this is not kanye's workout plan. its better.

I went running for the first time in who knows how long yesterday. There is a track across from where I am living that is a slightly longer (no idea on exact distance tho) than a normal track which means it sucks even more out of me. Needless to say, the elementary school boys were passing me. Oh, and the 50 year old men did as well. I'll get you back, fast runners. It is hard to face the fact that I could once run much longer distances. Now, I am lucky if I finish a mile without feeling like I am about to pass out. Yes, friends, I am out of shape and my dad can outrun me. But I am okay with it. For now.

I miss Mr. Wright (my high school cross country coach) yelling at me to get my ass moving or risk getting kicked off the team. Where are you, Roger? I need you.

Since Bocconi is not your traditional college (considering its smack dab in the middle of the city), there is no gym that we can use without having to pay for it. Yes, there are a number of gyms in Milano but they are super expensive. No grazie. I'd rather spend my money elsewhere.

So I am rebelling against their entire system. A girl and I found this place called Decathlon which is a sporting goods store that has oodles of fun things for relatively reasonable prices. They have EVERYTHING. I was slightly giddy and am totally not a workout buff. Anyways, I found a workout mat, a dumbbell, and a basketball (yes, I think I am going to take up my old favorite sport again. I have been missing it and there is even a court right down the way!). Take that, Milano gym goers.

Anyways, I have devised a plan for these items. I think I'll call it "Plan: Corpo Caldo". It will involve many amazing things. Or maybe I am being too optimistic about this. Either way, I just don't want those old men to keep passing me by the end of this (unless they are running in the opposite direction).

Initially, I didn't understand how these Italian women stayed so skinny. Everything on the menu is carbs. Then I found out about the "Italian Diet": "We eat small meals and spend the leftover money to go shopping."(Disclaimer: This is not the official diet but was said by an official Italian.) That is totally not gonna fly for me. When my stomach talks to me too much, it is not a pretty sight. Plus, I am in Italy. I am totally going to eat your food, and I am going to like it.

Speaking of food, I realized that there are no ovens in our kitchens. Stovetops? Check. Microwaves? Check. (I accidentally already melted something in mine. Oops.) Fridge? Check. How am I going to make it? For those of you that know me, you know I bake to relieve my stress. It's not that I make it to eat the food. I just need to bake to get through things sometimes. Usually, I give it away to the gaggle of hungry boys that I know. You're welcome, by the way. I guess I'll have to find a new outlet. Maybe Plan: Corpo Caldo will fulfill that void. It is probably much healthier anyways. Psh. Or I'll just go in overdrive when I get back to the U.S. (This is your forewarning future roommates!)

By the way, I appreciate all the comments you guys have been leaving me. I feel like you give me a little piece of home. Thanks everyone! :)