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Today on the podcast I’m answering your running, cooking, botox (!!), half marathon questions and more. These are 5 questions from the Pile on the Miles survey. I think they’re super helpful for everyone (okay maybe not the botox one?). If you have one feel free to email or leave a voicemail with your question and I’ll answer it in an upcoming episode.
Let’s talk skincare—because running outside, cooking over a hot stove, or just being a human navigating life can really do a number on your skin. Sun exposure, environmental stress, and even those late-night snack binges (hello, sugar!) show up on your face eventually. That’s where a good skincare routine comes in clutch. Laser treatments, for example, are like a little reset button for your skin—great for minimizing sun damage, acne scars, and those fine lines that start whispering “you need a nap” around age 30.
And yes, we’re going there—Botox! It’s one of the most common questions I get, and I totally get why. It’s quick, non-surgical, and if done right, super subtle. A little here and there can relax those expression lines without freezing your entire face into a wax figure. If you’re considering doing botox then check out Botox Treatment in Cortlandt Manor, the key is finding someone who takes the time to understand your goals—and doesn’t try to turn you into a completely different person. Think “refreshed,” not “rebooted.”
Pairing Botox with skincare and the occasional laser refresh can really extend that healthy, post-run glow we all chase. It’s not about looking perfect, it’s about feeling confident when you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror—sweaty ponytail and all. Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated or high-maintenance, but it does have to be intentional. So keep the questions coming—yes, even the Botox ones—I’m here for all of it.
1. Question: Do you have any recipes that are super quick to make or super low in ingredients for the lazy cook?
Run Eat Repeat: Yes! I’m all about super quick and easy recipes. If you are lazy I say get it all done in one shot with meal prep and then switch that up for different meals throughout the week. Check out my Ground Turkey 5 Ways post for an example of that.
Quick and Easy Cooking Hacks:
A. Meal Prep and plan. Make a list of what you want to eat, get the groceries and prep anything you can.
B. Spend money to save time. Prioritize your sanity and consider inventing in meal prep containers, a Crockpot, foil, pre-chopped veggies… basically anything that will help make it easier to cook and clean-up.
C. Keep it simple. Identify your favorite dishes and find new ways to use them. It’s okay to stick to some of your favorite fruits, veggies and protein but add in new flavors to keep it fresh. If you already have a few dishes you cook really well – think of ways to change up the veggies or protein in them.
Examples:
bake a bunch of potatoes and stuff them with different veggies and protein
make a batch of Salsa Chicken and use it for salads, tacos, burritos, enchiladas…
Quick Breakfast Recipes:
Overnight oats – you can make this ahead of time in a batch
or make OverRun Oats while you are working out or running!
French Toast in a mug – you can make this in the microwave!
Tortilla Breakfast Casserole – make a casserole and portion it out for several days
Breakfast Potatoes in the Crockpot
Quick & Easy Dinner Recipes:
Baked Sweet Potatoes in the Crockpot
Easy Chicken Pozole in the Crockpot
Creamy Chicken and Potato bake
2. Question: How do you know what is a reasonable gain in speed over a 4-6 month training cycle (shaving 10 min off half? 20 min off half?).
This depends on your fitness level when you set your last PR or when you ran the time you’re trying to improve. If you are basing it off your first race and didn’t really train hard or had a bad race day… it’s hard to tell without specifics on where you are now.
Estimate your half marathon pace or finish time yourself:
Look at your long run average pace and compare it with the Half Marathon pace chart. Then, use that information plus your current fitness level // injury history // race elevation // anything else that would help you run faster or slower… and make a good estimate on what pace you’re capable of on race day.
Half Marathon Pace Chart
Use a half marathon time predictor tool to guess based on other data:
Runner’s World Race Time Predictor
Project Five Thirty Eight Marathon time predictor
3. Question: You’re open about most things but I haven’t seen any info on if you did something to your lips awhile back? It looks cool. Cost range? Is it a one time thing? Redone like eyelashes or a spray tan?
RER: I don’t have lip filler but I do get Botox. I have gotten botox around my lips so they are relaxed and can look bigger. I also use lip plumping gloss, over-line my lips, put highlighter my top lip (the cupid’s bow) and pay attention to angles.
I tried to get it one time over 3 years ago from a Groupon and I … listen to the show to find out!
This is a before/after circa 2015 I think? It was the time I tried to do get lip injections and ended up passing out like a tragedy – so the doctor couldn’t do it. Ha! This is not a flattering picture but I didn’t expect to ever post it, I was just curious about difference it would make so I took the pic for myself.
4. Question: I just ran my 3rd half marathon and feel like I’m starting from scratch each time I train. What is a good mileage to maintain so I can work on getting faster and not just trying to build distance?
RER: You might be taking off too much time from running. If you’re not training for a race I’d suggest still running for exercise twice a week and doing whatever other workouts you want around that.
Try to maintain a fitness level where you can run 5 to 6 miles. Then, when you start half marathon training (assuming it’s from the beginning) you have that base and can incorporate speed work instead of focusing on re-building that fitness.
5. Question: How do you maintain high mileages and not get injured?
RER: First – you have to know your body and respect it. If you are injury prone you need to be extra diligent about recovery and rest.
8 Tips to Avoid Running Injuries:
- Listen for any ‘squeaky wheels’ from your body.
- Take extra rest if needed.
- Stretch & foam roll.
- Refuel with protein and carbs after your workout.
- Ice achy areas.
- Incorporate strength training and yoga.
- Get a sports massage – maybe on an on-going basis so the person knows your body.
- Know the difference between sore, tired and injured.
Feel free to email or leave a voicemail if you have a question for me!
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Items mentioned in this episode:
InstaPot – I don’t have one yet so I can’t speak to it’s awesomeness but everyone and their mother (including mine) has one.
Silicone baking sheet – I use this instead of foil for some baking sweets. It’s super non-stick and easy clean up.
Foam Roller – (post-run stretching and injury prevention)
I love my Instant Pot but there are still some things I use my crockpot for. If I am not going to be home all day. I still use the crockpot. By the way, thanks for sharing all these wonderful recipes idea! Seriously thank you for all this awesomeness! I love it.
no shame in Boxtox sister. I love it.
The hardest meal for me right now is breakfast. I do really good at making dinner and I do ok with lunch but if I don’t have something quick and easy for breakfast I sit around thinking about what I wish I had to eat instead of making something to eat.
Before you get an Instant Pot, you musttt 😉 buy the Gotham Steel baking sheet. You can bake cookies, roast veggies…whatever, without any foil and cleanup literally takes too seconds. I just use a dish brush and wipe it down, and there are never any burnt bits or necessary scrubbing. It’s the only infomercial item that I swear by, and they are less than $20 at Bed Bath and Beyond (less with a 20% coupon).
Hey Monica, have you lost weight recently? 🙂
Thank you for your recipes, as always! ✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com