OK, maggots, get out your pedometers! I have been sorta sluggish over the last couple of months, still recovering from back pain and sciatica. But I'm tired of sitting around. So I got new walking shoes and a new pedometer, and even though I'm still on the slow side, I am ready to rumble.

I'm thinking: let's try to walk 7500 steps a day for the month of May. Anyone with me? Check in at this thread any time. I will check in each Monday.

If you're looking for a low-tech way to get some exercise, this might work for you. And if 7500 steps seems too much -- that's a little over three miles a day with my stride -- do whatever you can. If you haven't used a pedometer, consider getting one; you'll be surprised at how much ground you can cover just by expanding your usual routine a little bit: walking up stairs instead of taking the elevator, for example.

I'm ready to break that 200-lb. barrier, and you undoubtedly have milestones of your own. So let's get a move on!

Hi everyone -- I'm afraid this has turned into a "Do as I say, not as I do" challenge. I have been pretty gimpy with my sciatica over the past couple of weeks; on Friday I'm getting an epidural steroid injection which my orthopedist thinks will help stop the chronic pain. Last week I had a couple of days where I shuffled like Tim Conway's little old man from the Carol Burnett Show... OK, I'm showing my age in more ways than my stride. But I'm still cheering everyone from the sidelines! Maybe I'll start a June challenge if my leg is back to normal next week. Meanwhile, maggots, you're almost done with the May challenge, so kick it up a notch!

weighed in at 246 .5/ 247 past few mornings.Got in a little over eight minute mile jog tonight.