Practice 10k + a giveaway- ENDED

Practice 10k COMPLETE!

Sabino run with liv

(not pushing the jogging stroller, though. The Pilot walked with Liv since he has a PT test tomorrow and wanted to have fresh legs)

I wasn’t sure if I was actually going to do it, but my killer playlist got me through. Even with the steep Sabino incline and a walk break in the middle (and in the snow.. with 40 lbs of sand on my back.. haha), I managed to hit a post-baby PDR and finished the practice 10k in 58 minutes.

I really wanted my practice 10k to be at Sabino because of the incline. If I can bust an hour on this, then I can definitely do it for the race. ย I’m fortunate to have a baby who loves the jogging stroller, weather that’s getting much cooler, and many safe, beautiful places to run in Tucson. I feel like I have the Sabino main trail memorized because I’ve ran it so many times, but every time we go, I see something different. I’ll never take the beauty of Sabino Canyon for granted, and with all of the recent summer monsoons, everything is lush and green instead of brown and dried out.

Sabino

I’ve been running with my new Garmin Forerunner 10, that the company kindly sent me to try out. I instantly noticed how LIGHT and small the new Forerunner is. It’s so much more compact than my 305 that I’d been using, which kind of looks like I can press a button and blast off, or like I have a small video game system attached to my wrist. The new Forerunner just looks like a small sporty watch, with all of the necessary functions for walking and jogging: satellite detection so it can tell you your pace and distance (even cheers you on when you set a new record!), estimate of calories burned, easy to pause and restart.

Here’s a video of the new Forerunner, which gives and idea of how user-friendly and small it is:

the fact that it comes in pink is a bonus, too ๐Ÿ˜‰

Garmin

I ran with my Forerunner as I have been, and loved the fact that I could quickly glance down and see how I was doing.

I knew I had to make it a little past 3 miles into the canyon, and the miles are clearly marked on large boulders. Every rock I saw in the distance, I would PRAY that it would say mile three and was discouraged quite a few times.

Finally.

3 mile mark

I walked for a few minutes and flew back down -why is the way back so much easier?!

For the past couple of weeks, I’ve wondered if I’d be able to run the half marathon, despite my training time constraints. Every run solidifies the fact that I’d be mad at myself if I did it. I’d rather do the 10k and feel good about it, instead of be crawling across the half marathon finish line or picked up by the “slow truck.”

How’s that humble pie taste? Kinda like macaroon doughโ€ฆ.

Roon dough 4

I made a batch to send to a reader as a thank-you gift, and wanted to share some with a lucky giveaway winner, too.

Roons

Garmin was so kind to offer a new Forerunner 10 -just released last week- to a lucky Fitnessista reader, and I’ll also send some chocolate macaroons.

**************This giveaway has ended! Thank you so much to everyone for entering, and congratulations to the winner:

Lauren, the Forerunner and macaroons winner:

Ever since I started running races, my dad has been at every single one, no matter the weather or how it might inconvenience him. But every mile matters to me because my dad has stage 4 cancer, meaning he wonโ€™t go into remission. He probably wonโ€™t be there to walk me down the aisle. But when I run, whether itโ€™s a tough hill on a training run or when I feel like giving up in a race, I think of him and know that no matter how much pain heโ€™s in, he never complains, so thereโ€™s no reason for me to, either. Iโ€™m running my third half marathon in a month and every mile will be for him.

And also congratulations to the second and third place winners, who will receive these awesome Garmin water bottles:

Amy

Every mile matters to me becauseโ€ฆ

It means that I am healthy and that I can set an example for both girls and women in my community. A runner does not have to look a certain way, and in fact runners do not all fit that โ€œrunnerโ€ stereotype. I love racing because I get to continually challenge my own stereotypes about people and LOVE when an older woman passes me by.

Also, I run so I can set an example for my students-create a goal and really go after it, learn to persevere. They know me as the running teacher.

and

Vera

I have to be honest and say that since I have had my children ( Aria, 4 years and Jax, 7 months), I havenโ€™t been into running very much. I always feel like it is too time consuming, and so I usually find myself doing a quick Zuzana workout, or another quick DVD I have at home that I can do in the evening once the kids are in bed. But lately, and especially since the weather is beginning to cool down, I would really love to get back into it. And I would love to show my daughter that being healthy and enjoying the outdoors are very important and enjoyableย :)

ps โ€“ Gina, I LOVE your blog. I am hooked.

Please send me your shipping info so I can forward it to the Garmin fairy ๐Ÿ™‚

Thank you again so much for the awesome entries! Stay tuned for more giveaways in the very near future.

xoxo

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1,275 Comments

  1. hensley on September 10, 2012 at 10:09 pm

    every mile matters because its more to brag about when you’re done!

  2. amy on September 10, 2012 at 10:10 pm

    for me it’s all about personal success. if i skip out continuously on workouts or ‘miles’ or minutes or reps…i’m only cheating myself and not allowing myself to be successful….so it counts..every last minute, rep, workout. mile. it all adds up to helping me achieve a healthy, happy and successful self!

  3. Whitney @ Whit Likes Fit on September 10, 2012 at 10:10 pm

    Every mile matters because I love to run but I have osteoarthritis in my right knee (I’m only 30!) and that makes every run a challenge. I have to be super careful and listen to my body and stop when the pain gets too bad. But every mile I can crank out is worth it.

  4. lisa on September 10, 2012 at 10:10 pm

    Every mile matters to me because I have a lot of knee problems. I used to run 3-6 miles daily and with my knee pain returning any exercise I get in is beneficial. I make a point to get in every mile no matter the pace.

  5. lindsey on September 10, 2012 at 10:10 pm

    every mile counts because every moment counts…it’s totally analogous to life. go out there and GET IT!!

  6. Lindsay on September 10, 2012 at 10:11 pm

    Every mile counts because running makes me feel like my best self!!

  7. Kathryn on September 10, 2012 at 10:11 pm

    Every mile counts because it wasn’t too long ago for me that ONE mile was a huge accomplishment. It’s awesome proving to yourself that you’re strong and capable of lots of incredible things.

  8. Dana on September 10, 2012 at 10:11 pm

    Every mile gets me one step closer, and I’m not even sure what I’m seeking. I know running will always be there for me when everything else is going wrong.

  9. Megan on September 10, 2012 at 10:12 pm

    For me, every mile matters because it’s so tempting to give up on some days… but when I push myself to finish, I feel so proud of myself for the rest of the day! It’s such a great feeling of accomplishment, whether I’m running just one mile, or ten! I’d love to try the new Forerunner– I had the old model, and it’s a beast!

  10. Lyndsie on September 10, 2012 at 10:12 pm

    I really don’t enjoy running. So with every mile I complete, I feel accomplished and proud of myself. I also don’t feel as guilty having something sweet after dinner! ๐Ÿ™‚

  11. Rebecca @ Runner with an Appetite on September 10, 2012 at 10:12 pm

    I am a long distance runner, so every mile can sometimes not be that significant to me. I have learned to stop and appreciate that every mile matters. I am lucky enough to be able to have running be such a large part of my life, so I have learned to appreciate each single step and each single run!

  12. Grace Kennington @ Eat Sweat Sing on September 10, 2012 at 10:12 pm

    Every mile matters to me because every mile makes me that much stronger! ๐Ÿ™‚

  13. Kels on September 10, 2012 at 10:13 pm

    Every mile matters because it helps give me perspective to overcome challenges i face in everyday life.

  14. Jaimie on September 10, 2012 at 10:13 pm

    For me every mile matters because it’s hard for me to get a good workout in as a college student. When I do get out for a run I want it to be my best!

  15. Tayla @ She'll Be Free on September 10, 2012 at 10:13 pm

    Every mile matters for me because it means that I have proved to myself that I can do more than I thought I could!

  16. Veronica on September 10, 2012 at 10:13 pm

    Running has become my favorite way to distress after very long days at school and work. Every mile is a mile closer to inner peace. With each mile, I am more at ease, more relaxed, and more focused.

  17. Amanda on September 10, 2012 at 10:13 pm

    Every mile counts because I each mile I run is one more than the last. Running keeps me healthy and sane. I always enjoy going out for a run, doesn’t matter the distance! 1 mile or 15…each mile is one step more than the person on the couch ๐Ÿ™‚

  18. Heather Boyd on September 10, 2012 at 10:13 pm

    Every mile matters to me because it means that I am that much closer to my goal! I used to go out of my front door and run to the end of my street and I really felt like I was going to die! I am now just 12 days away from running my first marathon and I could not be more proud of myself! I have had to make some lifestyle changes to accomodate the training (going to sleep early to wake up early to run!) and I am so happy that I have stuck it through. I haven’t even completed the race yet and I already feel so good that I have come this far! I can’t wait for race day so that I can see all of my hard work pay off. It is such a perk when I come home from a long run and my boys ask how many miles did you run today Mom??? They were blown away when I said 20!!!

  19. brittany on September 10, 2012 at 10:14 pm

    Every mile for me is a symbol of all that i went through in my life. I have dealt with so much that knowing that I can challenge myself to go that mile is amazing. I have come such a long way in my life. I struggle with self esteem. I have zero self esteem and I have struggled with that all my life. The fact that I cen feel good about myself after every mile is a huge accomplishment for me. That mile signifies so much more then a mile. It signifies an achievement that I just cant explain. It makes me feel proud of myself

  20. Valerie on September 10, 2012 at 10:14 pm

    Every mile matters because I’m pushing limits that not every one has the chance to. Every mile is a gift!

  21. Michelle C on September 10, 2012 at 10:14 pm

    Every mile matters to me because running isn’t something that comes naturally to me. But every time I run a mile I’m reminded that my health and my fitness are in my hands and damm what anybody says I can and can not do!

  22. Elyssa on September 10, 2012 at 10:14 pm

    for me its about pushing myself and challenging myself

  23. Rebecca on September 10, 2012 at 10:15 pm

    Every mile matters because each one is a reminder that I’m treating myself right. It wasn’t always the case–I have a pretty disordered past that stopped me from doing a lot because I never felt like I could. Pushing through that and making running (among other things) a part of my life for the RIGHT reasons has made such a difference. The positive effects spill over into all areas of my life, and I really feel like I can do anything!

  24. Alexandra on September 10, 2012 at 10:15 pm

    Every mile matters to me because I feel blessed that I has two healthy legs and am able to run! I enjoy moderate exercise (running included) to help keep me sane and I never take it for granted that I am blessed to be able to do this as so many people can’t! Thanks for the amazing giveaway Gina ๐Ÿ™‚ and way to go on the practice 10k!! Huge accomplishment!

  25. Crystal on September 10, 2012 at 10:15 pm

    Every mile counts because like you, running does not come naturally for me. It’s the most challenging physical activity I’ve ever done. The feeling of accomplishment after running 5 miles makes it so worth it.

  26. Jana on September 10, 2012 at 10:15 pm

    Every mile matters to me because I think I’ve finally truly learned that getting what I want requires hard work and determination. With a new job that I absolutely love but is very demanding, I’ve seen how my hard work can pay off quickly. Plus the days (miles) go by so much more quickly because I’m challenged and must meet so many deadlines.

  27. Katie on September 10, 2012 at 10:16 pm

    Every mile counts because its proof to me of my life changing. Its been a personal struggle to come this far and ever mile is another into an amazing new life.

  28. Angie N on September 10, 2012 at 10:16 pm

    Every mile matters to me because I never thought I’d get to even one mile! This past summer I joined Team Challenge and planned to walk a half marathon. Then I decided to get crazy and run the first 5k of the half and walk the rest. On July 15th I crossed the finish line after running 13.1 miles and every single one of them mattered because before that I had never run a single mile, let alone that many in a row.

    For as much of a struggle as running is to me some times (realistically, most times!) there is a huge sense of accomplishment when you’re able to add each of those miles to your furthest distance or fastest distance. Every single one counts on each run and when you hit your goal!

  29. Erin on September 10, 2012 at 10:16 pm

    every mile matters because it gives me a sense of doing and accomplishment. these things make me feel good about myself, which in turn makes me my best self for the people and animals i love. or really, just anyone around me ๐Ÿ™‚

  30. Sarah L on September 10, 2012 at 10:17 pm

    Every mile matters to me for a few different reasons:

    1. I am so grateful I am capable of running and that my body allows me to push it the way I do.
    2. Running gives me the chance to think about how amazing my life is.
    3. I normally run with two of the most important people in my life, making each run an opportunity to spend time with them.

    ๐Ÿ˜€

  31. Sam on September 10, 2012 at 10:17 pm

    For the past few weeks I have been training for a 5K. I’m not a runner and like you, running does not come easy to me. Every mile matters to me because I am proving to myself that I can accomplish anything if I just work hard and stick to it.

  32. Necia on September 10, 2012 at 10:17 pm

    I dont care for running, but I do it anyway! Every mile matters to me, because its a MAJOR accomplishment! Sometimes thinking of each mile is too much to bear, so I focus on each quarter of a mile to get me through.

  33. Megan on September 10, 2012 at 10:17 pm

    Every mile matters to me because I could barely run for 2 minutes and now I can run for over 30! I still have a long way to go but every mile motivates me to go a little longer.

  34. Cindy on September 10, 2012 at 10:17 pm

    Every mile matters to me right now because I’m working on a knee and shin recovery and I’m always so excited when I can bust out a mile and still feel good afterwards pain-free!

  35. Kathryn on September 10, 2012 at 10:17 pm

    Every mile matters because by the end of your run you’ll be proud of what you have just accomplished, because hey, you’re already lapping everyone that is sitting at home on the couch ๐Ÿ™‚

  36. Kristen D on September 10, 2012 at 10:17 pm

    Every mile counts because I’ve changed my life through running… I’ve finally adopted a healthy lifestyle after a lifetime of being overweight/unhealthy and I’m motivating my family to make the same positive changes. Now, as my running improves, so does my confidence… and there’s nothing better than a happy, healthy, confident woman!

  37. Audra Montgomery on September 10, 2012 at 10:17 pm

    Every mile matters because that time that I spend running is MY time.
    Time to destress, reflect on myself and my goals, see how far I’ve come and how much further I can go.
    It’s my time to prove to myself that I can do anything I put my mind to.

  38. Molly on September 10, 2012 at 10:17 pm

    Every miles matters because it is evidence of accomplishment as well as progress!

  39. Nicole on September 10, 2012 at 10:18 pm

    Every mile matters to me because as much as I love to run I’d love to stop at mile 3 every time. Constantly challenging myself to go just a little bit farther!

  40. Cassidy on September 10, 2012 at 10:18 pm

    It’s funny, but I feel as a new(ish) mommy (my daughter is six months old) the miles matter even more than before- with each mile, my mind clears a little, and I can focus on things other than the “mommy/ baby vortex” that I get sucked into everyday. They used to be weight loss, but now my miles are sanity, and benefit me and my family.

  41. RachelG on September 10, 2012 at 10:18 pm

    Through college I would go to the gym, do the elliptical for a half hour and think I had a productive workout. Then I would wonder why I wasn’t working off all those pop tarts. I had always disliked running but one day the Summer after graduation…it clicked! Every mile matters to me because if I hadn’t found a love for running I don’t think I would have found a love for fitness (even for planks & lunges!). ๐Ÿ™‚

  42. Mary on September 10, 2012 at 10:18 pm

    Staying young for my new baby, as I can tell he’s going to be one to run after!

  43. Britt on September 10, 2012 at 10:18 pm

    Every mile matters because the ability to exercise is a privilege. I was reminded that during a recent injury and I’ll never forget it again!

  44. Kalee on September 10, 2012 at 10:18 pm

    Every mile matters to me because it’s proof to me that I can do the things I dont always believe I can. Running is hard for me too but I want to prove to myself that through hard work I can do it! I want to meet my goals and running is a great way to do it.

  45. Alexa on September 10, 2012 at 10:18 pm

    Every mile matters because it means I’m that much closer to my goal and makes me that much more confident. ๐Ÿ™‚

  46. Amanda on September 10, 2012 at 10:19 pm

    Today is my birthday, my daughter just turned 6 months old, and my husband has been deployed for the last 10 months . . . Every.Single.Mile matters to me because I run for my husband and I run for my daughter. I want to run to my husband and I want to run to every struggle my daughter will ever face and make it better. . . since I cant do either, I can run to be healthy and run to clear my head. I can run to be the best version of myself for them ๐Ÿ™‚

  47. Stacey on September 10, 2012 at 10:19 pm

    Every mile matters because each mile means I will be that much stronger when I run my first marathon on October 7th!

  48. Stephanie on September 10, 2012 at 10:19 pm

    Every mile matters to me because in my extremely hectic college student/working/president of a club schedule running & working out is my “ME” time!! Every mile means a time to just zone out, relax, and enjoy being with myself!!

    Completely aside- would you recommend this or your old garmin watch or a polar one? I’ve been looking at buying one for a while if I don’t win!

    Thanks!

  49. Jess on September 10, 2012 at 10:19 pm

    Every mile matters because I’ve suffered from shin splints and the only way I have been able to overcome them is to keep up the hard work. If I don’t get out and walk or jog or run those miles today then I risk letting my legs become weak again, so I push through the miles every day that I can to ensure I never have to feel that pain again!

  50. Meg on September 10, 2012 at 10:19 pm

    Every mile matters to me because I never in my life thought I would be able to run 1 mile, let along 5! (I’m at 5 right now, hopefully more some day!)

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