Slightly different route on Thursday. 4.6km; 46 mins., temp 11c

Found out that there is apparently a heart rate monitor app for my iPhone. Of course there is! Resting heart rate before getting out of bed this morning was 66bpm.

Today I adjusted my "walk" route to go a bit further. 4.5km, 45 mins., sunny, temp 5C, ending heart rate 96bpm.

Sun., May 8th - Mother's Day. Decided to stretch my walk a bit further, Ended up 4.4km, 44minutes. Sunny, temp 3C

I have an iPhone 5s and have installed the Runkeeper app (free version) to help me track my timing and distance - via GPS. I find it fairly helpful - with verbal updates set to every 5 minutes (for now).

This morning's walk was much of the same - tried to ensure I don't start out too fast. Ended up 4km, 40 mins., temp 8C. Another "good walk".

What sparked my desire to "get active"? Not sure. Probably began when my daughter gave me a Jawbone UP MOVE for my birthday/Father's Day last year. I think using it, in friendly competition with her, got me going. Realizing my 60th is coming soon solidified it.

Walked the usual yesterday morning- 4kms, 41 minutes, temp 6C, good walk.

After my walk on Thursday morning everything was fine all day. Then I woke up Friday morning with a sore big toe. I thought I'd research a bit about feet and was amazed (even at my age) to learn that our toes aren't limited to the tiny portions that stick out like little growths at the end of our feet. A large part of the toe is "inside".

Anyway, by Saturday it was fine and I went for my scheduled walk. However, I think I started a bit fast and was concerned I was developing a cramp in my left calf muscle. So, I slowed my pace a bit and was fine. 4km, 42 minutes, 14C, cloudy, slight breeze, same route; next "walk" Tues morning

I had always intended that this blog be a political commentary blog. But, although I am interested and follow politics, I guess my heart just isn't in it for that.

So - for a change of direction -

Approaching my 60th birthday I seem to have finally become more concerned about my general level of inactivity. So, I'm taking up running.

I am a short male, overweight (based on my BMI) but no longer obese. I haven't run in years - decades really. And, then it was only occasional and recreational.

I walk but nothing serious or consistent. I have a good pair of running shoes. So, I'm off.

Today was my 4th "walk". I decided to try morning instead of evenings. I almost slept-in!

Covered 4kms in 40 minutes. Hilly terrain in spots. Temperature 3C. A bit of a breeze. Slightly elevated heart rate but no heavy breathing. I may soom start including a bit of running within my walking.

Next day is Saturday. Long walk?