![Wink ;)](./images/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif)
Okay when I lost those 40lbs it all started with my son's diving and swimming class. There was a walking path next to the pool that was a quarter mile long. I started out the way you did and walked while my son swam. Could barely do a mile to begin with. But with the help of a tape player and walking tapes I was able to get my speed up. By the end of the summer I was walking 5.2 mph.
If you have an iphone or are capable of download music from iTunes you can find walking music specifically set up for walking. You can choose the distance and time that you want. I learned to love my walking time and protected it with a passion. I'd turn up the music and set sails... Soon I was in my Zone. Of only did I love my results but learned this me time was a tremendous benefit to my soul.