I’m in my second week of training for the walk (and I promise that not every blog for the next 10 weeks will be about this). It’s going pretty well, though I am realizing how much I’d been neglecting my exercise routine lately. Walking five days a week and cross-training on the other two is a huge step up from where I’d been on the exercise spectrum for the last several months, so it’s definitely been a challenge — from a time management perspective, if nothing else.

But, it does allow me more time for one of life’s little luxuries: listening to audiobooks. I just toss my rickety old click-wheel ipod into the stroller pocket, and we’re off to another world while my feet keep the beat and MLM coos and points at the scenery.

I just finished The Broken Teaglass by Emily Arsenault (which was at least superficially intriguing, if somewhat unsatisfying) and I’m now working my way into A Winter’s Tale by Mark Helprin. I’ve really enjoyed Helprin in the past: his novels demonstrate amazing historical thoroughness combined with subtle and imaginative plots. It’s been slow going so far, but since I’ve “read” two previous books of his and really enjoyed them, I’m willing to be patient while the exposition gets off the ground.

Meanwhile, the donations continue to steadily trickle in, and I’m continually awed by the love and generosity of my friends and family. Even though I was a professional fundraiser for years in Austin, I never cease to be amazed by how generous people can be when they feel inspired to help out with something important. Even though times are hard right now, people have given much more generously than I would’ve expected.

And even those who haven’t been able to contribute as much as they’d like financially have offered me incredible emotional support, just by telling me that they’re proud of me or support what I’m doing. So as I walk the trail almost every day, I’m kept company not just by a gurgling baby and a narrated novel, but by the encouraging spirit of everyone who has reached out to me in this daunting (but worthwhile) venture. I feel really fortunate to have so much that is positive and encouraging in my life. So, thanks!!

MJ Pullen

M.J. Pullen is a distracted writer and the mom of two boys in Roswell, Georgia, where she is absolutely late for something important right now. Her books include quirky romantic comedies and playful women's fiction. She blogs erratically with writing advice, random observations, and reflections on raising very loud kids and dogs. Join her Distracted Readers newsletter list for updates, free content, giveaways and more.