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I learned the hard way about walking shoes. At the beginning of the program, I bought a pair of size 12 sneakers and they were a little too tight. Yet they felt comfortable at the store so I bought them anyway. After a few miles, I started developing blisters which turned into very painful open sores. I had to get rid of those sneakers and buy another pair in a larger size. They are a little too big but I haven't had a problem since. SO I figure I'm size 12 1/2 but they don't seem to have 12 1/2 shoes available anywhere. But size 13 works.

Since I walk some 75 miles a week, I go through my shoes pretty quickly. I find myself replacing my shoes every two months. It's an expense that's well worth it though. I get the New Balance running shoes for about $80 a pair (cheaper ones just don't hold up). But when you consider the amount of money people throw at Weight Watchers and other weight loss clinics or programs, I'm getting off cheap.

Right now my music is keeping me occupied during these long walks. Especially the "marathon" weekend walks I take. During my 11 mile walk this morning, I listened to huge choral works by Monteverdi and Bach along with some Handel. Other days it might be hard rock or country. If I ever get tired of discovering new music however, I'll get some books on CD and rip them to my MP3 player. (I still find plenty of time to read anyhow.)