I have realized that even though I am in better shape than I have been in a long time I will have a long way to go if I plan on finishing this walk in the allotted amount of time. So it's time to set some goals.

• Make time to walk.
  
• Join Heather and Richard at work for their lunch time walk as often as my shift allows. Heather sets a great pace and the route usually takes approx 40 mins.
• Get up and go on weekends. Getting up early will also help keep me on a more regular schedule which should help with Monday mornings and the walks start time of 4am.
• Get the proper gear and practice with it so I know exactly what I want and need with me.
• Lose 12lbs. Only 3lbs per month. This will decrease the amount of impact on my joints.
• Improve my core and overall strength.
  
• Improve my flexibility.
• And probably the most difficult challenge for me will be to quit smoking. I will be working to decrease the amount I smoke over the next 3 weeks and have set a quit date of March 1st.

Today I completed a 1 hour walk and maintained a quick pace. It was raining and this made me realize that having the proper equipment and clothing for the weather could have a huge impact on how successful I am. Based on the time and estimated distance I travelled today I would finish the walk in about 15 hours maintaining that pace throughout without stopping. I have to finish the official walk in 16 hours to receive the burning boot award. This is going to be a considerable challenge.