all the healthy things!

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One of my big goals for May (and this year) was to get healthier. Eat healthier so I could feel healthier, exercise more so my body could feel stronger, etc. It really wasn't about weight loss, but about feeling healthy - though losing the width I gained from lots of late nights and bad food in college would be nice.

It's been pretty hit and miss.

One of the things I really hate about DC is just how long it takes to get anywhere, and this has changed how much I exercise drastically. I used to work out three times a week, easy. Now, it takes too long, so I never do. As in going to the gym has become a 3 hour time commitment (4 if I want to shower after - 45 minutes there on the bus, 1 hour workout, 45 minutes back), so I never go anymore.

When it took 1, maaaybe two hours of my day, I loved going to the gym! But 3 to 4 hours a day? What working person has time for that?

Since January, I've exercised at the gym 4 times.

Four! Times!

While I've been trying to eat healthier too, all that's done is help slow the weight gain and feeling like crap that has accompanied not exercising. It was so frustrating. I hated seeing what was happening to my body, and how sick and tired I always felt. 

So, this month I realized that something had to change. The gym was obviously no longer the answer, but there had to be another solution. Here are the ones I'm working on:

• I bought a bike! It's unbelievable how I get around the city so much faster, and I actually get some exercise while doing it. I'm still not totally used to riding it everywhere, but I'm working on it. 
• I signed up for the Color Run DC on October 21st! I don't need to win the race, but I don't want to embarrass myself either, so I WILL be training!
• Finally, I invested in the BluePrint Cleanse. I'm pretty sure most of my friends think I'm crazy, and I've definitely never done a cleanse like this before, but after reading reviews of it (1, 2), I really want to try it. Naturally, I'll let you all know how it goes.

If you have any good running tips, have experienced the BluePrint Cleanse or any other juice cleanse, or any other general health advice, let me know! I'd love to hear about your experiences.

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Hope everyone is having a great Memorial Day weekend! :) Don't forget - ad spots are discounted if you email me by Wednesday. A 200x200 is now $8, the 200x125 is $3, and a guest post to promote whatever you want (plus a 200x200) is $13. Email me at valorielovely {at} gmail {dot} com if you're interested.