___CHEETAHS___Trottin' thru Thursday

[RunninTeach]

Good morning, cheetahs!

This is shaping up to be a speedy week.

Posh—Whew, glad to hear it is not EPM. Hoping the antibiotics & anti-inflammatory do the trick!...Very nice pics. I have been out that way before touring the wineries, and I thought the area was gorgeous. Not a hard sell here! *lol*…On these last few long runs (20-21), that is what I was thinking would happen. I’ve discovered there is something about this distance that I actually *like.* I dunno, I guess I just enjoy masochistic challenges. But even if I decide Napa may be too soon to run, I’d still like to look into comin’ out for support. In addition to Lake Placid that same weekend, I’ve also been floating around the idea of traveling over spring break this year, so I’m sure I’m going to have to weigh the costs and make some choices. Whatever it'll be, it's gonna have to be a hot deal!...Nodded my head in agreement as I read your post to Carole—I would really like to return to my goal weight (or at least be closer to it) before attempting another marathon...You are definitely not the slowest cheetah of them all. I think I have that wrapped up. J I have no issues with that, but I know I’m capable of faster speeds (not fast, but faster J), and I’d like to see if I can get back to where I was, or close. On any subsequent marathon attempt, I would like to do more than just "finish."...Enjoy that well-deserved massage today!

OK, I'm otherwise caught up. Have a chiro adjustment after school today and will try to get out there for my run. If not, it may be the 'mill.

Have a terrific Thursday!

 

[Fit_mommy]

Hi Cheetah Girls.

Happy Thursday!

Cathy: So spill it. Did ya make it through Nancy Grace with out falling asleep? LOL ITA-I was just thinkin' to myself last night "wow, this week is just FLYIN' by!" Gotta love it when that happens, ey? Hmmm....I think I will take another look at the marathons offered in the area through out the year. A back up plan sounds like a fab idea. Thanks! I think I made my own stomach do a back flip when I realized how close the race was. LOL

Posh: Oh girl, running Napa is just impossible. I will be in Vegas that week on vacation with DH and running my first full mary at the beginning of the vacation would spell disaster. I get VERY SORE after long runs. I wouldn't be able to enjoy my time in Vegas. I was talking to DH about possibly heading over to Napa for support but it's still quite a distance to get there so I'm not sure how that would work out. I am keeping it as a possibility though. Loved hearing that your horse does not have EPM. That's fantastic! Continued prayers that the antibiotics/antinflammatory will do the trick for him! I iced my knee y'day. It feels pretty good though but definately not perfect.

Today's work out will be lower body. I was considering a short, slow run outside as well but I'll have to see how the knee feels after work today. If I don't run today then I am going to run tmrw. I also would like to get an 8-10 miler in on Sunday.

On Saturday I am going into NYC for the day. That should be fun. I was invited to go with a group of women to see a Broadway show. I forget which one at this point, LOL, but I don't even care. We will be drinking, shopping and eating good food. If we never made it to the show I'd STILL have a good time!

Apparently my SIL wants my son again this weekend. She's a nut! LOL So I'll be dropping him off after school tmrw. That means another night of CABS in the bowlin' alley for moi. I won't complain.

Well that's scoop here!

BBL.

 

[JAFitMama]

Hello Thursday Cheetahs

Cathy- I doubt you are the slowest cheetah. Trust me. Enjoythe Chiro adjustment and run today.

Thommassina- I hope the Antibiotics heal your dear horse! I have to check out your pictures. DH and I have never been to Napa. Although he has cases of wine delivered from there regularly!

Carole- I'm keeping John in my prayers, i am sorry to read abut the setback.

Wendy- Good job getting that workout in before getting Joey from school. I like your thought process about changing up from the mileage after your race. Its funny but Cathe cardios are more of an issue with PF for me than running. And BOSU cardio is too!


Karen- The comments form your girls were pretty funny

OK DOMS have set in from LL. today is a short run 2 miles maybe? and two UB parts of CTX. Bis and Tris.

 

[andtckrtoo]

Good Morning Ladies!

Karen – Good job on the speedwork that was so tough to do. Don’t you hate when you eat something bad and it effects you so totally?! You had me howling about the girls fighting over the election! Although some of the arguments make more sense than some of the ones I’ve heard on a national level!

Judy – yes the commute to work helped loosen the ole legs! They are better today, though, but a little sore from standing around in 3” heels all night.

Wendy – glad you got your energy back and that you feel fetter! Hope the knee continues to feel better! Tea, at least the stuff I drink, has less caffeine than coffee. I get totally wired when I drink coffee now. But if your only vice is coffee, you’re far ahead of others. OOOH Broadway!! Have fun!! I love NYC!

Cathy – Legs are better, but still a little sore. I can handle it, though. I think weights and distance training are tough, at least for me. I’ll get there, but I have to add slowly. Plus, for some reason, this time of year is always tough for me. I really have the urge to hibernate and just eat. I wonder if I were a bear in a former life.

Posh – Smokey remains in my thoughts. LOVED your pics! One of my favorite places! Thanks for sharing! Our condo is downtown Napa – right by Copia and the Oxbow Market (and if you haven’t been to Oxbow – you HAVE to go!). Those bike tours sound incredible!! Absolutely gorgeous place. I love New Mexico.

Well, the dinner last night was a blast! They had little tables of food everywhere and all kinds, so we had Sushi, Indian Food, some hummus and pitas and grilled veggies… And it was good. They also had a jazz band that was not overpowering – just nice background music. Then the CEO spoke and honestly I can understand why he has such a following. He literally made sure he made eye contact with everyone in the room. He was thanking the people for being with the company for 10 years – not blustering and blowing about himself and the company. Nice speech. Then we all played Jeopardy in teams, followed by a “remember when session”. DH got up and spoke about how he met me there. So I got dragged into the festivities. Of course I had on heels and did not sit down all night, so my legs are still sore, but that’s okay. I have Zoot Challenge, CTX Shoulders and abs on my agenda for today. That will be a nice little workout.

 

[Mckmain]

Good morning cheetahs

Cathy...thanks re: my weight loss. I am hoping as I lost it slowly it should stay off better! Last time when I lost this much, I seemed to gain within a year, but I lost the weight faster then. I do hope you can swing Napa, as besides the marathon is it a beautiful part of Calif as I see you already know! But I do completely understand the expense issue and Lake Placid (loved that movie BTW!!). Did you make it through Nancy Grace? I have been getting to bed between 9-9:30. Hope you have a good run today.

Wendy..thanks re: my weight loss. I do remember when my sister ran and finished her 1st mary. I said to her "Who in the world would want to run that far??" after seeing her limping around and her black toenails! I am not real sure when the actual "Want to" happened to me. I was lucky to have my sister to train with and run my 1st mary with (which was Napa!). I remember getting into the car after to go back to the hotel and I said "So when is the next one Karen?" I cannot type here ALL of what her answer was.... Running a marathon to me was a very huge accomplishment and I was bitten by the marathon bug as I did run more. But don't feel bad at all if you don't want to do one right now. Trust me, you have a LOT of time to decide.... I was 38 when I ran my 1st one. For sure wait and see how this 18 miler goes. And please..ICE your knee! I don't think caffeine is a nasty addiction at all, and I will not give up my coffee. Enjoy your leg workout and run. I hope you will have a blast in NYC Sat!

Christine...I hear those tailgate parties at the stadiums are a blast! I will have to turn on that game and look for you and your DH. I guess LL really worked those legs!! That CEO really sounds like a good speaker. How sweet DH got up and told the story how you 2 met. Sounded like a fun night. Have fun with the Zoot, CTX sho and ab workout.

Posh...so happy to hear Smokey does not have EPM. I will go check out your Napa pics.....Congrats on the 15 lbs loss! Thanks re: my weight loss. It sure took awhile but I am hoping that is good as it feels like I have not run strong in sooo long. Looks like we can compare training notes since we will both be doing Napa!! I think you will do well in Chicago and don't worry about the time, it is still 26.2 no matter how fast you get there!! Thank you for your thoughts on my Mom and John. Mom is doing well and she was happy to get her hair colored yesterday....Enjoy your massage!

Karen...sorry about the tough run. You will have days like that in training, don't worry about it. You got it done! I sure have done the same thing with potato chips that you did with those fig newtons!!

Judy...I can see how all intervals would take you away from much distance. I would agree about the PF setting in from all the interval work. As long as you build up your mileage slowly you should be fine as you do other cardio too......Thank you for your prayers for John. Enjoy your workout today.

Linda...so glad to hear the TM is working. I think the tube of lube should do the trick!! Napa will be probably cool in March, in the 60's for the high. I remember wearing shorts and a thin long sleeved top. The first year I wore a jacket and ended up tying it around my waist. San Diego in June would be hotter maybe 70's-80's but remember no humidity! I don't mind questions at all.....Good job with the 7 miles and Pilates workout.

Jackie...I am usually the opposite as the more distance I do I tend to loose weight. We will see this time marathon training if that is any different. I have not had my BF tested in years. We didn't get our sprinklers installed for about 5 years but I was so happy after we did. Good job with 4DS legs and abs yesterday.

Shelly...I agree, your Dad is a wise man. I do hope his letter eased your mind and thank you for sharing.

I had such a good run yesterday. I call it a tempo 4&4 (got it from RW a few years back). You go by your Heart Rate zones 3 and 4. I do a mile warm up and then start the Gymboss for 4 mins. The 1st 4 min I stay in zone 3 and then the next 4 I stay in zone 4 and finish the run alternating zones like that...Today will be legwork, abs and a 4 mile run.

Have a great day...

 

[Me2]

Good morning!

Karen – LOL….I love the debate your girls had! That was cute! Good job on your 10 miles yesterday! Sorry about the “lead in your pants” feeling! I hate when that happens! I have never eaten a sleeve of fig newtons before…..lol…”but” does an entire sleeve of Girl Scout Cookies count? Been there done that! That is great that you only have one more long run til your ½!!

Judy – Great job on LL and the yoga! Brownies! Goodness, all this talk of Fig Newton’s, GS cookies and brownies! Now I am starting to get hungry! It is funny….Girl scout cookies are really the only cookies I like (unless it is a really good homemade chocolate chip/walnut cookie that is still warm! Okay…gotta get my mind off of food, now

Wendy – I understand exactly how you feel! I miss my step and other workouts! I miss working out “for fun”. I agree with you, after a while doing your cardio/weights of your choice and running once per week for a while, you may come back refreshed and looking forward to marathon training!

Cathy – I really love Jules Benson’s pilates. It is called Jules Benson “Total Core Pilates”. She also does some “traditional abwork” in it, too. It is about the only pilates workout that I actually like. I will do others, but don’t really enjoy them. I have got to make myself do it, now, though. I am going to try to do what you did with the Winsor. I will do the “Leg portions” of pilates workouts and different floorwork for a while. I am “planning” on cutting out the heavy legwork.

Posh – I am so glad your horse test negative for EPM!! I hope the round of antibiotics does the trick! Thanks so much for posting the pictures! It is so beautiful there! We took a wine tasting tour a couple of years ago and had a wonderful time! I am sure you are not the “slowest of the all!!!” I will be so tickled if I finish! My marathon is November 2. So…that would give me 5 months til Napa! Well….no…really just 4 months, I guess. What do you think? Too soon?

Christine – The dinner sounds like a lot of fun! I like it when there are good speakers and they don’t harp on how good “they…themselves” are and I like when they actually give credit to the employees! The food sounds wonderful, too! Enjoy your workout! It sounds like a good one! I agree with you on the deer and beavers! Sometimes things get carried just too far!

Carole – Thanks for the information on the temps! The 60’s would be a perfect temperature! The 70’s and 80’s….maybe a tad “warm”. But with no humidity, it may be okay! The 4&4 workouts sounds really good! I will have to give that a try! Enjoy your legwork and run today!

Okay, dear Cheetahs….don’t laugh at me for the workout I did this morning! Remember, this is a recovery week from heavy weights Yesterday I bought Denise Austin’s Hit the Spot Total Core. It is a stability ball workout that has a 15 minute section for core and upper, another 15 minute section for Core and legs, and one for Core and Buns and yet another one that is total body bonus (kind of like a timesaver premix. I thoroughly enjoyed this workout. I guess because I was really feeling fatigued and sore from the past 4 weeks of heavy weights. I felt like it was a good lower body workout for what I needed, since I am cutting out heavy legs. I also got her Hit the Spot Pilates.

After the Stability Ball workout, I ran 5 miles.

Hey to everyone! I hope everyone is having a good day!

Linda

 

[Me2]

shelly - I really enjoyed reading your dad's explanation of what is happening. Yes, he is a very wise man! All of this is very scary stuff!

 

[karenvictoria]

Lunch time Cheetah here. This morning got in an easy 2 miles to flush the legs out and then did UB and abs. Nice workout for my LAST LONG RUN tomorrow

Posh- Gald everything turned out ok with your horse. Nice photos. Love your hair. Your family photos are wonderful.

Cathy- Hope the chiro helps you out today. Dh would go to see one when his migranes got too too bad. Hope it can help yours too.

Wendy- Wow!! I would love to go to NYC. I want to take the girls to the American Girl Doll Store. Maybe next year.

Judy- Nice workout. Any plans this weekend.

Christine- Sounds like a wonderful dinner. Sushi is my favorite. My dh and his mom make a mean sushi. Dh is Japanease. You would die for my egg rolls.

Carole- Glad you had such a nice run yesterday. Maybe it will rub off on me for tomorrow.

Linda- I think you should join the dark side and count the Girls Scout Cookies. A sleeve is a sleeve. Judy is in the club with her Browies. So now you too can be a member.

Try and get back later after soccer.

 

[jamarba]

Good morning my fellow Cheetahs!

Linda - Sure hope the tube of lube gets your treadmill back up to par. One of the techs told me to use silicone spray on mine every month and the other one left me a little bag of lubricant. I'm not laughing at your Denise Austin workouts. I bought her yoga workout and really like it for some strange reason. She never bothered me that much but she didn't motivate me enough to buy any of her workouts.

Shelly - Thanks for all that good info from your dad. It does help explain it in layman's terms. I know we need something to get us out of the mess we're in.

Christine - I just never understand how people know when I'm checking out the Cheetahs. Phone has been pretty quiet today. Glad you had a fun evening. How sweet of DH to share how he met you. Ahhhh!! Have a good workout today. Maybe you can work the rest of the DOMS off.

Karen - 10 miles of speedwork??? Think my legs would fall off. Glad you survived it. That mindless eating can get you every time. Kids debate so cute and funny. Did you get it on tape?

Judy - Another challenging leg day for you yesterday. The lady that does my waxing is ready and waiting on me most of the time. Every now and then she may run a few minutes behind but not often. Why can't everyone run their business like that? I hate when they think they're doing you a favor just by showing up.

Wendy - Glad you felt better and got your workout in yesterday. Think the running is doing you in? Won't be long now. I wonder if people could tell by the tone of my voice that they were interrupting something important. NYC sounds like a fun weekend! So much to do there and too little time.

Cathy - What's up with the body parts? Maybe they need lubing. Hope they're all better today. Did you make it through Nancy Grace? I see we have the same goals - making it to 9 pm. Enjoy the adjustment and your run.

Posh - I call my DBF a "fit it" when he needs a haircut. He doesn't want to make an appointment but wants to be worked in and he doesn't want to wait. Enjoy that massage. I'm full of envy.

Carole - Good luck with keeping the weight in check. I'll see how the half training goes this time. When I first started training last year, I lost weight but by the time the races were over I had gained 6 pounds. Glad you enjoyed your run yesterday. Sounds good. Enjoy your legwork and run today.

Today's workout was an easy 3 mile run and 4DS Triceps & Biceps.

One more day 'til Friday! Yippee!! Have a great day!

 

[Fit_mommy]

Good Afternoon Cheetahs!

Well I just shoved 2 turkey sandwiches down my pie hole so it's safe to say that I need wait a bit before starting my work out. What better way to spend my down time then with my Cheetah pals, right?

Jackie: If they couldn't tell that they were bothering you then you need to make it obvious next time and perhaps they won't call again!

Karen: I went to the American Girl Store once with a couple of my nieces. They loved it. It's pretty neat. My mom and I took them to see the play they have there. It was cute. Talented kids!

Linda: I used to do Denise Austin work outs off tv all of the time! I liked them. She's a wee bit too perky for me-the voice kills me-but other then that I have no problem with her. I have been tempted in the past by the DVDs she has out on the market today. Glad you enjoyed it! Re my running a marathon, see my post to Carole and Shelly below.

Carole: Thanks for sharing your marathon story with me. My one toenail that turned black during my first half marathon never fell off but never fully recovered. It's always been kinda ugly since then and turned a nice shade of grey after one my recent long runs. LOL I wish I had someone to train with. It might make it easier as it's really not the distance that made me 2nd guess doing a full mary as much as the process of training which actually brings me to my next question! Check out the question below that I put to yours and Miss Shelly's attention!

Christine: Aaawww, how sweet of your DH to draw the attention to you by bringing up how you met during his speech! I'd have killed him personally! Well I'm glad you had a nice time. I guess Mr. CEO is the pompous A** he initially sounded like. Good deal!

Judy: Enjoy your work out today. A run should help work out some of the LL DOMS. I don't know enough about PF to know why running would be the easiest on it as compared with stepping. In fact, I really had no clue what it was until we learned a little about it on the roadtrip!

Okay that catches me up on personals BUT I do have a question to ask of the seasoned marathoners in the room so............

Carole/Shelly: There is a gym member whom I chat with on occassion as she runs too. She has done a couple of marathons, halfs and the like and is signed up for the Philly marathon/half marathon at the end of November that Shelly and Wendi are running in and I was thinking of running the half in. I was telling this gal about the 18 miler, the possiblity of the Philly half (Nov 23) and then about how I was thinking of training for a marathon at the end of March. She suggested considering doing the full in Philly. At first I thought she was out of her mind but then I got to thinking about it and perhaps it's not a bad idea! The LBI 18 miler can be my 18 mile training run and then all I technically need to do is run one more 20 miler right? I thought perhaps I could try to squeeze in one last run of 21-22 miles but I'm not sure there's enough time. So my question to you ladies is....Is that a totally crazy idea or do you think I can do it? Like I mentioned to Carole above, most of my issue with the full marathon is the training. The thought of having just trained for the 18, then taking a few weeks off and then training for another 18 weeks to run a full just kills me. If I run the full in Philly it will alleviate that issue. My only concern is that I really didn't train for long for this 18 mile race. I started in August so when Philly comes around I'll only have 4 months (16 weeks) of training under my belt. That being said, it's only 2 weeks short of the training program I was going to use and I have no intentions of running the 18 or my first full for time so perhaps it's doable??? I'm not totally sure I will go for it yet but I want your opinnions. If you think it's a bad move then I won't even consider it. Thanks!

 

[Me2]

Wendy - There are some marathon training plans that are 16 weeks (RW being one of them). My opinion(granted...it is definitely not an expert opinion ) is that would be an excellent idea! That would put you right about the right time for the marathon! seriously, if you are doing the 18 mile...a lot of plans only have you go to 20-22..... you are almost there


Jackie - The tech told me I could not use the silicone spray, or anything with petroleum in it. I don't know if it is because of what the belt is made of, or what. Good job on the run and 4DS!

Karen - Great job on your run, UB and abs! LOL....I definitely counted the GS cookies! It was a while back....but still....if they were in front of me now, I am sure I would do it again! Enjoy the soccer!

 

[Fit_mommy]

Hey Linda! Thanks for your input! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make it sound like I didn't want others' input. I just figured someone who has already run a few full marys would easily be able to answer my question but ofcourse I welcome everyone to chime in! I appreciate your thoughts on the subject alot!

Well, I am supposed to be doing B&G but it hasn't happened yet. UGH. Better get moving before I run outta time....

 

[karenvictoria]

Jackie- I did tape the girls debate. I made them write speeches today and we voted. My middle daughter won. She was thrilled. We gave her some class room duties and other things to do as president. Picking out of a hat was my best bet because they all wanted to be president.

Wendy- Not an expert by any means. Heck this is my first half but I agree with Linda that if you have come all this way your half way home. Just make sure the knee is doing good, but as far as I can see it would be a great time to make the 18 miler a training run for a full. Like I said I will be asking many questions when I finally commit but I think you would be ready to go at this point. I wish I had trained earlier so I could do the philly marathon in Nov but my long runs are not up that far yet.

 

[Me2]

Wendy -Honestly, I didn't take it that way at all! I knew what you meant But I will be anxious to see what the marathon "veterans" think! Enjoy B&Gs!

 

[RunninTeach]

Evening, cheetahs!

Wendy—*lol* Of course, I didn’t make it through. I doubt there is any hope of me making it to the debate tonight, either…Now that I am wearing the shoes of 99-year-old grandma, I might as well have the sleeping patterns, too. *lol* I love seeing musicals on Broadway. That’ll be a blast. If you don’t already have plans, I highly recommend lunch or dinner at 44 SW (44th and Ninth Ave), which is within walking distance from the theaters and features excellent Italian fare and Long Island Iced Teas to-die-for!

Judy—no, trust me, I am. J But I’m cool with that. How was your run after LL?

Christine—J about hibernating. Oh, dinner sounded like a fabulous time. It’s easy to see now why the CEO is where he is.

Carole—I did not see Lake Placid. What was it about? IA, it seems the slower it comes off, the more likely it is to stay off. I did not make it all the way through NG. I love your thoughts about the marathon and just getting there. Glad you mentioned about what to wear for temps in the 60s. As of now, that is what is being forecasted for Chicago…I like that tempo 4&4 that you did.

Linda—I will have to look up Jules. I did get away from my WP torture in the last couple of weeks. I need to get back to that. I must say, Denise makes me cringe. But hey, I totally respect the notion of to each, her own!

Karen—I always feel great after an adjustment. I feel that it was helping with migraines, but lately, I guess not. Still feels good, though, to be adjusted.

Jackie—Lost it when I read your suggestion for these fallin’ off parts o’ mine. Too funny! Nope, didn’t make to the end of Nancy. Glad I’m not the only one nodding off early.

Enjoyed a nice 4¼ mile run this evening. Will add on some ab work shortly. I was pestered by some occasional side stitches again.

What’s up with that total rookie issue, I don’t know, but it was nonetheless wonderful to get out there and sip the fresh air like wine. J

Have a great night!

 

[Fit_mommy]

Hey Peeps.

Ended up doing B&G Standing Glute and abs premix but I skipped the abs since I worked 'em y'day. After dinner I went to the gym and ran slow on the TM for 15 mins. I felt my knee starting to act up a bit so I moved over to the EXT for another 15 mins and was immediately fine. I am icing it now even though I'm not in any pain.
We'll see how I feel tmrw. If I feel good I will try that slow run outdoors after work and see how it goes.

BB in the morning for personals!

 

[meatlessinca]

hi

Happy Friday EVE ya’ll..

Figured I better post something now, since I may not have a chance to post til maybe Sunday. Horse is eating his meds in his grains so far so hopefully (praying!) we’ll see some improvement soon. Thanks again everyone for all your kind thoughts and prayers for our guy! Dh was out there last night talking to, petting and hugging on ol' Smokey boy...you can tell he's (DH) is upset his "big dog" is not feeling well...

An issue I’ve wanted to discuss is the ipod/headphones whilst running topic. I noticed last week when I received my “confirmation” pamphlet from Chicago that they’ve adopted the no headphones rule. I know this wasn’t listed on the site when I signed up but anyway, it is a rule now and it is posted on the site and in the booklet. I’ve run numerous events including 3 of my marathons without headphones and at least 4 half-marathons and a full with headphones (I got addicted when I got an ipod). Anyhoo, my first thought and conscience tells me to just leave the headphones and run Chicago without it but a few people have said to me “why? there’s so many people they won’t notice”. What would ya’ll do in this situation? I’m just curious. All of the runs I’ve done in the past week, including a 10 miler, I did without my headphones and honestly, I didn’t notice much difference – not even in my pace! LOL. But the later miles of a marathon may become an issue for instance when I’m at say mile 23 and the selves are working overtime to convince the body parts just a little more-keep on slogging, and I encounter a group of annoying chatterers that need to be drowned out…lol. I remember a long training run once where I encountered some noisy cawing black crowes overhead annoying the bajeebers outta me! I yelled at them to shut the $(#$(*#&$ up! LOL…. I’m thinking I won’t even try the headphones because the rules are the rules and besides, I’ve gotta be ready for Napa, right? They REALLY don’t allow them there! LOL…

Oh by the way, Napa Marathon has a 5K as well for anyone interested in “less” mileage that day….lol


Cathy – LOL’ing on the “masochistic challenges” ..yeeup, that’s me too! Um, fraid so, I AM the slowest cheetah right now...just wait til next weekend…uggghu! I’m askeered now cuz our training hasn’t been what I had planned and hoped for. Actually, it has been very difficult to arrange our schedule (mainly the long run) around my friend’s work hours and various other factors like the month long smoke issue didn’t exactly help matters. Now my friend has been having terrible hip pain and still insists on running and coming to Chicago plus our last 2 long runs suffered from it too among other things. Anyway, enough babbling, but I am just going to go for it and take it real slow and have a good time! You on the other hand, have done an outstanding job with your training and I know you’re going to do great and finish a very proud Runnin’ Teach! LOL… I wouldn’t sweat the small stuff right now like the side stitches, etc…You’ve trained and you’re gonna do fine!

Wendy – If you’re running 18 miles, you can easily run 20, then 26.2…I say go for it – provided your knee issue gets resolved…Oh, I’m jealous, I’ve wanted to go to NYC and see a Broadway show forever! Have a great time with the girls!

Judy – You and dh need to visit the Cali wine country sometime! Very, very relaxing I must say! LOVE how DH keeps his cellar stocked with cases of California’s finest…I bet ya’ll have some of the lovely Cakebread, huh? LOL. Tell him to try some of Larkmead’s Cabernet… they’re in Napa. Actually Hawley puts out a nice Zinfandel too...I better hush now or I’ll be called Wino Cheetah or Lush Cheetah instead of Posh Cheetah! LOL

Christine – glad you had a great time at the dinner! How was the photo shoot? LOL.. Oh yessirree, I’ve been to Oxbow Market a few times - Actually I pop in there every time we go see DD18 and stock up on some fresh organic veggies/fruits. She’s attending the Oxbow School for her senior year. Sounds like your condo is in a very good location! And not far from the finish line in Napa! LOl

Carole – Thanks for reminding me that it is still 26.2 no matter how long it takes to get there. My friend told me she’s taking a break from running after this marathon to heal her hip – which I think is a very good idea – but I’m not worried about having a running partner to train if I do Napa because I’ll have Super Carole to consult with! LOl. Really though, I love my friend dearly, but between you and me, I’ll be glad to get back to one of my “regular” marathon training schedules - meaning a consistent long run every weekend instead of every other, etc we have done to accommodate her hospital schedule. Anyway, glad you’re doing so well with getting back to goal and running strong – such inspiration!

Linda – Quit saying “if I finish” you ARE going to finish! Think positive, girl! You’ve done great with your training! I guess it is up to the individual, but I think you could swing training for Napa after the next marathon. Just take the workouts easy for a few weeks after and you should be fine…take a peek at some training schedules and count back on the calendar and see what kind of runs are in order for November and then decide.

Karen – Good luck with the long run tomorrow! Have me cracking up on the “dark side” comments! Nice your DH and his mom make the mean Sushi – my DD and DH would love to come over and try some!

Jackie – I think your DBF gets his hair done by my girl! LOL yeah, I’ve been in the chair before when she gets an inquiry from a guy that wants to come right in but never makes an appt! Just tell the callers at work you are in a Cheetah meeting and will have to call em’ back later…lol

Well, here I am staying up past my bedtime! See? posting takes me FOREVER! lol. Ok, off to bed for me – Fridays are a day shift so I’ve got to be up early and in to work early…then it’s off to Friday night football at the high school and wouldn’t you know it, we’re playing our rivals and it is supposed to rain like the dickens ….oh well, we need the water!

Have a great Friday my great wonderful supercalifragilisticexpealadocious Cheetah pals!

Posh