Hello Everyone!   It's 7/23/12 and I've been missing from this site for awhile, but return with a bit of good news.  I've had some setbacks.... some successes.  Right now I am walking 1 mile every other night.  I've been walking every other night consistently for 55 days.  I started a challenge with some friends between Memorial Day and Labor Day of this year and so far so good.  I've lost a little bit of weight by watching calories, carbs, fats and proteins.  The biggest improvement has been the ability to walk that mile.  I hope to increase that to 1 1/2 miles within the month.  Most everyone in the challenge has dropped out, but even though I've had rough days occasionally... I keep going.  Now the challenge is just about me.  (I guess really.. it always was.. just about me).   I have been wearing a heart rate watch during my walks to track my heart rate and make sure I'm keeping my heart rate up in my target range for the maximum benefit.   I haven't been as diligent on my non walking days.  I need to commit to doing some sort of strength training on those days.  I'm feeling good though.  My stamina for every day activities has increased and that in itself is a huge bonus.  So that's my update.  I still have a year before I walk that bridge and I still am striving for that goal!