Half marathon news + a Garmin giveaway-ENDED

Thank you so much for those of you who entered the giveaway! It has ended as of 4/5 12:48am. 

HUGE congrats to the lucky winner, Morgan, who said:

I love 10Ks too! Just enough to get the endorphins going, but not too much that your legs are completely screaming the next day. ;) (Just loudly complaining.)

Stay tuned for more giveaways in the near future <3 xoxo

_________________________________________________

For a while there, I was doing ok with the half marathon distance. I was running consistently, even pushing the jogging stroller for a few long runs, feeling great, wanted to keep running/racing, and then the cold weather hit. You might have remembered the Tucson snow (!) and nothing about that made me want to run outside.

Snow  1 of 1

(I guess if you really want it and live in a freezing climate, you just suck it up and do it, but I guess I didn’t want it that badly.)

Since then, I haven’t had much motivation. I’ve gone back to my nighttime workout ways, and have been doing HIIT intervals indoors even though the weather has been so beautiful. I need to enjoy it before it’s back to 6am training run time.

Yup. “Training run.”

I’m running another half marathon, but here’s the kicker: I’m actually going to train for it.

Garmin2

[Scared bird face. You’re welcome, haha.]

For the past two races, my training was really sporadic (some times I went a few weeks in between running at all) and even with the fact that I felt ready, the races were rough, and I didn’t run as well as I’d anticipated. This time, I’m ready to be more consistent and emphasize strength training. At that time, I wasn’t consistent with strength training, which likely had a negative impact on my runs.

The race deets:

I’ll be running the Women’s Running Series Half Marathon in Tempe/Scottsdale in November.

Use the discount code “FITAZGINA” to get $10 off your registration until November 3 if you’d like to run with me!

Garmin

Here’s my plan:

-one long run a week (anything more than that, and I could overtrain with my teaching schedule) building on mileage (Sunday or Monday)

-one short run each week (Tuesday or Thursday)

-consistent strength training. I aim for 3 sessions each week, even though, realistically, I’m happy if I get two

For my training, I’ll also be using my Garmin Forerunner 10 to track distance. I love my Forerunner so much -super light and compact compared to the 305- and was so stoked when Garmin asked if I’d like to do a giveaway.

One lucky winner will receive the new Forerunner 10 in the just-released gorgeous purple color!

Garmin  1 of 1

You have two ways to enter:

1) Leave a comment and tell me your favorite running distance. I love 10ks but feel like there are less and less of them lately. Non runners: what’s your favorite outdoor workout?

2) Tweet, “I want to win a Garmin from @fitnessista #beamazing #lovemygarmin” and leave an extra comment to let me know you tweeted!

I’ll pick the winner tomorrow (4/4 at midnight EST).

Ready, set, go!

xoxo

Gina

Some posts on half marathon training:

Focus On: Half Marathons

About half marathons + a training plan

Tucson Half marathon recap

Veteran’s Day half marathon recap

[I’m running the women’s half as part of a paid campaign with Fitfluential. I was pretty stoked to be offered the opportunity- it was a great kicker of motivation. As always, all opinions are my own.]

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2,124 Comments

  1. aubrey on April 3, 2013 at 10:31 am

    My favorite outside work out that doesn’t feel like a work out is hiking and kayaking!

  2. Jennifer@knackfornutrition on April 3, 2013 at 10:31 am

    My favorite distance is a half-marathon. I finish feeling so accomplished! I’m running a 10 miler this weekend (a distance I’ve never raced before) and am looking forward to it!

  3. Kimberly Frink on April 3, 2013 at 10:32 am

    My favorite outdoor workout is playing tennis. It’s such a fun game that you don’t even realize that you’re burning calories and getting in a great exercise routine.

  4. Amber on April 3, 2013 at 10:32 am

    I am a fan of an outdoor 5k. It finally got warm in Montana (72) so I headed for the hills for a glorious sunny run yesterday!

  5. Pam on April 3, 2013 at 10:32 am

    My favorite distance has been about 5 miles lately. Its not too tough but still leaves me feeling pretty happy about the distance I covered! Awesome giveaway by the way!

  6. Laura on April 3, 2013 at 10:33 am

    I love full marathons. 🙂

  7. Amanda on April 3, 2013 at 10:33 am

    Gina! So excited for you. I’m running my first one in November. I can’t wait to see how you incorporate strength training because I have been trying to train this way as well. Someone told me I could not train for a race and strength train, that it was impossible, and I would fail. I was like no way, and have been incorporating both for a few weeks now. It’s going we’ll 🙂 can’t wait to learn more about your training, and congratulations on your decision. You’ll do great!

  8. Michelle on April 3, 2013 at 10:34 am

    I’m more of a biker than a runner, so that’s my favorite outdoor sport, but tri training has me running more often. I could really use a garmin to track my mileage!

  9. Anna on April 3, 2013 at 10:34 am

    Well, I’ve only done 5Ks and 10Ks at this point, but I’m training for my first half! Right now the 10K is my favorite, but I’m feeling pretty good that 13.1 might take it’s place!

  10. Danielle J on April 3, 2013 at 10:34 am

    I’m not a big runner but I do love a bike ride or extra long walk exploring my city 😀

  11. Katherine on April 3, 2013 at 10:34 am

    I just lost my Garmin so I really want to win! Perfect timing 🙂 my favorite distance is 5k. I have horrible knees but love to get outside and run. It’s also the perfect amount of time before my daughter gets bored in the stroller 🙂

  12. Jennifer on April 3, 2013 at 10:34 am

    My favorite running distance is 10 miles! This new purple beauty would be a great way to get me back to it after I have my little girl in June!

  13. Megan on April 3, 2013 at 10:34 am

    I *think* 10 miles is my favorite distance! I will my running my 4th Broad Street run in Philadelphia in May!

  14. Katie on April 3, 2013 at 10:35 am

    I love the 10k distance as well but you are right there aren’t many. It takes me about 3 miles to warm up and start to “feel good” so 5ks arent my thing. Half marathons are fun but not my favorite- 6-10 miles I am happy!

  15. Katherine on April 3, 2013 at 10:35 am

    I only use twitter to know when my favorite bloggers put up new posts but ill tweet anyway lol.

  16. Emily:2:DESIGN:CENTS on April 3, 2013 at 10:35 am

    My favorite running distance is just around 5 miles. I don’t run alot of races, 5 miles is a great distance for a quality work out and I can always make it worth my while and go faster because it’s not super long.

  17. Bri on April 3, 2013 at 10:35 am

    Hey Gina,
    my favorite outdoor workout? It’s running. But I am totally new to it that’s why I don’t speak distances yet. I tweeted your giveaway using @eatlovetreat.
    It’s so much fun to read your post and thanks for the giveaway!

  18. Robyn on April 3, 2013 at 10:35 am

    6 miles is my favorite!

  19. Kaitlin on April 3, 2013 at 10:36 am

    My favorite outdoor workout is going for long power walks! 🙂 also, love swimming!

  20. Moriah on April 3, 2013 at 10:36 am

    6 Miles is my favorite for running, but I would rather be cycling, in which case 30 is my fav!

  21. Meredith on April 3, 2013 at 10:36 am

    I love Half Marathons! Long enough that I get that great long run in that I crave, but short enough that they don’t require me to completely change my lifestyle on the weekends. Is it bad that I am not willing to give up my wine nights with the girls and date nights with my husband to run a full marathon?! Don’t answer that…:)

  22. Amber on April 3, 2013 at 10:36 am

    My favorite distance is the half marathon. It’s a challenge but doesn’t leave me exhausted and without a social life like the full marathon seems. Also, I think I was built for long and slow! I would love that new Garmin! Mine is on it’s last leg and it’s ugly! I love me some purple! Also, at 20 weeks pregnant and struggling to find motivation to keep active, a fun new gadget would help! 🙂

  23. Vera on April 3, 2013 at 10:36 am

    My favourite distance is a 5k. I’m not much of a long distance runner, so the 5k is more than enough for me. I also love going for walks outside with my kids. It’s a good workout and we all really enjoy the sunshine.

  24. Kelsey Riddle on April 3, 2013 at 10:36 am

    I’ve been runner for the past year and have been loving it! Currently my sweet spot is 5 miles but want to kick it up and compete in a half. I also love hiking outside and walks with my Man.

  25. Alison on April 3, 2013 at 10:36 am

    Well, I’ve signed up for my first 5K ever in a few weeks, and I’ve only been running for 2 months, but I love it. I want to be able to do a half marathon by the end of the year. Right now I can only run 2 1/2 or 3 miles though.

  26. Ashlee on April 3, 2013 at 10:36 am

    I love 4 milers! Doesnt take up too much time but I still feel like 40ish minutes is a good workout time. I would LOVE to have a Garmin!!

  27. Ashley W on April 3, 2013 at 10:36 am

    I’m good with a 5k or 10k, nothing longer unless I am training.

  28. Meghan on April 3, 2013 at 10:37 am

    My favorite running distance is around 5 miles. Once I surpass that I can usually start to feel it in my knees! Otherwise I love hiking outside, it’s a workout but usually comes with great views and major stress relief 🙂

  29. Kate on April 3, 2013 at 10:37 am

    I’m a new runner, currently training for a 10miler and a half marathon! So far, my favorite distance is any long run I haven’t done before! Favorite race distance to be determined 🙂

  30. Melissa on April 3, 2013 at 10:37 am

    I have to say 26.2 is my favorite distance. Maybe not while I’m running…but nothing beats the runners high after finishing a marathon!!! 🙂

  31. Sarah O'Boyle on April 3, 2013 at 10:37 am

    Before my little came into the world I loved trail running through our parks in Western New York. I’m hoping this year I can get back into it!

  32. Carlee K. on April 3, 2013 at 10:37 am

    My favorite running distance is a 10k! Not too long and not too short! I wanted to do another half marathon but my hip started hurting and hasn’t been the same for a while :/

  33. Monica on April 3, 2013 at 10:37 am

    My favorite distance is a 10K, too, although I did a 20K last year and felt great! Running my first relay type race soon! Eeek!

  34. Jennifer on April 3, 2013 at 10:37 am

    My fav distance are half marathons! I just finished my 10th in March of this year and am going to aim to run two more in 2013!

  35. Kate on April 3, 2013 at 10:37 am

    And I just tweeted! @kate_abel

  36. Abby on April 3, 2013 at 10:38 am

    I love 10ks as well, I feel like they’re just long enough without being too long. That being said I just started a half marathon training program this week. Eek!

  37. Greta on April 3, 2013 at 10:38 am

    I love 10Ks as well. I think a marathon is just too intense (not to mention dangerous – hello injuries) for the amount I would be able to train, and 5Ks are just not challenging enough anymore. However, a 10K pushes me beyond my comfort zone, which is the 4.2 miles that I run a couple times per week. A half marathon would push me even farther, but I’m not sure I’m there quite yet.

  38. Leanne on April 3, 2013 at 10:38 am

    My favorite distance is around 5 miles. It’s long enough to feel like a got a good sweat in, but not long enough to make my feet and knees ache 🙂

  39. Heather K on April 3, 2013 at 10:38 am

    I love to do 5 & 10ks with my husband and baby girl in the jogging stroller. We live in freezing minnesnowta so we love doing stuff like this outside while we can! It’s such a great way to start your weekends!

  40. Misha on April 3, 2013 at 10:38 am

    I definitely like 10ks too. I ran a half marathon, and then stopped running completely. I have since started running consistently again and it is HARD. I am signing up for a couple races to train for. I have learned my lesson to never stop running completely again.

  41. RachelG on April 3, 2013 at 10:39 am

    So far my fave is the 5K because it’s all I’ve done. New running sneaks just purchased and I have the goal of my first 10K in my head. It’s getting me through these cold New England runs! 🙂

  42. Kim on April 3, 2013 at 10:39 am

    I agree with you, the 10K distance is the perfect run. I feel with kids and life in general it is hard to commit the time to train properly for the longer distances.

  43. Jennifer on April 3, 2013 at 10:39 am

    I just tweeted 🙂

  44. Julie M on April 3, 2013 at 10:39 am

    I love running 5-milers. They are few and far between, but that is my fav distance even for training runs.

  45. Katelyn on April 3, 2013 at 10:39 am

    My favorite thing to do outside is put my daughter in her stroller and take a nice long walk!

  46. Peggy on April 3, 2013 at 10:39 am

    The marathon is by far my favorite distance! The feeling of knowing you’ve given everything–physical, emotional, psychological–nothing compares.

  47. Vera on April 3, 2013 at 10:39 am

    I just tweeted 🙂 the new Garmin colour is amazing!! And my old Garmin just died on me 🙁

  48. Shannon on April 3, 2013 at 10:39 am

    My favorite distance right now is a mile run around base. I am not a runner by any means but finally am running a mile non-stop! I am feeling accomplished! Good luck with your training!

  49. Sara on April 3, 2013 at 10:39 am

    4 miles is a perfect distance for me! Hard enough to get the blood pumping but not long enough to wear me out. So excited for it to warm up!!

  50. Katie Brehmer on April 3, 2013 at 10:40 am

    My favorite outdoor excercise would be swimming. I was a lifeguard for 5 years and loved how you got a amazing workout but you didn’t feel pain and exhaustion afterwards. Don’t get me wrong I was tired but a good tired. I am starting to run outside hoping to complete my first 5k this month.

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