Quote:

Originally Posted by LedBoots 


That's great! What are you planning for exercise?....

I currently walk two miles a day (back and forth to the bus).  I am definitely going to add yoga and some type of strength training (my vegan /plant-based chiropractor is developing a routine for me).  I just started doing a short (15 min) dance exercise video last night.  Figured I would start the cardio off slowly and build.

I lost 15 lbs in the month of December just from going vegan/90% plant based.  Adding exercise this month...

Good for you for doing what you do!  Just be careful.  I got into running in 2012, went from barely able to run to running four to five miles daily, but I pushed myself so hard I kept getting injured.  I had Achilles tendinitis, and then a stress fracture in my pelvic area.  I have severe osteoporosis for a number of reasons, number one losing my ovaries at a young age, and it wasn't a bright idea to start running.  As much as I loved it (I was into trail running) I had to give it up as I got tired of all the injuries and xrays and physical therapy lol.  I had the stamina, but my body just couldn't take the beating.  I love to move and exercise though so that has never been a problem for me.  I have had to find other ways to get in some cardio and get those endorphins going, and cycling is a huge one for me.  I love my mountain bike.  I also love yoga and ballet (was a dance major in college many years ago).  I miss running but not the injuries, and I always cheer on those who can keep doing it!  Glad to hear you are getting some good training!  And what great motivation, to have a charity to run for!

Naturebound, I can be when I haven't injured myself ^_^ I did my knee in a few months ago and then I slammed a door on my foot. My foot has hopefully healed enough for me to actually start this.

This will be for my second marathon, I did my first one in 2012. I get expert training advice as part of the win, so I'm hoping this will mean I can beat my first marathon time, which was 6.05:25 (yes, that's 6 hours. I would have been quicker, but I had a 20min wait for the toilets at one point).

Training for marathons is the only way I stay healthy. I need something to work towards, otherwise I get lazy. Let me tell you, nothing motivates me more then the idea of screwing up and failing in front of thousands of people and failing the charity that I'm running for.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faya 
 

I won a contest! It includes a week of marathon training in the Algarve and new running kit! I haven't had a great year, what with being made redundant and not being able to find another job, so this has seriously made my year.

Hooray!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faya 
 

I won a contest! It includes a week of marathon training in the Algarve and new running kit! I haven't had a great year, what with being made redundant and not being able to find another job, so this has seriously made my year.

Wow, that's great Faya!   Congratulations!  I take it you are quite a runner?

I won a contest! It includes a week of marathon training in the Algarve and new running kit! I haven't had a great year, what with being made redundant and not being able to find another job, so this has seriously made my year.

   I have tons of essay work to do, but I'm looking on the bright side..... less than two weeks and I will be home for the xmas holidays! Best time of the year.

I had a nice time at dinner with my extended family yesterday. The most pleasant surprise was finding out that my youngest cousin (she's 13) has decided to adopt a vegan diet. She states that she's not totally vegan yet, but I discussed several pertinent issues to be sure she understood what she was doing. I was pleased to find out the amount of research she had done and that she had even come across VeggieBoards in her research. I told her to definitely check out/join VeggieBoards for more support.

Her mom is very supportive and has been eating and cooking vegan along with my cousin. Her father (my uncle) isn't buying into it at all and teases her about it playfully, but he does buy the vegan items she requests. 

So for next Thanksgiving, we're planning to make more vegan sides and desserts. We both ate the vegetarian sides and desserts and I'm considering even bringing a Field Roast or something like that next year. 

One of the best parts about this is that it also brought my cousin and I closer together because we really connected over something we have in common. She has no friends or family that are vegan or vegetarian in her area and since she lives quite a distance from me, we don't see each other often. So I'm planning to stay in contact with her through email so that I can offer support and ideas.

Aristede 

Quote:

Originally Posted by River 

Saturday night we're having a massive party to celebrate, my dad's coming down from the Ham and the rest of the family from their perspective states. His ex wife and son are coming up as well as his family.

While I am ridiculously excited and just cannot contain myself, ima lil freaked out to meet his son and ex wife as well as just... colliding ou r worlds.

But being scared is fun. AAAAHHHHH

Not if it's like this. I got 6 miles in in the cool, crisp autumn air today, and fixed dinner for my family, making spaghetti with spinach basil sauce, marinara, and nooch on top (they thought it was parmesan cheese---Hehehehehe), and a tossed green salad with orange champagne vinaigrette and grape seed oil. All vegan until mom added chicken...

Quote:

Originally Posted by River 

Saturday night we're having a massive party to celebrate, my dad's coming down from the Ham and the rest of the family from their perspective states. His ex wife and son are coming up as well as his family.

While I am ridiculously excited and just cannot contain myself, ima lil freaked out to meet his son and ex wife as well as just... colliding ou r worlds.

But being scared is fun. AAAAHHHHH

Oh, it'll be alright! Just be yourself and take things easy! You have plenty of news to update everyone on, so just make it a swell event. 

Aristede 

Quote:

Originally Posted by River 

You can never have too much cake ^.^

Nope. And if you go to the food porn from the internet thread...

I got a workout in, some miles walking in, and, apparently, River was married this weekend. She has a cake from me, as well, in the Yak for Power thread.

Man, have really missed this thread--it's been a while since last visiting, and so nice to see the great things happening for everyone.

On the positive front, I've been working on an ebook to be published through my site (Eat Well. Party Hard.), and have officially secured three product sponsors (all vegan!) who are contributing prizes to those who download the book. Weeeeeeeeee!

Hope everyone's having a great week :)

I got a 7 mile walk in, I got to go to church this morning, I uploaded my photos to my computer going all the way back to before Hallowe'en, I got my laundry done, and I'm back online and have electricity after the power went out yesterday about 1:00 p.m.

Off topic River, Werewolf Girl, and Jennifer C (anyone else living on the West Coast of North America who was affected by yesterday's windstorm--I hope you all are all right.

River, that was so kind of you to help that lady.  She probably thought you were some kind of angel.  It is so rare to witness that kind of generosity anymore.

My positive bit to share.  A month ago I sent an email request to a local grocery store I frequent close to home (Super One for anyone interested).  They did  not carry tempeh and never have and I have always had to travel across town to Whole Foods Coop or up to Cub Foods to get it.  Tempeh is one of my staple foods.  I finally asked if they would be able to add it to their store. I was specific about the brand and I mentioned being able to get it at the other stores but that they are far away and this store is much more convenient for me to get to, especially when I bicycle.  I did not hear back from them, but yesterday I was perusing the produce aisle and came to the tofu area in the organic section and was surprised to see my tempeh there!  Yippeeeeee!!!  This is the second time a grocery store has granted my request for a vegan friendly food.  Progress people, progress...

Quote:

Originally Posted by River 

When I was at the grocery store today I helped an older disabled lady get a paper, and let her go ahead of me in line. She put twenty dollars on my groceries, telling me to put it for something tasty. When I tried to give it back she'd have none of it. It was the nicest thing.

Maybe a case of "entertaining angels unawares" rather like Clarence in "It's A Wonderful Life"?