This is DEFINITELY a fun run (Photo: Women’s Health)
The first time I ever realized you could “draw” a shape while running using the Nike+ app was during the She Runs LA Nike “virtual” 10k Brandi Garcia invited me to.
Since I wasn’t in LA at the time, each person who signed up virtually for the 10k was given a letter to run in the shape of. Talk about a lost blonde in a pair of New Balance.
It was pure comedy. I literally ran up to a stoplight at Rice Village, made a left, then made a quick right, then ran diagonal through a parking lot and continued on in a rampant manner. I still don’t even know what letter I was instructed to create (although I think it was an “F”), but by the end, it was barely legible.
Anyways, there was this recent article in Women’s Health where a woman is doing pretty much the same thing, but better. As pictured, one of her runs looked a lot like male goods, but my favorite (at least the one most suitable for my mom who is probably reading this) is the middle finger she drew in honor of saying FU to cancer for her best friend.
So I plan to implement this awesome picture-drawing in upcoming runs – not exactly sure what I will attempt to draw, but who’s in with me? Comment on this post with some picture ideas I can run to.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Screen-Shot-2014-08-10-at-10.48.27-PM.png471588Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2014-08-10 22:59:302014-08-10 22:59:30Now THIS is a FUN Run
Run10Feed10 in Houston – Use promo code WHLAMM for $5 off
Hey Houston, are you ready for a brand new race series in your town? The Women’s Health Run10Feed10 Race will take place in Houston on Sept 27th, and yours truly is an Action Hero trying to help make this race and the great cause behind it really take off!
I know it seems really far away, but we’re trying to get as many signups as soon as possible – this series has been going on for three years and this is the first time Houston will host their own race, so we need to show the powers that be that Houston IS a run town.
Plus, it gives us more time to get our training butts in gear!
The race series is really cool – aside from getting cool swag (see below), each and every signup will provide TEN meals to hungry kids right here in our own backyard. So yes, this money STAYS in Houston to help our neighbors. By signing up, you will also get:
– You’ll get our 2014 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)
Sign up for the race here. Use promo code: WHLAMM (at the very end of signup) for $5 off.
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.
You are also encouraged (though not mandatory) to start your own fundraising page – it will give you the option to set up your own page during race registration – just click yes and you’ll be prompted to set that up after your registration is complete.
This is a huge event for so many people, including me. I would very much appreciate each of your support on this event
Who wouldn’t want a limited edition FEED bag while helping kids?
(whether running/walking with me, donating a few bucks, or sharing it with friends and family via email and social media). Remember, this is a fun run, so it’s 100% OK and welcome if you’re not a fast runner or a runner at all, you can walk the race, we just want you there.
We also have a list of races in other cities (go to the main Run10Feed10 website to see which cities – folks in other cities can also use the WHLAMM discount code for $5 off).
If you know of any businesses in the area that want to donate or perhaps match our donations, that would be AWESOME, please let me know!
If you don’t already follow The Blonde Side on FB, please do me a favor and LIKE it.
Her name is Ruby, and she’s a golden retriever and lab mix. She’s cute, but still a puppy. I should remind you I have a 23lb teacup chihuahua, so running with a dog is not really my thing. For obvious reasons. I’m not sure if my pup is 23lbs because I choose not to run with him or if I choose not to run with him because he’s 23lbs. But that’s neither here nor there.
Ruby’s owner, Sally, said she’s “good to run with,” so naturally I took her word for it. Here’s what good ole Sally forgot to mention:
1. Dogs (not unlike humans) poop when they run. Thankfully Sally had a poop bag tied to the leash, but when I went to pick it up pushing my hand through one side, there were holes in the bag (yup, visual). And there were six construction workers standing by staring at me. That was awkward for multiple reasons. Oh, and there wasn’t a trashcan to be found anywhere.
2. As a puppy, Ruby liked to bite her leash, pulling it away from me, thinking it was a game. I’m not the best runner to start with so all my focus needs to be on actually running, not an animal. This in turn, shortened the leash, making it an awkward length between the two of us causing me to stutter-step behind her. Perhaps ideal for cross-training, but nothing else.
3. Running on the bike path in South Lake Tahoe, it never failed that when a bike passed in either direction, Ruby tried to chase it. The same went with squirrels, leaves, trash, and so on. I guess the bonus here was that my pace was quickened against my will.
4. We ran across a homeless man laying in the bushes and in true Lassie form, Ruby ran over to him, before I had even noticed there was in fact a human on the ground. I’m not sure who was more frightened by this act, him or me, but it surely wasn’t Ruby.
Ruby’s clearly in charge here
5. If there is anything, I mean anything, interesting on the ground (say like a half eaten apple), Ruby will swiftly veer to one side pulling you along just to eat it, without warning.
[Today’s running accessories: I ran in my favorite New Balance 1400s, my lululemon speed shorts & my #nolimits tank, listened to the “No Doubt Radio” station on Pandora to kick it old school, ran a 8.3mph pace and finished 1.75 miles using the Nike+ running app before promptly returning the animal back home. Ruby however made a bigger mess drinking her water when we got home though. Go figure…]
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-2.jpg23402340Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2013-06-28 16:58:112013-09-04 17:00:44Running with Ruby
I can’t take my eyes off the news today. I’m not one to commit myself to violent news scenes and partake in media frenzies often, but this one, the one that took place this afternoon at the Boston Marathon has my full attention.
Maybe it’s because it hit so close to home, having two of my best friends running the race (both are thankfully safe), or maybe it’s because I just signed up for my very first full marathon in Philadelphia later this year and just trying to imagine what I’d be thinking if I were in Boston running today. If you’ve ever run a big race or played in a big game or had to give an important speech, you know all the scary thoughts running through your head. What if I can’t make the full 13.1 miles and my ankle gives out? What if I forget my lines and don’t know what to say and everyone laughs at me? What if I make a bad play and lose the game? Those are thoughts we’ve all had on our own big days as we put so much pressure on ourselves to succeed, but today’s tragic acts show those are the least of our worries, at least for right now.
The Boston Marathon is one of the most storied events in athletic history, dating all the way back to 1897 drawing an estimated spectatorship of 500,00 people and runners from 96 countries. And this marathon is no average marathon; it’s one of six World Marathon Majors where runners must have a qualifying time in order to even lace up their shoes and participate. This was some people’s very first crack at a marathon and this was the final hoorah for many elite runners wishing to go out on top.
The Boston Athletic Association (BAA) stated there were 23,326 official starters and 17,584 finished the race before the first explosion took place around 2:50pm EST, causing remaining racers to divert and evacuate the original course path.
Running a marathon is no piece of cake and it’s not for the faint of hearts either. It takes hard work and dedication, both mentally and physically, in a sport that does not discriminate in age or size or anything else for that matter. To be able to accomplish 26.2 long, hard miles is tough work, and sadly, for those geared up for today’s race, they experienced a nightmare instead of the euphoric finish line they all worked so hard for.
JJ Watt of the Houston Texans and 2012 NFL Defensive Player of the Year knows just how hard today was and what these athletes were robbed of when he tweeted this:
Today’s 26.2-mile race wasn’t just another race, it stood for something so important to so many people around the world as each mile honored one of the 26 Newtown victims from another recent tragedy. NFL writer, Dan Durkin (@djdurkin) really summed up the violence our nation is currently facing in this tweet:
Sending our children to school and participating in races isn’t something we should ever have to question or dread. But in a time like this, we must remain positive and stick together for the common good; something the running community has long been known for, which was captured on so many Twitter feeds over the past few hours.
Our friends at Runner’s World (@runnersworld) helped spread valuable and timely information to those monitoring the #BostonMarathon hashtag by supplying phone numbers:
Other avid and experienced runners put their common sense and social media into overdrive for the common good, like Kevin K (@kkee20), who suggested this to ABC and his followers:
Runnerspace.com (@runnerspace_com) shared Google’s new people finder so families could easily track their loved ones in or near the course:
Even folks like SB Nation (@sbnation) shared links of stranded race participants in need of a place to stay for the night or trying to connect those with places:
And finally, my vote for most uplifting tweet of the day goes to Pete Manning who had this to say earlier in the day:
Thoughts and prayers to all those affected by today’s tragic events and a sense of thankfulness that our community can band together to help one another in a time like this.
To see the original blog on the Women’s Health Action Hero blog, click here.
To read The Blonde Side | Jayme Lamm’s profile on the Women’s Health Action Hero blog, click here.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/endurance_g_marathon02_600.jpg400600Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2013-04-15 22:44:362014-04-14 19:17:03Prayers for Boston | Women’s Health Action Hero Blog
A few weeks ago I had the awesome opportunity to partake in a fit session at the lululemon at the Houston Galleria. As much as I already knew I loved the brand, I had yet to own a single piece. Perhaps it was the price, which felt a little hefty for clothes I would literally work up an intense sweat in, or the fact I grew up as a Nike chick, but nevertheless, I was invited to try on some pieces and give feedback on their products.
I probably tried on every single piece of women’s clothing at the store – from yoga apparel (I don’t even do yoga), to lounge-around wear, to running products (which were of course my fave). Just in tank tops alone I probably tried on 35 different variations including racerbacks, extra long tanks, racing length tanks, ones with built-in bras, ones without, neon, striped, you name it and I tried it on.
Luckily I’m a sucker for running in tank tops. It’s not that I have ridiculously toned arms like Madonna, it’s just more comfortable for me. I ended up purchasing the First Base Tank, $52, which is made of a lightweight and inherently moisture-wicking Rulu with a four-way stretch that moves with you. Clearly a plus when you’re on the move.
The other great feature that Kelly, the bubbly blonde team leader who was working with me, mentioned were the flat seams that prevented chafing: a must for long-runs. As the website says, “We wouldn’t build a house without laying a strong foundation, and we feel the same way about our winter run outfits. We designed this tank as the first layer to keep us toasty no matter what weather comes our way.” This tank was a clear choice the second I found out it doubled as a base layer, which is perfect for the upcoming snowboarding season.
The Blonde Side’s New lululemon Outfit
Something I had never heard of before was the “anti-stink Micro Diamond Mesh” which is strategically placed in high-sweat areas to keep you so fresh and so clean. It wouldn’t have been a day in the life of The Blonde Side without the ridiculous questions that come out of my mouth when Kelly tried to explain the anti-stink due to the “silver” that was woven in the shirt. “Silver, like my necklace,” I asked pointing to my Texas pendant like a small child. Indeed a blonde moment, but we quickly moved on: pants.
I also fell in love with the wunder under crops, $72 (mostly because they had the garnet color to rep my Florida State roots), but also because of the unparalleled comfort they offered the second I put them on. Although they’re made for yogis (again, not me), I couldn’t resist the purchase thanks in part to the gusset, which is defined as: “Drumroll please: gussets are the unsung heroes in the fight against our infamous foe camel toe. These diamond-and-triangle-shaped pieces of fabric are sewn between the legs for greater freedom of movement and to prevent tight fitting shorts, pants, or crops from riding up.” Yes, a drumroll was in fact necessary for that steadfast and awesome definition. What an invention! I had never heard that such an invention existed to hopefully rid the travesty of camel toes across the world.
The tight fit of the wunder under crops “makes it easy to check alignment and the calf-length leg allows us to hold onto our ankles easily in Dancer pose,” and there’s even a hidden waistband pocket to hide your keys or cards while working out. No wonder these are one of their core items and come in a variety of colors.
My fit session didn’t stop there when it came to pants. Again, I tried on at least 20 different versions, lengths, reversible options all kinds of materials, all designed for different athletic practices. While it was fairly time consuming, it really was worth trying on all the different options. It was clear within seconds what products had the four-way stretch, which is what I needed most for running.
The run speed short, $54, was definitely my favorite purchase. Not only were they ultimately comfortable, they didn’t ride up and they were actually stylish. As someone who takes lunch meetings and boards airplanes in workout gear on the regular, these shorts were taking my fashion status up a notch. Maybe two.
The Blonde Side’s lululemon Fit Session
According to the lulu website, “the fabric is extremely lightweight and moisture wicking to keep us feeling breezy and comfortable during hardcore sweat sessions.” The shorts are also cut to perform with vents at the back for breathability and split legs for freedom of movement. The speed shorts are also chafe resistant with flat seams to help prevent sweaty, sensitive skin from getting irritated, which is another plus for us runners, especially those of us with bigger/muscular thighs. Having already run a 10k in my new speed shorts, I can attest that they will probably fit all sized legs and are worth a try.
All the products at lulu are preshrunk twice so the clothes won’t get smaller – always something to consider when purchasing new clothes, especially workout clothes which get washed 3 times more than other clothing.
After everything, I ended up with four great pieces. Pieces that I’m already obsessed with. Pieces that my boyfriend reminds me that just because they are “anti-stink” doesn’t mean I need to wear them day in and day out. I guess I know what’s on my Christmas list this year! #hinthint
Another positive note I learned during my fit session – for us short gals (I’m barely 5-foot-2), the store offers complimentary hemming.
Lululemon at the Houston Galleria is a very active group of men and women, inspiring us in ways we all need. Be sure to check out their FB page and go to one of their events – I’ll probably see you there!
I do not like running. Let me start there. I am at best, an average runner. As I was debating an afternoon run a few weeks ago, I realized I needed some form of motivation. Something way beyond my usual Google search of hot and athletic chicks, so I turned a little impromptu game, making my run interactive by posting questions and polls on my social media channels. Once people started paying attention and providing feedback, I was pretty much forced to run. Which really was my only goal.
Here’s a look into my interactive running game:
1. I posted a poll on my Facebook page, asking friends/fans where I should run. I gave them two options – 3-mile loop around Memorial Park or running up and down my parking garage and stairs for 30 minutes.
The trick here was I gave everyone only 30 minutes to respond, that way I wouldn’t lose steam and could still manage to push my self out the door. As soon as the responses were in, I’d tie my Brooks Pure Flow shoes and take off. The poll semi-backfired because out of 64 votes, about 30 of those were for new options I didn’t post including suggestions of new running trails, a running club, a local CrossFit gym, etc, so it kind of skewed my results.
The awesome part about this? When the founder of Brian O’Neill’s Running Club suggested I head out to his club later that evening, another avid runner saw the post. She had never heard of BON, so I had the easy chance to introduce her to one of my favorite local running clubs. The power of social media and network sharing.
The other awesome part? One of my friends, a much better runner than I, suggested I run around the Bayou, a place I had never really heard of. Once I checked it out, I quickly added it to my list of local places to run. Not a bad FB survey, right?
2. I played a Pandora gamewith the Justin Bieber channel. My game went like this: every time a female artist came on, I had to
The Blonde Side’s Interactive Running Game with Justin Bieber
pick up the pace and run closer to a 7-minute mile as opposed to my 9-minute regular pace. But the joke was on me – only onemale song came on throughout the course of my 30-minute run. I guess it was a sweaty blessing in disguise. I posted this tidbit of hilarity on Twitter and got a ton of responses from other Pandora miscues. Apparently Biebs sounds more like Carrie Underwood, Ke$ha, and Demi Lovato than any of his male counterparts.
3. Instagrammed a collage of photos with the caption, “where did I run today?” Of course leave it to the blonde to run somewhere other than the 64 votes suggested, but I chose to head to Rice Village (it made more sense traffic-wise at that time of day).
The collage wasn’t entirely recognizable since I went through campus as opposed to staying on the regular runner’s path, but a number of people quickly guessed my spot. The post had over 20 comments and a few were from past Houston residents who had moved away saying how much they missed it here. A few of my followers asked if I was in need of a running buddy, so another plus!
What weird things do you do to help you get through a run?
Jayme Lamm from The Blonde Side is an official Women’s Health Action Hero
A few month’s ago Women’s Health Magazine sought out “Action Heroes” for their upcoming race series, Run 10 Feed 10. It has been such an incredible honor (and even months before the race an already incredible journey) to be chosen as an Action Hero for the Austin, TX 10k on October 13th.
Recently, The Blonde Side was interviewed on WalkJogRun about the upcoming race and how training is going so far.
Here’s an excerpt from the interview:
WalkJogRun: Why is it important for you to run the RUN 10 FEED 10?
Jayme Lamm: It may sound silly, but social mediahas a lot to do with it. Aside from the simple and very important fact of giving back and staying in shape, I try and lead by example. I hope that many of my friends, or even acquaintances on Twitter can see the kinds of races I’m doing, see that I’m having fun and making a difference and hopefully they’ll want to join in on this race or upcoming races. Too often charities focus on things far away that we may not see or feel very often, but the RUN 10 FEED 10 race gives back within our local community – to me that is huge. I feel like I’m making an immediate difference right in my own backyard. With each race signup, 10 meals are provided to someone going hungry within the city of Austin – being able to help out so close to home while running in such a beautiful city – is there anything better than that on a Saturday morning?
WalkJogRun: How did you get started running?
Jayme Lamm: Although I run many races each year, I’m not a very good runner. I grew up playing softball and other sports and running was always my punishment. It’s hard to remember how great of an athlete I was many years ago and get beat by 70-year-old women in half marathons, but it keeps me going and pushes me!
WalkJogRun: Are you a morning runner or an evening runner?
Want this bag? Then sign up for Run10Feed10
Jayme Lamm: I live in Texas! I try to run anytime the temperature drops below 100, which lately seems to be never!
Want to join me for the run on October 13th in Austin? It’s easier than Angelina Jolie adopting another child:
Go to the Run 10 Feed 10 website and scroll to the bottom where you see the Austin date and click Register Now. The cost of the race is $40 and includes your entry, the all-the-rage-limited-edition FEED bag you see philanthropist celebs sporting, and MOST IMPORTANTLY that money will instantly provide 10 meals to those going hungry locally.
*If you do sign up, please email me (jayme[at]theblondeside[dot]com) your name so I can add to my team. You’ll also get big-slightly-inappropriate hugs resembling TSA from me if you do it. And if you can’t run it (or don’t want to), please consider donating a few bucks. Seriously, skip that $5 footlong at Subway tomorrow and donate to this great cause.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/R10F10_action_hero_badge_0c.jpg360600Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2012-08-15 15:53:152012-08-15 16:08:02Run 10 Feed 10 Interview for Women’s Health Magazine on WalkRunJog
At Houston’s second annual Hot Undies Run, I learned something very important: The simple term underwear is now synonymous with boxers, boxer briefs, loincloths, Spanx, spandex, long johns, corsets, thongs, boy shorts. And treasure trolls.
Underwear also comes in all shapes and sizes. Just take my word for it. When over 700 pairs of undies gather around Rice Village to support a good cause and a local running group, you realize for the first time just how many varieties of skivvies there are out there. Well beyond the realms of Victoria’s Secret.
The Saturday event was a two-mile fun run with a quick stop at the Rice campus bar Valhalla for a refueling of Shiner, and was open to anyone 21 and up “with a sense of humor.” Racers were encouraged to vie for The Best UN-dressed award (with prizes available) and to bring new, unopened packages of socks or underwear, for underprivileged boys and girls in the Houston Independent School District for an organization fittingly called Undies for Everyone.
The idea for this sweaty little fun run came from Carissa Thomas, one of the Brian O’Neill (BON) Running Club’s officers. Thomas is currently working on her MD/PhD and has close family ties to a wonderful organization, the Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF). She came across a similar idea benefiting the CTF in Washington, D.C. where residents ran around in the cold over Valentine’s Day in their underwear — so of course it only seemed appropriate to start something similar in Houston. In the record-breaking heat.
Myself (left) and Ironwoman finisher, Jennifer Jones (right)
Underwear comes in all shapes and sizes. Just take my word for it. When over 700 pairs of undies gather to support a good cause, you realize for the first time just how many varieties of skivvies there are out there.
In its inaugural year, the race raised more than $7,000 for CTF, but far beyond the money, was the awareness it produced.
BON was launched in the fall of 2008 by Dave Lee — an avid runner and entrepreneur who decided to tie his two passions together. After reading an article in Men’s Fitness about a similar group that epitomized a “fitness culture” in his hometown of Colorado, Lee thought, why not Houston? Sure, the weather may be a bit different than the Rockies, but Houston is social and has a lot of avid runners, so why not?
The loop around Rice is always packed with sweaty runners, but if you’ve noticed an abundance of runners of all levels on Tuesdays, you’ve probably seen BON in action. They meet every Tuesday (rain or shine) from 5:30-7:30 p.m, for a free 5K where people run at their own pace individually or with groups and meet back at Brian O’Neill’s (one of the club’s sponsors) for free snacks and drink specials. Not to mention lots of laughter and great running advice from some of the most hardcore runners Houston has ever seen.
I’ve been given some instrumental advice during my visits to BON — mostly that I run crooked and need to drink more V8. And my doctor agrees.
Lee’s dream in the not too distant future is to expand these free social running clubs to every major city in America. There are already three other local running clubs under this umbrella — CityCentre Running Club (Houston), Goose Acre Running Club (The Woodlands), Berryhill Running Club (League City) — and a fifth is set to launch this September in College Station called Corner Bar Running Club. Later this year, the group will be expanding for the first time outside of Texas to San Jose, Calif., Janesville, Wisc. and Chicago, Ill. – so tell your friends.
Lee is well on his way to making this running club dream come true. And if you know him at all, you know he’ll sure be able to accomplish this task at hand.
Victoria's Secret RICE Angels
For more information about the BON running club, visit the group’s website, Facebook or TWITTER and remember, the club meets every Tuesday for free.
So just show up in your running shoes. Underwear optional.
This article was featured on Culture Map, Houston’s Daily Digital Magazine in the sport’s section.
