I was talking this morning with a co-worker about exercise. We agreed that it makes a powerful difference in, well, everything.

But especially the way it makes you feel about yourself.

I have found once I get going on an exercise program, I miss it when I don’t do it. I get used to it. And, eventually, it becomes second nature, a natural part of my day, FUN.

When I had my initial assessment when joining the Wellness Center, Heather Thorn, a great trainer who worked with me, wrote on my aerobic exercise instructions that I should “walk briskly” around the track a number of times.

I chuckled my first time around the track several weeks ago. I doubt anyone watching me would have used the word “briskly” to describe my walking. Lumbering, perhaps, would be more accurate. I’m probably still lumbering, but lumbering along a little more briskly!

At first, I felt bad about my speed – or lack of it. But I am moving. I’m doing more than I’ve done in a long time. And I know the more I do, the better I’ll get, the easier it will get – and the faster I’ll move.

A week ago, however, I almost had a great moment. I almost passed my first person on the track. I’m sure he was either warming up or cooling down, but he was moving slowly. And I was feeling fabulous, seeing his back loom into view. I was going to pass someone rather than be the someone passed. I had a brief (but fleeting) urge to yell across the room to my friend Ginna so she’d witness the event. Sadly, the slower walker stepped off the track just before I passed him. (Sigh.)

But I’m holding out hope that one of these days, I will be able to step into the passing lane! It’ll happen. I believe.