Watching my kids' milestones warms my heart. When they first walked, talked, fed themselves, brushed their own teeth, I was one proud mama. Today, I'm bursting at the seams with pride, all because my six-year-old hopped on his bike -- he's only been riding for few months -- and accompanied me on a six-mile trek.

With aching legs and labored breathing, we rode over flat terrain, and up hill, and down hill, and when we arrived at our half-way destination -- my sister's house -- we took a break. Then it was back on the bike for the return trip home. Joey said mid-way home, and mid-incline too, that he wished his Daddy would arrive -- Daddy has a truck, and Joey thought he needed rescuing. He didn't, though. He muscled his way through our journey and even announced at one point, "Can you believe a little guy is riding all this way?" I could believe it. I was witness to it. And it was grand.

Riding his bike this morning was so good for Joey. It was physically good, and mother-and-son good, and most of all, it was self-esteem good. Joey is proud, amazed even, that he accomplished such a task today. It makes me want to ride with him again, after he recovers from this fitness feat. When I told him, "Joey, I think we should do this every weekend," he replied with pure fatigue, "No! How about every 10 weeks?"

Every weekend, every 10 weeks. It doesn't matter to me. I'm game either way.

Sometimes I think I just can't do this anymore. I can't run one more mile, take one more step. I feel like my legs are made of stone and my feet hurt so much they might explode out of my running shoes.

This normally happens towards the end of a run, when I know I have more miles to go and am no longer comfortable running. I've never been a competitive runner, so for me, to feel comfortable when I run is key.

But not always. Sometimes I hide in my comfort and forget to challenge myself. I enjoy a challenge almost as much as I enjoy comfort. Yet there are times when the challenge seems overwhelming. I can't make it up the hill, or around the park one last lap.

Then I start to think about all the other people in the park. Some of them are going through the same thing--struggling just to make it a few more yards. I start to think about the people who can't even make it to the park, those who can't run or literally can't take another step.

I think about an inspiring picture I took from last year's NYC marathon of a man hauling it down 4th Avenue in Brooklyn who had no limbs. He was kicking butt and having the time of his life. And he was working very, very hard. He'd worked so hard just to get to the marathon--I can't even imagine what it must have been like the first time he got on one of those machines and got going just using his arms.

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For many people, flying can be really nerve-wracking. Getting to the airport on time, putting all liquids in clear, resealable bags, remembering important travel documents, the threat of lost luggage, making connections and much more, make airplane journey's stressful.

With all of these things to think about, you definitely don't want to also have to worry about getting sick or feeling ill on-board. In order to stay as healthy and happy as possible on your next flight, get prepared ahead of time with these 10 tips from AOL Body .

Suggestions include everything from making sure to get up and move around in order to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) , washing hands or using antibacterial wipes to avoid picking up germs from your seatmates and swallowing, chewing gum and yawning to pop blocked ears. For more information on these as well as additional tips, such as staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol, check out the entire piece here on AOL Body.

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I'm a firm believer that everybody needs a vacation now and then. Whether it's what some of us refer to as a "mental health day" from school, work or the kids, a couple of weeks of annual holiday from your job or even a sabbatical of a month or more, I really think that if you work hard you deserve to play hard. A bit of relaxation and the kind of physical exercise often involved with a holiday (think walking and swimming) are good for your emotional as well as your physical health.

For those of you out there lucky enough to be able to take a few weeks off and who have the money to splash out on something different, consider one of the 10 incredible vacation destinations listed here.

Located in spots as exotic as Kenya, Turkey and Brazil, and as familiar as Big Sur, CA, suggestions include holistic holidays in Greece, well-being retreats in a Moroccan spa, body-and soul-cleansing programs at Californian ashram and journeys of learning and self-discovery at Outward Bound in New Zealand. These holidays aren't cheap -- I know that I won't be trying one any time soon -- but if you can afford them, each sounds like an adventure for both the mind and body.

(Note: Prices are listed in Pounds and Euro, but are easy to convert using an online currency converter.)

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Travel much for work? Many people do, especially in today's world where you can get across the country in a matter of hours and even across the world in a day. But even if you just travel every once in awhile, having a fitness plan, complete with equipment in place and ready to go with you, can make a huge difference in how likely you are to exercise while you're away. Sure, there's always the hotel gym, but aside from planning to run on the treadmill you can't really plan ahead because all gyms are different and have different equipment.

So your best bet is to make use of both worlds -- the hotel's equipment (i.e. gym and pool) and your own equipment you bring with you. Here are some ideas of the best on-the-go gym equipment, courtesy of Forbes:

• AquaVee Portable Swim System Kit This is a handy system that sets up quickly and will allow you to use the hotel pool to its most advantageous. It has a line that stretches across the pool to provide support while you do Pilates moves and other exercises in the cool and naturally resistant environment of the water. $119.90
  
• TRX Professional Model The name doesn't tell you much, but this is an exercise kit that provides total-body resistance training with straps that use the body's own weight against it. Small and light (less than 2 lbs) it can be attached to a tree for an outdoor workout or to a door if you'd prefer the privacy of your hotel room. $149.95

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The last really long flight I endured took a lot out of me. I get nervous on airplanes so I'm happy just to land safely and in one piece, but I have to admit that it would be nice to arrive not feeling totally bagged. There are a few lucky people who get to spend their time lounging in luxury in first or business class, and for them, these voyages probably aren't so bad.

But for the rest of us squished back in coach, 10-plus hours in the air can be tough to take. And with new 15-, 16, and 17-hour flights becoming more common, it's more important than ever to find ways to get through it. If you've got a long plane ride ahead, here are a few tips that might make things more bearable:

• Try to get some sleep. It helps pass the time and even a few hours will help you arrive feeling rested.
• Walk around the cabin and find a spot to do some simple stretches. Light exercise will keep you from getting stir-crazy, and will also help prevent the deep-vein thrombosis that can be caused by sitting for hours.
• Pick a good seat. It is worth paying extra or checking in early to make sure you get the additional legroom provided in an emergency exit row, or the added freedom of an aisle seat. Sitting in the middle is not an option.
• Read a good book. You've got a lot of time to kill, so use it wisely and enjoy a novel you haven't had the chance to get into.
• Wear comfortable clothing. If your feel swell and you get a bit bloated, tight clothes and shoes will only make you feel worse.
• Drink lots of water. It's easy to get dehydrated when eating airplane food and breathing recirculated air. If you stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, you'll feel better overall throughout the flight.

Want a few more ideas? Take a look here for more suggestions that will help you stay happy and feeling good on your next long-haul flight.

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If you enjoy being physically active chances are you've had at least a passing fantasy or two of doing something more exciting for exercise than whatever it is you normally do everyday, like the treadmill or the swimming pool. Ever pictured yourself hiking through the mountains or navigating a river in a kayak or canoe? How about horseback riding, backpacking, or even dog sledding? Whatever you dream of in regards to outdoor adventuring it may be closer to a reality than you think -- regular women like you and me are having fantastic outdoor adventures everyday through a place called Adventures in Good Company.

You can choose from pre-planned trips, or customize one of your own, and they'll feed you and house you and show you a good time. What are you waiting for?

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If you're looking to get started on a weight loss program but need some inspiration and help getting started then maybe a luxurious weight loss get-away is just what you need. You'll get to travel to a beautiful resort and meet with a team of experts, including doctors and trainers, who will not only analyze your physical health and design a special plan just for you -- but they'll give you a beautiful and structured environment to do it in. And once you've finished burning calories by hiking through the hills or spinning in the gym you can relax with a luxury massage spa treatment and gourmet chef-prepared meals.

The downside is that this kind of "luxury weight loss resort" will cost you a pretty penny -- upwards of $6,000 or $7,000 for a week's stay at some -- so for most of us it's probably more than a little unrealistic.

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