Rewarding myself for reaching the goal

See those caramel apples? Yeah. I just made them as a treat to myself for walking 100 Miles By Halloween. (Thanks, Mom, for sending the caramels!)

It was a goal I started July 24, and it ended at roughly 8 p.m. today when I walked back into my apartment after finishing the last six miles. There was a point where I didn't think I was going to reach the goal. That time was less than a week ago, when I still had 18 miles to go.

But, after three consecutive nights of walking six miles a night, I did it. And I can't stop celebrating. Actually, I can't start celebrating until the caramel apples are finished setting in the refrigerator in an hour.

This is, officially, the first time I've completed a fitness goal in my almost 30 years on the planet. Most people probably would laugh at this endeavor, but consider this:

1. I walked 20 miles in the first week, so it seemed it would be a breeze. Of course, I didn't really start pushing myself until October.

2. I walked 50 miles — that's half of the goal for those of you stumped by math — in October alone. Again, 18 of those miles were walked since Sunday night.

3. I lost more than 40 pounds during this time, plus the few weeks before I started the exercise goal. This is further proof that exercising a few days a week — even just walking — mixed with eating healthier can make a huge difference.

I'm nothing if not inspired by myself. In fact, I'm giving myself a new goal — 100 Miles By 2008. That's 50 miles a month for November and December. Clearly, I can do it.

Anyone else want to jump on the plan? Teaming up will make it easier for everyone, especially during the holidays.

Now it's time to go carve a pumpkin. Look for pictures of that in the morning.

P.S. I should mention I also rewarded myself with a trip to Target, where I bought the new Britney Spears CD (See, I really am still obsessed with Britney) and the "Scrubs: Season 6" DVD.