So today I started toward a new goal. I was surprised a bit by the Dr. at a walk-in clininc that I'd been attending for a while since I don't have a G.P. He asked about exercise and I said that "I'd like to start walking". He knew I was a counselor so he said "we're going to set a 'SMART' goal for you" (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic/Relevant, Time-focused).
What can you do that is realistic?"
Walk for 20 minutes before work.
"Okay. How often?"
3 times a week.
"Where?"
Townsend Park.
Goal: "I will walk for 20 minutes at Townsend Park 3 days a week before work, and follow up with the Dr. in one month"
And he wrote it down in his notes! So the next time I see him (about a month or so) we're going to review the goal. That was a couple of weeks ago, but I started today. So 20 minutes, one full lap around the park, is one mile. Today did two laps - 40 minutes. So it's attainable. Measurable? Yes - I found a decent step counter app that keeps track of distance and time as well - 4200 steps, 2 miles, 40 minutes. So it's more than realistic if I was able to double it today, but it's a day off. It's up to me to keep up with the three days a week. I don't think that'll be an issue.
Overall I felt good afterward. I was able to increase my stride a bit as I went, although I kept a good pace all the way. My arms had a more natural swing the longer I went, too.