Join The Blonde Side’s Wings for Life Selfie Run Team
Join The Blonde Side’s team for Wings for Life Selfie Run, Sunday, May 8th – it’s free to sign up and you can run from anywhere!
This is a ground-breaking event (I mean, who doesn’t love anything involving a selfie?) to support spinal cord injury research, that allows anyone/anywhere to run with the entire world in a race with no finish line.
Here’s how to sign-up (it’s super easy, and did I mention free?):
DOWNLOAD THE SELFIE RUN APP ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE
CONNECT WITH FACEBOOK OR CREATE AN ACCOUNT
SET YOUR LOCATION TO “ANYWHERE IN THE HOU METRO” AND CONFIRM YOUR SELFIE RUN PARTICIPATION
CLICK ON “TEAM RUNS” AND SEARCH FOR THE BLONDE SIDE. JOIN!
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/FullSizeRender.jpg522750Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2016-04-25 14:10:522016-04-25 14:21:24Selfie Run: Wings for Life Selfie Run
TRX Training // Photo: Sunshine Winters Photography
A lot of people ask how I work out & stay active since I’m always traveling (each year I spend between 100 – 260 days on the road), so I wanted to quickly share three of my favorite fitness secrets:
1. THIS “Hit The Deck”game that is by far my favorite (and you can usually kill a good workout in 15 mins)
2. TRX Training – love them, obsessed. Hook them up to a parking garage (check), a palm tree (check), in your garage (check) and much more!
3. The new IGNITE DVD from Women’s Health – many people probably don’t use DVD’s anymore or have DVD players, but my laptop has a DVD slot, so it’s easy to take on the road with me. Purchase yours today.
Now it’s your turn – what are your tricks to staying fit – whether during a busy week or while traveling?
Mark your calendars for the 14th annual Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation 5k hitting Houston (NRG Stadium) on April 10th. It’s early – just warning you – but it’s worth it.
The Blonde Side (and formerly Charity Chicks Houston) has participated in this fun and worthy 5k for at least five years (last year was our first year to miss it!) and we want to come back to 2016’s run stronger than ever.
Click here to join The Blonde Side’s team (or make a small donation). The cost to sign-up and join our team is $35 for a timed 5k or $30 for the un-timed 5k. Like all events The Blonde Side participates in, all levels are welcome. In the past we’ve had one of our runners place in the Top 5 (oh hey Jennifer Jones Stroud!), we’ve had some walkers and we’ve just had some chatters waiting for brunch afterwards. Strollers are welcome, so don’t let that deter you from joining our fun run.
Last year Run for the Rose raised $610,000 supporting brain cancer research and pediatric health initiatives right here in Houston, Texas. This year (2016) – the foundation is looking to raise even more!
How can you help?
Sign up or donate at the link above
See if your employer or any other friends would like to donate or match our donations (tax-deductible)
We are looking for a team t-shirt sponsor so we can all match – because that’s what blondes who run sport’s columns do!
We have set pretty reasonable goals for our team, but we hope to exceed it. As a team, we are hoping
Join The Blonde Side’s Run for the Rose team
to raise $1,500 and have 35 team members!
Questions/interest in sponsoring The Blonde Side’s team? Email: jayme @ theblondeside .com
Every contribution makes a difference. Every $1 that is donated generates an estimated $5-10 of federal funding and grant support. Thus, not only does philanthropic funding help address unmet needs, but given the type of creative research activity it supports, it also can help catalyze new ideas. It is too late for Marnie, but we can work together and make sure the next patient’s story has a happier ending.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Screen-Shot-2016-02-22-at-2.34.32-PM.png358408Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2016-02-26 08:29:262016-02-23 13:22:38Join Our Team: Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation 5k
When you’re committed to running or training for a race, the rain (and other outdoor elements like snow – something we aren’t used to here in Texas) can be a nuisance and easy deterrence.
Um, it’s rainy. I can skip today. Who’s said that before? [Raises hand.]
My solution? Find a good Pandora station to jam to (mine is still Lionel Richie believe it or not), get some great scenery (like this great art wall in EADO), and just take off.
Running has quite a few crazy misconceptions. Like you have to belong to a gym. You have to have a running partner. You have to be a “good runner.” (By the way, how do you define what a good runner is and who came up with that definition?) You have to have the best and brand new shoes on the market. You have to know exactly where you’re going.
All BS. And here’s why: I don’t currently belong to a gym. I don’t always have a running partner (although it’s nice). I am definitely not a “good runner” but I try my hardest, which is really the key. I do have some of the best and brand new shoes on the market (thanks New Balance), but sometimes I forget to pack them and just grab the oldest/dirtiest pair lying around in my car.
A few of my personal tips to get going or keep going:
Keep the gear with you. I always keep running shoes and clothes with me. Whether in the car or packing when I am traveling, even for just a short time. I guarantee the one time you’ll want to run is the one time you won’t have your gear.
Make it social. Even if it’s just a brisk walk, invite a friend (or a different one each week) for a walk to chat and catch up. Or join a running club – there are tons of them in every city and many of them even enjoy a pint of cold beer afterwards!
Try to make it a habit. I’m not saying run 10 miles everyday, but if you can get yourself to run at the same spot and around the same time each day, you’ll notice a routine, like passing many of the same runners each day. It’s almost a level of accountability.
Feel like a runner. I typically run farther and take my running more seriously when I look the part. If I’m decked out in some fancy running clothes and shoes and people pass by me, I want to look the part and not like a phony!
Set a goal that works for you. For me, I tend to feel more “accomplished” when I run a long distance without stopping, which is usually my goal in running half marathons. For others, it’s how fast they can run a mile or a certain distance. For others, it’s how many days a week they lace up and for some, it’s doing it for a particular amount of time.
Use the Nike Training Club app. I love being able to track my times and distances and it even asks you to pick an emoji that sums up your workout for the day (mine usually equals meh). Some people like Map My Run or other running/fitness apps.
Sign up for a race. Preferably one that’s for a good cause. Plus: see link below if you’re in Houston!
If you’re looking for something to train for and get moving,join The Blonde Side’s team for the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation 5k April 10th (or consider donating a few bucks to the cause). We’ll have runners and walkers of all levels (and strollers are welcome, so that’s no excuse!).
What running tips do you have to share or trails do you love running in Houston?
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_5676.jpg27263166Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2016-02-22 13:01:422016-02-22 13:01:42Rainy Day Run // Bright Walls
We had 30 Houston women join us for a fun sweat-sesh in River Oaks – some first-time riders (who did amazing!), some veteran riders, and even a friend WHO JUST HAD A BABY FOUR WEEKS AGO (I won’t mention your name Brittney).
Before I thank our sponsors and ask for your input on upcoming events, I wanted to share with you something that RYDE does that I think is amazing. Before signing up for a class, they ask you to create an account (usually something that turns me off). AS SOON AS THE CLASS WAS OVER, I got an email titled “RYDE Performance” telling me stats like average RPM, high RPM, distance, watts and more so I could really see the work I put in. The amount of sweat I produced was proof enough that I had my butt kicked, but I loved seeing those stats (yet, I’m still a baby and don’t want to compare mine to others!), but if you’re a number’s person, you’ll love this aspect.
Also, I am not-so-secretly obsessed with Lisi and Ashley – our instructors for Sunday’s class. They
RYDE created a playlist just for The Blonde Side
took their time to help the newbies learn how to properly set up their bikes (you’d be surprised how many studios skip this step for sake of time or thinking everyone’s attended a spin or cycling class before). And they smiled the entire time. I can barely breathe and cycle, yet they can talk, cycle and smile.
Now on to our sponsors – a big thank you. The Blonde Side events would not happen without you:
Ideal Protein Houston – These were the protein bars (cut up and served with toothpicks) you all went crazy for! There are so many flavors and I always keep at least one in my bag so I don’t get hangry. Message Abe (the man in charge) and get 15% off your order by mentioning The Blonde Side.
TicketCity – They donated a $100 gift card for our after-class raffle.
Chambord & Korbel – Provided our after class champagne toast – this is a great drink mix if you don’t love champagne all by itself, just add a splash of Chambord (raspberry liqueur) and it’s amazing! Yes, champagne is part of Sunday Funday, no matter where you are!
Lucky’s Pub – Provided free drink cards in our swag bags and offered gift cards for our raffle. One of my favorite sport’s bars downtown – the best spot to meet up with friends before an Astros and Dynamo game!
Houston Dynamo – Provided opening day tickets for our raffle. Be sure to get tickets and check out the Dynamo this season!
Neiter Creative– Jo Neiter (she also joined our class, rocking one of The Blonde Side’s shirts) did our creative graphic/invites. She’s also one of my favorite Houston entrepreneurs.
Squeezed – These fine folks hooked up our riders with FULL-SIZED fresh-squeezed juices. These juices are packed with so many nutrients and goodness for your body, especially after a tough workout.
barkTHINS – a great snacking chocolate after our RYDE
barkTHINS– Many of you tried my favorite snacking chocolate for the first time. They have a ton of flavors and are available at almost any grocery store!
CharitaBulls – These gals so kindly donated their 2016 fan and player Texans calendar.
Other swag bag items included: complimentary sweet card from Petite Sweets, Yellow Rose Distilling Tour, discount for Belage Center with Dr. Yalamanchili (highly recommended for botox treatments in Houston), discount spa day at Deer Lake Lodge (a premiere health spa about 45 mins north of Houston – I’ve been there a ton and LOVE it). We also handed out LOCAL Houston Magazine issues (where The Blonde Side is their sportswriter).
NOW WE HAVE A QUESTION – PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT TO HELP US – We want to plan more events with The Blonde Side, but we need your input. What are you interested in? Yoga, a 5k Team Run/Walk, Gun Shooting and Lessons, Movie Night, etc.? Do you want more ladies-only events or co-ed? And is there a day/time of the week that works best?
If you have questions about sponsoring or co-hosting an event with The Blonde Side (we like to get creative, so start brainstorming), send us a note at jayme @ theblondeside . com.
Houston, get ready for The Blonde Side’s first fitness-related event. We will teaming up with the great folks at RYDE (spinning studio) on February 21st for Sunday Funday Reinvented (sadly, football is over for the season).
When: Sunday, February 21st – starts 2:15p (class is promptly at 2:30) – 4:00p (includes fun girl time, prizes, snacks, demos, etc.)
Cost: $25/person
Who: Ladies only – first-time spinners and experts welcome, must be 18+
Our pals at TicketCity are giving away a $100 gift card to one lucky RYDE’r (good for sporting events, concerts and more!).
Squeezed will have samples of juices and detox drinks available. Petite Sweets and barkTHINS will also be providing some sweet snacks after the ride and in our bags!
Everyone has that one “thing” they spend too much money on or trying to keep up with the latest trends. For some it’s purses or shoes, but for me – it’s active apparel and workout wear, since that’s pretty much the only thing you ever see me in. (Seriously, my online dating profile clearly warns men that I’m always in yoga pants.)
On a recent visit to Austin for the X Games, I was introduced toFitFit, which is a line of unique, bold active apparel. And of course I fell in love. Not just with the designs and bright colors, but the feel. These are the softest pants I’ve ever put on my body.
Based in Austin and made in Brazil, the leggings are perfect for yoga, running, spin, barre or even lounging. One of the hottest new trends in active apparel, the vibrant leggings from FitFit are not only breathable, comfortable and fast-drying, but also stretch and fade-resistant – so they can stay in your closet longer. And did I mention how comfortable they are?
The pants (the only thing I’ve tried so far) fit really well – a lot of yoga/running pants give me
TRX Training at Sculpt in Houston with FitFit pants
muffin top (yes, I am blaming the actual pants for that), but these fit snug around my waist as they should, but not too tight and stay in place. I’ve done as much as a six-mile run wearing these and they don’t fall down or sag like a few other brands I’ve tried – they are perfect.
They have been perfect for my HIIT sessions at Sculpt Fitness, as well as TRX, yoga and SPX.
Probably not great for my wallet, but I love the fact they come out with as many as 10 new prints every 6-8 weeks. That way you can stay up on the trends and keep yourself motivated during those harder workouts.
If you order online (they are in a few locations locally in Austin), there is a flat fee of $6 for shipping within the US, so stock up!
Lets face it – sometimes your workout gets boring, but that doesn’t mean your workout pants have to be.
I am a stressed out individual, but odds are we probably have that in common. We are multi-taskers, go-getters, hustlers and our brains have literally become human computers we never turn off.
Last month I interviewed Houston Texan Duane Brown and his wife Devi. The interview was about their home (see the story here) and I expected to learn about the exotic interior decorator they used and stuff like that, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn about their morning rituals of meditating together.
Meditation has always way too spiritual for me (not to be confused with religious) and a concept I couldn’t grasp, never being able to quiet my mind long enough to reap the benefits of said quiet time.
Devi and Duane got the wheels about meditation and the benefits turning in my head and then Christy Curtis, a yoga teacher based out of Orange County hosted a class at Wanderlust Aspen-Snowmass: Meditation for the Athletic Minded: Be in the Z.O.N.E.. It’s no secret she had me at the word Athletic, so I added her class to my already busy list of yoga/running/hiking/breathing classes.
The Browns and Christy certainly aren’t the first to brag about the benefits of meditation, but perhaps it was knowing what their busy lives entailed and they were all athletes (Christy was a college basketball player) that made me relate and want to test it out their theory.
(If you need proof you can’t possibly be a worse meditator than yours truly, below are the notes I took during Christy’s class. Yes, I took notes, while meditating.)
Her first instruction was, “don’t think – just show up.”
She reminded us that our mind is a muscle too – as athletes we spend so much time training and strengthening our biceps and quads for example, our brain/mind should be treated the same.
One of the things Christy said that resonated with me was the practice of welcoming in thoughts during meditation. Sure, meditation is supposed to be a blank space in your head where you focus on breathing and not your overflowing to-do list, but inevitably thoughts start to creep in and then you get mad at yourself. You’re not supposed to be thinking, dammit.You’re supposed to be nothing right now!
Having practiced and perfected for many years, Christy says to welcome those thoughts in and then welcome them back out. Don’t get mad at yourself, just push those thoughts out and start right back up.
At about the exact second I was thinking how horrible I was at the simple task of sitting still and resting my mind, Christy chimed in reminding us to be kind to ourselves when we meditate. “Don’t question if you’re doing it right,” she said.
I asked Christy the hard question – probably the same one most of you who have attempted meditation want to ask as well – how does one start meditating and become good at it? If you’ve already tired (multiple times) and failed, should you keep trying?
Her response: Start where you are – it’s as simple as that. It can be as simple as 10 seconds before you turn your keys to start your car – maybe it’s just three breaths. You start where you are and I think the main thing is remembering it can be anything. It doesn’t have to be lighting a candle and waking up at 4 a.m. It’s before you go into a huge job interview, before you have a difficult conversation with a loved one, before you go hiking on the mountain top or before that race – where your mind is all over the map and all you have to do is come back to the breath,” she says.
She continued to make it sound easy, but easy it was not. That doesn’t mean I’m ready to give up though.
Some apps she recommends: Stop Breathe and Think, Simply Being, Headspace, and Calm.
Since I still think I’m the worst meditator ever, I’m curious who meditates and what you’ve found works or doesn’t for you? Share in the comments below – I’d love to hear it!
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Join the Run10Feed10 Fun Run on The Blonde Side’s Team
I am so excited to announce that for the FOURTH straight year, I’ve been selected as a Women’s Health Action Hero.
The race series (10k), is a lot of fun and not competitive, so if you’re a casual walker or a novice runner, don’t sweat it!
The race series is really cool – aside from getting cool swag (like a limited edition FEED bag), each and every signup will provide TEN meals to hungry kids right here in our own neighborhoods.
– You’ll get our 2015 limited-edition FEED bag! (the one all the celebs carry around!)
– A special FEED bracelet as a finisher prize!
– 10 issues of Women’s Health mag for free (you can decline this option and get a $10 refund on your sign-up if you wish)
Atlanta Fun Run October 3, 2015, Team: The Blonde Side
Since there isn’t a race in Houston this year, I have created a team (team name: The Blonde Side) for the Atlanta Fun Run on Saturday, October 3rd since we’ll be there for our Texans Road Trip.
Sign up for the race here, and “join an existing team” and type in The Blonde Side. At the very end of checkout, use promo code: WHLAMM for $5 off. (Yes, we’ll all go brunch afterwards!).
I am really trying to get a fun team for The Blonde Side’s Atlanta race, but there are other races and my discount code (WHLAMM) still works, so please spread the word (see bottom of the post).
There is also a GREAT fundraising component to this event – if you want to donate something (even as little as $10) to the cause, you can go to my page and make it quick and easy.
This is a huge event for so many people, including me. I would very much appreciate each of your support on this event
Here are the other cities to sign up (be sure to use WHLAMM at checkout for $5 off):
Main Races:
New York City: 9/20
Chicago: 10/17
San Francisco: 10/25
Fun Runs:
Detroit: 9/19
Denver: 9/26
Boston: 9/26
Atlanta: 10/3
Seattle: 10/4
Washington DC: 10/10
Salt Lake: 10/10
Los Angeles: 10/11
Austin: 10/17
And if you don’t live in one of these cities, run your very own 10k and still help out millions in need.
If you don’t already follow The Blonde Side on FB, please do me a favor and LIKE it.
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July 1st is right around the corner and it marks the kick off to the Degree Get Moving Challenge with Women’s Health and Men’s Health.
Although bikini season is already upon us (yikes?), who doesn’t need a six-week fitness challenge to keep us going?
Chris Powell, Celebrity Trainer and Transformation Pro will be leading the challenges. You can enter the challenge (it’s free) either as a bonus form of motivation or if you’re hardcore like me, for a chance to be named the Ultimate Challenger and WIN a one-on-one workout session with Chris Powell!
I am beyond excited that the Women’s Health Action Hero Program selected me as one of the influencers to help push this program forward.
Follow me on Twitter to keep up with my progress and challenges and be sure to check out #GetMoving #WHActionHero to see what others are doing.
Here is more about the program from an official release about the challenge via Business Wire:
Each week Powell will unveil a set of all-new, exclusive endurance, strength, and cardio challenges designed to incrementally increase the level of intensity each week so participants can achieve greater fitness results and keep moving all summer long. Each member’s workout progress is logged and tracked through a custom partnership with MapMyFitness, the number one training app that enables users to track fitness activities via the built-in GPS on their mobile devices.
“This summer I’m challenging men and women everywhere to get moving and maximize their fitness goals together with the teams at Women’s Health and Men’s Health and the support of Degree®,” says Chris Powell.
Summer is a great time to change up any fitness routine to include outdoor activities. The Degree® Get Moving Challenge works to incorporate all physical activity, both indoor and outdoor, and encourages people to vary their workouts in order to win prizes throughout the competition. Inspired by Degree’s movement platform, the collaboration brings together the expertise of Women’s Health and Men’s Health, along with Chris Powell’s approach to proven results to ensure a successful experience for all participants.
At the end of the 6-week challenge, one participant will be named the Ultimate Challenger and win a one-on-one personalized training session with Powell.
The “Degree® Get Moving Challenge” spotlights Degree’s exclusive MOTIONSENSE® technology that responds directly to body movement—the more you move, the more it protects. “More people rely on Degree Antiperspirant than any other brand in America. We’re excited to put our unique Degree® MOTIONSENSE technology to the test in this exciting partnership with Chris, Women’s Health and Men’s Health. We want to help readers keep moving, and challenge themselves to achieve their best,” said Matthew McCarthy, Senior Marketing Director, Unilever North America.
