I so did not want to work out this morning. I felt too tired, too slow, too worn out to exert myself physically. But I hate regret and I knew that come afternoon, I'd kick myself for not accomplishing the one task that always makes my day run smoothly. Without a workout, I end up cranky, irritable, and completely overwhelmed by the bickering and whining that begins once I pick up my boys from school. So this morning, I worked out.

To get in the right fitness frame of mind, I told myself that even if I walked only one mile on my treadmill, it would be better than nothing. So I hopped on. And I walked half a mile. Then I told myself I could satisfy my exercise requirement faster if I ran. So I started running, prepared to log one mile and then walk for the rest of two miles. Then I'd be done. But something happened: I kept running. I ran the one mile, and then two more laps, and then two more, and then another two. Before I knew it, 35 minutes had lapsed, and I'd walked and run three whole miles. This is pretty close to what I do every day. For so not wanting to work out today, I unintentionally tricked myself into tackling what will prevent me from hours of regret later in the day.

So here are my words of wisdom: Even if you really, really don't want to work out, give it a whirl anyway. You may be surprised that once you get moving, your internal drive will kick in and you'll soar past your most basic intentions. And how refreshed and thankful you'll feel when the job is complete.

Oh the stories Grandpa can tell about cutting across fields and hiking through snowdrifts in the bitter cold for miles and miles every morning just to get to school. The dedication to learning is astounding.

Or that's just the way it was back then! And they didn't have other choices for getting there. Nowadays, though, it's a whole other story. Our nation's children rarely walk to school anymore, with reasons varying from time, convenience, and safety, but seeing as how kids are fatter than ever something here isn't working. I'm not a huge fan of children walking to school alone (there are more predators out there it seems than ever before) but what about parents walking with their kids to school? Or biking? Or any other number of healthier options?

What do you think: is getting to and from school a missed opportunity for physical activity and exercise, or do kids just need to eat healthier and be active in other areas of their lives and get to school in whatever way is most convenient?

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Why don't more people power-walk? I think it comes down to fear, and embarrassment. The thought that "nobody else is out there doing it, so there must be a reason...what am I missing?"

Truth is there is no reason, not a good one anyway. Just not many people get into power-walking, (or speed-walking, or race-walking, or whatever else you want to call it), but it's great exercise and is easier on your joints than running or jogging. Sure, you might feel a little funny at first (or look a little funny, lets be honest), but why let that stop you if it sounds like fun? Get yourself a buddy (strength in numbers!), avoid busy streets and pathways until you get more comfortable, and most importantly do it for yourself only and don't let what other people think bother you!

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Wallking is not only awesome for your health, but it's also one of the easiest things you can do as far as healthy habits go -- most of us walk around every day anyway. It's just a matter of doing enough of it the right way so you get a good cardiovascular workout.

Whether you're incorporating extra steps into your regular day, have started taking a 3 mile hike every morning before work, or just want to do one of these things but haven't found the motivation yet, this list of 30 days of walking tips may be able to help. My favorites? Taking a dog with you (for me it's just so much more interesting, and satisfying, with my dog along) and taking the phone with you (a great way to multi-task, if the person on the other end of the line doesn't mind you a little out of breath sounding!).

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