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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Every mile matters to me because I am doing what I can to ensure I am around for a long, long time to watch my girls grow and have families of their own.
Every mile matters because it means you haven’t given up! It is so easy to say well, at least I tried but as a “sort of” runner, I am past the trying and just need to do it. A 10K is a great goal and definitely still feels really good! Plus, you can still have a treat after and not feel guilty!
Every mile counts because I run for myself! My job leaves me feeling frustrated and helpless A LOT but I know if I put in the time running I’ll get faster and stronger. And the endorphins help deal with everything else!
Every mile matters to me because I now have to fight for each mile. I am overweight, but in the past that has not stopped me from doing half marathons. I used to run with joy, I loved each mile they were markds of how far I could push. The exhaustion and breathlessness were badges of honour. Then last month I got sick. I started with antibiotics and then steroids. I am exhausted. Each time I try to run I am gasping for breath. The Dr. says it will take time. The inhalers help. But I want to run again with the same joy I had before. I remember my last run before I got sick and I will get there again.
Every mile matters to me because it is one mile closer to me becoming fit and healthy.
Every mile matters because every mile is an accomplishment for me. Running is hard work!
Just wanted to say that you look SUPER amazing, and buff, and in shape, in that picture with you and Livi in the stroller! I totally have post baby, mommy body, envy 🙂 My son is almost 8 months and I have not been able to bounce back like you have…… but you gave me motivation to do an extra hard workout today! Get it girl!
Every mile matters to me because there was a time laying in a hospital bed where I never thought I would ever be able to feel the sun on my face again. When you come close to dying you look at everything a little different. I made a promise to myself if I ever recovered…everyday I would either feel the sun on my face or dance around in the rain. The first time I ran after that with the sun on my face I cried. Feeling the sun on our face is something we take for granted everyday. Not me. It’s amazing. Every mile whether it’s walking or running matters to me because everyday is a beautiful day for a run. Everyday is a beautiful day to be alive.
Every mile matters to me because it is me getting off my butt trying to accomplish something. Running isn’t easy for me, especially after ACL surgery, but every mile makes me realize if I can do this, I can do anything.
Every mile matters because it is one more mile to clear my head and destress from a busy day.
I am not a natural runner either but I love to run. It makes me feel strong and I love the challenge. Plus there is nothing like that runners high.
Every mile matters to me because longer distances are made up on individual miles, just like each day is made up of individual hours. What you do each mile or hour adds up.
Every mile matters, because each mile up to the third mile means I’m closer to actually ENJOYING my run … the first three are always a huge struggle for me, but after that I absolutely love it. So, each mile is either that much closer to the point when I get to have fun, or part of the celebration. Either way, it’s a win-win!
Every mile counts to me because shortly after I was in a car accident I became pregnant. I had to start working more cardio in to my routine/recovery to help strengthen myself and my baby girl. I am currently 21 weeks and 1 day. She has a strong heart but one weak valve. So every step I take helps improve my cardiovascular system and hers. So every mile means a better life for my baby girl (also named Olivia).
Hi Gina! Your blog is one of my favorites to read, and I love how often it pops up in my Reader since you update so frequently. 🙂 Every mile matters to me because each one is another bit of proof of what I’m able to achieve when I try. I’ve never been a fantastic runner, and I get shin splints easily, but I do enjoy the feeling of completion and appreciation for my body I feel after every mile!
Every mile matters to me because it brings me THAT much closer to my goal. I am running my second half marathon in April and will be pushing myself to beat my time last year!!
Every mile matters because you can’t reach amazing goals unless you work towards them – and you do that mile by mile. I am hoping to work up to running a MILE without stopping. So for me, right now, it’s more like every 10th counts. Whatever it is, progress counts. 🙂
Running has never been easy for me. I wish I could say I got that ‘runner’s high’, but it is a struggle. Because it is challenging, I continue to push to accomplish goals. I feel great afterwards which is motivating, but it definitely takes focus and hard work both physically and mentally. I know with every run, I get better and better and my body definitely thanks me for it. I’d LOVE to try the new Garmin…my fingers are crossed!
Every mile matters (to me) because it’s a “countable” goal. When I’m working out, and pass each mile marker, I feel stronger and more proud than the last one. Even if I’m just doing an easy cardio warm up, seeing those miles tick by makes going to the gym worth it!
Every mile is proof that you can change and find new things you love!
Every mile matters to me because it proves to me that even though I have asthma and was never a runner growing up, I pushed through that and trained myself. I’m proud of how far I’ve come 🙂
In the beginning I was unable to run down the block. Now, every quarter, half, full mile matters because its a good marker of my accomplishments. I am becoming stronger!
Every mile matters to me, because my life matters to me. When I run, I think of every mile, minute, and step is a gift to myself. Running does not come easy to me, and I have to work hard at healthy living. I remind myself every time I lace up my shoes though, that I just have this one life to live. I want to make the most of my life, and treat my body as best as I can, so I can enjoy my life. That’s why every mile matters to me.
Hi Gina! Every mile matters to me because I want to set a good example for my son. Like you mentioned in your post, not every run is easy and by sticking to it you are teaching yourself (and others) that through preserverance you can achieve anything! I love to run to disconnect and just ‘be’. I’ve recently gotten hooked on trail running and there’s nothing than sharing those miles with mother nature.
Every mile matters to me because running is something almost anyone can do…you don’t need a gym membership or any fancy gear (although some gear helps keep you on target to reach goals!) and you can start out by just walking. In a world where everything is marketed to death and comes with a price tag, it is nice to know you can just run, no start up fee required. No hours of operation to consider. It feels good to know you can always get up and go for a run.
Every mile matters to me because after three or four, running is no longer about calorie-burning or just “working out” but proving to myself that I am physically and mentally tough and capable of handling the challenges that come my way.
Macaroons are reason to stay alive, and so is coffee
Every mile matters because its that much less time that I am sitting around probably doing nothing, and that much more time becoming healthier.
There are so many reasons, now, for why I run, but it started with just one. Hubs and I finaly decided it was time to get pregnant! Once we made that decision I realized that I would have to change my life to make it better for a pregnancy and then a baby. I weighed almost 200 pounds when we made this decision. Running has helped me lose weight and get healthy so that once we finaly succeed in getting pregnant I will be able to carry our baby in a healthy, happy, low stress body. Then when we have the baby he/she will see how to live a healthy life and do right by your body and soul through exercise and healthy eating. I am down in the 160s now and running 5-6 days a week. The weight keeps coming off and my mileage keeps going up! I just started running outside and drive my runs beforehand so that I know where I can hit my mileage. It would be great to have a Garmin so I could skip that step and so I could start tracking my splits. Either way I will keep running! Thanks for hosting such a great giveaway! What could be better than a Garmin AND cookies?!
Every mile matters to me because it makes goals tangible. I am training for my first full marathon right now. I’m not a great runner, and my only goal is to cross the finish line and complete 26.2 miles. Every mile I run is getting me closer to making my goal a reality.
Overweight (and insecure) until my early 20’s, fitness is now a huge part of my life. Every mile I run shows me that ANYTHING is possible- especially to this reformed couch potato!
Every mile matters to me bc my dad suffered a spinal cord injury 6 years ago. Before that, he would love to go on early morning hikes (about 10 miles) most days of the week. I run because he can’t.
Hi Fitnessista! I have been wanting one of these watches ever since I saw them come out! I have been running for the past 4 or 5 years. I am not the fasted runner by any means but I enjoy it and it makes me feel like I accomplished a goal after each run. Every mile matters to me because it’s a mile that not everyone is able to do. I run because I am healthy and able to do it. I am a nurse working pediatric oncology patients and they inspire me everyday. The kids I work with would love to be healthy enough and feel well enough go outside for a run but that is not always possible. Each time I run I think of them and appreciate the blessings I have been given.
Every mile matters to me because as I get older and start to feel the wear and tear on my body, I am grateful that it still allows me to run and accomplish personal goals such as an upcoming half marathon.
I believe every mile matters because it serves as a reminder that our bodies can do great things. I have over come (and still am) many injuries and every mile reminds me that I should never take my health for granted and to be thankful for the miles I can do.
Every mile matters because each and every day when I walk out the door for a run I’m so thankful that I even have the ability to run! I’m definitely never going to be the best or the fastest runner, but I run for me and the enjoyment of movement! 🙂
I’ve so many issues with my IT bands, shin splints, etc…so just the fact that I can now run every mile pain free is pretty amazing!
Every mile matters because they’re fewer than many runners! A 5k for me is an accomplishment, and ticking off a mile feels like a real success. I celebreate every one!
Each mile matters to me because it means I’m one step closer to reaching my goals. Running is such a great stress reliever. I always feel so much better after a good run. I always thank God that I was able to complete a run, as I have the health to do it. It makes me take less for granted and reminds me to take one day at a time, no matter how much being at work brings me down when I have a little one I’d much rather spend the time with, or how much sleep I’m NOT getting, or anything else that has caused me frustration and worry.
Everybody needs to find something that brings them back to a peaceful state of mind and for me, running is just that.
Congrats on the PR! Every mile matters to me because I just got engaged to my high school sweetheart of 7 years. With a wedding looming in about a year – along with starting my first job out of college – I know it’s time to start hitting the workouts hard and make every mile count. Time will become harder and harder to come by with these new (but exciting) commitments in my life, but I feel confident by taking it one mile (set, rep, circuit, etc.) at a time and knowing that each one matters, I will rock this next year!
BTW – I absolutely LOVE your blog – my favorite out there! This is my second comment ever, but I have been reading your blog religiously for a little over a year now … felt that it was probably time to get out of web stalker mode and get involved in the discussion 🙂
Running is something that I would love to incorporate more into my fitness routine, but due to the extreme joint pain I have in my hips and knees, I only do it sporadically. That’s why every mile matters so much for me…because I only get to do it every now and then since my body doesn’t like as much as my mind does. 🙂 It is always a great feeling to know that I busted out a mini-run no matter how far the distance. Every mile…err, quarter of a mile…really does matter!
Every mile matters to me because two years ago I hated running and every time I run now it proves to me that I am capable of putting my mind to something and getting it done! I did the Couch 2 5k program in order to run a 5k to raise money for Cancer research as so many members of my family have died from it or are affected by it. I had never really run before and was sure I would despise it. I made it my goal to run the whole 5k rather than walk it and it was a huge challenge – but I did it! I like running because it helps me clear my mind and I love being outdoors when the weather is nice. 🙂
I love this giveaway and the thought behind it!
Every mile counts…. because that is one mile away from a goal that I have set and one mile that I have overcome any obstacles in the past years. I started running during/after my 3 miscarriages and even though I don’t have the baby in my arms yet running helps me focus on the goal in front of me even though sometimes giving up could be the easiest thing to do! Love the feeling of grabbing the pup, putting music on and just running 🙂
Every mile matters because I am able to while some people cannot, a reminder to not take my health forgranted.
Every mile matters and I take the opportunity to think about people who cannot run like I can and to be thankful for what I have!
Every mile matters to me because i’ve never been good at running – it is really hard for me. I feel like when i push myself to keep running when i feel like stopping, each extra step is one more towards my goal. I love that feeling of challenging myself.
Every mile matters because I can. I can run, walk, job, when so many others cannot. I can control my health and fitness by continuing to try and keep going!
Every mile matters to me because it helps me remember how much I used to enjoy running. I was a big runner before I had my son. All through my pregnancy I ran, up until I was 30 weeks then I had to modify since he was right on my bladder :). Once he was born I just have not been able to get back into it and he will be 2 in November.
Every mile matters because I am just like you, I much prefer dancing and lifting weights as my main form of exercise but I am looking to push through and complete my first race (a 5k) in October. I want to overcome this challenge and begin a relationship with running.
Every mile matters to me because (I completely agree) running is hard work and every stride is one stride closer to completing my goal (whatever it may be that day). I don’t take my health and fitness for granted as so many people struggle. I work for it and enjoy it. Thanks Gina,nice run!!