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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Running has just become a newer part of my fitness life. In the beginning go the year, I trained for and ran my first half marathon! Every mile signifies both a figurative and literal stepping stone in my life, and has helped to shape my adult character. Every mile matters because running is an accomplishment that I never thought possible. And now I know that anything is possible!
Every mile I have in the past six years that I’ve been a “runner” matters to me. I was never an athlete, and was one of the slowest to finish the mile run in high school gym classes. Spectating a marathon one year inspired me so much to start running that day. I ran one mile. Slowly I added miles to my runs, and over the years running gave me the outlet I needed to survive and overcome many personal challenges. Every mile matters to me because each one shows how far I’ve come in my life since that first mile six years ago.
every mile matters to me because I just finished training for a 5k i have on thursday. can’t wait!
For the stress lifting benefits! Grad school is STRESSFUL! 🙂
When I was in high school I could barely run one mile with the soccer team and now I run regularly with my mom every weekend and on my own during the week. Running has taught me to respect my body and all it can do.
every mile matters to me because of my daughter. the reasons are many-fold. every mile matters because i don’t have nearly as much time as i used to to work out, and every mile matters because i want to set the best example for her.
Every mile matters to me because running is something that makes me SANE. I don’t even know what I would do if I couldn’t get my run in every day. It makes me feel strong, healthy, happy, and completely de-stresses me.
Every mile makes me feel better, stronger, more stress free
Every mile matters because running gives me strength, keeps me healthy, and relieves stress – altogether making me a better mom!
I have been loosely training for a half and a Garmin would be great now that I can start running outside since the weather is cooler. Every mile counts for me because it is the best stress reliever and helps me clear my head.
Every mile matters because it reminds me to live in the present! Every moment matters, because once that mile (or moment, or day) is gone, it’s gone forever; all that’s left are what I appreciated in that mile. (Sorry for the sentimental gushing; I’ve had yoga on the brain for the past couple of weeks). 🙂 <3
Every mile matters because I have a 10 year old daughter who is watching me make goals and strive to reach them. She knows that I work and that I have to make time for myself when I run. I hope she learns that making your health a priority is important!
Every mile matters because with each mile, I’m getting stronger
Every mile matters because it pushes me to be a better person. When I overcome a physical challenge it gives me the momentum to overcome the challenges I face each day!
Every mile counts because it is the little things in life that all add together to make the “GREAT” things.
Every mile matters to me because every mile is a choice. And we have to choose to do alot of things in life that don’t always feel “good” at the time. But when we are done, the feeling of accomplishment surpasses all the hard miles. It’s always better to push through the hard stuff than taking the easy way out.. in life and in running 🙂
Every mile counts because when you finish that run you feel so good and so glad you did it. Do you still wear your polar watch?
Every mile matters to me because I am a cancer survivor.
Every mile matters to me because I need to push hard to get the results I want to see. The miles may never get easier, but I’ll keep getting better 🙂
I am recovering from a reconstruction on 3 of the 4 ligaments in my knee along with 2 tendons. It has been a rough recovery and I still have a long way to go. For now it is miles on the bike, but hopefully soon it will be miles of actual running. Each mile for me is a reminder to be thankful for what I can do and not dwell on what I cannot or time.
Every mile matters because each mile I run reminds me that I am so blessed to be able to do something that I love. Not everyone has that luxury. I say thank you at the end of each one. Also, each mile matters because each one teaches me to work as hard as I can, even when it doesn’t feel good. Love your blog by the way!
Every mile matters to me because I am 24 weeks pregnant. I’m not working out like I was pre-pregnancy, but still hitting the gym 3-4 times a week and walking the other days. I had a hard time scaling back my workouts at first. Since feeling the little man flip and kick so much I realized my number one goal of pregnancy workouts is to do something good for me and him! Even if my workout for the day is only a walk, at least I am out there doing something!
Every mile matters to me because I am a new mom and my runs are some of the only time I truly get to myself. I appreciate running in a whole new way now!
I work 12-15 hour shifts at the hospital, and though most of those hours are spent on my feet, at the end of each work day there is nothing I want more than to go outside for a run. It’s an opportunity for me to de-stress and to enjoy the much needed sunlight and fresh air. My feet may be tired and sore after work, but the moment I get outdoors, I being to feel light, refreshed, energized. Those endorphins are a truly incredible thing, aren’t they?! 🙂
…Every mile matters because it brings me closer to feeling balanced and truly alive.
Every mile matters to me because it reminds me of how truly fortunate I am to have a body that allows me to run. We can’t take the little things for granted in life.
Fitness is important to me. This year I recently started crossfit and I love it! Prior to crossfit, running was so hard for me. As I have built up my endurance and my confidence and my running has improved. Every mile counts as a reminder that I have worked my butt off to be in the shape that I am in today!
Every mile matters for me because running keeps me grounded in who i am and what i am capable of accomplishing. First, just running 3 miles seemed like an insurmountable hurdle, until I ran around the rose bowl. Then after a few months of running 3 miles, i never thought I could run more than that…until i of course ran 6…then a 10K, and then lastly, a marathon. Running teaches me to believe that nothing is out of reach and that if you can just get through those last few miles, you can get through anything.
Running also gives me time to clear my mind, be alone in my thoughts and let those thoughts fall right out of my head. Being so constantly stimulated by music, the internet, family and what-not, it is so refreshing to go out for a run and to concentrate only on the sound of your breath and the scenery. Running puts me in touch with my body and mind, so every mile matters in making me, me.
Every mile matters because it reminds me of the importance of having a fit and healthy body. I am grateful to be able to run each and every mile.
I am inspired to go the extra mile because I am surpassing my fitness goals and want to see how far I can keep pushing! Thank you for the inspiration!!
Oh boy – every mile matters to me… for so many reasons. I find that a mile can bring a pleasant release to my world after a long day. A mile can be a huge success for high school runners I coach. A mile represents my overall health…I can do it 🙂 I tend to run further than a mile, yet that first mile is symbolic. If you get through it, the rest seems to be more like a joyful cruise!
Every mile matters because I no longer take my body, my ability, my endurance for granted. As every mile passes, I reflect on the injuries my legs have battled and overcome and the strength I have gained. And I’m proud and so thankful!
Every mile matters because every little bit is a success! I have to tell myself, “just put one foot in front of the other and KEEP GOING!” I don’t love running, but I feel so good when I’m done:)
Every mile every step reminds me how wonderful and healthy I am. I have made myself strong and I’m proud to be able to do the things I want to do.
Every mile matters to me because running is a therapy to me. Running makes me feel free and strong and capable – even if im not very good at it. It is also something my husband LOVES and it is a great way for us to bond and talk and just enjoy each other’s company. One of my greatest accomplishments was finishing a half marathon and I hope to run one again in the future as well as a marathon! 🙂
Every mile matters. Six years ago I couldn’t run more than 5 minutes, let alone a mile. Then one day I decided to make me and my health a priority. So I started on a treadmill and told myself every day I would add a minute. And every day I did. Fast forward to today and I am a Boston qualifying runner. Every mile matters, every minute you keep going matters. I have to add, I love and am inspired by your blog!
I just started running this summer and I can tell you that every miles i’ve done since I started is the only thing that can motivate me to go further with this lifestyle. To me, every miles count and it’s like an achievement of the goals that i’ve put to my list and when I go further I know that i’m closer to where I want to be. On september 23rd, i’ll be doing my first 10km and next year I will be doing my first half-marathon. Running is not just a challenge it’s how it makes me feel after the run: GREAT! A little mile goes a long way…
Every mile makes me feel stronger! I love the feeling of accomplishment I get from completing the goals I’ve set for myself!
Every mile matters to me because I hurt my back really badly a couple years ago and couldn’t run for a long time. Now whenever I run, I feel lucky to be healthy enough to do so.
Every mile is significant to my strength and perseverance. The feeling of hitting one more mile than the previous one is such an amazing feeling. I always feel so much stronger and accomplished. I don’t get that feeling with any other sport other than running!
Every mile matters to me because I am so NOT a runner so when I push myself to actually run it’s kinda a big deal lol. Plus I really want to get motivated to do it more.
For me, every mile matters because it is concrete proof of my hard work and perseverance. Running does not come easily to me at all, but it is so rewarding to cut minutes off of my time or add an extra mile and say to myself, “I would not have been able to do that a week (2 weeks, 3 weeks, etc.) ago.” It’s a constant challenge and sometimes I want to give up entirely, but I’m always glad I did it after I have finished!
Every mile counts to me because it clears my head. I can have a crazy day, with a million things happening, and not sure how I will begin to tackle them. When I first start to run, my mind keeps trying to think about all the little details, but eventually the run takes over and I can’t focus on any particular thought. I just enjoy the run. After it’s over, I feel refreshed (but pretty sweaty) – and surprisingly, I’ve often found a new way to solve whatever issues I had before.
Every mile matters to me because running reminds me that I can overcome anything I set my mind to as long as I give it time and patience. I’m now running a half-marathon training plan at the insistence of my friend who has run 6 marathons and got engaged at the last one. So far, it’s a blast and proof that my body can run if I just give it time to adjust and accept the good days with the bad days.
Every mile matters to me because I see my whole life when I run. I started running a lot more recently because I’m getting married in November. I want to be in the best shape of my life when the love of my life sees me walk down that isle. When I run I go back to those times growing up. I think about my patents love for one another, how they raised me, lessons they taught me, memories with my sisters. Then I envision my wedding day and my fiancé becoming my husband, and how we can raise our family. I guess what I’m trying to say is running us my outlet, my time to think back and set goals, time to envision the “big day” and time to myself. The more miles, the more I have time to think for the future!
Every mile counts because…”no hurt, no mini skirt!” Running keeps me focused on my fitness/health goals. I used to be overweight and running proved to be the key to weightloss for me. Now it’s not about weightloss but maintaining a healthy lifestyle…and the mini skirts are just a perk 😉
Every time I lace up my shoes and head out for a run, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I feel thankful for my health, for having a hobby that keeps me more balanced, for making me feel powerful, and for giving me peace of mind. I am thankful to have seen many new places when I go on vacation and to often gain new perspective on a run I have done a thousand times. Every time I tack on the miles, I know I will 99% of the time feel better than when I started.
Every mile matters because I’m coming back from an injury that’s taken me out of running for 4+ months… 2 miles never felt so long!
Every mile matters to me because after an injury, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to run like I used to. I still can’t do marathons, but I have put my energy into triathlon training instead. I am grateful for every run I have these days.
Every mile matters and I have learned to be grateful for each mile I am able to complete. As someone who struggled with an injury and is now back and running healthily again, I find that I have a mantra during my runs to “be thankful” that I am able to currently run the mile I am in. It gets me through every run, no matter the mileage!
I count every single mile and log it. One of these days, I AM going to do a marathon, and every mile adds up to get me to the point where I can do it.