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 every time i finish a run it feels like such an accomplishment. Sometimes running is a mental battle, and other times its a physical battle. Whichever it is, at the end of a run i feel great and am proud of myself
Thanks for the giveaway
Thanks for the giveaway!!
Every mile matters to me because Im slowly, but surely, trying to get my body back into shape! The past few years I havent cared for it the best that I should have and its gonna be a hard (sore muscled) road back!
Over the past couple of years, I’ve discovered that every mile really does matter. Every time I push my limits to complete that last mile, I feel good about myself. The sense of accomplishment I feel then carries over into all other aspects of my life. I honestly believe pushing through that final mile makes me a better person.
Every mile matters to me because I gained A LOT of weight when I was pregnant with my son and I’ve never lost it, he is 5 and just started kindergarten. I don’t want to be the “fat mom” and I want him to be proud of me and see me accomplish something i said i was going to (losing weight, exercising and being healthy) and not quit bc really what does that teach him?? Unfortunately my son was diagnosed with ADHD. I can see his struggles literally when he tries to sit still or not act out negatively but its soo hard for him to control his impulses. I feel just doing this for myself, I can show him how not giving up will give you positive results. Don’t give up in school, don’t give up on behaving the right way because every mile matters!!!
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity! you have an amazing blog, and amazing family!
Ahhh I have always wanted a Garmin!! Every mile matters to me because I proves to me that I am strong, healthy and blessed. I feel blessed to be able to run and exercise when many people can’t. I never want to take that for granted.
Every mile matters because it’s proof that my body can do amazing things!
I am SO glad you posted about the new Garmin, as I really wasn´t happy with the options so far and the design was the only reason I hadn´t bought one yet… such a girl sometimes!!
To me absolutely every mile matters, because in life everything counts and even if I only go running for one mile, I still feel great- running just makes me feel so very good and I could not live without it. Whenever I am stressed, need a workout, want to think, to relax or unwind, I go for a run and the second I put on my running shoes and hit the street, I feel so calm and centered. Often I tend to overthink things, but running helps me, no matter how far I run.
Every mile matters to me – this is basically my motto these days! I hurt my hip – badly – last year.
I was on crutches for 5 months, had surgery, and was not able to exercise for an additional 4 months post op. Now that I am back up and running I AM SO GRATEFUL. You have no idea. The first time I ran .25 miles after my surgery I cried tears of joy. I respect my body so much more now and am so thankful I was able to recover and get back to what I love!
Every mile matters to me because I haven’t always been able to run because of my weight. I remember when I was young in school, struggling to do a mile during the annual fitness test and feeling embarrassed. I’ve made myself a priority and started learning about healthy habits. After losing 55 lbs, I just ran my first 5k on the Fourth of July (31:06) and am scheduled to run a 10k at the end of October here in Washington, DC. After that, maybe a half marathon!
To me, every mile matters because every mile is that much closer to setting an example for my son, who turns 2 next month. Some days there are setbacks and some days I make huge strides (literally and figuratively), but every day is about bettering myself so I can make him proud. He is my life.
Every mile matters to me because it keeps me feeling healthy active and keeps me out of apathy
Every mile matters because it’s just one more milestone reached and one more mini-goal to keep pushing towards your big goals.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I’m a speed walker instead of a runner. It’s all about the health benefits for me! If I push myself one more mile today then I could probably go another mile next week. And then I’m also kicking heart disease and all the other nasty stuff in the butt.
I got into running not to lose weight or feel stronger, but because I could feel myself slipping into depression and knew that was one highly recommended “home remedy”. Nowdays even when I’m busy, stressed, or want to just hang out on the couch (which I still occassionally choose) I know that every mile matters because it makes me feel happier at the end than when I started.
Thanks for hosting this giveaway….
Every mile matters to me because it means that I have my health, which is one of the most important things. I work as a RN and every day that I work, I see people struggling with serious illness. I think a lot of people take the ability to walk and run for granted and I appreciate every mile whenever I go for a run because it shows that I am healthy and strong!
When I was younger, I was a swimmer and definitely not a runner. When I decided to stop swimming in college, I quickly realized I needed to find another form of exercise if I wasn’t going to get my 7 practices in a week. I picked up running, something I used to dread- not even being able to complete a mile without stopping! Eventually I worked my way up to running a half marathon much due to the encouragement of my best friend and new running partner. I am so very proud of myself, and every mile along the way has most definitely mattered to me!
Just within the past couple years, I’ve made fitness a more important part of my life. Before that, I hadn’t dedicated any length of time to keep myself healthy and it certainly showed. I remember when I first started becoming active, running a mile was an exhausting chore. Now, I regularly run 3-5 miles every week without much thought. It feels amazing to know I’ve come this far (and still have a lot more work to do) and that’s why every mile matters… to help serve as a reminder that I am doing something for myself not only improve my health, but also improve my happiness. Happy running!
Wonderful giveaway!!
Sometimes, on a particularly tough day/run I’ll try and think about some tough things i’ve been through (or will go through–hello childbirth) and try to visualize myself powering through something new with each mile. It’s such a positive way for me to feel strong and blessed with where I am at that very moment at the end of it.
EVERY MILE COUNTS because I know it keeps me healthy and sane … especially when things are rocky and stressful! Running is such a great escape! Would love to try the Garmin!
Every mile matters to me because I want to show my family that all the health issues that are supposedly “hereditary” are really just a matter of exercise, eating right, and fitness. Each and every mile is an accomplishment and keeps me a mile further from the grave (sorry if that sounds morbid).
Every mile matters because it adds up to something I never thought I could do! I’ve always wanted to run… growing up I did ballet and synchronized swimming, but I could never run! I was diagnosed with asthma as a child and inhalers never seemed to be effective enough to allow running. I’d set out to attempt to run up the block in our neighborhood and instantly feel dizzy and sick, and I would have a pounding headache for hours after. Throughout high school I’d try over and over again with the same result. Fast forward 10 or so years to married life – I married a runner! I told him how much I wished I could run with him. He insisted I could do it, just take it slow. He would “run” with me at a pace that was barely more than hoppy-walking just to the neighbor’s mail box, then the next time to the next mail box. I thought he was crazy! Well, six month later we’re training for a half marathon! (The Disney Princess Marathon thanks to you Gina!) I’ve run 8 miles so far and can hardly believe it! I’m accomplishing something I never thought I’d do… every mile is an incredible gift!
Every mile matters to me because I’ve recently lost weight and am working toward becoming a much healthier person. All around–not just based on the numbers the scale is reflecting this week. Each mile I complete puts me that much closer to my health goals.
Every mile matters to me because with 6 kids at home (8, 6, 5, 4, 2 and infant), I am always missing something at home. I have to make every mile worth missing something for.
Every mile counts because running grants me a rest from the worries of work and wedding planning and allows me to see how I am doing over time. I like to challenge myself to run farther and my goal is a half marathon on Thanksgiving. Thanks!
Every mile matters to me because I have recently realized that exercise, specifically running, is one of only a few things I havent given up on in life. I have always been the type of person to get very frustrated and give up when things get rough and Ive ALWAYS wanted to change that. When I had my first child (I have three boys, age 5, 1 and a half, and 3 weeks) I realized that I could no longer live my life that way. If my kids need my help I am there 100% and I dont give up just because things are difficult. I soon realized that almost the only other thing I fought through was when I was running. So many people who I know that run do it just for the exercise but I really enjoy it. I enjoy when my body is hurting and everything is telling me to stop but I push through that and feel like the strongest person in the world. That extra mile, extra five minutes, extra step can make all the difference.
Thank you for the giveaway opportunity. I have followed your blog for years and it gives me a lot of motivation.
Every mile counts because you become a healthier, happier person with each step!
I have a very stressful and demanding job. Every mile that I get to release that stress and clear my mind is crucial to my health
Every mile matters to me because running is truly my way to relieve stress, feel free, feel accomplished and it takes my mind back to all of the memories I have made through running in my life 🙂
Wonderful giveaway! I was just thinking during my run today that I really need a new HRM. I have an old cheapie HRM that I got on Amazon when I started running last year and the body strap is falling apart and is being held together with safety pins 🙂 Not very comfortable when I’m working out! I had to keep adjusting it during Zumba last night…talk about embarassing – and kind of defeats the purpose! I’ve always wanted a Polar but it doesn’t fit in my budget right now. But I do love the HRM’s. Keeps me motivated to keep pushing on!
Every mile matters to me because every mile I tick off is one step closer to getting healthier and achieving my fitness goals. I live in Denver (the mile high city ha ha!) and it’s not lost on me how far a mile really is!! It’s no small accomplishment to run even one mile, no less multiple miles! I’ve been tracking my runs ever since I started running a little more than two years ago and I have run almost 2,000 miles. Almost across America. Cool huh?
I, like you, do this for health reasons to be a good role model for my children. I want them to grow up and be proud of their HEALTHY and FIT mom and I hope that I am an inspiration for them to be healthy and fit too!
Every mile matters because little steps lead to change. I started running because I wanted to do something physically hard and take on a new challenge. Running helped me drop the 15 lbs I put on in college and grad school. It was the first step in my journey to a healthier life.
every mile counts for me becuase I just got into working out and LOVE IT! I feel privlaged to able to do it and around people that inspire me so much!!
Every mile, either forward or backward, matters. In life, when you’ve had the rug pulled out from underneath or you’ve just had one of those days where you’ve hit a rough spot, it may or it will make you feel like you’re falling behind; or, on a deeper level, make you doubt your own worth. By accepting and embracing that mile going “backwards,” then picking yourself up and pulling yourself together will only PROPEL you to go MILES forward.
Seriously. Every, single, mile– whether forward or backward– counts towards the amazing person you are today!
Each mile counts to me because it means I’m getting closer to my goal, wether that’s a 5K or training for a 10-miler! It feels great to get to that finish line knowing how hard you’ve trained and pushed yourself.
Every mile matters because it helps me stay fit and energized so I can keep up with my three girls. Every mile I can run also reminds me of the weight I lost so I could be a healthy me for myself and my family.
Every mile matters to me because I can run them!
A running buddy was seriously injured in an accident a month ago and while he is expected to make a full recovery, it is going to be a long time before we can run together again. I know he wants more than anything to get back out there but his body is not quite ready.
I am so thankful that I am able to run so I do it for those who can’t!
Every mile matters because it shows me all I have accomplished! It reinforces all the work I do and I feel so healthy and strong with each mile covered.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Every mile matters to me because I was the kid who who was made fun of in gym class–the uncoordinated one who tended to drop the ball, miss the basket, get hit in the head with the dodgeball, and always sat out the mile run. Every mile I run now shows me how far I’ve come and gives me increased self confidence. Running makes me love fitness– before I characterized it as solely for other, more adept people. Now I can be one of them!
Every mile matters to me, because I’m currently training for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon in Disneyland in January. I’ve been eyeballing the Forerunner 10, but I just haven’t been able to come up with the $130 for it yet (being a single mom and all). Anyway, every mile gets me closer to where I want to be, regardless of the speed, total distance, etc.
Thanks for offering this giveaway! =)
Every mile matterrs because I run for all of my rehab patients who cant!!!!!!I am a nurse who takes care of head injury and stroke patients, many who will not ever run again. Every day I look at my body and my physical capabilities and appreciate the BLESSINGS that they are!
Every mile matters to me because I feel so accomplished after I am finished. I know I am happier, healthier and have a clearer head after I run. Yes, I love when I beat an old time, but I noticed when I run I am a happier person. I don’t stress as much after a long day of teaching elementary school children. I am a much better teacher when I run. Running is my release! I challenge myself, it is very spiritual because I am doing it solely on my own. It’s my own journey!
“Every Mile Matters” has never meant so much to me until this year. I’m training for my 1st half-marathon, and have been amazed at what I can do if I just believe I can. In the past I was convinced I couldn’t run past 6 or 7 miles. I just didn’t think I could do it, but this year I have learned that I can. 🙂
Every mile matters to me because with each mile I prove to myself and my body that I can push through any mental weaknesses, doubts or discouragements along the run. Once Im done I feel SO awesome and am so proud of how far I went. Every mile means a better and healthier lifestyle which I love, and of course I love seeing the results in the mirror! YAY for health!!
Every mile matters to me because I am in college and I want to make a difference in the world! I want to inspire others and for others to inspire me! I want to learn how I can study now, for a better future later! (:
Every mile matters to be because running is a HUGE challenge for me, but I love the feeling of being challenged and the sense of accomplishment I feel at the end. I’ve completed numerous 5k’s, next up on my list is to tackle a 10k and then a half marathon!
Every mile counts because each one is like a mini-vacation! Time away for myself without feeling guilty 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway!
Every mile matters to me because it means I have a healthy body. I work out in the gym at the hospital where I work. This is a small gym where patients that have been discharged from the attached rehab hospital also work out after they have been discharged to home. Working out for these patients is not the same as it is for you and me. Sometimes it means working for an hour to transfer in and out of their wheelchair. Sometimes they are on the treadmill next to me taking tentative steps. All of them are inspiring and push me harder. I am also reminded to be grateful and not so hard on myself after a “bad” run.
Every mile matters to me because I’m slowly coming back from a pretty rubbish year and every mile feels like an achievement and boosts my belief in myself.
Every mile matters because I know so many people out there can’t be active for so many different reasons– so every second I spend sweating I feel blessed.
Every mile matters to me because I like to picture the time that goes by as I exercise as time that I am buying to be healthy in the future, when I am old and have lots of grandchildren to play with!