So, I kicked off some serious fund raising efforts yesterday and although the walk itself is 317 days away, 20 miles is a lot. And it’s winter. And I am a weather wimp. And I’m running out of paths. A treadmill would offer me the opportunity to walk as far as I want without having to figure out where I can walk to. In my immediate neighborhood, through which I have walked numerous times, I can count on sidewalks and other amenities for walking. A long circuit I developed is a little over 3 miles. I could zigzag through blocks and probably get it up to 5 miles. But bleh. Venturing out of the neighborhood, to walk to the next town over for example, means no sidewalks in many places and heavily trafficked streets. Sometimes both together. I don’t relish the idea of walking along a main thoroughfare with no sidewalk.

So, in thinking about the treadmill, I’ve thought, well, I could purchase one or I could rejoin the gym around the corner just for the use of the treadmill. They don’t have contracts or anything and it’s a nice gym. On the other hand, it might be nice to have a treadmill in the house, problem being a) we have no room; and b) they’re really pricey. Even if both Mr. Geeky and I joined the gym, the cost for a whole year would be half that of a good treadmill. So I’m leaning toward joining the gym, even though it seems a little silly to do so just for the treadmill.

Long time readers know that I am not good at keeping up with exercise. And even with a 60-mile walk facing me, I find myself easily putting off the work. If I’m putting money into the gym membership, that would certainly make me feel compelled to use it. And I can walk at a variety of times–early morning, night–times I won’t walk outside because it’s too cold or it’s dark. Any advice, oh wise readers?