alyssasaurus

Truth is, I’ve never actually run for anything—no high school sports, nor weekend running workouts. Sure, I’ve had the occasional jog on the gym’s treadmill, or the speed-up-sprint to catch the bus, but I’ve never actually set out to RUN.

So, I’ve decided to change all that and work my way up! Yesterday, I set out (for my first week) to build up. I started for my first week with 2 minutes of running, 4 of walking in intervals of 5 (as I’ve seen on Runners World). I plan to work my way up and in a couple weeks, run the 2 mile stretch of my neighborhood drive, and then, hopefully more. I will keep y’all posted! Tomorrow, I’ll set out again.

I have been a strict vegetarian (no meat/poultry/fish/milk, or eggs [except when as an ingredient not a main item]) for approx. 2yrs. During that time, I have toyed around several times with going vegan. Over the summer, I was vegan for two months when I was living in an apartment and had the privilege of having access to a kitchen where I made my own meals-which were completely delicious and healthy too! But, when I returned to the dorm and diner food, I relapsed into some not so healthy ways: i.e. more processed foods, which invariably contained animal byproducts (milk, eggs, etc.)

I’ve decided to give it a go again. This time, I feel there will be no turning back! Now that I’m home, I’m celebrating my one-month anniversary of going vegan again, and this time, I feel even more committed to my decision. I’ve really enjoyed trying out new recipes and will be working to develop my own cookbook (as one of my other goals). Some favorites so far: Ethiopian lentils, fiesta quinoa salad, falafel, ratatouille. I’d love to try others too, and would be grateful for suggestions!

In anticipation of my sister’s wedding (and need to look good in pics), I’m trying to give up gluten too. In the next month, I’m hoping to drastically reduce my intake of wheat products, which sometimes become my crutch. We shall see for the month to come. Wish me luck!

Found a great school in the Maryland area that offers degree programs in healing arts, including herbal medicine, traditional chinese medicine, acupuncture, etc. Advantages: close by (hopefully) to where I’ll end up if my other job prospects work out, and not that expensive. Im excited to learn more about herbs and hopefully start to grow some of my own!