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 now that I’m a mom (my daughter will be 8 months next week), running
is my favorite form of “me” time and I like to make the most of it. Thanks for hosting the great giveaway!
Every mile matters to me because even though it can be a mental struggle, the feeling afterwards is more than worth it. Just like you want to teach Olivia, I feel the same way just in general. Life is hard, but it is worth it. Just like you have to push through every mile, you have to push through every hard time because in the end, all we all ever want is to be happy.
Thank you for this opportunity Gina! 🙂
Every mile counts for me because I have only been running seriously for a short time & I try to enjoy (or at least find something good) in every mile. I know I am lucky to be able to run & to live in such a wonderful city to run in (NYC!). I don’t want to take it for granted!
This makes me want to get up and run! Every mile counts for me because it makes me feel stronger. Even if its just a mile, I feel accomplished for getting out there!
Every mile matters to me because it’s another mile that I ran and proved to myself what I can do. Running isn’t easy for me but with every mile, every step, I feel a sense of pride and confidence.
every mile matters to me because I spent the first 22 years of my life not being able to run a mile (or half a mile…or a block…). i worked HARD to get myself running and really committing myself to it and pushing myself is one of the things ive done that im most proud of!
Every mile matters to me because I like setting and achieving my goals. Like you, running isn’t easy for me and setting mini-goals for myself helps me keep going!
As a new runner, just completing a mile is an accomplishment. After many years of hating to run and barely being able to run a few feet before screaming to stop, I have grown to enjoy running. I started out slowly and with a killer playlist – without those two things it wouldn’t have happened.
Every mile matters to me because each one helps me clear my head and gives me the opportunity to take some personal time to think about anything I want. I can reflect on a good day, forget about a bad day, brainstorm new ways to tackle a problem, or just sit back and enjoy how awesome it feels to be in motion. Running time = happy time 🙂
Every mile matters to me because I’m new to running and am improving all the time! I’ve just lost 20 pounds and have more to lose but am doing it and am looking forward to all the fall/winter races this year!
Every mile matters as my husband and I are simultaneously training for the NY marathon with twin 20 mo. old girls at home. Since we do a lot of tag team and rely on a lot of family for help, every mile means that much more. He has a Garmin, but I need my own for the days we have to split up (including the marathon itself- I don’t want to hold him back!)
Every mile matters to me for so many reasons. The biggets being that I was NEVER a runner and it was so unnatural for me. Now I crave it. Now that I’m running with my puppy it is about our bonding and having fun together 🙂 love it
Every mile matters to me because running is definitely not easy for me as well. I used to be so obsessed with making my times faster when running even though it was painful. Now I just run at a comfortable pace for however long I can, or want to, and I always feel great after! Every mile matters now because I actually enjoyed my time running instead of obsessing over numbers 🙂
Every mile counts because it took me such a long time to get here!! When i first took up running, the act of running itself was excruciating!! I have endometriosis and the running (or any cardio) really exacerbated my symptoms for whatever reason. I’d start off strong and then literally be in tears by the end from the pain. Slowly but surely though, I’ve gotten my body used to running, and add a little more distance every time. I’m proud for not letting this “disease” hold me back any longer.
Every mile I complete proves how strong I am : ) I am not a runner and usually am very self-conscious. Being able to run a long distance makes me proud of myself and my body for accomplishing it!
Every Mile matters because it is what I do for me. Each mile gives me time to spend with my thoughts and push myself. I never thought I would run over one mile, so running multiple miles still amazes me.
Every mile matters… When my training gets tough, I remind myself of those who cannot run. There are people in the hospital, without limbs, sick, or simply unmotivated. Every mile matters for them.
Every mile matters to me because two years ago I finally had enough with the eating disorder that was with me for many years and I set out one day to run. Running helped pull me out of my troubled past. Every mile reminds me to be thankful for what my body can do and how strong it really is.
Every mile matters to me because I enjoy sleeping in instead of getting up early to go to the gym before work. When I do manage to get myself out of bed, every mile I run is a VICTORY! 🙂
I’m not a great runner, I wouldn’t even say I am a good runner. I always wanted to be a great runner but I never reached the level that I felt great at running.
In high school I decided to start playing soccer, if I ran with a purpose then it would make it easier right?!I Years of soccer, and I still never felt I was a great runner. Back then I was good, but not great.
Finally, after years of not running I decided to get back into it. I signed up for my first 5k, which happens to be this upcoming Saturday!
For me, Every Mile Matters because it is one step closer to my goal. A lifetime goal of being a great runner! With training for this 5k, I feel like I am almost there!
P.S.- Every Mile Matters because somewhere out there is someone who can’t run. When my run starts getting hard and I want to quit or walk the rest of the way, I think about that person who only dreams of being able to run. I finish my run for them!
Every mile matters because running allows me to clear my mind like nothing else. I am not a natural runner at all, but the runner’s high I get from it makes any mile I struggle through worth it. 🙂
Every mile matters to me because without it I’d be insane. Pretty sure that’s not too much of an exaggeration. I teach middle school full-time and then come home to be a mother of a two year old and a six year old. That’s tough work, people! Without my miles I’d be grumpy, depressed, irritable, moody, more selfish (really! running helps me re-focus on my family when I return), and I’d turn to food to cope with these emotions.
Every mile matters to me because getting up off the couch, putting down the munchies and just getting out the door to run is a complete mental game against myself. I don’t tick off many miles in one long run anymore but I’m getting there and for me, at this time period in my life that is a huge accomplishment.
every mile matters because this summer I fell and really injured my elbow. I couldn’t do any activity without severe pain and I didn’t have insurance where I was. I had to suck it up essentially and now, after 6 weeks, it is finally back to mostly normal. today I took my first run and everything is sore except my elbow! but I am grateful for the soreness because it means I can take that step to regaining my fitness level again!
Every mile shows how far I have come. Day one…OMG a nightmare. Today, 3 miles is doable and now I am able to get back into the hills. Knowing how far in I go is important. I do not want to run out of energy which I need to get back. A watch would be amazing.
Every mile matters because it’s a mile hard-fought and won! Running is really challenging for me, too, especially after a knee injury. It’s been tough to see others (including my husband) get more involved in running as I’ve had to learn to love other forms of fitness, and getting back into it has been very slow and tough. But worth it!
Every mile counts for me because running is my alone, peaceful time. I also ran my first 5k last month and hope to start running longer distances!
Every mile matters to me because running definitely doesn’t come easily to me!!! I want so badly to be a runner, so I run…even when just logging some Elliptical time sounds more appealing. But after I’m done running, I always feel so great and accomplished! There’s nothing like it!!
Every mile matters to me because, even though I am not even close to being a “runner”, I’m running for the people who can’t. It’s easy to take physical activity for granted.
Every mile counts for me because running is my therapy, and lord knows I need both 😀
“Every mile matters” to me because each one is one that I thought I could never do. I was never a runner and, actually, hated it! However, once I started to enjoy it, I can’t imagine my life without it! Every mile is a triumph of a fitness roadblock I have overcome!
Every mile matters: You only get one chance to “just do it” -live your life! Although it has taken me 33 yrs, I am doing something now to make sure I will be there if/when I have kids, as my parents get older I can help them, and I will have experiences that I would have never experienced if I was just sitting at home. So, although I call it the “dreadmill” and sigh when the alarm goes off at 5am, I remember all of the little things and hit it!! (Also, for the shopping side of me, every mile matters because I am going to fit into some tall boots this season!) 🙂
Running has been a great outlet for me & stress reliever being a full time new mom while working full time in healthcare. Every mile counts for me not only on my running path but also my path through life. It is my goal to enjoy every moment whether it be difficult or pure fun, I want to live more in the moment & keep running on.
Running is important to me because it is a metaphor for so many other things in life. Things can seem so tough, like running the 10k or half, but it is just the accumulation of many small steps. And, once you achieve your goal in life or running there is no better feeling than to look back and say mission accomplished. 🙂 Thanks for your daily posts Gina I always look forward to them.. PS go for the half you got it!
I was always the kid in gym class that refused to run because I hated it….I’m not sure I ever passed those timed mile tests they gave us in elementary school. Fast forward to last year when I was 6 months into my weight loss road trip, and I got a wild hair to finally give it an honest adult effort…well for me running 1 mile still feels more difficult than doing 2 hours of Zumba, but I love that each mile I log, I’m proving myself wrong, that I can keep going when I didn’t think I could, and that there’s so many things I can do that I never thought I could, much less enjoy myself while doing them. My goal is to run a 10k (since I have managed a 5k) this year, and I’m slowly but surely building up my miles and eventually will start working on improving my time 🙂
Every mile matters because it’s not how far or fast you go, but that you get out there and try and in doing so make every moment count. I’m recovering from a lot of injuries, and though I was never a “runner” to start– just getting out there and running makes me a runner in my own right. Every mile matters because no matter how fast or slow I go, I’m moving in the right direction – toward a better me!
Every mile matters to me because I am a former marathoner who is 8 weeks postpartum and just got back into running (4 weeks ago). I’m a brand new mom, and every minute I’m running is SO hard not only because I am deconditioned, but also because it is time that is spent away from my newborn daughter. I know it’s important to take time for me, but it’s tough to be away from her, even for 30 mintues! So every mile that I’m away from her has to count!!! Thankfully, every time I run, it gets easier (physically). I hope that emotionally, it will get easier to be away from my daughter, because my maternity leave ends in 4 weeks 🙁
Every mile matters because when I get out there I’m telling myself I’m worth it and strong enough! 🙂
I recently broke my knee and an intrical part of my recovery has been building up my endurance through walking a little more every day. I hope that by the new year, I will be running again. Fingers crossed! Every mile counts bc I can track my progress and see the rewards of my miles:)
Every mile matters to me because I have made my health a priority. I am a newbie runner and since I have started running, a number of my friends have joined the running bandwagon. I want to continue to grow and run farther than before to show them what can happen when you put determination to it.
Every mile matters because it reminds me that no matter what my goal is, if I work hard enough at it, I can accomplish it! Since I’m not naturally a good runner, each mile I run is PROOF that I can concur anything (well, almost :-p ).
Every mile matters to me because it makes my heart stronger, which I hope means I can live a longer, healthier, and happier life with my hubby and three daughters.
The new Garmin is SO cute! And the lower price is a bonus too!
Every mile counts because I am grateful and thankful that I am able to run. So many people are not able to run, so I run for them. Whenever I am having a crappy day I try to count my blessings as I run, and remember that I am blessed with this great gift of running.
Every mile matters because each one is getting me closer to my goal of finishing a marathon!!
I would LOVE to have a garmin. I’ve never run a marathon (or a half-marathon) & one of my best friends wants me to sign up for a half marathon with her. This would be SO great to have for training!
Every mile matters to me because running is not easy for me. Even the shortest distances are a victory. I know a lot of it is a mental block, which is something I need to work on, but I would like to become a better runner with time. When I get down on myself or get discouraged, I remind myself that I am lucky to have the physical ability to run in the first place.
Every mile matters for me because it’s that much closer to getting to my goal! I’m training for a half in January-it’s my first one, and my goal is to just finish it without stopping!
Every mile matters to me because there was a point in time when I couldnt run more than a few steps without gasping for air. I’ve come a long way and want to set a good example for my daughter.
Every mile matters to me, because it is one more mile that I have crushed. Which makes coming home and drinking my morning coffee, that much sweeter.
I’m a senior in high school, and I have run for my school’s cross country team since I was 13. Every mile matters because the further you go, the better you become, physically and mentally. I stopped caring long ago about my times or what place I finished in; I started caring more about my physical well being. Between homework, piano, church, and all of life’s challenges, running has been the one thing that keeps me grounded and sane. Every mile matters–it makes each day a little easier. 🙂