It would figure that, since I walk to the gym, a brand new Mexican restaurant would open up in the corner of the strip mall where the gym is located, and I would have to walk past the smell of fajitas and frying tortilla chips every time I went to and from working out.

My last year of college I was fortunate to live right off the “Bear Trail” - a 2.25 mile walking trail that went all the way around Baylor campus.  I also lived with two great roommates - and the three of us would go in the evenings and do two laps several times a week.

Around that time I found the Eowyn Challenge - a walking program where you track your miles based on the Lord of the Rings trip from Hobbiton to Rivendell.  I eventually made it to Rivendell, and then kind of quit tracking miles (and for awhile, quit exercising all together).

This past week, however, I noticed that there was a new fitness place that had opened up - 5 minutes walk from my apartment.  So I snagged a trial membership, and have really loved it so far.  And… I’ve started tracking my miles again.

I’ve set out from Rivendell to Lothlorien - 462 miles.

My goal for the summer is to log 15-20 “miles” per week - that’s one day of Fellowship Travels for each week.  I count miles either by miles walked (I did two on the treadmill today) and then one mile for every 15-20 minutes of good exercise I do elsewhere (walking to and from the gym, and weights).

I’m currently putting together a “tracking” widget for my sidebar, so you can see where I am along the road.  I’m hoping you guys will help keep me honest - and on the road!