"It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop." -- Confucius

It is almost light enough now in the very early morning. That will make all the difference soon. I walked late last week at Green Lake, shedding my jacket and gloves for the last half mile or so.

I worked with Amy this morning in the gym, and now also have a locker. You would not think that such a small thing as a locker would fall into the same category of wins as early morning light and soft air. But it does.

Finally, I am still taking the mat pilates class on Sunday mornings. The benefits are cumulative, even though I only do it once a week.

I said I would start training in earnest in March. It is almost upon me.

Lunar eclipse.

It's a full moon. And 5:45pm we'll be able to see the beginning of a full lunar eclipse. I've thought for some time to try walking after work, and it would seem an ideal opportunity tonight, especially when astronomers think we will be able to see the rings of Saturn. I'm sure this type of eclipse has happened hundreds of times over the years, but it does remind us that the universe is vast, and new, to us.

Take a chance....

Two glorious days of sunshine, warming us from the inside out. The air is soft and the light is magical. There are buds on my daphne odora and bulbs thrusting up in the garden. The moon is nearly full, and all of life is new. "Take a chance," it says. "Come on outside to walk."

"Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the week." -- Spanish proverb

I worked with my trainer Amy on Tuesday, and we both agreed that I weigh less when I am walking more, though I have converted a lot of mass to muscle. She is away for the next ten days, so I am on my own in the gym. As if that is not rudderless enough, I did not get much encouragement from the guy working on my orthodics. Maybe Leroy is right and I should have walking shoes made to deal with my unique right foot.

This Friday is our wedding anniversary, adding to a number of years that will not seem to compute. Our life has never been boring! Monday is a holiday (good news) but next week is a truly short work week because we fly to Phoenix on that Friday to spend the weekend with Cassandra and Sabrina and their families.

"The end is where we start from." --T.S. Eliot

Thousands walk sixty miles in 14 different American cities because they have the end clearly in mind as they begin. What else would keep them training for six or so months before the event transpires?

The walk itself is the expression of support for the cause. The dollars we raise provide the means to find a cure. We are closer than we have ever been before.

Stick with me as I start to train for this year's walk. I know many different folks read this blog, and I am glad it offers hope and inspiration to walkers, to survivors, and to the curious. Thanks for your emails and comments.

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." -- Lao Tsu

About 18 of us gathered in Everett today to do an unofficial first walk of four miles. It was great to see everyone, including new walkers. Sidewalks, a bit of uphill, and then a stretch along Airport Road.

I have been doing three miles, with no blisters. But I guess that 25% more is what does the trick. I've got one on the right foot, right under the bunion. I'm going to get my orthodics adjusted. Other than that and a tight left glut, I feel great. Quite a change from last year's first walk with a group at Seward Park!

We start in earnest on March 15th. Betwen the training in the gym, Green Lake walks, and the mat pilates, I should feel even more like an athlete than I did today.