I challenge you!

I'm going to get right to the point. I am challenging readers of my column to get outside and walk. In an effort get my physical activity back on track, I have decided to set a goal for myself.

I have learned through this journey to set realistic goals that still stretch me a little bit farther than I thought I could go.

I have decided that I am going to walk/run 20 miles in one week.

I will begin Thursday (May 26) and report my results in next week's column.

After I share my results, I invite any readers to contact me at mpommier@fstribune.com to share their results. I have chosen 20 miles, but that doesn't mean that everyone has to.

If someone feels they can do more or less, that's great. Set a goal that is just past what you think you are capable of.

I look forward to setting a goal each week and seeing it progress to higher mileage.

I would be willing to bet that if people got out and walked or ran on a regular basis, they would find themselves getting in better shape. I am going to begin to include a weekly goal in my future columns so readers can keep tabs on me.

If I start falling behind, I hope people on the street will stop me and give me a pep talk to get back in gear.

I know that I'm not alone in my weight loss journey. The number of people who have contacted me since I began writing this column has been amazing and the words have been extremely kind.

I want to do everything I can to make sure that everyone knows they are not alone in this journey.

It is hard and it takes support.

There are plenty of people out there who need that extra push of motivation, that little nudge to get off the couch.