Review and Synopsis of Born To Run

Born to Run was Written by Christopher McDougall and published in 2009. McDougall writes that he is on assignment for Runner's World magazine, and that is why he started his search for the Tarahumara tribe that lead him to a relationship with Caballo Blanco. 

Before reading this book I had never given trail running a though, I have only been running on roads for 11 months, but after reading this I was encouraged to branch out and hit the grass, rocks, and dirt; I jumped off the pavement during a long 9 mile run and ran trail for about 3 miles. The shade of the trees was cool, the soft dirt comforted my feet , and I can not wait to do it again.

When I started running my goal was to run a marathon. I am currently working on that. the book provides tops on how to become an efficient runner; stride, pace, and strategy. Since running is more than just strength and endurance, it is a mind game, strategy is very important. This book is intriguing, describing the running and the hunting strategies of "The Running People." Reclusive Tribes that live in mountains, canyons, and wilderness.

The Timeline of Caballo planning the 50 mile ultra-marathon starts with the author searching for Caballo Blanco. The White Horse is reclusive and an insider of the Tarahumara tribe. He lives outdoors, running through the canyons. Reading this we learn about his personal experiences with the Tarahumara and his dream of hosting the one time 50 mile ultra-marathon that pits the Tarahumas against some of the top ultra-marathoners such as Scott Jurek. This race would be the race of champions.

If you are a fan of strong female runners this book is for you. you will read about Ann Trason, Olympic distance runner from the 80's. You will read about the similarities between wild college lifeguard and runner Jenn Shelton. The Tarahumara called both of these women Bruja (which means witch) 15 years apart.

If you have ever been told you heel strike, or pro-nate; kick off your shoes, run through the grass, these movements are very normal and we have spent a lot of time correcting them. Just run Free, we were born to Run without anything holding us back.

Some of my favorite discussions of this book were questions like "Are we great and Run, or are we great because we Run?" To Become a better runner this book suggests 5 points;
1. Loosen Grip on Own Desires
2.Appreciate what you got
3.Be patient
4.Forgiving
5.Undemanding




The Last thing I would say for myself, and maybe this book helped me realize it, Running improves my happiness, Running makes me run better.

Louisville Area Race Calendar June - December 2013

June 15 Freedom Fest 5k
June 22 Today is the Day 5k (Active.com)
June 22 Waterfront Challenge
June 29 Indatus 5k Run (Active.com)

July 4 Usa Cares Heroes Run ( Headfirst Performance)
July 13/14 Cardinal Triathalon
July 27 Lame Duck Triathalon

August 17 The Gauntlet

September 2 Four De Lis Classics 10k
September 21 Pure Tap 5k
September 28 Stop the Traffic 5k
September 28 USA Cares Run for Life

October 12 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
october 19 Great Pumpkin at the Parklands
October 19 Four De Lis Classics Fall Trail 5k
October 20 Dream Factory Marathon
October 26 Big Hit 1/2 Marathon

November 29 Four De Lis Classics Run Run Rudolph

December 21 Sweaty Sheep 5k

Crossfit, Running, BonVoyage

This afternoon I went on my run hoping that maybe it would make my mood a little better, it did. Then I had to take the fastest shower of my life and head south to a party for my little brother, he has enlisted in the US NAVY!

I Just got back from the party, and since it is raining here in KY, we ended up going to a Buffet Restaurant. My worst nightmare. I had a salad with spinach, arugula, and veggie and sesame seed, go for the clear dressing (Italian, they did not have balsamic), then a piece of roast beef, sweet potatoes, and beans. While they cut a cake with my brothers picture on it, I passed and had fruit. Drank Lots of water. My little brother reports tomorrow and boards a plane for the Great lakes Naval Boot camp on Monday.

I am so Proud of My little brother he is beginning a journey in his life, it makes my running journey seem miniscule, but it is still important to me.  

I began a training schedule for my Full marathon this week. I am just going to try to make this training fun and incorporate CrossFit into it. Anyone watching the CrossFit The CrossFit Games today? I was watching the CrossFit Games - North East Regional ladies on the 100's and wow! That looked hard! Since My son is out of town visiting my husband's parents and brothers I took advantage last night and went to a CrossFit Competition of my own. it was a small local competition and great for my first experience. There were 2 events.

Event 1 Jackie 15 minute time cap
1000 meter Row
50 Thrusters 45 pound bar
30 Pull Ups

Event 2 12 minute time cap
21-15-9
Deadlift/Box Jumps (F 205/24) (M 315/30)

Okay so I need a Band for assitance when i do Pullups, i only got 21 pullups.
Event 2 I only did 125 pound Deadlift and then I killed the time with 7:40. 

It was really fun. I love being athletic and making new friends and acquaintances that also enjoy my interests, I feel like I am progressing each day and that as soon as I learn to Kip a pullup I am going to try again with that "Jackie" and also as i keep getting stronger and better i will try both events again.

Weekly Plans and Goals 5/20-5/24

Plan 
Monday: Yoga & taking my son to the dentist.
Tuesday night : 5k race!
Wednesday: Crossfit at 6 am, 10 am VBS orientation, 6:30 Whetstone Fitness
Thursday: 6:00 am whetstone
Friday: Resting day

Goals
Finish 5k in a Pr time of 22:00 or below 22:00
Prepare for the Murph and decide whether I am doing it on Saturday at Whetstone or Monday at Bluegrass with the TriQfit Crew.

Todays workout

Cardio : 

1 mile run
then
2 rounds 20 air squats, 10 jumping squats. 

Strength :
 4*4 thrusters (max 75#) - then i did 2 more thrusters with 85#. 

then 

3 rounds of
50 pushups,
40 squats,
30 each leg lunges,
20 situps,
10 pullups.

 

Bikini Ready ! 

Busy Mom Likes to Read

I like to read, and run, and rest, and read, and run. But I have got kids. But I try to make a habit of not rotting my brain and keeping a book readily available. Especially during the summer when I can relax by the pool with something that tags my interest. This summer my list includes "Born to Run" by Christopher McDougall. Yup a book about running. Talk about combining passions.

So here is my list for 2013

1. Born to Run, by Christopher McDougall
2. Forgotten God, by Francis Chan
3. The Silver Linings Playbook, by Matthew Quick
4. Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel (reccommended by a friend, but it looks good)
5. Blood Zero Sky by Gabriel J. Gates

Bulu Box Review

Click this Link for a Special Bulu Box Offer

(The above offer is a free-month- so click the link and get signed up!)

First Product that I tried was the Beauty bursts. These are lactose and Gluten Free ( this gets my thumbs up), My sample was the fruit punch flavor and I really enjoyed that, maybe next time I will get to try the Fresh Mint chocolate. 

The second Product is the fit n crisp by Pro max. can you imagine a Rice Krispy Treat that also has protein? Yum! 

And the kids liked this one too. 

Okay so allthat is left is the Allergy medicine which I am saving for my long run, see how that goes, and the berry nutButter. The Nut Butter reminded me of an apple butter, not an aple flavor but the same texture and tangy flavor. It was smooth and again, the kids loved it. 

The last product was a fruit punch mixer. For all you Cross-Fitters. this is a good recovery Drink. I tried it but I am saving the rest of it for after my WOD tonight. 

Now I am sure that if you click through the link Bulu Box has a special offer for you! 

http://curebit.com/x/WmgoG

So go try it out! 

Rainy day in May

WOW! I did not realize that I had been away from blogger for 2 weeks. My last post was May 1. I guess after my 1/2 marathon I just kind of stopped posting about training, mostly because I stopped training.

Not that I stopped excercising. I took 3 days off and then I started doing short runs, I even bought a Groupon to a Cros-Training Gym. I have been going to that and it is similiar to CrossFit, which if you follow this blog you will know I Love CrossFit almost as much as I love Running.

When the month of Cross Training is over I have another Groupon to go back to TriQ CrossFit. For now though I am going to finish up at Whetstone. The people in the class are amazing. Everyone is so nice. In fact I am thinking about alternating months back and forth between the 2 gyms because everyone at both gyms are so nice and they are all awesome. Whetstone is a little cheaper than TriQFit and they also offer childcare during their evening 6:30 class, which unfortunatly TriQFit does not offer childcare.

I also still have a membership at Fitness 19, which is not too expensive (less than $20.00 a month) and they also have childcare when I need it. Though I seem to only go there when I want to run on a treadmill. Lately I have been trying to do runs outdoors. 

If you are in Louisville and interested in any one of these amazing Gyms I will list the addresses and phone numbers below, I know right, I am giving them free advertising, but I figure that if i am going to encourage anyone to get fit, I better then encourage them to find fun and affordable encouragement. That is what I get from my gyms. Fun, affordable encouragement. Just tell them Jessica sent you.

Also everyone please go check out my Visalus product. Mrsjessiacl.bodybyvi.com/challenge

I went to Walmart today to get peanut butter and was pleasantly surprised that they now carry PB2, powdered peanut butter. This variation only has 45 calories and less fat, being that the oils are removed from thh peanut butter. i am very excited to try it out in my shakes.

 Fitness 19

• 109 Blankenbaker Pkwy
• Louisville, Kentucky 40243-2098

Today 5:00 am - 9:00 pm

Phone	(502) 244-0919
Website	http://fitness19.com/

Tri Q CrossFit 

• 9824 Bluegrass Parkway
• Louisville, Kentucky 40299

Phone	(502) 407-6685
Email	amy@triqfit.com
Website	http://WWW.TRIQCROSSFIT.COM

Whetstone Fitness 

• 12001 Shelbyville Rd
• Louisville, Kentucky 40243-3008

Today 6:00 am - 8:00 am, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Phone

(502) 245-9893

Email

WhetstoneFitness@gmail.com

Website

http://www.powerhouselouisville.com/

You Dont Have to Be Superman to Set a Goal

I want everyone to go to TriQ CrossFit's Blog page and read this article written by Coach Amy Wacker.

She is telling us how to get started. Challenging us to just get moving, even if you are not a current crossfit athlete, if you dont have big muscles, all that is important is that you just try. That you just want to get in shape. 

"You just need to get on it, no matter what your training wheels may look like in the beginning, practice everyday until you reach your goals..."

Do you have Goals? I know that I do!

I want to get strong.
I want to Run a Full Marathon.
I want to run my 5k and 10k races faster.
I want to be a Good Mom
I want my son to be healthy

To reach those goals we need to start somewhere.

The First time I said I wanted to run a Marathon, I was not a runner. I did not even own a pair of running shoes. I just knew it was something I wanted to do. I started a Couch to 5k program, that got me running 1 mile, and then 1.5 miles, and then 3 miles, and then I raced a 5k.

It took me 9 months, but this past weekend (Saturday April 27, 2013) I ran my first 1/2 marathon.

 

Spring Day in April

Today is the 23rd of April and the weather is beautiful. Mr. Lasick officially started his new job as a Suit Salesman at mens Wearhouse yesterday so Little Lasick and I had the whole day to ourselves. Since I am off work as a daycare provider today we spent the day relaxing. We started the day with healthy breakfasts, I had my Peanut Butter Visalus Protein Shake. Little had his cereal and a yogurt.

 It is supposed to be an excercise resting day, but we had a little workout session inthe living room. We turned the Today's Hits music channel on the television and jammed:

3 Rounds
20 Pushups
20 Mountain climbers
20 Squat thrusts
20 Jumping jacks
20 Lunges (Each Leg)

While I did mine he did 15 pushups, 5 crunches, 20 jumping jacks, 10 vertical jumps. I even made sure his pushups were in correct form and his butt was not in the air. 

Then we had lunch. I made eggs for protein and Johnsonville Sausage, I like this Sausage because it is all natural and no fillers. I got this sausage free from being a bzzagent, they sent me a coupon. 

We headed to the playground to swing and run and play. i brought my book. Still reading Les Miserables. our friends joined us and we spent a whole 2 hours at the playground. 

We came home for a short rest had some popcorn for a sack. i use Butter seasoning and not actual butter. Only 5 calories; and then we made tacos for dinner. It is his favorite meal, he likes the lettuce too. 

Since I am tired and ready to go to bed now, I rented him a movie to watch when he is bathed and in his room. He is going to watch "ParaNorman." I let him pick. Apparently he likes all of these Halloween Monster cartoon Movies because the last time I let him choose a movie he chose "Frankenweenie" 

Tomorrow is a work day, and after work I plan on doing Yoga. I am tapering for a mini marathon on saturday and want to make sure my body is well and cared for, so stretching is essential.

Running and Mini Marathon Dedications

Going to go and run 6 miles dedicating them all to Boston. Maybe I should make it a tempo Run too. That will put me on 274 miles for the year. Then tonight I am going to make my list of 13 dedications, one for each mile of my first Half marathon 13.1 miles I will be doing in only 11 days.

1. My Husband

2. My Son

3. Grandpop Herb

4.My Nani

5. Cameron Maitland and all (Childhood) Cancer Survivors

6. My Church

7. Parents

8. The Energy Crash; Getting Past it

9. My Health

10. My Savior

11. Aurora Colorado

12.Newtown Connecticut

13.1 Boston Marathon

Running, Crossfit, Boston? April 15-21

Who is watching the Boston Marathon? I feel lucky to know some of the runners in the Biggest Event of the year! The race kicks off at 9:30 am and will be streaming Live Here.

Monday I plan on tuning in for the Start of the Boston Marathon at 9:30 and then running out the door to go do some Crossfit at 10 AM at TriQ CrossFit. if you want to join me, first class is FREE! Want to find out what excercise (WOD) we will be doing before you come? Never fear! Coach Amy posts them daily on the website.

Meal: Pulled Pork BBQ and Asparagus

Tuesday : Early Morning CrossFit and PM tredmill run
Meal: Spaghetti and Meatballs

Wednesday:Resting Day
Meal: Veggie Burgers with Avacado and tomato

Thursday: Chicken Breasts tenderloins and Salad with Whole Grain Pasta
Resting Day

Friday: Crossfit
Meatloaf and Brown Rice veggies

Saturday: Resting Day

Sunday: Run
My Son is performing at the church with the Rainbow Pals and Kids Wow group. The Bible Tells me So Show.
Meal: Sandwiches and Soup

Workouts and Meals April 8-14, 2013

This post is a day late because I worked Monday (yesterday) and my workout took a lot out of me. After running the 10 miler on Saturday i only took Sunday to rest and heal, and did not do much resting.

Monday : Tacos - A picky kid favorite

Am Workout : Run 3.9 fartlek miles. A fartlek is to be discussed in another post. But it is not nasty, get your dirty minds up off the floor. I will say though that from here, it is a Euro style of Endurance Training. 110 Squats; I am rocking this squat challenge.

PM Workout : WOD at TriQ Crossfit. A WOD is a Crossfit Term for Workout of the Day.

Tuesday : Whole grain spaghetti: I need Carbs

AM Workout 6 miles on tredmill increasing speed and no stopping. Also a little Front Squat and Back Squat practice.

Spent the rest of the afternoon at the zoo with my favorite little man.

PM Workout : Going to WOD at TriQ Crossfit again. if you have ever done or seen crossfit I am probably crazy for going back 2 days in a row.

Wedneday: Crock Pot Pork Loin with BbQ rub and Asparagus

PM Run. while my kiddo is at Church program I plan on hitting the streets with my Mizunos on 4.25 miles, depending on how far I go, his group starts at 6:15 and he needs picking up at. Check out My Map on Map My Run

Thursday:: Leftover Pork Loin and Brown Rice
RESTING DAY

Friday: Grilled Chicken and yet to be setermined Vegetables
Workout: 6 mile run and maybe some more crossfit 

Saturday: Turkey and Gravy and Mashed Potatoes
Workout: Farmers markets and resting

Sunday: Panera Bread
Workout : 12 Mile Long run at easy pace

Louisville Triple Crown of Running

It is finally FINISHED! I can barely believe we did it, but we did! I Did! Saturday April 6, 2013 was the 3rd Leg of the Louisville Triple Crown of Running. A Racing series in Louisville, KY that includes a 5k, 10k, and 10 miler. The series Sponsors the WHAS Crusade for children.

The Anthem 5k fitness Classic; sponsord by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield was held March 9 at Louisville Slugger Field. The morning was chilly but the weather held off and the race day was beautiful. My finish time was 22:39. A very exciting morning I set a personal record for a 5k race.

The Rodes City Run 10K is the second "leg" of the Louisville Triple Crown of Running. The race was held Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 4th and Broadway Streets in front of the famous Brown Hotel, running through the Cherokee Park. My Finish time was 46:58, this was my first ever 10k race. Again it was a chilly morning, only a few degrees above freezing, but luckily there was no rain or snow and the race was fun. 

The Final Race of the series; Presented by Papa John's International, Inc; is the 10-Mile: I Finished in 1:24:00. with a Pace of 8:24 min/Mile. This is the furthest distance that i have ever ran, and this course went through the hills of Iroquois Park. I managed to set a pace and stick with it, carried some water and chocolate GU with me. GU is an energy supplement. This is a very long time to run, but the weather was nice, warm and breezy. Generally you can expect the body to heat up about 20 degrees when running long distances, so I felt like it was in the 80's but it was actually about 65 degrees and Sunny.

 My goal now is to complete and mini marathon and a full marathon. I plan on accomplishing the mini marathon on April 27th at the Ky Derby Mini Marathon, doing weight and strength training at crossfit and keeping my runs between 4-8 miles with only one longer run over 10 miles in between the upcoming 3 weeks.


I Love running, I keep my energy up by having lots of good protein and fruits and nuts in between my protein full meals.

Dinner with Family and Friends

Meal time should be fun and enjoyable so we invited some friends to come over and enjoy a free meal from bzzagent.com and kroger. The meal included a Pork Roast, mashed potatoes, crescent rolls, cake with icing and then we added some vegetables (corn and asparagus). #Igotitfree from Bzzagent.com.

 

 The Pork Roast recipe I used wasvery simple. i got a McCormick Seasoning Bag packet. I rubbed the Tenderloin with the seasoning and tied the bag shut. I poked a fork in the top one time to vent and baked for 1 hour. My tenderloin was 3 pounds.

 

Workouts and Family Meals: April 1-6

Monday : Cross Training
Elliptical and the 100 calorie workout (40 jumping jacks, 30 crunches, 20 squats, 10 pushups). I am doing 2 or 3 rounds of this. 
 Meal : Pork roast and mashed potatoes, green beans, crescent rolls. I got this meal free from bzzagent.com


Tuesday : Tredmill Run 4 miles and crossfit in AM.
120 Jumping Jacks, 90 situps, 65 Squats, 40 pushups Pm workout 
Meal :BBQ, Mashed potatoes, peas

Wednesday : Crossfit
Meal : Whole Grain Spaghetti with meatballs

Thursday : 6 mile Run
Meal: Meatloaf, Brown Rice, Green Beans

Friday : Resting Day
Meal : Grilled Chicken, Brown Rice, Vegetables, Sweet Potatoes

Saturday : 10 mile Race (my goal is a 9 min pace and finish)
Might even get some cross fit in after the race, the gym where i do cross fit is hosting an open house and also grilling kabobs. Dinner I will make Ham

Lysol Foam Soap: contest links

This one is good.
 I got it free from bzzagent, and I liked it.

Product Homepage:

http://www.lysol.com/mission-for-health

Dont forget to enter the contest for the coupon on my page:

http://lasick-blog.blogspot.com/2013/03/product-revew-lysol-foam-soap.html

There is a contest running on the facebook page as well: 

https://apps.facebook.com/lysol-tof-contest/

Product revew : Lysol Foam Soap

Lysoll Lavender Foam soap is gentle on the hands. Most soap makes my hands feel dry and worn out, this foam soap smells nice and also is smooth in the palm. I like the Orchid scent too.

Benefits of this particuliar brand include:
A Rich non-drip lather works on contact to kill 99.9% of germs.
Offers 10x more germ protection than the leading national competitor
A Moisturizer-enriched micro-bubbles leave your hands feeling soft and comfortable after every wash
Available in three great scents — Creamy Vanilla Orchid, Rose & Cherry in Bloom and Wild Berry Bliss
Antimicrobial properties are built in to protect the pump and resist odor-causing bacteria

I got this soap for free from bzzagent and I also got a coupon to get it at a discount. So who wants it. We are going to run a contest on this page. Leave a comment telling me your favorite brand of cleaning product. The winner will be chosen at random and I wil mail you the coupon to use on Lysol Touch of Foam Soap.

Workout Schedule 3/25-3/31 for the Week and Healthy Meal Planning : edit

I have a picky eater. My son will not eat anything that I eat, he only wants to eat pizza, sometimes chicken nuggets, and lunchables. Not really the healthiest food choices, but my husband and I decided we are just going to make healthy dinners and tell him that he has to eat what we are feeding him, usually for breakfast I have my protein shake (visalus; I will post about that later. but for right now just know that they are awesome weight management shakes that give me the energy to do what I do everyday). I will make my son either waffles, cereal, granola bars, with fruit, yogurt, milk or juice. We encourage drinking water through the day. Dinners however need planning. And workouts also need planning. Training requires planning. So this is my plan for this week.

Monday 3/25 : I had a delicious garden burger with some avacado and tomato for lunch.
Dinner : Tacos for the men and I will have my visalus shake.made with Trop50 Lemonade and frozen fruit.
Workout : Running 6 miles with the Fleet Feet Running Crew. Yes I am running in the snow tonight. Woohoo!

Tuesday 3/26 : Shakes in the morning
Dinner Grilled Chicken Tenders with Mixed Vegetables
Workout : Run 3 miles to TriQFit and do Crossfit.Run 3 miles home.

Wednesday 3/27 : Am Workout Run 4 miles on the tredmill
Dinner : meatloaf, steamed broccoli with Brown Rice

Thursday 3/28 : Resting Day 1 : No workout
Dinner :Mark's Feedstore Fundraiser: Go with their grilled options

Friday 3/29 : Workout 5 or 6 miles on tredmill obliques, abs and arms
Dinner Fish and vegetable

(edited) Saturday 3/30: PM Run 10 miles
Pork Roast, mashed potatoes, crescent rolls, steamed green beans

Sunday 3/31  : Resting Day 2 HAPPY EASTER

Garnier fructis

I got this prduct for free from bzzagent.com

Different uses for the oil :

1. Hair; spray a little on the hands and run it through your hair, not on the scalp though, runing through the tendrils of the hair will make it shiny, spraying it on the scalp will make you look greasy. 
2. Skin; if you have really dry skin like I do, rubbing it in along with a lotion will make your hands and feet feel like you had manicures and pedicures. You can also use it on dry elbows, knees, legs, arms, any skin that gets dry, it is moisturizing.

This is the first product that you can find in stores that is multipurpose like this. You can get it at stores like WalMart and Target.