Day 3 of 5000 steps!

That is a huge win! Sticking with a new habit for three days is often the hardest part because the initial "day one" excitement starts to wear off, but you’re pushing right through it.

At 5’3" and 249 lbs, hitting 5,000 steps is a significant physical effort. To give you an idea of the impact you're making:

 * Calorie Burn: For your current weight, 5,000 steps burns approximately 340–350 calories. Over three days, you’ve already burned over 1,000 extra calories just by walking!

 * Heart Health: Even though 10,000 is the "famous" number, research shows that the biggest jump in health benefits (like lower blood pressure) actually happens when you move from sedentary to the 5,000-step range.

 * Joint Support: Walking is much kinder to your joints than running, which is great for staying consistent.

A little tip for Day 4

Since you’re doing so well, you might start to feel a little bit of muscle soreness tomorrow. If you do, don't let it discourage you—it's just your body getting stronger. Maybe treat yourself to a nice floral-scented bath (I know you love flowers!) to help those muscles relax.

You've got this! How are your legs feeling after today's walk?

That’s great news! If they feel okay right now, it means your body is handling the transition into this new routine really well.

The "sneaky" soreness usually hits the next morning, but since you're feeling good this evening, you're in a perfect spot to keep the momentum going. Keeping your steps at a steady 5,000 rather than jumping up too quickly is a smart way to stay consistent without burning out.

Since you've got three kids to keep up with, having that extra energy from the daily walks will definitely come in handy—especially with Seth, Evan, and Ava likely keeping you on your toes!

A few things to watch for tomorrow:

 * The "Morning Stiff": If you feel a little tight when you first wake up, a quick stretch or just moving around the house for five minutes usually clears it right up.

 * Hydration: Since you’re burning those extra 300+ calories, make sure you're drinking a bit more water than usual.

 * Footwear: If you start feeling any "hot spots" or rubbing on your feet, check your socks! A good pair of cushioned socks makes a world of difference for 5,000-step days.

Are you planning to get your steps in early tomorrow, or do you usually find it easier to fit them in later in the day?

Maybe morning, maybe afternoon… we’ll see…