**Any CHEETAHS racin' for the Black Friday bargains?**

[Fit_mommy]

Good Morning Peeps.

Hope everyone's holiday was happy and yummy. My inlaws decided to forgo the italian first course of the meal because our group was very small. As it was they cooked enough for an army. To cook an italian dish too would have been madness! It was yummy. I drank alot of wine and ate too much food. We brought home leftovers. DH was supposed to take some for lunch today but I'll betcha he did not!

So I guess our dear Cathy is doing some early Black Friday shopping this morning. I doubt she's sleeping in.

K, let me get this posted and then I'll come back for personals.

 

[JAFitMama]

Good morning friends



Wendy- What no Italian food? We did not have any either. However MIL brought over hummus and babaganousch for appetizers. And we had our olive tray, but not a full blown antipasto. DS15 asked why we always have weird appetizers, and why couldn't we just have chips like most families?, LOL!

Karen- Oh dear, we are here for you. How are your girls holding up? Your DH is truly a gem.

Jackie- Good going on the training. I did not realize the race is only a week away now! You are going to do great with all these great runs and a RP too!

Linda- Turf toe is more of a pushing off injury associated with football players on turf wearing flexible shoes.

After more reading last night, I am thinking this is not Turf Toe. TT has a sudden onset, and this has been gradual. The symptoms may be closer to Seisamoiditis. There is a description of this on http://footpain.com Seisamoids are tiny bones embedded in the tendon form the great toe to the first metatarsal joint. These bones and the tendon can become inflamed from over use.

I have no shopping planned today. DD and I are hoping to do a neighborhood run.

 

[Mckmain]

Good morning cheetahs

Wendy..Sounds like you DH and DS had a great Thanksgiving. I actually ate fairly well but did not try and track my food on the nutrition software. I did have 2 glasses of tasty Almond champagne though!!...

Shelly...how nice you got the other night off! That is great you are feeling so good post marathon. They certainly do get easier to recover from the more you do....Goes to prove you are in fabulous shape! Thank you and I am happy you are enjoying vegetarianism. I am sure there is not a problem with occasional turkey eating......Yeah, I always had a tough time with any king of gu/gels being too sweet. They never caused me nausea though. Could have been the Gatorade as that did happen to me once in a half, so I stay away from it. Probably better to stick to the Cytomax. Karen used to carry peanuts during her marathons as the seemed to help her nausea. So it is finding what works. Once you get back into longer runs you can experiment with other things like the cliff blocks or sharkies during the run maybe instead of gels?

Laura...Welcome! As others have said we always welcome newbies here......When is your half?

Christine...I also heard a few things about Tofurky on the radio prior to T-Day. I have no problem with anyone saying "Happy Turkey Day" to me. But yes open minded people like you are much more enjoyable to hang with.....My family was much better this year and even a few carnivores tried the Tofurky and liked it..I do have one pair of Lucky's, they finally fit!

Judy...Yes everyone was at Thanksgiving except PITA sis and her family so it was a nice day. I was impressed with the Tofurky as it did turn out well. Everyone that tried it liked it.....I think maybe a trip to the Dr is in order for your foot troubles.

Linda..the Tofurky was good, I'd love to share! Good job with the 7 miles yesterday.

Jackie...that was sweet your Mom made you some stuffing. I have lots of Tofurky leftovers so I will probably have it again tonight. Seems like RP is helping you pick up your pace. Great run yesterday!

Karen..thank you for taking the time to post yesterday. I can only imagine how hard this must be for you and your family. Sending {{{HUGS}}}, thoughts and prayers your way.

We had a great Thanksgiving and the Tofurky turned out well. I will have some more tonight for dinner! Today I am doing upper body of something, abs and a 6-7 mile tempo run. Then helping my sister prepare for the planned Garage sale at Mom's tomorrow.

Have a great day...

 

[trooper15]

Good morning cheetahs! No I am definitely not heading out to the stores today! Scaling back alot on the holiday shopping anyway but I've never been big on the whole shopping thing anyway. I was going to go out on a run yest. afternoon but I had forgotten to recharge my Garmin so I decided to wait one more day before my first post marathon run. I'll be heading out soon for about a 5 mile run. Nice and cold out there but it's not bothering me so much anymore. So instead of a run yest. I did another circuit... circuit madness!! . I did my fav... DM

DH and I had a nice quiet thanksgiving... have enough turkey leftover to feed an army tho! Guess what we're having tonight?

Linda- Getting in some good strong runs--- you certainly recovered VERY well from your marathon. Are you considering Chicago next year? I'm very seriously thinking about it.

Karen- I PM'd ya sweetie..... (HUG).

Wendy- Sounds like a great family thanksgiving! Believe me I know about those Italian megameals!!! I'm betting my in-laws don't skip on anything. I tried to make my DH travel to be with his family but he would have none of it. I guess he knows better Doin any Black Friday shopping yourself?

Judy- I do know about sesamoiditis. I have a book written by a podiatrist that goes into detail about it. I actually have the condition in my left foot. The pain can be quite acute at times. Certain shoes aggravate it at times. I just make certain I wear shoes that have ample toe box room. Other then that I've done nothing about it... just ignored it because it does go away. I've actually not been troubled by it in quite a while, so I think shoe selection is really important with this. Anyway, I think this book was awesome... "The Runners' Repair Manual" by Dr. Murray F. Weisenfeld. It could be you are placing too much emphasis on the ball of your foot when running but I suspect you are like me and it is just the shape of your foot and that area at the base of the big toe just protrudes out more then most, putting pressure on that area.

Carole - I suspect that it was the Gatorade. I never drink the stuff except on races when that is all they have. It's only on the long races where it gets to me after a while so I think I'll start packing my own drink.
Oh how fun.... a garage sale! gonna get rid of some of your own stuff too?

Hope all the rest of the Cheetahs have a fabulous day!!

Gotta go run Later today I'll do some fun kickboxing. Also hope to get alot of painting done too!

 

[jamarba]

Good morning Cheetahs!

Karen - More ((((HUGS)))) and prayers for you and your mom. So sorry to hear her day didn't go well yesterday. You know you can come here and unload all your worries anytime.

Wendy - Glad your dinner went well with the wine yesterday.

Judy - I'm ready for the race to be over too. Hope you and DD had a good run.

Carole - How nice that you got some of your family to try tofurkey. Mom made enough stuffing for me to have leftovers. She made me some greens too. Yeah, RP is challenging me. I don't want to be a wimp and not even try especially when he keeps my pace most of the time. Have a great tempo run. Good luck with the garage sale tomorrow.

Shelly - I'm cutting back a lot on the shopping too. Glad you and DH had a nice TG. Bet you're making turkey soup, turkey salad, turkey sandwiches. Enjoy. Have a good run and kickboxing workout.

I was up at 4 this morning. Made it to Wal-Mart about 4:45. Could have been out in about 10 minutes but the stockman gave me the wrong tv stand. By the time I got the right one the lines were long. This is my first time going to Wal-Mart on Black Friday and didn't know what to expect as far as finding the items on sale. Now I know. Anyway, I was back home by 5:45. Still wasn't bad at all.

Today's workout was iTread #6 20 minutes. Got in 2.3 miles. Hopped on the EXT for a 20 minute program and then it was on to Muscle Max UB 33 minute premix and the ab work. Did the stretch twice. Now, I'll finish my Clean Max up that I started on last night. Hopefully, I'll get some Christmas decorations up. I still have to get out again and go to the bank and pick up some groceries.

Have a fantastic day!

 

[andtckrtoo]

Happy Thanksgiving Recovery Day!

Judy – Yes Amen for the Cheetahs! Sounds like a good workout you got yesterday!

Shelly – How was the run on Thanksgiving? Sounds like a good time, actually!

Linda – Today I get to get outside, so I’m happy. We need the rain, desperately!

Jackie – That sounds like a great idea your mom has! I’ll bet it was a good time, too! Were the bargains worth getting up that early?

Karen – Your mom and your family is in my prayers, Karen. I’m sorry your mom is not doing well. {{{HUGS}}}

Wendy – I got my bargain yesterday on the Lucky site – I don’t want to be greedy. (Or deal with crazy people – 1.5 hours in line? No thank you!). Sounds like a great dinner you had!

Carole – Oooh! Glad to hear your Lucky’s fit! I love my Lucky’s! I’m also happy the family was better this year and people were even willing to try the Tofurky. It actually looked really good on the TV. I was tempted myself. As there are a lot of vegetarians at the Indian gathering, I may bring one next year so I get the try it (the only non-veg dishes yesterday were the turkey and my stuffing). Hope the garage sale is successful!! Probably a really good time to have it!

I ended up doing Viper instead of a bike ride yesterday. I totally enjoyed it, although with SuperSets the day before, it was TOUGH!! My HR was way up there. But I finished and did the whole thing! I love that workout. Yesterday was interesting as many of the people have relatives and friends in Mumbai. One of our friends actually did an interview on CBS and it’s played a few times. Fortunately, as they are all Indian, they got released. Scary stuff. Another thing to be thankful, for.

Today is a nice long hike with Jimmy and DH. Then DD15 and I will go and pick out the Christmas Tree. We’ll bring it home and set it up outside to shed needles, then go out to see “Bolt”. That should be fun. Have a great day all!

 

[fitg]

GOOD MORNING!!

Cathy: My old principal loves her new job, but of course she is swamped, as you can imagine. She is the principal of a public Montessori school. It is her background, so she is in her element. I just love her, we are the same kind of teachers, talk to the kids the same way, etc. I'm glad she is happy. I haven't really been keeping up with the workouts this week, but I am trying. I am looking forward to the short-lived "slow" week next week at school! What are your plans for the weekend?

Wendi: My sentiments exactly.

Wendy: I've never had white merlot. I am a red wine person, but really like Pinot Grigio too. Being a server for a long time, I had to know a little something about wine. Not an expert by any means. Great workout!

Jackie: Yes, the USPS never does let us down. All the running partners I have had in the past really pushed me too. Have fun putting up the decorations!

Carole: I love garlic mashed potatoes! That is some workout you did yesterday!

Shelly: A surprise day off? Spectacular! I think you could manage training for that 50 miler. No doubts here!

Laura: Hello!

Christine: Thanks re: my idea. New jeans are always a bonus! Thank you for the group hug. You Cheetahs are something special.

Judy: We are getting a lot of snow today so I am planted at home and happy about it! I LOVE yoga! Wow, great getting in a long session every week! Did you say you had babaganoush? Was it store bought or homemade? If it is homemade I MUST have the recipe! I can't get it around here and have had no luck with recipes I've found. IT IS MY FAVORITE!!! I didn't think you were being self absorbed. Sorry about the foot issues.

Linda: The tights are stellar! DH is now on the TU board in our area. Awesome run! It is a tradition of mine to run on the holidays.

Karen: You are in my thoughts. I'm sorry. (((HUGS))) and more (((HUGS))).

We had a wonderful day yesterday. I am so in the holiday spirit like I have never been before! Got in 4 miles yesterday and plan on running today since I am feeling so good. As I told Judy, we are getting some serious snow fall so I am staying home and getting things done. It feels like it is the first day I have had really "off" in a long time. Monday is the day I sign up for my first marathon! WOOHOO! Have a great day Cheetahs!

 

[LauraR]

Hello, Cheetahs.

My 1/2m is February 21.

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. I never would've guessed that I'd be checking in with the Cheetahs: you are such an amazing group. I feel like a real amateur conversing with all of you multiple-marathon runners. Wow. I was feeling pretty proud of myself for working up to a 1/2m. Now that seems like a mere starting point!

One thing that I love about the Cathe forums--that you have demonstrated again--is how warm and encouraging people are. I know I have come to the right check-in to be both pushed and encouraged. You all have been so welcoming to a newbie and a (compared to you) beginning runner.

Today I did B&G. It was interesting to see how increasing my running has changed how that workout feels. I felt like the lunges and squats were tougher, but I breezed through the table work that usually makes me want to cry. I think it's because my running has worked my hamstrings more, while my quads haven't been getting quite the same workout as when I'm doing more weight work.

And the B&G brings up a question I want to ask. I want to post my schedule and see what you guys think. This week has been a little off-schedule because of the holiday, but here's what I've normally been doing.

Mon-run (around 4 miles)
Tues-Cathe cardio (step, interval, or circuit)
Wed-run plus upper (unless Tues was circuit)
Thurs-off
Friday-run
Sat-lower body weights
Sun-off

I have a 3-day 1/2m training schedule that I downloaded. I will officially start it in mid-December. For now I've just been trying to get really comfortable with my runs, since I've only been running about once a week till now. I want to be running 6 to 8 miles easily 2 weeks from now when I start the official schedule. Yesterday's 5 was no problem, so I'm well on my way.

My 2 main questions are:
Does that schedule look OK? I could move the upper body to Thurs, but I really like having two days off and would rather have a LONG workout on Wed and have a total rest day on Thurs. I've spread out my runs, and my back-to-back cardios are of different types (ie the video day in between the runs). Any suggestions for tweaking?

2nd question: What kind of leg work should I do? I saw that Cathe said "not STS" when TXGin asked about training for a 1/2. So, not super heavy stuff. So I'm thinking B&G is a good choice. Other ideas? I've put leg weights right before a day off, on purpose. What leg work do you guys do as you head toward a race?

OK, wow. This turned into a huge post. Thanks to all who wade through it and even more to all who answer.

Oh, yes, Shelly, I remember you, too from the road trip. You have a sister who lived overseas for a while, I think, which means that you understand something of what my life is like.

If I'm going to post with you, do I have to come up with a Cheetah name? Since, as Shelly mentioned, I live in Uganda, I supposed I would be the African Cheetah. Appropriate, since we have them here!

OK. I'm signing off now!

 

[karenvictoria]

Quick post to say thank you for all the hugs and support. It means so much. i hope you all truly know that.

 

[Fit_mommy]

Karen: I am sooo sorry this is happening to your mom. Prayers and hugs comin' your way. Don't feel badly about venting to us. That's what we are hear for. If it helps to let it out then please don't hold back. (((HUGS)))

Laura: We are runners of all speeds and experiences here so everyone is welcome. We were all beginners once you know. There are several more knowledgable and experienced then I who post on this thread so I will leave the advice giving to them. I just really wanted to say HI!

Gloria: Congrats in advance on signing up for your first full marathon. TNT sent me all kinds of info recently that I hadn't gotten around to reading and it went up in smoke when my computer crashed so now I have to contact them to see if they can send it again. White merlot is very light and sweet. Different from a regular merlot for sure.

Christine: ITA. No waiting waiting in ridiculous lines for this Cheetah. I'm not getting trampled to get into a store either! YIKES! I looked on the Lucky site but was reluctant to order them online. I have 2 pairs which I love but have tried on several pairs that I DIDN'T love so I really need to hit the store in person if I want another pair. Thanks for the heads up though! So how was Bolt? I think DS may be going to see that movie with my neice and nephew this weekend.

Jackie: Wow you got alot done early today! Good for you! I was useless as could be until maybe an hour ago...Sorry the stock guy made you wait around like that. ACK. Oh well. Atleast you got what you wanted. With my luck, I'd get there and they would be sold out of what I went for! LOL

Shelly: Will the painting ever end!?!? I had a sneaking suspicion that you would NOT be out there doing any Black Friday bargain hunting today! LOL Did your DH go out?? Enjoy kickboxing today!

Carole: Glad the tofurkey turned out good. So is it actually shaped liked a turkey?? Seriously-I have no idea! Enjoy your run and I hope you and your sis get alot accomplished in preparation for the sale tmrw!!!

Judy: Hmmm...I don't ever recall my mom serving chips as appetizer on Thanksgiving! LOL I missed the italian food y'day. Truth be told I'd rather have that then the traditional meal. I am a sucker for italian food!

So after lots of putting it off because I didn't feel well and was tired, I finally stopped moping around, changed my clothes and did my work out. I feel sooo much better now!!!! I did The Kettlebell Way vol 2. I had preordered it and it came in the mail last week. Today was my first time doing it. There are 2 work outs. One is a circuit composed of 8 rounds plus a bonus. Each round has 3 exercises in it-one upper, one core, one lower body exercise per round. All exercises are done for 2 minutes a piece. The other is called "the manmaker" which is much shorter but was created to achieve a full body work out when you are short on time. You can do it once or multiple times. I did both the regular circuit and the manmaker one time through. Great work out and it took less then an hour for the whole thing. Bring on the DOMS!!!

 

[RunninTeach]

Happy Black Friday, friends!

Wendy—diet? What diet? Damnnnned skippy there was no counting of calories, portions, or anything else of that nature yesterday!!! *lol* Glad you had fun with the ILs. Yep, I sure did get my Black Friday bargains. Scored the two items I needed without any hassle.

Jackie—loved the smileys yesterday. Wellll, I’m not quite there yet (menopause), but I did google about the insomnia and it’s interesting how hormones play a role. So umm, I guess basically, we’re cursed from puberty on. *lol* Boy, that dog is liable to PR right along with you. What dedication! Did you enjoy some good Christmas movies? Glad you had a successful Black Friday shopping experience.

Carole—I would love the see the pic of your dad. I will add one or two of “Elvis” to my album. (ETA: I uploaded two, if you want to take a look-see.) Would you believe I didn’t eat *any* pie yesterday???

Shelly—I’m so happy for you that you’ve enjoyed such an excellent and speedy recovery. There’s just no slowing you down!! Oh, I think the 50 miler would be the perfect challenge for you.

Laura—welcome! Glad to have you join us. Wow on you living in Uganda! A few years ago, some students of mine participated in a project where they wrote children’s books which were sent to children over there. It was heartbreaking to read of their experiences.

When it comes to distances beyond the 10K, I’ve run one half and one marathon, so I have *some* experience, but I’m certainly still reading and learning. Since your weekly mileage is low and you’re planning to train with 3 days of running, I would just make sure you follow a beginner/novice HM plan, and don’t go berserk trying to beat the real African cheetahs.

Here are some training programs and readings which might interest you:

http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm

http://jeffgalloway.com/training/half_marathon.html

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_4/144.shtml

http://www.runnersworld.com/subtopic/0,7123,s6-238-244-258-0,00.html

In terms of leg work, I’ll share what I did but will preface it by saying I do not consider this by any means what I think anyone else should do for best results. My feeling is if you talk to 10 different runners, you’re liable to get 10 different answers on how to approach leg work and long distance training. THAT BEING SAID, I cut out lower body weight work about 8 weeks before my marathon this past October. (I kept in some pilates legwork as add-ons and then tapered off with that, too, about 4 weeks before the marathon, I think it was.) This is far sooner than most would cut back (and sooner than I’d intended), but I felt like all the hills were hammering my legs pretty hard. I think, for me, it was a good choice that did help with my recovery times from my long runs. Overall, I feel the best thing to do as you conquer new distances is read up as much as you can, talk to others as you are doing, and then make adjustments that seem right for you in terms of your goals, your level of running at this given time, and how your body feels during training. HTH.

Christine—I hear you on your “eat and enjoy” Thanksgiving method. I can see not wanting to overdo the in-between social gatherings, but a major holiday? Gotta live a little!…Thanks—I did get—and appreciate!—the Lucky email, but no spoiling myself. I’m being good. Glad you and DD15 scored a pair, though! *lol* about sitting on the sofa comparing bellies. So glad your friends in Mumbai are safe. Very troubling.

Judy—well, either turf toe or seismoiditis would be a new one for us! *lol* Hope you can pinpoint the issue and find some relief.

Linda—don’t blame you for not wanting to be on the hormones. I’m glad you are enjoying Squeeze Stronger so much. Hope to add that one to the library soon.

Karen—so very sorry to hear your mom is suffering so greatly, and you are all experiencing the holidays with such heavy hearts. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Gloria—it’s good you and your former principal stay in touch. So important to establish those professional relationships with others who are on the same page as you…Oh wow, I am jealous of your snowfall! Got ski fever! In truth, I am a bit bogged again with schoolwork that could probably eat up the whole weekend if I let it, but I am driving all notions of guilt & pressure out of my mind and am absolutely going to take some time to simply RELAX. It will be a super-busy week ahead.

No workout yesterday or today. Will get back on it tomorrow. Hi to Posh, Dallas, Wendi, and anyone else I might be accidentally leaving off.

Have a great rest of your day!!