Good news. I walked 2.5 miles today -- before I even began my workout for the day. I know this because of my new handy-dandy pedometer.

Yes, I splurged today. Spent a few bucks on a step and distance pedometer at Target. Clipped it to my shorts at 11:00 AM and by 7:00 PM, I'd traveled those couple of miles. Then I ventured into the outdoors to run and arrived back home with a final reading of 6.2 miles and more than 12,000 steps. So cool.

I'm not sure why I'm charting my every step. My brother-in-law is doing it, so it made sense I try it too. What will I do with this information? Not much, except appreciate how much I move in the course of a day. I once heard everyone should take about 10,000 steps per day for the sake of health. Knowing I mastered this task makes me feel accomplished.

Besides gaining a dose of personal satisfaction today, I learned something: It really is important to just move. Get off the couch and move. Skip the elevator and take the stairs. Keep your car in the parking lot and walk to lunch. Take your dog for a stroll. Run with your kids. Just move. You'll be surprised at how many miles you'll log.

If you're thinking of investing in your own pedometer, check out Target's varied selection. Oh, and don't wear your snazzy new device while driving. Each time you press the gas pedal, a step will register. And I'm pretty sure these steps don't count in the whole scheme of fitness.