Jody, 12 lbs is fantastic! I can’t walk as far as you–health problems complicate my attempts to exercise. But every bit counts, and I find that I can gradually lose some weight with the amount I do. I’m determined to keep getting off the bus early until it gets too snowy and cold. If I can lose 10 from where I’m at and keep it off, I will consider it a success. 15, and I’ll be ecstatic.

Joy, at first I thought you meant your ears were sensitive to sound. I can’t use the earphones that come with iPods, because they are too loud even on the lowest volume. I found earbuds that have a volume adjuster, and I like those much better. I’m not sure they would help with your problem, though. That would be frustrating!

I do have an iPod but I’m not “in love” with it like a lot of people I know. I do think it’s because of those “earbuds” or whatever they call them. I have very sensitive ears and the really bother me. I feel like they are always going to fall out so I’m always playing with them and then my ears get so sore. When I used to run, I really liked the little Walkman I had. Maybe you could try and find some different headphones that would work with the iPod. Music really helps keep you going.

Good luck Amy.

My routine is to walk after dinner. I have an audiobook account on Audible.com and if I’m not listening to music I listen to a good book. During the summer there were days I walked 4 to 6 miles regularly because I wanted to keep listening…so I kept walking. Last year I bought a treadmill off of Craigslist for 50.00, now that it’s cold I turn on my audiobook and walk 2 miles each night.

Good tennis shoes will prevent cramping in your legs and prevent unnecessary leg fatigue and I just gradually added distance until I was in good enough shape to walk endlessly.

Good Luck!