Are you ready to shape up, get healthy and accept a challenge? Then lace up your shoes, put on your jacket and grab your iPod. We’re walking to Los Angeles! Over the next 12 months we’ll cover 2,462 miles—the distance between New York City and Los Angeles.

That’s right. New York to L.A.

We officially kick off in January—just in time to help you to keep those New Year’s fitness resolutions. But don’t wait. Start logging your steps now. The steps you take after you put this magazine down count. We’ll need an early start to build mileage and avoid having to sprint to the finish. And it won’t hurt to start now to walk away from those holiday pounds.

Readers who track their miles (online at heartandsoul.com or in a walking journal) and complete the journey will be eligible for prizes. And we’ll report on our progress throughout the year both online and in the magazine.

Get Ready to Take the First Step

You’ll need to average about 12,000 steps each day; that’s a little more than 6 miles. That’s right in line with guidelines for getting 10,000 steps a day for health and weight management.

So start—or jumpstart—your journey today. Every step counts. Hop on a treadmill or a hiking trail. Take a few turns around the park or the mall. You can even walk in place while watching your favorite reality show, just as long as you’re stepping. And the challenge isn’t limited to walkers only. Runners are welcome. Even miles traveled on a bicycle, a stationary bike and roller skates count toward your goal.

It’s a long trip, but we’ve got a year to go the distance. Long before we cross Los Angeles city limits, you’ll see and feel the benefits.

Converting Activities to Steps

Walking 3 mph equals about 100 steps per minute. When you do other exercise, multiply the number below by the number of minutes you work out.

One-minute equivalents:

Running 5 mph = 242

Aerobics = 197

Bicycling less than 10 mph = 121

Weight training = 121

Roller skating = 112

Bowling = 91

Yoga = 76

Taking Those First Steps

1. Get a doctor’s OK. Before starting any exercise program, be sure your doctor OKs your walking program. Ask if you need to take any precautions or modify your workouts, especially if you’re pregnant or have chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and problems in the ankles and knees.

2. Means of support. You’ll need a comfortable, supportive pair of walking shoes. Look for a beveled heel for a natural heel-to-toe roll as you walk.

3. What’s your walking fitness level? Using a treadmill is an easy way to do it, especially in cooler months. Adjust the elevation to 1 percent to simulate a natural walking surface. Beginners: If you’re coming straight off the couch, walk at a comfortable pace for a half mile to a mile. Don’t worry about speed. Just cover the distance. If you’re active and have been walking or doing some other form of exercise for the last six months, walk 2 to 5 miles at a pace of 20 minutes per mile to find your baseline distance. Listen to your body to decide on the number of miles you should start off doing. If you’re already walking 3 to 5 miles or more, increase either your speed or your distance by 10 percent every week to build stamina. If you’re walking a 15-minute mile, you may want to consider learning proper form for speed walking or running.

4. Make a plan. Check your calendar and schedule your daily walk times and at least one day of rest each week. If you’re a morning person, make a date to walk before going to work. Take a 30-minute walk pushing the baby stroller or walking the dogs. Do a 10-minute after-lunch walk. And take the weekend for longer walks around the mall or a park with friends or with your favorite music.

5. Set a walking goal. Train to walk a 5K, a 10K or even a half-marathon or marathon to benefit your favorite cause. Do it yourself with a training program posted at heartandsoul.com. Or if you want camaraderie and accountability, look for a marathon training program in your area.

6. Get a pedometer. They’re easy to find and usually cost less than $20. Target and Walmart carry basic models. It will help you count the steps you take walking from your house to the bus stop, from your car in the parking lot to the store, and all the steps you take at work and around the house.

7. Keep track of your mileage. Whether you walk or run, keep track of those steps and miles. Every step counts, whether it’s on the trail or treadmill, the sidewalk or the mall. Remember, 2,000 steps roughly equal a mile.

8. Gather your girls. Your friends will help keep you focused and accountable, but most of all they’ll make the journey more fun.

9. Find support and motivation online at heartandsoul.com. We’ll have experts on hand throughout the year to help you choose the right gear, fuel up with tasty foods, avoid injuries and stay on track.

10. Join us! We kick off our challenge in New York in January 2010 and will celebrate our healthy journey in 2011. In the meantime we’ll hold walking and wellness events in Atlanta, Denver and Houston.

Nichele Hoskins is Heart & Soul’s senior editor, fitness.