Tag: running
Back by Popular Demand, Jamie!

Back by Popular Demand, Jamie!

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Hi again! It’s me, Jamie, the favorite child.  Because my last blog post was such a hit, I assume, and because work is winding down, I’ve decided to write another guest blog.  I know, you’re welcome.  In case you forgot, which I highly doubt because my last post rocked, I am the second child of the family, currently living by myself in Houston for the summer, and about to start my second year at Rice University. 

So, as you guys have seen from the last couple of blog posts, my mom loves to bike.  Incidentally, she also does not take shit from anyone, which speaking as her daughter, has good and bad points. The good is the strong female role model I get to learn from–seriously guys, my mom is the coolest.  Not only is she crazy smart, athletic, and awesome at cooking but she is also just an all around superstar who coached me in baseball and soccer, went to all my school and athletic events, and is always there whenever I need advice.   The bad is that, unfortunately, she never took shit from me either/she gets scary when she’s angry. Okay, to get back to my story, my mom loves to bike.  I do too, but not as much as her. She bikes a lot, and so did I when I was younger.  Nowadays, I run. And no, I don’t love running.  I actually dislike it. Sure, there are some days when a nice easy jog in the shade feels great and, yes, on those days I totally get why people love to run, but most days I don’t get it.  It is painful.  No, it doesn’t “clear my mind” and it isn’t “calming and relaxing.” I mean, you are literally firing off every muscle in your body at once, how does that relax someone? Aside from the fact that I look like death while running, I am also highly competitive, so I think that everything is a race. This makes every run for me a combination of a steady even pace with a bunch of spurts of speed sprinkled in. Sorry five year old girl on a pink tricycle, you’re going down.  I will beat you to that crunchy leaf up there. Probably not the best running habit, but I can’t help it.

But running is awesome for your body, so I’ve tried to make it a routine this summer.  I run about 6 days a week here in Houston, and I try to run between 2.5-4 miles each run.  I run just before it gets dark, but it’s still anywhere between 80-95 degrees. I get so hot by the end of the run, that the shower can’t even get cold enough to cool me down. On top of that, I’ve started eating healthier, partly because I am too cheap to buy junk food but also because I’m honestly too lazy to go to the store and buy all the ingredients I need for cookies when I start to crave it. I like to make a huge meal at the beginning of the week that will last me to the end.  Honestly, not sure if this is the most safe practice in terms of food going bad, but hey its worked so far.  My favorite is just roasting a bunch of veggies and chicken and eating them with an egg and a piece of toast. It’s pretty fool proof, and it’s pretty damn simple. Currently feeling great, yet I am a little worried about when I move back into school and go back to the salty, fried meal plan.  Fingers crossed the sophomore 15 isn’t a thing, I’ll keep you posted though.
Jamie’s Basic List to a Better, Less Terrible Feeling Run
1) Wearing cool athletic clothes and shoes actually does help.  Look good, feel good. If you are like me and love Lululemon but realize it’s insanely expensive, try Gap fit.
2) Don’t run the same route three times in a row. It is a lot safer, plus it keeps things a little interesting.  Even so much as running a route backwards helps.
3) Make sure to time yourself. If you don’t have a running tracker/fit bit like me, time your runs so you know about how far you’re going.
4) Push yourself. By pushing yourself throughout the entire run, you get faster, which makes for less time where your body feels like it’s about to collapse.
5) Try not to match the pace of a tall guy in short shorts who has like 3% body fat.  Unless you are a tall guy in short shorts with 3% body fat, you will lose, and subsequently feel like your body is on fire.
6) Listen to your body. I know everyone says this, but it really is true, if you feel like a slug the entire day, it makes no sense to plan a run that’s 4 miles long.  Start off with a mile, and go from there.
Print Pin

Roasted Veggies and Chicken

Ingredients

  • Roasted Veggies and Chicken

Instructions

  • Ok, like I said before, this is the simplest thing ever. Just pick out whatever veggies you want--my favorites are cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, and onions--and cut them into a little bigger than bite sized pieces. Toss them in some olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and whatever other spices you want, and throw them in the oven on 400 for 30-40 minutes. You can also add chicken breasts on top of the veggies.