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 with each mile I feel a little bit stronger, a little bit tougher and much more proud of each step it takes to reach my goal.
Every mile matters because it’s not your time that matters, its how you feel when your feet hit the pavement and the sound of each breath, whether its uphill or into the wind. Every mile means you are that much more determined and stronger. It doesn’t matter if you do 1 5 or 13 miles, what matters is how you feel at the end and what you’ve just accomplished. I would absolutely love the garmin as I’ve needed an extra “push” in the training I’m doing for a half marathon mid October. This would help me get out for those runs where I just don’t feel like it but know I should because running is honestly the best feeling ever!
Every mile matters because it is proof I can do even the things I think I can’t. For a long time I despised running and would avoid it at all costs. Then a friend had me go running with her and something clicked. After recently doing my first 5k, I look forward to training for a 10k and then a half marathon at some point. Every mile gives a renewed sense of accomplishment…plus a short period of time to feel totally care-free!
Every mile allows me to relax more, enjoy life more, and take a sense of pride in what I can do. I set big goals for myself, but I set out to ACCOMPLISH them.
What a great lesson for your daughter to learn. 🙂 Every mile matters is so important in any aspect of life. It could literally be pushing yourself to run an additional block to reach the distance you haven’t been able to before. It could be studying an extra night before an exam. It could be adding more whole foods into your diet as a part of your lifestyle change, every bite adds up (for better or worse). I think it comes down to not proving things to others, but to yourself. We’re all so much stronger at the core than we let ourselves believe. I think once you realize that you are worth reaching your potential, the sky is the limit. 🙂
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.
Because no matter how hard it was when i started and how much i didn’t think i would even finish, with every mile i realize that i can and i will. It is so motivating that I usually even end up running for longer and faster! Also the more miles, the more endorphins ! 🙂
Every mile matters to me because running used to terrify me. I did everything I could to avoid running the dreaded mile in P.E. I knew I would be one of the last kids to finish and the thought of all my classmates waiting and watching me finish red-faced and out of breath was heartbreaking.
It wasn’t until I turned 25 that I finally decided to turn my life around. Come hell or high water I was going to run. I remember tearing up the first time I ran a mile. Just two years later I completed my first half-marathon. I’m signed up to run another half this coming October. But the funny part is, I still get nervous before a run. Even if it’s a run/distance I’ve done a million times before. Because I will still always be that scared girl who doesn’t want to let herself down.
Every mile matters to me because it’s my way of honoring that girl. It’s my way of honoring all the people scared of looking silly, even though they’re trying to better themselves. Every mile matters to me because it’s my way of telling the negative voice in my head to shut the hell up, because I have 6 miles on the schedule today.
🙂
Every mile that I run is a step towards more self-discipline (which, unfortunately, is tough for me). I tend to stick with things that are easy for me, instead of really branching out and going for some tough goals. I would love to have a new Garmin!
Every mile matters b/c I feel so good after and know how healthy it makes me!
Great job on finishing your 10K! 🙂
Every mile matters to me because I know that with every mile I finish, I am setting a good example for my 4 nieces and 1 nephew. I want them to know that if they’re aunt is able to complete half marathons, they can do it too or anything else they set their minds to. 🙂 I always love when they say they want to go run with me whenever I have my running gear on.
More than every mile, every step matters. Life can get you down and kick you in the butt sometimes, but you just have to pick yourself back up and focus on the good things. I used to struggle with disordered eating habits for a long time, and just used running as a fast way to burn calories. “Every mile matters” perfectly expresses a healthy lifestyle and healthy attitude change/way of thinking about exercise. You should focus on and feel each breath, each step, and each mile of your run, not just think about the end product. It’s the experiences that shape your life, and each mile within those experiences is important.
It matters because whatever you put your mind
To it can be accomplished. Don’t give up, it is something
For me , no comparisons, just determination and hard work.
So worth it.
Like you said every mile counts for that sense of accomplishment! It’s fun to surprise yourself sometimes! 🙂
Every mile matters to me because every day I feel so lucky to run. I have been a runner since high school and always took it for granted as “my thing”, until about 4 years ago. Because of a chronic digestive disease that reared it’s ugly head I was on a liquid diet for 2 years and underwent two major surgeries. During a 6 month recovery (and a feeding tube- yuck!) I resoled to start running again. Since then I have run 3 marathons and each day I get to run I know is a gift!
“The day will come when I can not go out for a run. TODAY is not that day!”
Every mile matters to me because when I record my estimated mileage for the day’s activities, I have something that makes me proud of myself and the capabilities my body can exceed everyday 🙂
I would love to have a forerunner! I have always wanted one, but have not had the money to invest in one! (broke high school girl problems)
Every mile matters because I don’t want to have any regrets!
Interesting thought, particularly for 3.30am here in th UK 🙂
Why does ‘Every Mile Matter’ for me? On the surface/immediate answer is to overcome both physical & mental health difficulties that have struck me over the last year but I wouldn’t say that’s my answer.
I’d say it because each matters because I’m literally moving forward towards those few and far between moments when you turn round and realise “Wow look what I just did… BO YEAH I’M AWESOME!”.
Might be that moment of awesomeness that makes the way back seem that little bit easier.. even if the proverbial ‘Mile 3’ rock seems to take forever to turn up (it’s normally that point I realise I’m lost… I may be awesome but still need to work on my sense of direction – hello humble pie!/macaroons?)
Have a good week! X
Every mile counts because it keeps me sane! It also has shown me that if I put the time and effort into something I can accomplish a lot. I never was much an athlete growing up but have now ran over 20 half marathons, theGoofy challenge and will be running Marine Corps Marathon next month. I have even placed 3rd in my age group.
I also love seeing my daughter fall in love with running.
Every mile helps bring a new respect for my body, my willpower, my mental toughness, and my happiness!
Every mile matters because it keeps my sanity! My body just loves the endorphins and my brain takes a little chill pill and relaxes during a run.
I am a new runner so every mile feels like a small personal victory. Each new run brings a new challenge and a new sense of accomplishment upon completion
Every mile matters to me bc I just had my third baby. I want to set a good example for them as every person in my family in obese. I am the only one and “average” size. I feel like every mile sets that example for them for health and fitness.
Every mile matters in setting an example for my patients. As a doctor I can’t tell patients they need to exercise and eat a healthy diet if I’m not doing it.
Every mile matters to me right now because I am trying to qualify for Boston. But in life, every mile matters to me because it helps solidify my healthy lifestyle and trying to become a better me each and every day!
Every mile matters to me because when my Dad passed away, I promised I would keep my body healthy and live everyday because I still could. Running is very hard for me and definitely not my best activity, but I’m trying to get better at it since its a workout I can take anywhere with me!
Every mile matters to me because it means that anything is possible – I just recently finished the couch to 5k program and cannot believe I made it through – crazy to say! It IS possible – even for those who despise running (ME). The first couple weeks I was horrified to see that I’d have to run 3 minutes IN A ROW (what?!) and now after running over 20 minutes straight – WHOA. Every mile really does count. For yourself, for your health, for your future, for your family, for your inner peace – every mile is one step closer to feeling complete and proud of who you are becoming.
Thanks for the post – such an encouragement and love tuning in daily!
Every mile matters to me because as a mom to two little ones (2 yr old and 4 month old), I never know how many miles I’ll get to run before I’m called back home! So I try to get in whatever I can, whenever I can.
Every mile matters, because every mile is an accomplishment! Something begun, something finished.
Every mile matters because it’s a mental battle for me every time I run. It’s the same mental battle as yoga (and childbirth, and life in general!) I have to remind myself that it will pass, soon things will be different, and my ideas about now will change. Every mile matters because I can do it, so I should!
Every mile matters to me in that I know that my body can do amazing things and by pushing myself, I do things I would have never thought possible. This past year I didn’t take care of my body like I should have but now things are better and I’m making the time to work out and cook healthy meals instead of cheating myself.
Every mile matters because running reminds me of the amazing things my body can do. I work with seriously injured patients whose bodies are betraying them, where relearning how to feed yourself, sit up on your own, and walk can take weeks to months or years and are accomplishments harder than finishing a marathon. The human spirit is incredible, and despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles and challenges these people and their families never give up. I run because I love to, to chat with a friend,to enjoy a beautiful day, to stay healthy, stay sane, and challenge myself to push farther than I thought possible. But most of all, I run because I am reminded daily of how lucky I am to have the abilities that I do. How could I not take advantage of that?
I just picked up running and am training for my first 5k in less than 2 months. I’ve just finished being able to run a slow, but steady mile! I think that this has made me so much stronger mentally and I can’t wait to cross the finish line in November.
Good luck!! I did my first 5k in April and I was the last to finish. But I finished! Just keep going at the pace that’s right for you and you’ll be great!
Every mile counts because it allows me to carve out a time to step away from my busy schedule and focus on my day, my future goals and my health. I believe that even these small periods of time allow me to be a better friend and loved one.
Every mile matters to me because it allows me to completely destress and rejuvenate without much planning ahead. Running is the simplest form of exercise and I can do it absolutely anywhere! No heavy duty equipment needed, just the open air.
Every mile matters because I just started running. I don’t run long about 3-4 miles at a time and i am amazed I can run that long every time. I always feel amazing after a run and that’s what makes me keep going too.
Every mile matters because it is helps me be a better me. When I run I am happier, I know I’m accomplishing goals and making myself stronger. I know I’m setting a good example of fitness and health for my daughter. I know that when I run I have time to be alone and recharge from the stresses of life, its my time to escape and it gives me the energy to be a wife and mom.
Every mile matters because with each mile I reclaim my health that little bit more. I’ve lost over 50kgs (110lbs) so far, and counting!! What I remember with each workout is – “I don’t have to be great to start, but I have to start to be great!”
Every mile matters to me because I am a busy grad student and love winding down on the treadmill or in the park after a tough day of classes…but I don’t have a lot of time to do so!! I feel so accomplished when I get a good run in 🙂
For a good portion of my life, I sedentary. I wasn’t interested in moving my body or working hard. Then one day, it sort of clicked. I wanted to be healthier, I wanted to get up and move. For me, every mile is about that change, the person I want to be rather than the person I had been for so long.
every mile matters to me because running does not come naturally to me. it is something that i really have to push myself to do. i ran a half marathon this summer and it’s something i never thought i could do!!
oh, and is it sad i am entering this giveaway 80% for the macaroons and 20% for the garmin??? 😉
Oh running. It isn’t running every mile that matters to me. It’s running every minute! I’m still a newbie– started in January. When I started I could barely run 20 seconds. Every additional 10 seconds was such a major achievement to me and I am so lucky to have fabulous people around me that cheer me on for every small accomplishment. I ran my first 5k in April and showed the biggest naysayer that I could do it. That biggest naysayer was me. Now I am in the middle of training for my first 10k– The Runner’s World magazine 10k in October. I use the couch to 5k and 10k app which focuses on time intervals and not mileage but I can say I’m run/walking 5 miles now! 😀 And I never thought I’d see the day where I enjoyed running. I’m smiling like a fool just writing this and sometimes thinking of my tiny little accomplishments makes me tear up a little. I was a dancer my whole life, not an sporty-athlete, so I’m darn proud of myself!
Every mile matters because it shows me what I’m capable of, even if I didn’t think I was capable of completing it. Running hasn’t always been a challenge for me [I was a soccer player so we ran all the time] but lately I’ve been focusing more on strength training and I’ve picked up zumba as a hobby! Now runs seem like more of a challenge, but I love a good challenge. In training for races in the past, I know how you have to steadily add on miles to get to your goal, so that’s where I am now.. building up my mileage for a half marathon in November. Though while running I feel like I can’t go on anymore, I love to push myself, so I celebrate the little victories of each mile! 🙂
Every mile matters because that is a mile stronger than I was before.
Every mile matters to me because I NEVER thought I would be able to run more than 5 minutes at a time. Now I have run up to 5 miles without stopping and I still feel proud of myself for sticking it out with something that was initially so difficult.
Great job!
Every mile matters to me because I’m thankful that I am able to run. I think about others who are unable to due to disabilities etc. and feel blessed that I am healthy. I also agree with you about setting an example for your child. I’ve been running with my little guy since he was just 6 weeks old and he loves it! I can’t wait until he can start running along with me 🙂
Every mile matters because it brings me one step closer to my ultimate goal: living a healthy and happy life. “A journey of a 1000 miles begins with a single footstep”; a motto near and dear to my heart. I am not yet a wife or mother, but I am in my FINAL year of dental school…a journey I set out on nearly 8 years ago (at the U of A-Beardown!). Keeping fit along the way has helped me maintain balance and health, both physically and mentally!
Every mile matters to me because I never, ever thought I’d be able to run even one. In high school, I was the girl that walked the required mile in 19:50 (when 20:00 was failing!) and even though I work out regularly, was convinced I would never be able run. Luckily, I have awesome friends who have helped motivate me and I’ve found the mental and physical strength to challenge myself in the past few years. I’ve been drooling over the new Forerunner 10 because I have been dying to get a Garmin because I’d love to know my pace outdoors to challenge myself, but I haven’t been able to afford one yet so this is my dream giveaway!
Your reasons are so similar to mine, Gina. I started running for myriad reasons: I wanted to lose weight. I wanted to impress a guy (who I ended up marrying). I wanted to challenge myself. Running still helps me do all those things, and soon, it will help me set an example of health and determination for my children (which we’re going to start trying for this month). Running is not easy — it never has been — but every mile, every race, every personal best (and worst) carries a lesson in patience, determination and willpower.
You are setting a fabulous example for Liv in so much of what you do; she is a lucky girl. 🙂
Running is my therapy, my escape, & my nemesis 😉 every time I hit a mile mark, I get a shot of adrenaline & I feel empowered! And of course I love the moment when I walk thru the front door & my 4yr old daughter screams ”you did it, mommy!!!” 🙂