Practice 10k + a giveaway- ENDED
Practice 10k COMPLETE!
(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. 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.
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 😉
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.
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 dough….
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.
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 won’t go into remission. He probably won’t be there to walk me down the aisle. But when I run, whether it’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 he’s in, he never complains, so there’s no reason for me to, either. I’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 because…
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 “runner” 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 haven’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 enjoyable 
ps – Gina, I LOVE your blog. I am hooked. |
Please send me your shipping info so I can forward it to the Garmin fairy 🙂
Thank you again so much for the awesome entries! Stay tuned for more giveaways in the very near future.
xoxo
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You’re going to rock that 10k! I love my (bulky) 305 but the 10’s look so cute 🙂 Every mile brings on a new challenge and another 7ish minutes of ME time! Gosh, I love running..
“Every mile matters” could also be used as a life mantra. When you set a goal in life and take steps to reach it, every mile definitely matters. Just thought I’d throw that in there.
In running, every mile I go is a mile I’m proud of. I used to run a ton and I grew to love it. A few months ago I broke my pelvis during childbirth and running was most certainly out of the picture, as was every other form of exercise. I realized how much I took it for granted. Now, I’m getting back into running and I’m completely humbled by how much endurance I’ve lost. So, every mile I get through matters 🙂
Every mile matters to me because, even as I’m slowly getting myself back into shape, the workouts I do remind me of what I am capable of and make me determined to not give up.
I think it’s about never giving up, even when you are behind or discouraged. Fight until the end!
Every mile matters, because the journey makes you who you are. I have taught music for 8 years, and I have JUST started to be hired for teacher-educator workshops. When new teachers have a question I usually can help them with a solution. If I hadn’t put in the miles and miles of tough first years of teaching, I wouldn’t be as effective as a mentor. All of those experiences, good and bad, helped strengthen me.
Every mile matters because it’s one step closer to my goal of healthy living. I workout fairly regularly and enjoy it. I definitely would love to lose some weight, but my main focus is to develop healthy habits that can stay with me for a lifetime. Have a wonderful day!!
Every mile matters because I’ve come a long, long way with my health in the last six years or so, and I know I can only keep moving forward. It doesn’t matter how slow I’m going, as long as I KEEP going!
every mile counts because running truly makes me a better person. It gives me a purpose. It makes me grow. It lets me conquer challenges and it provides me with skills to succeed in life
every mile matters because i’m getting married in may and want to look and feel great!
Every mile matters because with each mile, I’m building my confidence and getting stronger. I ran in high school and for a few years on my own after that, but then it fell by the wayside and I just recently started running again. I’m running my second half marathon next weekend and through all the training runs, I’ve never felt better about myself!
Every mile matters because running doesn’t come easy to me either. I need to push myself further and harder to show that I can do it!
Every mile matters because at one time, a single mile was my goal.
Every mile matters because at one time, a single mile was my goal.
Every mile matters because, just like you, running is not easy to me. So every mile pushes me forward!
Every mile matters for me, it keeps me sane! Its a great way to unwind and de-stress. I use to think it was all about my race time and how fast I want. Now I look at it as a way to relax and take my mind off things. I appreciate each mile 🙂
Every mile matters to me because it signifies how far I have come in my fitness. I used to be a terrible runner, struggling to finish one mile. Now I actually enjoy going for a run and letting my thoughts wonder! I am at a good pace where I can pick up and run 4-5 miles at a time, and have completed 3 half marathons! It’s not easy, but a constant reminder of how far I’ve come!
I think my local Lululemon store front window says it best. Since moving to Milwaukee I run for beer, brats and cheese curds! 🙂 While that is partially true I also run for ‘me’ time.
Every mile matters because I run with my husband.
I have never, ever been a runner but I recently decided to take it up on a whim. I’m slowly adding distance and every mile reminds me that I’ve come so much since I started. It’s amazing motivation.
Every mile matters to me because I was injured last winter and I am finally able to train again! Running any distance, even 1 mile, is something I dont take for granted!
For me, every mile matters as a way to recharge and clear my head. I’ve had a tough series of events in my personal life the past few months (my guy deployed to Afghanistan, immediate family member having major surgery, death of a relative) and running has been my saving grace throughout. If I’m having a bad day, I am confident that I will come back from a run feeling energized, grateful for what my body was capable of that day, and rejuvenated. What a great mantra to live by 🙂
Every mile counts as I run for stress relief and my mental health. I started running to deal with infertility, and I’ve continued to run to deal with the resulting depression. Running makes me feel better, and with every mile I feel like I can keep going. Now, running makes me feel strong and confident and like I can do anything.
Every mile matters to me because I couldn’t run a year ago. I was in an accident and hurt my knee. Running had to take a back seat to therapy. But now all is good. While I may not be the fastest runner in the world, I am trying. On October 6th, I will break 40 minutes for the 5K race I am doing. I will. No doubt in my mind.
Every mile matters to me because I have a close and constant reminder in my life, a family member, who can not run, and never will be able to. Walking is even hard for her, but she does it every single day despite constant pain. Like you, running doesn’t come easily for me, progress is slow and sometimes painful, but I CAN do it, so I do! And I feel blessed that my body is able.
Marine wife- Hi! I’m very new to your blog, but I love it! Every mile matters to me because it makes me feel closer to my husband’s accomplishments that I am so proud of! My husband is a sergeant of Marines and is an excellent runner and motivator. He’s helped me excel academically, spiritually and physically. When we first met, 10 years ago, I couldn’t run one block! I push myself to be half as good of a person as he is and running is just one goal along the way. As my team captain, he helped me finish the Pennsylvania Tough Mudder this May which is a 12 mile obstacle course! It was amazing! Every mile was an affirmation of how much I’ve grown and the distance I will travel for love and life.
Every mile matters because I have very little time to workout, so when I do, I make the absolute most of it and take great pleasure in it. It is not easy for so many people to find time to work out, but it is absolutely necessary for a healthy body and mind!
Every mile matters to me because I am so busy, and it means that I am making time for my health, something I haven’t always been great at. I work and am in my final year of law school, so finding time is no easy feat. But I know that without health, nothing else will work. So I’ve began scheduling my whole week ahead of time, planning slots for running. I’m not great at it, but it’s a quick and effective way to get my cardio done. Each mile shows that I’m still doing it, and going to find a way to make it work.
Setting a good example for my daughter and balancing work, home, family time and me time.
I’m coming back afer a million injuries, and every mile without pain feels like a blessing!
every mile matters to me because I am really trying to get back into running a year after my second child was born, and it is so much harder now!
Running makes me feel like a Rock Star. I taught myself how to run when I was 25 after a life time of telling myself there was no way, no how, I was ever going to lace up sneakers with intention to run anywhere. But the gym was too far, and yoga was too expensive for a lady with a new lease. So run I did. And each and every mile was a victory. Everytime I went a little further, or a little longer I was amazing to me. Five years later it still feels like that. Every time I get done what I set out to do, I get a thrill that I can, and that I love it. That is why every mile matters to me.
Every mile matters to me because it reminds me that I’m thankful to have a body that allows me the health and strength to continue moving.
Every mile matters to me because now, I enjoy each one, rather than feeling compelled to run more.
Great job on your run!!! Every mile matters to me because it makes me feel that much stronger!! I ran my first half marathon last March in New Orleans…I was scared to death! I had NEVER run in my life and hated it, quite frankly. I was talked into signing up! This year, however, I have signed up on my own…it is such a feeling of accomplishment! Each mile I hit while training is the BEST feeling…I have two kids and running is a great escape for being healthy and sane:) I still look back and am amazed that i only started running last October for the first time ever at the age of 34!:)!! Happy running.
After having had a few knee surgeries, every mile that I sneak in and run when I’m feeling my best are a huge bonus. I always feel so fortunate when I’m having a “good knee” day and can get out there and hit the pavement. I have such a love-hate relationship with running, but the feeling you get when you’ve finished a great run is incredible!
Every mile matters to me because I feel stronger and more confident in myself when I accomplish a small goal. I also want to be a positive healthy role model to the young girls in my life. It’s super important to teach and model healthy living and to rise up to challenges- NEVER back down!. Women are strong and confident when we conquer a challenge.
Every mile matters because every mile empowers me! Running makes me feel strong and happy… A dynamo combination that I wouldn’t give up for anything. Committing to my first triathlon and half marathon has been the best decision I’ve made all year 🙂
Every mile matters, especially if you have ever been sidelined with an injury. Last year, when training for a marathon, a hip stress fracture took me out of all physical activity for almost 8 months. I had hoped to use the marathon as a fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, as my mom is a 2 time survivor. Fast forward to now, I’m training again for the same marathon, with the same goal. This time, I never take any run, or any mile for granted!
Every mile matters to me because I have always used running as my sanity and empowerment during difficult times. It helps me focus and think clearly. It is also a fun bond to have with my mom and sister, running half marathons together!
I just found out that I am pregnant (which we are so excited about!) so every mile makes me feel really glad that at this point I can still run and it feels good – even with (or because of!) the much decreased speed!
Every mile matters to me for so many reasons:
1. I am incredibly grateful that I CAN run
2. I love the mental challenge of setting goals & working towards them
3. I love getting my cardio on outside
4. I run for those who can’t
5. It’s one of the best stress busters I know
And so many more reasons!
Every mile matters to me, because I used to be someone who thought she could never run. I had no motivation or belief in myself for working out or running. I figured some people were just “born runners.” Although it doesn’t necessarily come easy, I’ve realized that I CAN run, and enjoy it! Now I run at least 5 days a week!!! Every mile reminds me that “Yes, I can!”
Every mile matters to me as I view it as the progress I’ve made over the years. I look back to a time when I couldn’t even run a mile, as I just finished my first half marathon. I think running shows both your physical and emotional strength.
Every mile matters to me because it’s 1 more mile I ran that I thought I couldn’t.
Every little mile adds up to something bigger – they definitely all count!!
Any day you lace up your shoes you have an opportunity to beat your personal best. Sure, you may not feel like running but setting a goal off the mark helps to keep me focused. Having confidence in my legs, my heart and lungs accompanied with a rocking playlist helps me cross the finish line.
Every mile matters because I’m just getting good at them! I’ve recently lost 50 pounds and I remember when every STEP was a struggle. I look back and know I will never be that girl again!!
Every mile matters because they are all small victories towards a larger goal!
Every mile matters because when you are training for that race it teaches you to push beyond the distance or pace that you didnt think you could handle before. It helps defeat the mental game of “I can’t”
Every mile matters to me because it represents something more. I had been really depressed a few years ago and when I would work out I would just stop when it became too hard. As I came out of my depression it was representative when I ran I would start pushing myself. My running mentality showed that if I can run for one more minute or one more mile I could do anything. This was true as I came out of my depression where I had more faith in myself and to know that I could push through other obstacles in my life.
Every mile matters because I am doing something that makes me happy on so many levels. I ran my first half in July, 9 months after my second baby was born. I was proud of myself for sticking to a training plan and accomplishing my goal despite my job, classes for my masters, broken sleep, and breastfeeding. Seeing the pride on my five year old’s face when he saw mommy’s finishing medal made it even sweeter. Hearing my husband brag to his friends and seeing him inspired enough to lace up his running shoes the next day kept me smiling.