I have a huge pile of clothes and gear ready for the Wisconsin Marathon this Saturday. The weather is all over the place this week with the forecast changing every day. I think temps will be cool enough for a nice run, but now I just pray we escape rain and lakefront winds.
I had my final run last night... an easy 3 miler with the Sole Sisters. I've been missing my run love the past couple weeks, so this group run helped. I got lots of hugs and well wishes for my upcoming race... and a nice comfortable run/talk with my girl Kelli. I swear, everyone needs a "Kelli" in their life. She always seems to know how I'm feeling and the right things to say. Fitness friends are precious commodities.
2. CELEBRATION
My first marathon I was concerned solely with crossing the finish line. This time around, I'm much more confident. I know I've got what it takes to finish, now the question is... How fast? Perhaps I've gotten ahead of myself... but the marathon celebration planned. My marathon falls on May 5, also known as Cinco de Mayo. I'm obviously not Mexican, but do enjoy the food and drink that goes along with that holiday. My group of girlfriends are having a party Saturday evening, so I pulled out my sombrero and stocked up on the necessary goodies to celebrate in style...
This alone should motivate me to run faster, right?
3. THE NEXT CHAPTER
Yesterday I tried out my new cycling shoes. I've been taking Spinning classes for a couple years now, but never had a problem using my regular cross-training sneakers for the ride. My instructor always told me that the hard sole of a cycling shoe makes a good difference. I never had the extra money, nor felt the need. With my Spinning instructor certification coming up on May 12, I thought now might be a good time to invest and "look the part."
I went with a pair of Specialized Women's Torch Road Shoes, special-ordered from a local bike shop. Cycling shoes measure different than most shoes. Being my first pair, I wanted to make sure I got the right size. I'm typically a 9 in running shoes, but the size 10 in a bike shoe fit perfectly. The shoes are comfortable and I felt bad-ass "clipping in" for the Spin ride. Honestly, beyond that, I didn't notice that big of difference from my normal tennis shoes. My advice... They're not necessary. If you have a big desire to look the part though, try to find a cheaper pair on ebay or clearance.
Don't forget to enter my Bob Harper Yoga DVD giveaway. There will be 2 winners!
Good luck this weekend! Thanks for the shoe info. I've wondered about that.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a great race! I think seeing Rachel's and my ridiculous get-up bright and early on Saturday will motivate you for at least the first twenty miles! :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck this weekend! Those cycling shoes look awesome!
ReplyDeleteGood luck and have fun this weekend! I know you're going to ROCK it! Cheering you on ...
ReplyDeleteWinks & Smiles,
Wifey
Good luck this weekend! You're going to do awesome!! I actually LOVE my bike shoes for spin! I just felt that they made a huge difference in my stability on the bike. To each their own I guess!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes this weekend! I really wish I could have been there to cheer you on and keep you company at the end. I know you will do fabulous. I can't wait to hear all about it!
ReplyDeleteTake it (or give it) to the man at your marathon this weekend! And don't forget to smile. I think it helps you run faster.:)
ReplyDeleteGood Luck this weekend, I can't wait to hear all about it!!!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE my spinning shoes!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear how the Marathon goes this weekend! GOOD LUCK!!! :)
You are SO ready! Run hard and have fun!!! Enjoy the journey. :) Good luck!
ReplyDeletewishing you all the best!
ReplyDelete26.2 HAPPY fast miles!
You will have a great race!!
ReplyDeleteWHAT your crazy Jess I notice a big difference with my spin shoes. I really feel I get a better grip and a more relaxed toe with mine. For guys with BIG feet I alwasy tell them that if they want to consistently do spin that the shoes are a good investment because ite hard to keep those big feet in the slide ins. Anyway, think about how much we spend on running shoes and how often we have to replace them? Redick right? Well I've been teaching since 07 and just a few months ago got my 2nd pair of spin shoes! So they maybe $100 but they last forever! Wish I could say the same about my running shoes :(
ReplyDeleteHave fun and kick some asphalt this weekend, can't wait to hear all about it. PS: I'm a beaner so sometime ask me to make you some authentic homemade salsa, you know cakes, I know salsa!
Good luck during all 26.2 of great and fun miles!
ReplyDeleteAnd how exciting about the shoes and certification. I had so much fun during my spinning certification! I hope the same for you!
A cold Corona would get me moving! And thanks for the tip on the shoes. I've been thinking about buying them.
ReplyDelete