September Goals

I have a lot I want to talk about today – including a new vegan restaurant I discovered. But first, a quick review of how I did on my August goals.

For short runs, maintain an 8:30 min/mile pace. I did try to run my short runs faster, and sometimes hit this pace.
Strength training once a week. I actually ended up strength training 2x a week most weeks – I think I finally am out of my strength training rut.
Yoga once a week. I didn’t make it once a week, but I did do yoga twice which is more than I have been for the last few months.
“Do” my hair at least a few times a week. I have been doing my hair more. I think I owe this to having shorter hair more than making time to do it though!
Spend as much time outside as possible…because before you know it summer will be over. I definitely have been spending a lot of time outside, especially with walks in Rock Creek Park at least once a week.

My new goals for September are:

Get more sleep. With morning runs I need to be in bed before 10 to get 8 hours.
Post one new recipe a week. The last few months I have been coming up with impromptu recipes more often and there is no reason (aside from laziness) that I don’t post them.
Bring water on all runs over 7 miles. No excuses.

My neighborhood is what some would call up-and-coming. I live a few blocks from some popular bars and restaurants, but the area right around my house still has a ways to go. However, there is a vegan cafe I’ve always wanted to go to right down the street. Can you believe I have lived in my house for over a year and hadn’t gone until last night?

The restaurant is called Everlasting Life and is on Georgia Ave. In my defense, it looked like it was under construction for the last year. But I’m happy to report the inside is now super nice, with couches and flat screen TVs. The staff was extremely welcoming, helped me pick out my order as a first timer, and gave me complimentary samples of a bunch of food!

I ordered a garlicky kale dish:

A spicy veggie stir-fry:

Plus samples of a bunch of other stuff. I usually stay away from mock meat products, but the fake chicken was AMAZING.

I highly recommend this restaurant, even if you are not vegetarian or vegan. They also had a line of shakes that a fellow customer recommended.

Aside from the delicious vegan eats, I stole some of Neil’s pasta to get some carbs. I think carbs helped me power through my run this morning. I did 7 miles @8:43 pace. Great way to start my day, especially since it’s going to be a busy one.