Ah, my first blog. I’ve wanted to write one for a long time, but I never felt I had anything worthwhile for you to read about. Now that I’ve moved far(ish) away from most of my friends and family, I think I may actually have something interesting (maybe, depending on who is reading this) to write about and share with the world: my (gluten-free) food obsession and (attempt at) running. Those two things definitely go together, right? Of course they do!
As a recap, over the past year, I finished grad school, moved to Kansas City, found out I have celiac disease, embarked on a new career in the VA, made wonderful friends in the Midwest, adopted two new pets (fish, don’t freak out), started a supper club, moved in with a roommate, and signed up to run a half-marathon. There are probably a few other things that have happened, but I think those are the main highlights. It’s been a crazy, busy, and fun year to say the least, and everything is working out well for the most part. I’m really ok with where I am.
Now where does this gluten-free food obsession come in (First part of title: dining)? Last May (2010), I found out I had celiac disease, which is where your body simply rejects gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye) and the only treatment is to avoid it completely in your diet. So, that’s what I’ve had to do. And truthfully, it’s not all that bad. Knowing that I have the ability to control how I feel by just modifying my diet is an amazing feeling. Don’t get me wrong: some days are much easier than others, especially when you’re sitting in a staff meeting and everyone else is eating Panera pastries. But, overall, it has given me the willpower and discipline I desperately needed to change my overall eating habits and feel healthy. In this blog, I want to share how eating gluten-free can be really, really good (promise!) and provide insight to how this guides my everyday life. Reference to above paragraph: Supper club!
The other side of this blog: running (or dashing as the title implies). Over the next few months, I plan to update you on my progress to become a runner and complete a half-marathon. I am signed up to run the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half-Marathon in St. Louis on Sunday, October 23. I am running as a team member of Team in Training (TNT) to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). Running a half marathon has always been a goal of mine since seeing the Derby runners in Louisville, and training with TNT is the perfect opportunity to achieve that goal. TNT is providing me with all training that I need to finish the half marathon (which will be a lot!). I will, in return, be raising money ($2500) for LLS (75% of which stays in the local area to support patients here) to find a cure for blood cancers.
This is where I need your help! Donations to the cause are always welcome (you can find the link to my personal donation website on the side bar), but also your encouragement and support throughout this journey. I know this will be challenging for me, but doesn’t even compare to the battle those who are fighting Leukemia or Lymphoma face every day. Any fundraising ideas you have used or think would be a good idea would also be much appreciated! I promise to work harder than I ever have before and to keep my blog updated regularly on how well I’m doing (or how much I’m struggling with running 8 miles), and any other things in my life I feel like you should know. You’ve been forewarned.
Thanks for joining me in this new adventure!
