Written by: Nancy Britten

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all having a wonderful week so far. I’m here to deliver your fourth Harie of the week interview, this time with Jamie! He’s here on exchange from Melbourne for the semester and has already become a brilliant addition to the team. Our catch-up took us to Uplands, an unorthodox interview set up in the great outdoors which, in the aftermath of some stormy weather, saw us having to briefly pause at one point because I poured half of my hot chocolate down myself mid-conversation. Classic. Anyway- enjoy the chat, and let this serve as a warning: for those among you considering attacking an overloaded hot chocolate on a windy day… it is not for the weak.

1. Name?
Jamie Blackburn 

2. Degree?
Business, second year.

3. What made you choose it?
It was between Business and Geography. It was hard to get into Business, so when I got the grades, I decided to stick with it and hopefully get a job out of it. Lots of thought and passion went into that decision. I’m very dedicated to my studies (there was a touch of sarcasm here).

4. Coffee order?
I like coffee, but it gives me a headache. I want to meet up with people and have a coffee, but I regret it for the rest of the day (drinking the coffee, not meeting the people I’m going to assume.) Sometimes I fall into the trap of getting a latte to feel grown up, but as I mature, I’m leaning into hot chocolate. That’s why it’s great here at Uplands, hot chocolate is their thing so I don’t feel self-conscious ordering it.

5. Favourite coffee shop/ uncaffeinated beverage spot in Edinburgh? 
The first night we arrived, we didn’t know where to go, so a few exchange friends and I walked to the closest pub near Pollock (after some stalking on google maps we confirmed this was called “The Drouthy Neebors”). No one was there, but the locals were lovely. It felt very authentic and was a great way to start off. We were very pleased with ourselves and our beers.

6. Where are you from?
I’ve been in Melbourne for the last eight years, but I’ve also lived in Sydney, Adelaide, and Singapore. Melbourne’s definitely my family’s favourite.

7. Why did you choose to come to Edinburgh?
I’ve told myself a few different stories about that, but the most common one is: I wanted to be in Europe without having to learn a new language. America seemed a bit intense, and since I have a British passport, I didn’t need a visa, which was great because I’ve had some traumatic visa experiences. I just rocked up, and they wanted me!

8. How are you finding Edinburgh so far?
It’s been lovely. I’ve fully committed myself to the Haries (great decision). Living on campus is great too! In Australia, it’s more common to live at home, so this is a new experience. Loving hanging out with all my friends.

9. How about the weather…is an Australian winter colder?
It’s about the same as winter in Australia. I’m hanging in there fine, but I know I’ll suffer in about a month. I’m mentally preparing …and layering up. Can confirm I have some good gloves too.

10. How did you get into running?
When I was in Singapore, my class was really small. I wasn’t very good, but I was the best of the worst, which meant I somehow won a cross-country race in Year 5/6. I’ve kept running since then. My lovely principal even said on the microphone, “Jamie, you’ll go to the Olympics one day.” And I thought, “Wow Miss Humphries, I didn’t know that was a possibility for me!” 

11. Goals for the semester in Edinburgh?

Running: Represent Hare and Hounds. The uni cross country scene looks great, and I’m keen for the Easts.

Non-running: Travel a lot and pass my courses, ideally not fail anything. I want to make the most of the Scottish experience. I’ve already been to the Highlands, the Pennines, Belfast, and soon the Baltics. We’ve got our free weekends locked in.

12. Are you looking forward to East Districts?
Yes though I’m worried Scottish cross country might be a different ball game. Excited to embrace it though! I’ve got some spikes to borrow, so that’ll help. Don’t want to let the team down. (As I type this retrospectively, I can confirm it was a great run!)

13. Tell us about the Pennines trip… something about a cardboard box? Any tips?
I’d never played the cardboard box game before, but it turns out it’s my new calling in life. Hoping to go professional, just haven’t found the leagues for it yet. It came down to me and President Caitlyn; she performed valiantly, but I turned out to be a bit more flexible and grabbed the final shred of paper. However lame it sounds, I felt quite victorious and cool. I told my exchange friends, they loved it and want to play too. 

14. If you didn’t run, what sport would you do?
Cycling, definitely. I have terrible hand-eye coordination, so ball sports are out. Whenever I get injured running, I do a lot of cycling. It’s a constant cycle (pun intended?) of either breaking a bone cycling or getting back to running.

15. If you didn’t study Business, what would you study?
Geography. I like the idea of teaching, that’s the backup plan. I’d love to be an Economics or Geography teacher.

16. If you could only race one distance forever?
5km. Hopefully when I’m old, I’ll still be able to whip around a parkrun and zoom past the young kids. That’s the dream, to be the impressive 70-year-old everyone writes news articles about. 

17. Highlight of your running career so far?
This summer I won the Australian Uni 10,000m, (Jamie tried to be humble and preface this by saying it’s held on the Gold Coast, so most people go to the race to party- but let’s be clear, this is seriously impressive!) 

19. A non-running fun fact about you?

I played Bill in mamma mia for my final high school musical. 

(I will say that the original fact provided was an unfortunate anecdote about tripping over some concrete, aged 11, breaking his wrist and having to miss out on all the swimming pool fun on the family holiday the following week. After deciding that this was neither fun, nor a fact he opted for the mamma mia moment. I thought i’d leave the story in just for extra context hehe)

20. Favourite meal to cook?
A burrito, but it has to be overstuffed. A really big warm burrito that is an experience to eat. We made them while we were travelling, definitely a top ten life moment in my life. 

18. Dream dinner party guests?
I’ve been thinking about this a lot. Could go soppy and say to my mum. (wholesome) I haven’t seen her in four months. But if it’s anyone ever, I’ll have to think about it.

*After thinking about this for a while he came back with: I guess just my friends and some burritos. 

21. Favourite place you’ve travelled?
Vietnam, my first trip without my parents. It was so memorable, and I went with one of my best friends.

22. Favourite hill in Edinburgh?
After a very windy and rainy Pentlands experience, I’ll settle on Salisbury Crags. Great view, close to Pollock, and not quite as tall as Arthur’s Seat, so you’re not dying when you reach the top.

23. Dream sponsor?
ON Running. I’ve never worn their shoes or bought any of their gear in my life (this sounds like a risky decision), but they seem like a cool brand with great training groups. Everyone looks like they’re having fun and enjoying themselves on their teams. 

Would you rather…

Run every session in Edinburgh drizzle or 35°C Australian heat?
The drizzle. 35°C is awful. You just feel ancient, like, “What’s the point?” You have to wake up early to avoid it, and you still end up dying anyway. Maybe I’m being naïve, I haven’t had too much of the cold here yet.

Marmite or Vegemite?
Vegemite. I’ve never tried Marmite, but I’ve heard terrible things. They’re apparently very different. I’ll commit to Vegemite. (did say that if someone brings it as a post-race snack he will try it. I think we should make this happen.)

Hill reps up Arthur’s Seat or sand sprints on Bondi Beach?
Hill reps up Arthur’s Seat. I don’t actually like beaches that much. I don’t surf either, the national pride just isn’t there. (how very un-australian!)