I ordered some new shoes today. Nike Free XT, plus the sport band that goes with. As a person who likes to pay $10 for a pair of sneakers, I'm hoping that this financial commitment to fitness turns into a real live actual fitness routine.

I like to walk. I always have. But I don't like to exercise. And I've never been one to believe in any fancy kind of gear for any sport. Yes, I have a treadmill, and it wasn't a cheap model, but whatever bells and whistles it has and how it compares to other models is lost on me. It runs, it tracks, and that's all I need to know.

The same with shoes. I always felt I should be able to walk in any shoes, or even barefoot, if need be. Maybe not for miles and miles, but for my needs. I can take a long walk in sneakers, or street shoes (usually penny loafers), or even snow boots or sandals. Any shoes I wear should be that comfortable and that functional (I gave up on high heels years ago).

But I read a recommendation from a blogger about these shoes, and I learned that they are meant to mimic the barefoot runner. They are also lightweight, The current pair of Reebok walking shoes that I own have been a big letdown, and actually make my feet hurt, so it's time to try something new.

And the sportband may turn out to be just another gizmo, but since it was recommended by the same blogger, I thought I'd give it a try.

We'll see what happens. I'm not looking to start a serious routine. Just something small that will give me a little energy boost, a little better feeling, and get me back into a walking routine. I used to walk every day. I'd like to do that again, year round, even if it's just for 15 minutes. More to clear out the mental cobwebs than to acheive any fitness result.

That's the goal. 15 mintues a day. Maybe I'll even start before the shoes get here!