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.ย 

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.ย ;)ย (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. Nikki on April 3, 2013 at 7:15 pm

    Published my other one too early! Oops! Running a 10k is my perfect distance.

  2. Jackie on April 3, 2013 at 7:18 pm

    Hi Gina! I currently run a lot of half marathon distances, but would like to work my way up to a marathon within the next year!! Planning on getting a Garmin or Nike GPS watch anyway, why not try to win one?! lol. Thanks – good luck with your training!

  3. Jessica @ Busy Living Healthy on April 3, 2013 at 7:22 pm

    I love half marathons! ๐Ÿ™‚ I am also loving that Garmin came out with a purple watch! ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. Lauren Bridges on April 3, 2013 at 7:23 pm

    My favourite is 10km – I’ve been doing them bi-annually for 6 years now and love them. Now I’m training for my first half marathon in September!

  5. Janice on April 3, 2013 at 7:26 pm

    I’m not a runner, but I do walk two big dogs almost everyday. Like you, sometimes cold or wet weather is de-motivating! My favorite walks are about the distance of a 5K. I love my very old Garmin and would love to upgrade to a new one – that purple color rocks!

  6. Kris on April 3, 2013 at 7:27 pm

    I used to love half marathons but then I hit 40 five years ago, and my body is happy with fewer miles! 10k for me!

  7. Sara B on April 3, 2013 at 7:28 pm

    I would have to say I love 10k’s but I have also ran a marathon.

  8. joleen on April 3, 2013 at 7:28 pm

    No favorite here, but maybe I will have one once the weather warms up.

  9. Lauren on April 3, 2013 at 7:29 pm

    Either 5k or 10k ๐Ÿ™‚

  10. Kelsey on April 3, 2013 at 7:29 pm

    I feel like 5 miles is a good distance. Under a mile, but you still accomplished a lot!

    • Kelsey on April 3, 2013 at 7:29 pm

      I mean, under an hour, not mile! ๐Ÿ™‚

  11. Aaron on April 3, 2013 at 7:29 pm

    I love 5ks. They aren’t hard. They are always fun and you can find one every week!

  12. Sara B on April 3, 2013 at 7:29 pm

    Although I have ran a marathon, I prefer 10K’s

  13. Dawn on April 3, 2013 at 7:31 pm

    10K, perfect distance for me! Feel like I increase speed and feel better after passing the 5k mark.

  14. Susan on April 3, 2013 at 7:31 pm

    I really love the 8k racing distance, if only because it is the longest race I can get my husband to enter ๐Ÿ˜‰

  15. Lata on April 3, 2013 at 7:33 pm

    Thank you Gina for the giveaway ๐Ÿ™‚ My favorite running is actually sprinting. In the spring and summer I hit the local high school track and love doing the stairs intermixed with sprinting.

  16. Pam on April 3, 2013 at 7:33 pm

    The half marathon is my favorite distance, but any run is a good run!

  17. Christine on April 3, 2013 at 7:33 pm

    I’ve just started running so 1 mile at a time is my favorite. I get through distance one mile at a time

  18. Courtney on April 3, 2013 at 7:36 pm

    I love running and this May I will be running a 10k, but I hope to run a half marathon once I finish grad school!

  19. Priscilla on April 3, 2013 at 7:38 pm

    Half-marathons, especially on the trails!

  20. Callie on April 3, 2013 at 7:39 pm

    My favorite go-to running distance is 3 miles! However, if I’m racing, my favorite distance is the half marathon!

  21. Tracy Wallace on April 3, 2013 at 7:41 pm

    I’m not much of a runner, but I love wakeboarding and knee boarding. I am actually always up for any water sport!

  22. Sarah on April 3, 2013 at 7:44 pm

    10k too!

  23. Julie @ twosaucysisters.wordpress.com on April 3, 2013 at 7:48 pm

    I run cross country and track and field for my University, so during cross we train for 6k (starting next year, it’s always been 5k up until now) and during track we train for 1500m and 3000m. I have to say, though, one of my favourite races I’ve ever done was a 5000m on the track last summer, in fact I loved it SO much that I’m doing 2 of them this year! I have yet to try the 10 000m…. I have however done the Ottawa 10k (if you haven’t done this one, you should! It’s a beautiful course!) and the Washington Marine Corps Marathon 10k which also was a really cool experience. ๐Ÿ™‚

  24. Julie @ twosaucysisters.wordpress.com on April 3, 2013 at 7:51 pm

    …aaaaand I tweeted! ๐Ÿ™‚

  25. Kim on April 3, 2013 at 7:52 pm

    I love 10 milers! Perfect distance to consistently get quality workouts in without having to commit a ton of time to it.

  26. Kevie on April 3, 2013 at 7:54 pm

    This is a good give away. I have wanted a Garmin for over a year now. It would help me with MY first half-mar training, I’m running the Chicago Rock n Roll in July. Super excited, it’s going to be my wedding-stress-reliever (getting married in August).
    My fave distance to run, though, is a 10k, like you. My first race was a 10k and still my favorite race. EVER. Sycamore, IL Pumpkin Run has the best route: running through historic Sycamore, up/down hills, and through a park/golf course…just BEAUTIFUL! And there’s no back-tracking, the route is just one huge 6.2 mile loop! I HIGHLY recommend it! ๐Ÿ™‚

  27. James H on April 3, 2013 at 7:54 pm

    I just love walking, when it’s nice enough out ๐Ÿ™‚

  28. Julie W on April 3, 2013 at 7:55 pm

    My favorite outdoor workout is riding my bike along trails or the beach. It doesn’t exhaust me but still gives the burn my legs and booty need plus the fresh air blowing in my face feels fantastic! The Garmin would definitely come in handy!

  29. Jane on April 3, 2013 at 7:56 pm

    Walking my puppy <3

  30. Ashley Lynn on April 3, 2013 at 7:58 pm

    Half marathons are my jam!! But outdoor bootcamp workouts are such a blast too. I’m pretty stoked on anything that gets me outside.

  31. Valerie on April 3, 2013 at 8:50 pm

    I like the half marathon distance. It’s far enough to be a good challenge to train for. I run my first full marathon this fall!

  32. Ana on April 3, 2013 at 8:50 pm

    My favourite distance to run/race is 10km because that’s the loop I always do with my mom when I’m home but my vision board for 2013 including running a half-marathon and I need to get working on that!

  33. Steph on April 3, 2013 at 8:51 pm

    I love the 10k distance.

  34. Heidi on April 3, 2013 at 8:54 pm

    I like half marathon distance the best. The training is totally do-able during the work week!

  35. Candy on April 3, 2013 at 8:54 pm

    I’m all about 5k’s for now! Hopefully I’ll be working towards longer distances soon!

  36. Karen on April 3, 2013 at 8:55 pm

    I have only raced in 2 half marathons but my usual favorite distance is 5-6 miles. Since I ran the Rock n’ Roll half in March, I have been itching to get more serious about running and have been looking at Garmins so I have more freedom while running outside.

  37. Annie on April 3, 2013 at 8:56 pm

    I’m just starting to get in to running…doing the couch to 5K right now, haha! But am really getting into it! Also love to bike ride…& glad it’s finally starting to get nice out here….so over winter & snow!!

  38. Sneha on April 3, 2013 at 8:57 pm

    Hey Gina! I am 6 weeks away from my first ever half marathon ( middle of May in the sweltering NC heat) , and although I have all my running gear ( new shoes, Old Navy workout clothes, food to go) I STILL am looking for that perfect Garmin heart rate/speed/time monitor…. and would love to win it! I will be running the NCRC race right here in Raleigh ( NC oh yeah! ) . I’ve been on a strict training schedule since mid February– alternating long and short runs on Saturdays, cross train 2 days a week, short runs 2 days a week, and resting 2 days a week. I’m up to 9 miles in long distance, but my fave distance has been a 10K. Just a few more weeks and I am so excited!! Hope I can win the watch….

    PS I have also tweeted for it.

    Good luck with your training!

    SR

  39. Haley on April 3, 2013 at 8:57 pm

    I am planning on doing my first half marathon at the end of this year! I will be training a lot for it since I am by no means a natural runner!

  40. Sneha on April 3, 2013 at 8:58 pm

    I have also tweeted in hopes of winning the Garmin! =)

  41. Christy L. on April 3, 2013 at 8:58 pm

    My favorite distance is the half. I feel like training for a full consumes my entire life. Training for a half is relatively reasonable, and you don’t feel like you are totally going to die after.

  42. Christy L. on April 3, 2013 at 9:01 pm
  43. Kelly on April 3, 2013 at 9:02 pm

    10ks are my favorite, as long as I have some friends to run with. Otherwise, 3-4 miles by myself.

  44. Tammy Jones on April 3, 2013 at 9:03 pm

    I have ran 5’s, Half’s and full marathons. I prefer the half marathons. The training doesn’t make me feel like I am burning my candles at both ends like a full does. Both runs, however, are gratifying.

  45. Janet V on April 3, 2013 at 9:04 pm

    I have done one full marathon..a half is definately more fun!

  46. April on April 3, 2013 at 9:04 pm

    Though I haven’t actually run a race at a 15K distance, I think that would be my perfect race. A 10K doesn’t seem ambitious enough, but the half marathons leave my body in pieces! I wish there were more 15Ks out there! And I’m totally excited about this giveaway!

  47. Lisa S. on April 3, 2013 at 9:04 pm

    I love half marathons. They give me motivation to keep running, since I need to run consistently to feel prepared on race day. Any shorter distance and I get tempted to skimp on the training and just wing it on race day! (Totally not ideal.)

  48. Venecia Duran on April 3, 2013 at 9:05 pm

    I’ve always done the Nike 5K in the past but would like to try a 10K this summer! Would love a Garmin to help with my training ๐Ÿ™‚

  49. Kimberly on April 3, 2013 at 9:06 pm

    I love 10Ks – always my favorite ๐Ÿ™‚

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