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 for the longest time I was too embarrassed to run. I used to feel that people were laughing at me getting red, sweaty and out of breath.Now I just do it anyway and if people want to judge that’s their problem… at least I’m doing it! Every mile I run is proof that I’m accepting myself the way that I am and not letting my insecurities hold me back 🙂 For me personally, that’s a bigger achievement than actually running lol
Every mile matters because every mile gives you confidence to work toward your goals in every aspect of life, not just fitness.
Every mile matters to me because every time I run I am reminded how far I’ve come – both in miles and in major strides in my health. 5 years ago I would never have dreamed that running could take me as far as it has – running has shown me that I am limitless!
Every mile matters to me because I know how lucky I am to be able to run. I know I won’t be able to run forever, so I’ve got to make every mile count!
Every mile matters to me because it shows me I have the strength to keep pushing and overcome adversity. After a family member passed away it was really tough…I set out to run a half marathon and kept him in my mind the whole race…I ran to make him proud and show the world I was strong! I also used to absolutely hate running until my husband encouraged me, I was always active but running was such a chore. Once I realized I wasn’t going to pass out after walk/running a 5k I kept pushing myself more and more each day..feels so good to crush goals you set for yourself! PS love your blog!
Why every mile matters to me? I guess my answer to that one is a little sad. I’m fairly new to running ( I just had a baby so my running plans have been put on hold for now.) But my brother recently got sick with cancer, and when he was going through chemo I promised him that I would run as hard as I could, for him, if he worked as hard as he could to beat his disease for me. He’s been in remission for over a year now but every time I run I am reminded of the promise I made him and it always encourages me to do my best. With every mile I ran, Charlie got just a little bit better, and for his health, I’d run around the world. Every mile matters to me because it represents all of my brother’s hard work to get his life back.
Every mile matters to me because running is a lot like life. Every minute you put in to life you can be going somewhere. The same with running every mile you put in you’re going somewhere whether it’s a PR goal or just making healthy decisions one step at a time. When life gets hard you can’t just quit if you want to continue moving forward. Running pushes me to not be a quitter! I’ve just had a baby and am waiting for the all clear to get back out there, so the forerunner would be an awesome start to my post baby workouts!
Every mile matters to me because running helped me overcome a huge obstacle in my life. It’s a form of meditation that I crave now and races are just icing on the cake!>
Every mile matters because running keeps me sane! I need that time to myself to clear my mind and feel at ease. And, once October comes, every mile will matter even more because I start training for my first marathon!! Ahhhh! This Garmin would be awesome to help me to train 🙂
Every mile matters to me because I am finally trying to love myself enough to become healthy for good. I am trying very hard to be able to run an entire 5k without stopping, which probably seems like a joke if a distance to many people, but a huge goal for myself. Here’s to winning, but at the end if every mile, walking or jogging, I have to tell myself I am already a winner.
Every mile matters because each one is a confidence booster and makes me believe in myself and how much is possible with a little sweat and hard work. It wasn’t that long ago that I conquered my first mile of running without stopping (even in grade school gym class, I couldn’t do it without walk breaks– so embarrassing). Even though it’s such a small accomplishment, I still felt proud of that mile, and I’d like to keep pushing myself and getting better.
I started running just under a year ago. It wasn’t for the usual “to clear my head” or “better my physical health” reasons though. I just wanted a fast way to get “skinny”. Because of that, I ran too fast for too long and too frequently. All on too little food… Running became a dangerous hobby of mine. But I soon backed off because of time restraints. And then I got really sick. I couldn’t jog for more than 3 minutes before feeling light headed and ill. The sickness got worse, in all aspects of my life, and running wasn’t even an option any longer. BUT! Within the last month my treatments have gotten a lot clearer and more comprehensive and my doctor and I have this thing on the run! And speaking of running, guess who’s back at it?! THIS GIRL! Every mile matters to me because I now understand what an incredible gift my health is and I should never take advantage of that. Exercise, of any kind, should never be an abuse that I put my body through. It is an opportunity for me to honor my strength, applaud my new found endurance, and pursue a deeper health. One that is both medical, and psychological. I run because I can. And that’s extraordinary!
Running is the one thing I do solely for me. With 2 kids, work, and hubby, every mile I run shows I’m not forgetting about me.
I love this response!!!
Every mile matters to me because it makes me feel amazing. I don’t care much about how much I run, I just care that I do run and that my body allows me to be active. Activity, the heartbeat, ”me time” to clear my head and seeing progress are the best.
I just ran my first mile in four years two weeks ago! Today I ran two miles!! I wish I could say it was easy but it wasn’t — running when you weigh over 200lbs hurts, trust me! Nevertheless, I’m proud of the two miles I ran today and the satisfaction is driving me to continue. I had three babies in 4 years, my youngest son is severely disabled, and I’m a military spouse who has moved 7 times in 4 years and understands the word deployment a little too well. I was too involved with keeping my family above water that I let myself drown (mentally and physically). I’m determined to run a 10k again, determined to loose the 60-70lbs I gained the last three years, and determined to feel good about myself again. Every mile matters to me because it reminds me that life is hard but with a positive mind you can overcome the challenges and be happy about yourself.
I signed up for a marathon on a whim and joined a running club in hopes that I would stick to a training plan and not completely wuss out. Not only did I not wuss out, but I made learned a healthier way of life while making lifelong friends! I make every mile count by completely letting the moment take over while running. I don’t use headphones so I can hear the sounds of the waves and take in the scenery around me. I would love to have a garmin to take my training to the next level! I haven’t signed up for another marathon yet…but I think I’m starting to get the itch again 🙂
I love running! But it always seems so hard, it’s always a challenge that I enjoy facing. Every mile matters when you’re training, all the good ones and all the ugly ones. What determines your success is how you handle running after an ugly run. If all runs were good more people would run. It all amounts to something bigger.
Running matters to me because when I was growing up, I never did anything athletic or challenged myself physically. As an adult, I finally gave running a try. It’s still hard, but I’ve managed to complete many half-marathons and one full marathon… slowly but surely. I started a daily running streak in 2009, and have run at least a mile every day since. Those miles matter because it would be SO easy to just do nothing instead, but every day I make that effort to at least get out and do a mile. I’m now five months pregnant, so I don’t know what the future will hold for my streak, but I’ll do these miles for as long as I can. 🙂
Every mile matters to me because it gives me something to be proud of. All throughout school I was never one for team sports. Running gave me confidence because it was something I was good at. It’s also great stress relief! I arrived in Scotland to study abroad a few days ago and some things have gone wrong that have made my experience here so far less than pleasant. After a run through the beautiful countryside this morning, I realized how lucky I am to be here and I’m ready for a fresh start! 🙂
It’s all about overcoming your brain telling you to stop. Every mile makes you stronger!
Not only does every mile count for me, but also every step. Every step I take brings me closer to that next mileage goal. What an amazing feeling crossing the finish line at my first 5K. That’s when I know that every mile I trained mattered and helped so much in my accomplishment!
Running is a large part of my life. I have always been a runner since I was a little kid. My dad ran 5Ks and signed my sister and I up for a half mile race. My sister beat me :/ (like she usually still does) My sister and I ran track together in high school, and actually ran in the same relay. We still hold the record for the fastest 4 by 800 meter relay. We continue to run 5ks and now half marathons. It means a lot to share something with my sister, especially something so healthy. We’ve included her daughter in our training as well. I love that we set such a good example for my niece. I know she will grow up to be a fitnessista like her mother and I.
I’m an asthmatic and never thought I’d be able to run without collapsing- cross country lessons at school pretty much put me off for life! Then a few months ago, I decided that I wasn’t going to let the asthma stop me and on Sunday I ran for 20minutes without stopping- a major milestone for me and every mile reminded me that with perseverance and determination anything is possible 🙂 My sister is the same and I hope that I can show her that her asthma needn’t hold her back from trying anything.
PS. Chocolate macaroons? Yes please!
I have a newborn (4 weeks today!) and every mile really will count as you know! This watch would be a great way to re-start running. I stopped before getting pregnant and am looking forward to starting again. Dj
I first started running 5 months ago, it was a Couch to 5k challenge and I encouraged my boyfriend to run with me. We held each other accountable on those days when we didn’t ‘feel like it’ and we ran anyway because neither one of us wanted to let the other down.
It was tough at first, at the end of those first few runs I felt like I needed to go puke behind a bush. But it got easier, as it does and now I love our runs together. I love the sound of my feet pounding against ground beneath me and as cheesy as it may sound, it makes me feel alive. So, in short, every mile matters to me because it reminds me of all that I am capable of when I don’t give up.
every mile matters cause i clean my head that way, get new ideas, appreciate my body more and also like you- give a good example to my little one…
I’ve always been super active and for the past 2 yrs, i’ve had a 1.5 hr drive to and from work everyday. So, it gets really tough to fit workouts in sometimes. My workouts and runs are a non negotiable for me bc our health is so important. Not to mention the mental benefits of a good run. I just feel so much better after a good run.
Every mile matters, because miles are the only numbers I use to judge myself. If I can bust out 3 miles today, then I know that I’m strong enough to bust out 3 miles. If I’m having an off day and hit a 2mile mark and can’t continue, big deal, its 2 more miles that I wanted to run 20 minutes earlier. Numbers on a scale can be manipulated, clothes sizes rarely tell the full picture, how can you deny that a 5 mile run is anything but 5 miles? And for me to have achieved it means I’m stronger that I was yesterday, but not as strong as I’ll be tomorrow.
As an asthmatic as a child, I was told that running could cause an attack so for years I hid away from running. Now, each mile proves that I am strong enough to control my health and my future without the need for drugs and exercise avoidance.
I run 75-100 miles/week, but I’m always proud of every mile I pound out. Lots of early mornings and hard work!
every mile matters to me because it means i’m gaining strength and keeping on top of my fitness goals!
Every mile matters to me because I’ve never, ever classified myself as a ‘runner’ or even as particularly sporty – so to see myself do distances (however small they may seem) is such a proud moment!
Every mile matters to me because it is a time I am dedicating to my own health and happiness. Running doesn’t come easy to me but it is a challenge and I know the more I work at it, the better I will be, just like the rest of life! Also, I have the 305 right now and I totally agree with you! Every time I look down at it, I have to laugh at myself since it reminds me of a cell phone from the 90s!
Every mile matters these days because I’m so busy that they’re hard to fit in to my schedule and a gift to myself to keep myself calm!
Every mile matters to me because it keeps me sane! I work though a lot during my morning runs and am able to face the day with a positive outlook.
Every mile matters because it makes me appreciate the fact I am able to run and it helps me feel stronger every time.
Every mile matters to me because all of them helps me recharge in order to be a better person towards myself and others.
Every mile matters to me because I am blessed with the gift of being mobile.
Plain and simple: every mile I run is a mile that will keep my body on a healthier path. I am determined to not follow in my parents’ footsteps (and I’ve heard those microscopic cancer cells hate us distance runners! 😉
Every mile matters to me because as a stay at home mom it is my chance to do something for myself that I’m proud of. I do a “long” run every Saturday and I look forward to it every week. Since having my daughter running and fitness has become a important part of my life. It helps give me my own identity while also showing my daughter how fun fitness can be.
I’ve really challenged myself this year. I am training for my 3rd half marathon (in a year). Each mile matter because I like seeing progress! Also, it let’s me know I am on track and doing my best to reach my goal!
There are two quotes that remind me that every mile matters: 1) You are a completely different person when you finish a long distance run than you were when you started. 2) Not all things that are good for you, feel good for you. But in the end, it all feels good no matter what!
Every mile matters to me becasue it means I have taken the time to focus on something that is of significance. My health and my family are the true things in life that make me happy. Running helps me keep that in perspective and remember that I shouldn’t stress about the little things.
Every mile counts for me, because at one point in my life I couldn’t run 10 feet much less three miles. I have since lost over 150 lbs and am getting healthier than ever. I now do at least one 5K a month and one long run a year. I never thought I would be at this point and am so excited with each mile that passes. Its a constant reminder of where I was and how I will never be that unhealthy again.
Growing up, I was never very active or athletic. I HATED running so bad, and I used to say that I could never run a 5k as I would much rather walk it, if I had to do it at all. Within the past uear, I have started to take on a healthier lifestyle, and I have learned how good running makes me feel! I can now say that I’m starting to fall in love with running! I’m currently planning to run my first 5k in a month, and I want to work my way up to a half marathon.
So, I would say that every mile matters to me because it is another mile that I used to think I could never do!
Every mile matters to me because we only have one life and I want mine to the best it can be. I’m so grateful that I have move and be physical. I don’t want to take that for granted.
Every mile matters to me because in high school the idea of running one mile was terrifying. The fact that I can run a lot more than that now is amazing to me!
When I was in elementary and junior high school, I was never confident in myself to go out for cross country or track. I would always look at the runners and think that I could never keep up with them, so why should I try? Now, as an adult, I love to push myself and gain confidence in every mile that I accomplish, no matter what the speed they are ran at. While I wish that the younger me would have tried out for those sports, it matters to me that I run now to make myself a happier, healthier person.
Every miles matters to me because it is a reminder of how far I have come! Three years ago I couldn’t even run a mile and my asthma was out of control. Today, I rarely need an inhaler and my “easy” runs are 5-6 miles. 🙂
Every mile matters because it reminds me how far I have come. I remember barely being able to run 1 mile, and now I am training for my third marathon!
I’m a runner and a yogi. Similar to my yoga practice, I dedicate each run
to someone. It makes the miles fly by. I’m training for a marathon and
this really helps during the long runs.