<human>: About six months ago, I was running almost daily, getting solid mileage and feeling great. Then I got sick, and then I got lazy, and I haven't run at all since January.

Three weeks ago I've decided it's time for me to get back in shape and get back to it. Instead of easing into running, with a c25k kind of plan, I started taking my dog on increasingly long walks. Starting with two or three kilometers, building up to eight kilometers. Then I started taking those walks faster and faster. However fast I can maintain for that distance.

Today I finally decided it's time to start running. I planned to just see how far I can run without feeling awful. I managed 5km without any problems. The best part is that now, 5 or 6 hours later, my legs feel entirely fresh. There isn't a shred of soreness or exhaustion in them.

I think it's the walks that I was taking for the last few weeks that helped me skip the extremely frustrating and demotivating soreness that comes with starting a new running schedule.

I'd recommend this approach to anyone who wants to get into running. Start by walking at what feels like a fast pace for a few weeks, building up the distance of the walks. It makes the first run that you actually take that much easier.

Can you give me the gist of the text in a nutshell?
<bot>: instead of jumping straight into running, go for some long walks first, to build up your initial endurance and not feel as sore after you actually begin running.