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 because it’s not the end that counts, but what it took to get you there. Hard work, determination, and stamina! It’s not easy going for a run!
Every mile matters because it proves “Mind over matter”. It might feel like the worst run ever, but finishing proves that its all mental. You can do ANYTHING you put your mind too!! Always be your #1 cheerleader!
Every mile matters to me, because darn it, I just wouldn’t call myself a runner! As a girl who has struggled her whole life with asthma, it’s something that still effects me. I know running does amazing things for my body, I know everytime I push a little further than I thought I could that I’m reaping the benefits of living healthier. And when it gets hard, in my head I remind myself, “You are 130 pounds lighter, this is nothing, you got this!”. Although I wouldn’t call myself a runner, I sure do feel accomplished and proud of myself every time I strive to do the best I can.
Every mile matters because of the sense of accomplishment at the end, also because it makes me love more and more what my body can do =)
Every mile matters to me because running is one of the few things in my life that I don’t excel at so I feel extra proud when I meet a goal. I’m expecting my first baby in December and pregnancy has slowed my fitness to a crawl at times, I can’t wait to get back at it after baby and set a good example for him!
Every mile matters to me because it makes me push myself and prove to myself I can do it.
Hi Gina! Great job on the run 🙂
Every mile truly matters to me because I have brought myself up and out of a lot of negative self-talk. ” I only run when chased,” was my favorite, self deprecating phrase that I would use to get out of challenging physical activities. About 2 years ago, I started running. Small distances at first, and NOT enjoying any of it. Running is so much more than a physical challenge. To me, it is much more emotionally and mentally challenging. I was physically capable of running, but somehow just couldn’t make myself believe it.
This past summer was the first time I was able to answer “YES” to the question… “Are you a runner?” I took me 2 years to finally have enough pride, self-love, and hope to put on my shoes and go where they take me. I would love a garmin to encourage my progress and have some positive feedback. (and would love to take a mud-macaroon bath in the macaroon batter after a long run as my reward).
Every mile matters to me, because after training through 4 1/2 months of training for my first marathon, I tore my meniscus and sprained my ACL and couldn’t even run the marathon. Now I’m back, better than ever and training to get my base back so I can attempt to finish my first marathon! Every. mile. DOES. matter. <3
Every mile matters because every mile is different. I’m still amazed by how many training runs I start where I feel sore/stiff/crampy/etc for the 1st 2 miles but then feel amazing for he next 3. If I’d stopped early on, I never would have gotten the reward of that exhilaration in the middle and at the end. Right now, I’m 20 wks pregnant, and running more than a mile is difficult, but I still run a mile just to remind myself that I can still do it. It’s much slower than my regular pace, but there is something about completing it that feels like an accomplishment.
Every mile matters to me because I’m just now able to complete a mile without stopping! I’ve signed up for a 5K in October, a 10K in December and I’m hoping to get to a half marathon by the spring. I’m slow right now, but every step gives me the confidence to keep going. Every mile puts me one mile closer to my goal.
every mile counts because running is how I unwind and free my thoughts. I love running without music and just taking in the sights and sounds of nature.
Running does not come easy to me by any means, and it’s something that I’m slowly but surely working on. I’m looking forward to the cooler weather and being able to take my new hobby outside. I love the way running makes me feel strong and like I can take on anything.
Every mile matters to me because it’s one more mile that I am moving my body instead of sitting on the couch! Also…I NEED THAT GARMIN…PINK?! Hellz yeah!
Every mile matters to me because I am so NOT a natural runner. I have been slowly adding a couple short runs to my workout plan each week – hopefully I will work up to a race one of these days!
Every mile matters to be because I’m a “terrible” runner but love the feeling of pride I get from crossing that finish line is greater than any other feeling in the world. Every mile matters because I feel like a badass 🙂
I agree with some of the others that every mile is about personal accomplishment. Running doesn’t come naturally to me at all, in fact, I still really struggle with it, so its crossing off “mile-markers” meant so much when I was used to only being able to count minutes!
every mile counts just like every breath & every moment counts 🙂
Every mile matters to me so I can keep up with my students, I’m a middle school track and cross country coach, to show them where a little determination can get you and the importance of being/ staying active.
Every miles counts because I know I am much healthier and stronger than I was before completing it.
oh my goodness i would absolutely love to win this!!! Every mile matters to me because it’s lapping all of those people sitting on the couch!
Every mile matters because it’s a mini milestone. It means you’re getting stronger. You’re believing in yourself. Pushing yourself. Every mile matters because every step you take, you are bettering your health.
Omgosh how nice and generous of you (and Garmin!) to host this giveaway!! First of all, congrats on your post baby PDR!! AINT NO SMALL THANG!!!!
Every mile matters to me because, like you, running isn’t my forte. It also matters because at the end, you feel great and like you’ve accomplished something good for yourself, and for your whole entire day. I would love love LOVEEEEEEE to win because I have never owned or even tried any Garmin or garmin-like products and of course they look amazing and would probably be great motivators for me to get out there and get my booty movin’! Plus, I have never won anything lol!
Every mile matters because you have been given a gift to run. We’re lucky to be healthy and have two perfectly functioning legs to use!
Every mile I run is symbolic of what I have overcome and how I will be able to push through the struggles I am currently facing. My whole life has been a struggle in my health from my first asthma attack at 18 months to hypothyroidism and pcos I have weathered through it. Currently, I could possible have a benign pituitary or adrenal tumor and exercise helps distract me and keep my mind off of the possibilities.
Every mile matters to me because it is proof that with determination and perserverance I can succeed. Last year I had hip surgery and could not walk for 3 months, but now I am back coaching high school cross country! My girls would be so happy if I had a Garmin to track the pace for our runs!
Every mile counts for me because it is a mile more than I have run before. I haven’t had good examples in my life of people that have healthy workout habits, but dang it, I will work hard to be a good example for those around me.
Every mile matters – why? Because it’s about the journey. Some will be EASY, some will humble you, others will give you confidence, and some will make you question life! In the end, each adds up to something big.
I have been a runner for the last 15 years and my favorite thing about running is encouraging other people to start. So many people think they “can’t” be a runner. When I see a friend start small and then finish a 5k, 10k, achieve a PR, etc, it recharges my own love of the sport. Whenever I am encouraging a new person to try running, I always tell them, “just start by working up to one mile”. That is why every mile is important because if you can run 1 mile, you can run as many miles as you want.
Every mile matters because I never know if I’ll have the opportunity to run that mile tomorrow….
I used to hate running, but slowly learning to enjoy it. Everytime I see someone out running I always use to think something like “man, i wish I was a runner.” What I come to find out is that wishing is taking me no where… I would love this watch for many reasons, not only is it cute, but I know it will help me reach my new “become a runner” goal and make it easier keeping an eye on my success. Every mile counts because they make me stronger, prouder and a better more patient mom to my 3 daughters and my husband dosen’t complaint either with having a fit wife. 😉 Oh, it wouldn’t be to bad to get some of those chocolate macaroons either… 😉
Every mile matters becasue it means I am doing something to take care of myself. I am a busy mother of three (5,6,8) and I really need to take me time to get back into shape.
Every miles matters to me because it’s proving everyone wrong who said I couldn’t do it. Since having my daughter (also an Olivia) 8 weeks ago, I decided my goal was to run a half by my 26th birthday. I’ve heard from quite a few people that I couldn’t do it or couldn’t stick with it. I can’t wait for them to eat their words when I finish my first half and hopefully my 1st marathon in a year!
What a lovely giveaway!
Every mile (or kilometre because I’m metric like that) matters to me because I set really high expectations for myself and I’ve learnt with running that just getting out the door is an achievement to be celebrated. You don’t have to run a half marathon, or a 10K, or even a 5K, you just have to give yourself permission to do what you can. And then celebrate that you did it!
A
Every mile matters to me because it’s always hard and ALWAYS worth it. It can be so hard to go out but it’s always great to be done. 🙂
Every mile matters to me because I am thankful to have a healthy body that is capable of running!
I think running is SO HARD, too! But training for my half marathon proved to me that I can push myself beyond my limits and has inspired me during other workouts. When I think I can’t do one more squat, I think, “Hell, I can run 13 miles, I can do another squat.” 🙂 Way to go on that incline!!!
I am in my 3rd week of medical school and the incredible amount of work can be very discouraging/daunting. When I get frustrated/overwhelmed, I go for a jog/power-walk on a nearby trail. Every mile that I am able to do becomes proof to myself that I am able to accomplish something that day (even if I am on academic overload). It may not have been easy, but I did it. That typically puts me in a better mood/ makes the next study sess so much easier (I guess the endorphins help too).
Every mile matters because I’ve come a long way in reaching my fitness goals and even though I’m not exactly where I’d like to be yet, I know that every mile I’ve done has made me a stronger, healthier person for me and my family.
Every mile means i am one step closer to my goals of staying fit and healthy!! (great giveaway!)
I am a new runner, just having started Couch to 5k in June (and completed at the end of July). Running has become huge for me. I was the kid who was picked last in grade school sports, and convinced myself that I was never athletic. I was into fitness, yes, but not an athlete. Now at the ripe age of 39, I just felt drawn to running and now am so hooked! I love the mental games – and beating them, the feeling of accomplishment, and my increasing times. It’s such a gift to myself. Thanks for hosting the giveaway, and I am a huge fan of your blog!
Every mile matters because it’s an extra step of building your stamIna, perseverance, confidence, and another mile of showing yourself that you matter and deserve good health!
Every mile matters to me, because I feel down sometimes because losing weight and staying in shape is harder now that I’ve reached ‘middle-age’. And I know how much effort it takes to stay healthy. Every mile matters because after a full day at work, I fight the fatigue and do my workout, knowing those extra miles add up and keep my body running smoothly. 🙂
Every mile matters to me because it another towards a healthier lifestyle.
Great job on the run! It’s always so exciting to see what your body can do. Every mile matters to me, because as I’m training for my first marathon ever (the Marine Corps in October), every time I start to struggle or want to stop running, I remind myself how lucky I am to even be able to run! We are so blessed to have healthy, working bodies. It is truly amazing what they can do!
Each mile (heck, each quarter of a mile!) matters to me because I am not a natural athlete or runner (in fact, I’m a downright awkward runner!), and every mile I run infuses me with an indescribable feeling of pride, confidence, and accomplishment.
Every mile matters because it proves I’m not a quitter. Every single last mile, and all those beads of sweat, prove that whatever I set my mind to, I can accomplish. I’ve been running for just a few months, but every single mile proves that I have every single tool necessary within me to be the happiest, healthiest me. Thank you, Gina, for inspiring me!
Every mile matters because not only does it make me stronger and more confident but it has also inspired my family and friends to follow suit and choose a healthier lifestyle. I’m so excited to run a 10k next month with my older brother!
Awesome job on your run!! That’s awesome!!
Every mile matters to me because it wasn’t all that long ago that I couldn’t make it a mile. After a lot of practicing, I can and my running keeps improving. That’s what I love about running, it’s the exercise that I am most easily able to see how far I’ve come and how much I’ve improved since I started.
Every mile matters to me because it seems so hard to push through but when I finally reach my goal I am so proud of myself for going that extra mile… It relates to life and how hard sOme things seem at times but once you get through it you see how much stronger it made you and you are proud of what you did to overcome it. Mind over matter. And a Kely Clarkson so nicely puts it in my running playlist song” why doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” I save that song for mile 5 out if 6! ,)
Hey Gina!
I’m a musical theatre major/avid runner in college currently, and every mile matters to me because I know that I have big dreams and goals for my future, and every step I take towards them counts. Whether it’s waking up extra early to fit in another dance class, writing papers while at rehearsal for the next show, or fitting in a kick-ass run in my down-time, I know it’ll all be worth-while when I achieve my goals, be them taking a bow on Broadway or crossing the finish line to a marathon! I know every mile makes me stronger and brings me closer to my goals.