3 Things Wednesday

I know. The whole "3 things" thing only makes sense on Thursday, but I have 3 things worth mentioning today.

Numero uno
The Disney World Marathon is on Sunday!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just in case you can't tell how excited (and nervous) I am, here's a few more exclamation points for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Unfortunately I've come down with a nasty cold and I'm not feeling too snazzy, but I'm trying to fight it off and get as much rest as possible, while still getting in my last few taper miles. Sure, getting sick during marathon week is not ideal, but I guess I'll have to live with it. I'm running this marathon come hell or high water. Still, it's hard to believe that I'm actually going to run a marathon. Not a half. A full freakin' marathon! And just because you know you want to, you can track me throughout the race. How cool is that?! You can sign up for text alerts or email updates, and they'll send you an email/text whenever I cross certain splits and the finish line. So, if you want to, go here and search for me (last name is Lyons, first name Christy): Track a runner I AM SO EXCITED!

Numero dos
Santa was good to me this year in the running department. I got lots of new gear and have been trying them out ever since.

First, I unwrapped two boxes of Gu. Strawberry banana flavor and mint chocolate flavor (holy moley!! Can they PLEASE make this an all-year flavor?!? Delish!). I've been saving the mint chocolate flavor for my marathon.


Then I opened three packages, each containing a new Nike driFIT running tank. These are my absolute fave tanks to run in. I already have two (one magenta, the other one pink striped), and now I have 3 more colors to cycle through. Debating which one will be worn in the marathon....any suggestions? Gray, turquoise, or orange?


I also got a SPIbelt (pink of course, for the marathon...to carry my camera...because there will be LOTS of photo ops!!), and some new Nike lightweight running gloves. I've taken both the belt and gloves out on two runs with me already and I'm loving them. It's been so cold here in Florida (30s....GAH!) and the gloves have come in handy.



And I of course saved the best for last. My new ride. These shoes must've been sent directly from the running gods because they are a-ma-zing. Now, I'm sort of a brand whore. I've never stayed with one brand for more than one pair of shoes. I feel like I'm still trying to find that "perfect" fit, and in order to find that shoe you have to play the field, right? First it was New Balance. Then Adidas came along. Then Nike swept me off my feet with that hot pink swoosh of his. But ladies and gentlemen, I think I've found my soul mate. Here they are in all their glory:


My new Asics Gel Evolution 5's. Never in my life have I felt something so perfect, so breathtaking, and so comfortable. They even smelled of perfectness when I opened the box, pulled back the tissue, and took my first breath. They are fan-freakin-tastic, my friends. It's like having a shoe-gasm every time I go for a run.

Numero tres
Goals. Everyone's talking about goals and resolutions these days. I haven't really put much thought into my goals for the year, but I have put a bit of thought into which races I'm going to participate in. So here's my list, month by month:

* January - Disney World Marathon
* February - no races set in stone, but I AM volunteering at the breast cancer marathon in Jacksonville, the 26.2 with Donna. This will be my first time volunteering for a race and I can't wait! Especially for a cause that is near and dear to my heart.
* March - Gate River Run 15K
* April -
* May -
* June - Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay (I will run this every year, on the same team...LOVE IT)
* July - Northwest Passage Ragnar Relay
* August -
* September - Washington D.C. Ragnar Relay
* October - St. George Marathon (IF I get in with the lottery)
* November - Shut Up and Run XC 5K
* December - Las Vegas RnR (IF I don't get in the St. George Marathon)

Obviously, I'm out to run me some relays! They're my fave type of run, and it's my life goal to run in every Ragnar Relay, so I might as well try and get some done now before kids enter the family life....

I want to fit in a couple of half-marathons and a 5K or 10K or two, but I'm not really familiar with all the halfs around northern Florida. Any suggestions about good ones to run?