk and I think I'll be in the right place to slowly turn up the distance and time meters in week three.