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 counts for me because I never thought I would be able to run. After three knee surgeries, I thought I would never be able to participate in high impact anything. I started running in January of this year and have found my passion! In April I ran my first 5k, in May I ran my first 10k, and in October I plan on running my first half marathon and another 10k. My knees have proven that they’re capable of withstanding much more than I give them credit for, and I feel as though I’m in the best shape of my life 🙂
Every mile matters because it has been such a long journey getting into running and it proves to me how far I’ve come and how strong I truly am. It is such a pick me up on those down days!
Running is a lifestyle for me. Every mile is special, whether its hard and I pull through or effortless and calming. Running has given me so much and all the miles have taught me what a little bit of hard work and determination can do 🙂
Every mile matters to me, because it’s a mile I could have skipped. BUT I DIDN’T. Usually, I’m more proud of my willpower than I am of the actual physical achievement. That’s the hardest part, for me!
Every mile matters because I know the more frequently I go, the better I feel!
For me, every mile matters because one year ago, I tore my labrum as a result of overtraining, and needed hip surgery to repair it. After 6 weeks without running, I was able to SLOWWWWLY start running again (0.5 miles every other day for one week, then 0.75 miles, then 1 mile…yeah. That gradual.) Now, I only run a few miles at a time, and savor them — I’d rather still be running when I’m 70 than reinjure myself and need more surgery!!
Every mile matters because it is all about the “baby steps” in life. I am currently on a weight loss journey after having a baby of my own and it is not easy. I used to be able to eat like a pig and not gain a pound and now I’m eating HEALTHY and still gaining weight! It’s frustrating but having a child makes you realize that as long as you’re healthy and setting a good example, that matters most. I may not be as pretty or thin as I was pre-baby but it really doesn’t matter to me anymore, cuz this body birthed a baby and that’s soooo amazing to me.
Every mile counts to me because I want to be better: I want to be a better runner, I want to be a better athlete; but it in a much greater way, it makes me a better person. I feel like it makes me want to be kinder to others: it makes me want to be a better version of myself in every way. Obviously, thats majority due to the endorphines, but it makes me want to implement that feeling of improving my own quality of life and the qualifty of life of those I encounter, as much as possible. That sounds cheesy and weird, but it makes me feel stronger in every way and I love it!! : )
Every mile matters to me because it reminds me of when I didn’t run at all! Now I’m running half marathons and getting stronger with each step I take!
Every mile matters to me because I have just started running regularly again after a year off. I got double lung pneumonia last year that took 6 courses of antibiotic to kill. When I first came back after that I could only run about a minute before feeling like I was dying, so now I have built a little stamina back I appreciate it more.
Every mile matters because with each mile I earn the privilege to reap the rewards of running on my own two feet in the direction of good health and fitness.
i used to hate running and told myself i would never be a “runner,” so now running any sort of distance – whether its 1/4 of a mile, or 4 miles, is an accomplishment!
I am currently injured for the first time in my 12-year running career. I never realized how much I take the ability to run and exercise for granted. I never will make that mistake again, and once I’m able to run again every mile will matter so much more to me.
Every mile matters to me because the more I run the happier I feel:)
i’m in business school and every day is crazy, so every mile i am able to run in a week reminds me of the importance of taking time out for my health (and sanity)!
Thank you for showing me that a post baby body does not have to be all doom and gloom. Hard work and dedication can reap great health benefits!
Every mile matters to me because each mile is a reminder of how much stronger I am now than ever before. I recently reached the 8 mile mark, and it felt amazing. Like I can do anything! No matter what happens in my day, when I run I am free and it is so empowering!
I don’t believe in junk miles. Even a mile that I am huffing and puffing and yet barely breaking a 9:00 mile is still a mile 🙂 Every mile is a reminder of how rad the human body is!
I work long hours, but I fit it some form of exercise everyday. I get up early to head to the gym or just do some yoga in my room. Every little bit helps! I know that if I didn’t work out, stress at work would totally burn me out.
Every mile matters because each one shows that I can accomplish whatever I put effort into. 🙂
I am proud of every mile I run because each mile helps me maintain my health.
For me every miles means that I was able to shut my low confidence up and prove it wrong.
Every mile matters to me because I recently began a vigorous nursing program. Its early & long days of school, commuting, and studying so fitting in a run (or any workout) is difficult. I started off the first few weeks badly (i mentioned it in a comment on a previous post) and felt so out of whack. I actually just got back from a run, although short, it was sweet. Those miles, or even half miles, give me my peace of mind back.
Now that I have my first real job I understand how people manage to skip workouts! I took my flexible schedule for granted before hard core, so now that I takes a little more planning to get my workouts in, every mile, every step, every minute counts!
I am proud of every mile I run or walk…. running isn’t easy for me either. I am working hard to build my stamina. I’m proud of every mile I walk, because I’m always striving to do better, faster and/or more…exactly the reason for trying to increase running and a bit less walking. Got to keep the body guessing 😉
As a Mom of 3 beautiful daughters and a full time teacher, every. mile. matters. because each morning while everyone is still asleep and I am awake at 4:30 running, I thank God for my beautiful daughters, I plan my day ahead with 26 5th graders, I problem solve, I daydream, I listen to Music, I enjoy a little free time!
Every mile matters to me because it reminds me that I can do what so many others cannot. Its a blessing to be healthy and happy. This is especially true to me after losing my dad and a cousin to suicide, and after my aunts recent cancer diagnosis. I am blessed to have the rest osupport f my family and friends support me no matter what.
Exercise always feels like a reward for me. Me time. I work so much, so spending time alone, doing something for me feels great. Each mile helps me take care of me.
After making excuse after excuse about why I didn’t need to run or start exercising after having my baby, I just hit a point where I was so disappointed in what I had let myself become. Like you I want to set a good example for my son ( and be able to keep up with him!). Last month I downloaded the couch to 5k app and I’m now on week 5. I FEEL so good and have so much more energy. Little by little, one mile at a time! I am signed up for a 5K race next month and I’m stoked for it!
Each mile is one more blessing that my body can give me right now. I don’t know when what I have been given will be taken away or changed, but for now I love the stretch, burn, and lung clearing effects of running.
Every mile matters to me because I believe that running keeps me strong! Being fast isn’t as important to me as running strong.
Like you, as a mama, every mile matters to be an example for my 4 year old daughter and 10 month old son. And it let’s me get some “me” time! 🙂 love your blog!
Every mile matters to me because the miles are a constant reminder of how far I have come. After struggling with an eating disorder and disordered eating for over 10 years, I truly believe running is what healed me. Running forced me to respect my body and fuel it properly, or I couldn’t do it. Slowly as I built my mileage I also built my recovery. It’s not always easy but it is so worth it.
Every mile matters to me because I think of it as a mile for someone who couldn’t. A friend from high school joined the marines after 9/11 and was killed in action in 2009. I run for him and every other active healthy marine, airman, coastie and sailor who was taken from us too soon. Sorry to get all serious for a giveaway, but it’s something I think about each and every time I lace up my sneakers.
Every mile matters to me because I know what it’s like to have an injury and not be able to run. I am so grateful I have the ability to put my legs to good use!
Every mile matters because it is what keeps me sane. Running is the one time I can forget everything else going on in life and just get lost in pounding my feet on the pavement!
Every mile matters to me so much more right now than ever before, as I’m entering my 14th week of pregnancy! Your fit, happy, and healthy pregnancy is such a huge inspiration and I hope I can continue getting my miles in for the duration (and especially after the little peanut arrives!)!
I’ve been steadily losing weight since May, but I still have a long way to go. I recently started running. Every run shows me that I’m a little closer to reaching my goal- and reminds me that I can’t give up on myself after coming so far already.
For me every mile matters because it represents one mile further away from injury and closer in the right direction of healing and recovery. One mile may seem like a simple feat to some but to me each mile is a representation of how far I have come from such a negative place and how amazing my body is to be able to recover.
Eery mile matters to as each mile makes me grateful that God has given me the ability to do so. I thank Him every time I complete my task.
Every mile matters because I want time to be fit and active with our four month old! It’s hard to find time to work out these days, so I decided to start to jog with her. I’m proud of myself for trying to find a new way to work out while spending time with her, even though it’s been tough. I’ve never been a runner, so every minute I run with the jogging stroller is one more minute of proof that I can do it!
I struggle with anxiety/depression. I’ve watched friends, family, and coworkers turn to various destructive coping mechanisms to deal with the same struggle. When I found myself having the same inclination, I sought help. My therapist recommended medication. I requested a more natural recommendation that would keep me off of medications as a first choice. She suggested healthy eating habits and daily exercise might decrease the anxiety/depression enough to keep me off meds. I decided to try this first. So I ran. And ran, trained for and raced in 5K’s, 10K’s, half-marathons, and a marathon. Running became my staple form of exercise. I feel like with each stride every anxiety, worry, concern, pain, disappointment, frustration, just melts away. With each stride I work through life and spend time in prayer. Running is my therapy and it keeps me healthy in more than one way. Every mile matters to me because it provides peace and restoration.
To me, every mile matters because of all the times I was too injured to run, and I appreciate running all the more.
Every mile matters to me because I am accomplishing goals that I would have never dreamed of before. Running teaches me that I can do anything if I really want it!
Every mile matters to me because I recently had to take over a year off from running due to injury. I am so much more appreciative of my body and what it can overcome.
I think every mile is important because you never know when it is your last. Life is fragile and we can’t take any bit of it for granted. I would love to have a light weight garmin!!
Every mile matters to me because running was something I never believed I could do. I was a little chubby kid that did everything possible to get out of running THE MILE in school. Now each mile is power!
Every mile matters to me because I am beyond thankful for a healthy body that allows me to do and experience things and people that I love. Working in the healthcare industry as a nurse, I am very aware of how much a blessing health is each and every day. 🙂
Every mile matters because my daughters are watching! And because I want to be a role model for them in taking every opportunity to incorporate physical activity into my life and my time with them. Plus, I just love to run…
Every mile matters to me because it helps keep me healthy and I really don’t have a good excuse not to lace up and go for a run.