I started wearing a Fitbit Flex combination pedometer and sleep tracker one year ago today. In fact, it was probably right around this time on May 4, 2013 that the battery was fully charged and I wrapped it around my left wrist.

Every other pedometer I’d tried had failed me. Either it would fall off my belt and break, or get washed because I forgot to unclip it from my pants, or I’d forget to wear it at all. The Flex can be worn even while showering, which I knew would be a cure for my clumsiness and absentmindedness. Plus it would keep track of how well I slept, and since I’ve always been intrigued by my dream life, that was fascinating.

So how’d I do?

In one year, I took 4,078,838 steps, which meant walking 2,030.89 miles. And since I’m worried that my sedentary lifestyle could kill me, that makes me happy.

Fitbit’s gamification of exercise has caused me to move much more than I might have otherwise. Not only does the awareness of how much my friends have walked on a given day often cause me to press ahead to catch up with them when I might have otherwise given up, but the fact Fitbit hands out badges for daily step and lifetime distance milestones has me constantly aware of my goals.

During the past 365 days—

I earned 359 5,000-step badges.

I earned 301 10,000-step badges.

I earned 49 15,000-step badges.

I earned 10 20,000-step badges.

And I earned 3 25,000-step badges.

I’ve yet to have a day during which I hit 30,000 steps—my best day was April 4, 2014, the day before our annual daffodil party, when I walked 28,398 steps, covering 14.15 miles. But I hope to do it someday.

As far as I’m concerned, all this means that my Fitbit has been one of the best gadgets I’ve ever brought into my life.

Now onward to that 3,000-mile badge!

Join me?