Hellor hellor!
Time for recap two, ie what I learnt over my fantastic long weekend in Chicago!
Well, first of all, I’ll say that this truly wonderful girl basically summed it up for me! But I’ll write how I felt about it all in my own words.
One thing that really struck me at the HLS was how simply gorgeous every single person there was. Everyone came in different shapes, sizes, styles and backgrounds and yet without exception, everyone was beautiful – on the inside and out! Yeah, that sounds corny..but it’s true! It was like everyone was glowing! And for once, I’m going to include myself in that group. Yep – I felt beautiful there too! I have never, ever been so happy, relaxed, confident and at ease with myself, and it rubbed off on so many aspects of my life.
I wasn’t scared or shy of meeting new people, or being worried about fitting in – none of my friends around between talks at the break? No problem – I just walked into the room and made new friends, just like that! No-one judged 🙂
I felt like I went a bit overboard with my lunchtime food one day – after a 10minute pep talk, I realised – so what? Who cares if I maaaaaybe ate a little too much, it’s normal! Besides – I wanted to enjoy my time with my new friends 🙂 and not worry about food. It worked! I let go of all my worries.
I wasn’t bound by time – at home, I normally have my meals at the same time, and I’m known to worry if I have to have a meal very late. Karyn’s on Green meal? We didn’t even start til 9.30pm! And I didn’t die…I had a fabulous time!
I wasn’t scared of hunger. I got (very) hungry at various times over the weekend, but the world didn’t cave in! I have no need to be scared of it anymore, cos I know I will eat (ie – I’m not starving myself), which makes me confident I can work on being an intuitive eater 🙂
I made friends just travelling on the plane (hello Edmond if you’re reading!) – cos I was so happy!
I saw the girl I really am, and the girl I want to be. Relaxed and happy.
I realised that looks really really don’t matter when it comes to beauty. To be beautiful, be happy with yourself; smile; relax; be yourself; have the Angela-oh-she-REALLY-DOES-glow-glow(!); and be friendly. Angela is now someone I really look up to – she was honestly one of the most lovely, friendly people I’ve ever met. She was the first person I saw on Thursday, and she immediately gave me a hug, cos she knew (from our emails) that I was a little bit nervous! She was a great running partner too, and I can’t wait to try the two Glo Bars I have 😛
Don’t be under the age of 21 in the USA, or you get SCARRED!
I can cope with freezing cold showers and not die.
Americans are not crazy, gun-wielding, loud-mouthed maniacs like the English have you believe; they’re actually the nicest people on earth!
Don’t rely on United Airlines to provide you with heart vegan snacks or meals (apple sauce and a 2inch sq piece of bread for breakfast, anyone??) – bring your own!
So what did I take away from the experience, beside from a heck of a lot of swag and TJ’s/Whole Foods’ buys?
:p
Amazing memories:
Hot runs:
Good (and unusual!) food:
Beautiful new friends:
The happiest I have ever been.
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As for Monday and Tuesday, they’ve looked something like this:
Watermelon, cereal, XG, pear, cocoa powder
A chunk of vegan brownie, given to me at the HLS 🙂
Half of an ALLIEBAR (!!!) pre 2mile run – amazing taste that totally lived up to the hype, and amazing fuel – first run in MONTHS with zero leg aches and pains!
Oats cooked with mixed spice, cinnamon, salt, squash, parsnips, cabbage and garlic
Chocolate macaroon, made by the amazing (Zumba teaching) Fitnessista, Gina – so tasty!
Mojo bar – equally yum 🙂
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Aeroplane vegan pretzels pre-DVD workout
Watermelon, banana, cereal, chia seeds, XG, roasted cashews, grated cacao, dates, homemade crab apple jam, milk, yogurt
HLS kamut pasta, caramelized onion hummus, caramelized onions/cabbage, parsnip, spinach, mushrooms
Vegan macaroon a la Valerie
And for now that’ll do 😀 I’ll do dinner etc etc tomorrow. But right now, I need an early night..I am somewhat jetlagged!! Having the best weekend of your life (ever) and not sleeping for 2 days sure does take it out of you……
Good night!
(PS – don’t forget to look at my last post if you missed it – a ton of photos!)
Brit Chick Runs 