running-into-recovery-blog

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App Analysis: MyFitnessPal

[running-into-recovery-blog]

The A, B, ZZZs of Lutenblag

Nestled in the Great Central Valley of Europe is the vibrant city of Lutenblag. Being the capital of Molvania, it is a perfect destination to experience the European culture, both ancient and modern. Our trip to Lutenblag involved many exquisite eateries, beautiful scenery and lively nightlife. Lutenblag is great place to engage with the locals who were overly excited to show us around.

Attractions

Beyond the beautiful landscapes of hills, fields, and the sea, there are many lounges and bars nearby. A popular hip lounge, Club Zlad, feels like an amazing lush oasis nestled in this lively metropolis. It has a cozy vibe making it easy to unwind after a long day. If clubs aren’t your scene, admire the fine art of Molvania at one of the many galleries in the downtown core. From mixed media pieces to paint and pastel you’ll be amazed at what you find.

Beverages and Food

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, comfort food, or fine dining, Lutenblag is the place to be! One of our favourite places to eat was Laddle Lunch, which had some of the best soups we’ve ever had. Pair your soup with a salad or one of their famous grilled cheese sandwiches, and you’ll have the perfect meal. Just next door is Lutenlush, a pub offering a great brew that’s popular among the locals: Blag. Enjoy a pint or two after lunch, and you won’t be disappointed.

Among the many places to eat is Sprufkil's Gourmet Hot Dogs, a quaint outpost that is set on a hillside overlooking a breathtaking panorama of sea and sand. A perfect stop to grab food and walk along the beautiful cobblestone road. We ate foot-long hot dogs, with chocolate milkshakes and root beer floats, the perfect meal to end our busy day. As you continue down the hill, past the green rolling fields, you’ll find yourself at a cute little coffee shop. From coffee to flat whites, Cornerstone Cafe has all your needs, including a large assortment of fresh homemade baked goods.

Catching Some Zzz’s

Stay the night at Hotel Zlad, a hip boutique property with an Eastern European boho chic feel. On the upper floors, many find guest rooms featuring comfortable beds and modern furniture. From your window, you'll see jaw-dropping views of nearby scenery and landscapes. If you manage to leave the hotel, go for a stroll through some of the nearby hills and I promise you’ll be blown away.

At the end of the day, you'll find Lutenblag can be a home away from home. Especially if you’re a traveler who's weary of the tried and true places like major cities that tourists often crowd to. Lutenblag offers comfort and a quaint vibe. We will definitely going back!

Lutenblag is waiting for you! So go adventure, you’ll be glad you did.

[running-into-recovery-blog]

5 Ways Running Has Changed My Life

When you start running, you’ll realize that it’s more than just a sport or an exercise. Running is a tool that can dramatically improve your life and overall well-being. I’m sharing with you 5 ways that running has changed my life for the better. I hope to inspire you and give you hope so that you can overcome any challenge that comes your way.

1. It improved my mental health

My love for running began in elementary school when I started running cross country. When I entered high school, I joined the cross country and track teams as a way to meet new people and stay physically fit. By the end of my high school years, I had been diagnosed with several mental illnesses including generalized anxiety disorder, anorexia, and depression. I stayed three months in an intensive inpatient unit at my local hospital, was given medication, and fed through a feeding tube. After being discharged, I continued to take my prescribed medication, an antidepressant, and I continued onto university. At the age of 21 I decided I no longer needed medication. After one year off medication, I found myself back at the doctor’s office complaining of feelings of anxiousness and depression. I didn’t want to be put on medication, so I asked if there was something more natural that could help me. My doctor recommended that I start exercising regularly to help my feelings of depression and anxiety. So I took my doctors’ orders. Not only did my mood improve immediately after a run, my entire outlook on life changed. I found myself waking up with eager to start my day and my excitement for things in my life increased.  

2. It allowed me to have a routine

I was never a morning person. I can’t even count how many times I was late to class in high school. When I started running, I suddenly found myself waking up early and falling into a routine each day. Now, my love for running wakes me up at 6:00 am. After my run, I go straight into my routine of stretching, yoga, shower, breakfast, and then school. It’s a perfect routine that leaves me energized for the entire day.

3. It made me appreciate my body

As someone who has always struggled with body image, running gave me a way to appreciate what my body can do. Being called the “skinny” girl growing up, I constantly felt ashamed and embarrassed. I covered my body in baggy clothes and avoided situations in which I would have to wear a bathing suit. Instead of focusing on what my body looks like, I now focus on what my body is capable of doing. It amazes me what my body can do.

4. It made me understand that food is fuel

Running takes a lot out of you. Just like you put fuel in your vehicle before a long drive, I learned to put fuel in my body before a run. Unfortunately, I learnt this the hard way by attempting long runs by pounding back coffee. Although the caffeine did give me a nice jump start, my body would quickly run out of fuel halfway through the run. I realized my body needed more “gas” than I was supplying it with. As soon as I started running on a full tank, I was surprised at the performance of my body. After a run, your body craves large amounts of carbs and protein to replenish. I no longer restrict my intake since I know that food is the fuel that enables me to go for my runs and then recover afterwards.

5. It made me realize that I am capable of anything

They say if you can run a marathon, you can do anything. The amount of time, commitment, planning, dedication, training, effort, and grit that goes into running a marathon will equip you with the tools to do absolutely anything in your life. If I said all my runs were easy, I’d be lying. I’ve wanted to quit so many times, I’ve cried through hundreds of runs, yet I kept going. Why? Because I knew that in the end, it’ll be worth it. And I was right.