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 it reminds me that I CAN run, and is a way to remember my loved ones that no longer can. I feel grateful being able to honor my body and my loved ones’ memories by running all over the country.
Every mile matters because it means that my baby will have a healthy & fit mom and dad. If I won I’d give this to my hubby – he deserves it more than anyone I know — he’s been a champion husband and coach these past 9 months, and any day now I just know he’s going to be the best labor coach that any pregnant mama could ask for. I think it’s important to support your partner, to not only keep your relationship healthy, but to set a loving example for your kids. He loves to bike and run, and as soon as I’m able to again, I’d love to get back out there with him!
Every mile matters to me because I’m so grateful to have the physical ability to do it! So many people are unable to run through disability, age or injury. I appreciate every mile I can chug along for. It can be painful, boring, tedious and just plain hard but it is a gift with so many health benefits.
Every mile to me means I have accomplished something. I love to run and let my mind escape from reality and to count my every blessings of a new run. I run for mental clarity (cheaper than therapy, haha), for health, and because I can!
Every mile counts because I went on vacation for three weeks and totally fell off completely with exercise. I too have been humbled by how little I can run now- despite running a marathon in may, I can barely get through three miles without stopping! But I am accepting what my body can do and appreciating where I am at right now with my fitness. I will never take it for granted again!
Every mile matters to me because at the end of the day I can at least say I got a run accomplished for the day. Some days just fly by and I can easily blow off working out. But on those crazy days that I do make it a priority I am proud to think that one more mile is that much closer to my goal and improving my heath(and losing that stubborn baby weight!). I am a daily reader of your blog and it inspires me each day to be conscious of my actions with eating and exercise.
Every mile matters to me because I always believed I couldn’t run. It was an excuse to stay out of shape , so when I grew tired of excuses I taught myself to run. One mile at a time I worked hard and eventually ran a half marathon- the proudest moment for me until the birth of my son. He’s 3 months old now and I want him to grow up never making excuses and never believing he’s incapable of something. You can do anything you want with determination.
Every mile matters because each is a step towards fitness. Each mile gives me more clarity and confidence. Each mile matters because when I’m finished I’ll feel so much better.
Every mile matters to me because when I set a goal and reach it I feel empowered! Running improves my physical and mental health. 🙂
I also ran a 10K this weekend. For me, running is committing to something and finishing it, no matter what happens along the way (like my knees absolutely killing me this weekend, they feel better now after a lot of roller exercises). I also love setting an example of fitness for my kids. They have seen mommy running since one was 1 and the other a baby, and love doing other things with me like yoga or push ups 🙂
Every mile matters to me because running does not come easy to me. It’s something that I have accepted but also want to overcome. I keep my runs short and take walking breaks but seeing the miles go by makes me feel good about myself. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
To me, every mile matters because running has been a therapeutic way for me to connect with my body and really understand how to listen to it. For years, I struggled with eating disorders, and it was easy to ignore my body’s needs and claim that I could control and decide what I did and didn’t need. Running has taught me so much about what amazing things I can do when I set a goal, how to properly fuel myself, and how to listen to my body. If it needs a break, it needs a break. On the other hand, when you’re taking care of yourself, you can push yourself to do things like go the extra mile when you feel like giving up. That little push really makes you feel like you accomplished something wonderful, and I love that exhilarating feeling. It inspires me to take care of myself so that I can do this for many more years to come!
Congratulations on your successful training run!!
Coming off my second running injury, every mile I’m able to finish pain free is something to celebrate. It feels pretty good to know I can challenge myself with each run and come out stronger than before I started, both mentally and physically. It’s also great to be able to have an activity where I can regularly set a goal and have a sense of control in how I accomplish it — life as a PhD student tends to be frustrating on that front!
Every mile matters to me because it means I’m getting stronger, both physically and mentally, and I will never take that for granted! Even if the run was tough (running isnt exactly something that comes naturally to me) I know my mind, soul, and heart thank me for every step taken forward. Running is a good metaphor for life – always move forward 🙂
Every mile matters. Because it means I made it. I pushed through. I worked through the mental and physical limitations I thought I had. It means that I can conquer what I put my mind to.
Every mile matters to me because it isn’t easy, but I’m committed and I know I can do it!
Every mile matters to me because a few years ago I used to take my health for granted, and now I realize I am lucky enough to even be able to run/walk/jog/etc and will never go back to the way I used to think again.
Every mile matters to me because sometimes a mile is all you can do. As a university student, it can be hard to find the motivation to get out and do something because of everything else I ‘should’ be doing…whether that’s reading, working, or running errands. I strive to remember that in between all of the busy-ness of life, I can squeeze in just one mile and instantly feel stronger, healthier, and more energetic!
I run to be FREE from all the pressures and demands of life. I run to find and be myself. I run because running has no limits – anyone can become a runner. The satisfaction I get from running is like no other and I’ve NEVER regretted a run. Every mile I run is another accomplishment, “milestone”, and opportunity for me to be in sync with not only my body but the Earth. I love it!
Every mile counts because just a few short months ago, I couldn’t even run a fourth of a mile. Now, I’m getting better and better every day that I run.
Since finishing all my past marathons and having to recover my body from being chronically injured, I now enjoy running for the pure pleasure of being able to move and sweat without the pressure of a PR or someone else’s idea of how I should run.
Every mile for me is a chance to prove to myself that I indeed can go further than the day before. It also shows me that my health is in MY hands, and no one else’s!
Every mile matters to me because it’s a measured triumph. A triumph over the mental roadblock against running, a triumph over my injuries, a triumph over anything holding me back.
Every mile matters to keep me feeling healthy and to calm my crazy dog!
Every mile matters to me because I have transformed my life through running! 1 year ago, I could not even run around a block without thinking I was a complete failure. I have now lost 30 pounds and have ran two half marathons!
I just had my first baby in June. I love running. Every mile counts because I run in gratitude for the blessings in my life. My health, my family and my baby. Sometimes I wish running were as easy as it used to be post baby but I remind myself to be thankful to just be running.
Hey Gina!
I’ve been a fan of your blog for a long time now and was inspired to comment by your response (and for a chance to win your macaroons) to why every mile matters. Every mile matters to me because of the ‘security’ I find in running/walking/fitness. While I am not a military wife (although hubby went to military college) I am a “corporate travelling wife”. We have lived in MD, NJ, SC, AZ, WI, SC (again) and latest pit-stop in OH. I have found that while the scenery can change, oddities of each region, being a newcomer looking to fit in, a fit active person will always have the security in how good it feels to finish a tough workout, and have the confidence that being fit brings. There will always be other fit-minded people like ourselves to meet and to learn from no matter where we live!
I have had three children in three different parts of the country and as they grow up and we move to our next destination I realize that some of our best memories are on our hikes/bike rides, or walks. There are lots of good memories created when being active together. As a mom I worry less about the next transition because I know that because by leading a good healthy and active lifestyle my kids will grow up knowing that fitness and all the good memories associated with being active together as a family will make them for more well rounded and healthy adults. Having fun while staying fit has helped keep my family a close knit one – even during the stressful move times. What else could a mom ask for?!
-I love your blog, keep up the good work!
Every mile matters to me because somewhere some kid, adult, or elderly person that does not have the ability to walk or run, would die to be able to do what I am blessed and capable of doing. I once ran a race that was in honor of a little girl who passed away from cancer and at every mile there was a picture of a cancer kid cheering us on, telling us we can do it! It sure made every mile feel like a breeze 🙂
Every mile matters because every mile I finish makes me a stronger person and stronger runner!
For me, every mile has helped me become more aware of my physical and mental ability. When one of those is impacted negatively it will show in my running performance. Of course physical pain will definitely mess with my run but I never knew how much the mental part could affect my run. Two years ago my mother passed away at 65 from Colon Cancer and 7 weeks after that my father had a fatal heart attack at 63, they were married 37 years and were my best friends. Looking back at my running logs during that time and after, I added 1 minute per mile. The stress of those events have slowed me physically, proving to me how bad stress is on your health. During my runs I think about my parents and the wonderful memories of them with my daughter and wish that we all had more time together. I am now training for my first marathon so there are many miles in my future.
I hate running, but I do it anyway. I think I do it and every mile counts because I work hard for every single mile! It has gotten easier over time, but I still have to push myself to get it done 🙂
Every mile matters because it gives me motivation to go another! Whether it is walking or jogging every mile counts to me (and the dog too 🙂 ).
Every mile matters to me because it’s a celebration of how far I’ve come not just in miles covered but in changing my life . I used to be much heavier, and very sedentary. I eat healthy and exercise now and every mile reminds me of how far I’ve come. I’ve want a Garmin for awhile now but was worried it would be hard to figure out. This new one looks perfect for me and I love the new style.
Running is hard for me too, but I love it so much. I started running in college (I completely *hated* it as a kid) and when I would start to get tired, I’d tell myself that this is the hardest thing I’d do all day–if I could just make it through this mile, the rest of the day would be a piece of cake, no matter what happened.
A decade and a few half marathons later, I still do this and it’s still true. Each mile is its own little challenge and once they’re all done, everything else is just that much easier.
Love the new layout, BTW! Looks fantastic!
Every mile counts cuz it makes me that much stronger and gets me that much closer to reaching my goal
Every mile matters to me because I’m doing something I never thought was possible. I got bad asthma at a young age and told myself I’d never be a “runner”. Well I gained 60lbs with my first pregnancy & was overweight 1 year post partum- I had a huge wakeup call about my health, so I started eating clean and decided I was gonna try running (free exercise, anyone?). I lost all the weight and some, and fell in love with running in the meantime. I’m not a huge runner–never ran a half marathon or anything like that (yet), but after each run I get this almost supernatural energy and self confidence that lets me know that ANYTHING is possible.
Every second of every mile I’m running I think of how lucky I am to even be able to run, let alone walk. I am overcome with gratitude during every run. No matter how fast I’m going, I am proud of every mile:)
Every mile matters to me because it’s my “me” time. I’m currently working 2 jobs and going to grad school, so my morning run is the only time I feel free!
Good job on your practice 5k, Gina!
Every mile matters to me be because it helps me push my inner critic out of the way and allows me to be proud of the things my mind and body can do.
Every mile matters to me because when time is precious EVERYTHING you accomplish is a big deal! Some days all I have time for is 2 quick miles and that MATTERS to me. Other days it is 10 miles (and that obvs matters too.) Pretty much I am trying to say that when it comes to physical activity every small bit counts! 🙂
Every mile matters to me because that victory leads to a bigger one. The small step of achieving a goal makes me know all the rest of them are possible.
every mile matters to me because running is not my strongest activity, but I love the challenge. Every mile I finish makes tackling this challenge that much sweeter 🙂
Every mile matters to me because becoming an accomplished runner is an important goal of mine, and every mile I run reminds me of how far I have come.
Every mile matters to me because running truly my “me time”, allowing me to destress, recharge and focus on my fitness well-being. When I am able to take care of myself then I feel I can be a better mother, wife, co-worker, daughter, sister, friend…etc. for those I love.
After a running a series of 1/2 marathons, this is the year I will run my first marathon. It will be more special b/c it will be w/my husband (my running buddy) and sister. Cheers to all the fab runners out there!
I’ve been struggling with my weight for 15 years, though I’m only 16 years old. Over and over I’ve started diets and exercise routines, trying to finally achieve a healthy and beautiful body. I get gear and groceries, only to fail and lose focus. I’ve been disappointing myself for years. With all that, every mile is so crucial, because it means I have not lost confidence and will no give up.
Every mile matters because it’s the only way anything in life can be accomplished. It’s how projects are completed, character is built, goals are met, and families come together. Diligence in the small steps along the way teach us the most important lessons about shaping our lives intentionally – focusing on the small is the only way to understand the bigger picture.
Every mile matters because not long ago I couldn’t even walk (brain injury in 2012), and now I can run! So I take the time to appreciate every single mile that I have worked so hard to complete. 🙂
I’m trying so hard to live in the moment and take each day, one at a time (a little piece of advice from an AA friend!). I’ve got 2 young boys, and I constantly have to remind myself to savor each moment, rather than always looking ahead and thinking of all our plans for the future! The baby stage is not easy, but then it’s over and you never get it back. Being completely present in each moment is something I have to work on, but I think it’s really important for my boys and for me.
In this way, every mile matters; every step matters. It’s important to enjoy each moment of your life, even those moments spent sweating and swearing and cursing the incline!
Every mile matters to me because for the last 10 years, running has been my therapist. Each mile has taught me to trust myself and that although there are a few things I can control in my life, my reaction to things will always be within my control. After I lost my father, running helped me cope with the emotions. Each mile reminded me of the times we would train for marathons in the park and how fortunate I was to have a positive role model growing up.
It’s so hard for me to get back into a running schedule once I take time off from it. So to me every mile counts in the sense that it helps me build endurance and stick to my fitness schedule!