Three Things Thursday: Ready

1.  THE FINAL PREP
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!