Best Carb-Loading Restaurants in Austin

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Whether you’re prepping for the Austin Marathon’s full 26.2 miles or the energetic 5K, proper carb loading is crucial. Luckily, Austin boasts incredible dining options, from traditional Italian fare to hearty Tex-Mex favorites.

Here are Austin’s top spots to help fuel your race-day success:

1. Enoteca VespaioThe exterior of a building in Austin with a sign reading “Vespaio” in cursive and a round yellow bee logo above it. The brick-and-glass facade and awning mark this spot as one of the city’s standout carb-loading restaurants. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Neighborhood: Downtown/South Congress
Why We Love It: Chef Michael Fojtasek’s pasta haven serves house-made pappardelle Bolognese and authentic cacio e pepe, perfect for glycogen replenishment. Don’t skip the fresh focaccia!

Top Tip: Opt for a half portion the night before your training run, then double up before race day.

 

 

The entrance of Juliet Italian Kitchen in Austin features a large blue and white neon sign and hanging wicker lights, with "Juliet Arboretum" and a looping blue script text around the archway—a must-see among Austin restaurants. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K2. Juliet Italian Kitchen

Neighborhood: South Lamar
Why We Love It: Famous for its wood-fired pizzas with locally milled flour and slow-fermented dough. Try the Margherita or Funghi pizza to energize your run.

Top Tip: Enhance your carbs with protein and healthy fats by adding creamy burrata.

 

 

3. North ItaliaModern Austin restaurant interior with wooden tables set with wine glasses and napkins, brown chairs, exposed brick walls, and an open kitchen in the background—a well-lit spot perfect for carb-loading restaurants enthusiasts. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Neighborhood: Domain NORTHSIDE & The Arboretum
Why We Love It: Offers customizable pasta dishes ideal for managing carb intake. Favorites include butternut squash ravioli and freshly baked herb focaccia.

Top Tip: Use the “Build Your Own Pasta” to tailor your perfect pre-race meal.

 

 

4.Patrizi’sA cozy food stall in Austin, decorated with string lights and red curtains, is open at night. People gather outside, while colorful lights create a warm, inviting vibe—perfect for carb-loading restaurant lovers seeking late-night bites. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Neighborhood: Cherrywood
Why We Love It: Authentic Italian dishes served from a popular food truck location. Their handmade pasta dishes, such as Carbonara Alexandra and classic spaghetti with meatballs, offer perfect race-day fuel.

Top Tip: Visit early or order online to skip the lines at this beloved local spot.

 

 

A rooftop sign for "East Side Pies: Austin Style Pizza," one of the best Austin restaurants, features a yellow eye in a red triangle above a black and white building facade. Part of a yellow "PIZZA" sign is visible below. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K5. East Side Pies

Neighborhood: East Austin, South Austin, & North Loop
Why We Love It: Creative toppings meet New York-style crust. Try the “Spinach & Ricotta” pizza—nutrient-rich and ultra-carb-loaded.

Top Tip: Add an arugula salad to balance your meal with extra greens.

 

 

6. La TraviataThe exterior of a carb-loading restaurant in Austin features a sign reading "la traviata" and an awning labeled "Italian Kitchen" beneath a blue sky with clouds. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Neighborhood: South Congress
Why We Love It: Classic, comforting Italian dishes like lasagna and penne alla vodka make carb-loading enjoyable in a warm, family-style atmosphere.

Top Tip: Pair your pasta with a refreshing pitcher of sangria to enjoy hydration with flavor.

 

 

A green building with a metal roof houses Maudie’s Tex-Mex restaurant, a popular Austin spot for carb-loading. The front features a red neon sign, outdoor seating with tables and chairs, handicap parking spaces, and trees in the background. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K7. Maudie’s Tex-Mex

Neighborhood: Multiple Locations
Why We Love It: Flour tortillas, hearty enchiladas, and beans offer delicious Tex-Mex carb-loading options.

Top Tip: Choose chicken enchiladas with rice and beans for balanced macros and energy.

 

 

Carb-Loading Tips for Runners

Timing Matters

Begin carb-loading 2–3 days before your race while tapering your training intensity. Spread carbs evenly to avoid bloating.

Combine Carb Types

Mix simple carbs (white bread, pasta) with complex carbs (brown rice, whole-grain breads) for sustained energy.

Stay Hydrated

Carbs store water in muscles. Drink fluids throughout the day, adding electrolytes for optimal hydration.

Monitor Portions

Aim for 7–10 grams of carbs per kilogram of your body weight per day. For personalized advice, consult a sports dietitian.

Fuel your best race yet with these Austin carb-loading gems! Visit, enjoy, and share your favorite spots with us. Tag @AustinMarathon on Instagram for a chance to be featured on our Stories. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Where to Watch Live Music in Austin: Best Spots Before or After Your Run!

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Austin, Texas isn’t just famous for its vibrant running culture; it’s also celebrated as the Live Music Capital of the World. Whether you’re gearing up for the Austin Marathon, relaxing pre-race, or celebrating your finish line triumph, Austin offers countless venues to enjoy unforgettable live music experiences.

Here’s your guide to the best Austin music venues to check out during your marathon weekend:

🏟️ Legendary Austin Music Venues You Must VisitA man playing guitar and a woman singing perform on stage under red lighting, with a drum set and a "MOJO" sign in the background. Both appear deeply engaged—capturing the energy of live music Austin is famous for. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

1. The Continental Club (South Congress)

Experience Austin’s music history firsthand at this iconic venue, showcasing legends from Stevie Ray Vaughan to rising honky-tonk stars. The intimate setting is ideal for soaking up live music vibes post-race.

2. Antone’s Nightclub (Downtown)

Dubbed the “Home of the Blues,” Antone’s is a staple for Texas soul and blues enthusiasts. Celebrate your marathon achievement with smooth guitar riffs and classic Austin atmosphere.

3. Mohawk (Red River Cultural District)

Known for its eclectic lineup and rooftop ambiance, Mohawk hosts local indie acts and international bands. Perfect for runners craving vibrant energy and great music.

 

🎤 Local Favorites: Neighborhood Music Gems for RunnersA dimly lit bar, one of the best spots Austin offers, with people seated at tables watching a live band perform on a stage decorated with red lights and shiny curtains, creating a cozy, vibrant atmosphere. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

4. C-Boy’s Heart & Soul (South Congress)

This retro lounge pairs perfectly with a post-run brunch. Relax and recover with soul, funk, and R&B vibes in a charming two-story setting.

5. Radio Coffee & Beer (South Austin)

Combine your caffeine fix with live bluegrass tunes on the back patio. Ideal for marathoners looking to unwind with food trucks, beer, and coffee.

6. Hole in the Wall (University of Texas Campus)

Authentic and gritty, this iconic venue has launched many Austin musicians. Perfect for runners who appreciate unpretentious charm and great live music.

 

🥳 Top Picks for Celebrating Your Race FinishAn empty concert hall with rows of seats facing a large stage, illuminated by blue and purple stage lights—one of the best spots in Austin where to watch live music. Upper balconies and sound equipment are visible in the spacious, modern venue. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

7. ACL Live at The Moody Theater (Downtown)

Celebrate your race in style at this top-tier venue, hosting major acts in a premier setting. A memorable post-marathon treat!

8. Stubb’s Bar-B-Q & Waller Creek Amphitheater (Red River)

Enjoy Austin’s legendary BBQ paired with live music ranging from Sunday Gospel Brunch to rock concerts—a satisfying way to refuel and relax.

9. Hotel Vegas (East Austin)

Known for its gritty charm and unpredictable energy, this venue attracts the artsy East Austin crowd. End your marathon weekend on an unforgettable high note.

 

🎧 Austin Marathon Training Playlist Inspiration

Before you hit Austin’s streets, get inspired by local artists featured at these iconic venues. Add tracks from Gary Clark Jr., Shakey Graves, Black Pumas, and Jackie Venson to your running playlist and let the city’s vibrant musical spirit energize your run.

 

🎽 Music Meets Miles at the Austin Marathon

The Austin Marathon is not just a race—it’s a musical journey through one of America’s most vibrant cities. With bands performing along the route and a city-wide celebration, Austin’s live music provides the perfect soundtrack for your race day.

Share Your Austin Music Experience! Have a favorite music venue or moment from the Austin Marathon weekend? Tag us with your stories!

How to Run on Trails: A Beginner’s Guide to Trail Running in Austin

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Why Trail Running?

Imagine the sound of birds chirping, fresh air filling your lungs, and the soft earth beneath your feet. Transitioning from Austin Marathon’s bustling roads to the peaceful trails of Austin’s Greenbelt offers numerous benefits—building strength, enhancing balance, and keeping your running experience enjoyable and engaging.

1. Find Your Trail: Research Before You Run

  • Trail Types: Singletrack, fire roads, technical terrain—understanding these ensures you pick the riA person stands outdoors in front of a car, holding and looking at a large unfolded map that covers their face, with a blue sky and clouds in the background—like a beginner's guide to trail running adventure. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5Kght path.
  • Popular Trails in Austin: Barton Creek Greenbelt, Walnut Creek Park, McKinney Falls State Park.
  • Tools for Planning: Utilize trail apps such as AllTrails and Gaia GPS.
  • Trail Difficulty Ratings: What beginners should expect and how to choose accordingly.

2. Essential Trail Running Gear

  • Trail Running Shoes: Enhanced grip, durability, and protective features like rock plates.
  • Hydration Solutions: Hydration packs and handheld bottles—critical due to limited water access on trails.
  • Clothing: Lightweight, moisture-wicking layers, hats, sunglasses, and trail-specific socks.
  • Additional Gear: GPS watches, trekking poles, and insect repellent.

3. Trail Running Techniques: Move Smarter, Run SaferA person in blue athletic leggings sits on the ground outdoors in Austin, tying the orange and blue laces of a running shoe—a perfect scene for any beginner's guide to trail running, with leaves and dirt visible on the path. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

  • Shorter Strides: Maintain stability and control.
  • Trail Awareness: Scan 3–5 feet ahead to anticipate obstacles.
  • Effective Power Hiking: Utilize this skill on steep or technical sections.
  • Descending Tips: Lean forward slightly and maintain control to avoid injury.

4. Trail Etiquette: Respect and Enjoy the Outdoors

  • Yield Properly: Yield to uphill runners and hikers.
  • Community Spirit: Greet fellow trail users and foster community.
  • Enjoy Nature: Minimize noise—leave your music at home.
  • Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and respect wildlife habitats.

5. Safety on the Trails: Be PreparedA wooden post displays two brown signs: one with a white left-pointing arrow above another showing two hikers with backpacks, indicating the direction of a hiking trail in Austin. Green foliage is blurred in the background—a great spot for trail running. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

  • Communicate Your Plans: Inform someone of your running route and expected return.
  • Essential Items: Small first aid kit, maps, and portable chargers.
  • Check Conditions: Weather and trail conditions can change rapidly.
  • Running Safely: Limit nighttime trail runs, and if running after dark, always have a headlamp and a partner.

6. Building Trail Fitness: Transition from Road to Trail

  • Gradual Transition: Start with 1–2 trail runs per week mixed with your regular road mileage.
  • Adjust Expectations: Slower paces are typical; enjoy the change in scenery and surface.
  • Strength Adaptation: Allow your feet, ankles, and calves time to adapt, improving overall marathon performance.

7. Top Beginner-Friendly Trails in AustinA person wearing black shorts and red running shoes is trail running through a sunlit forest in Austin, stepping over exposed tree roots on a dirt path. The focus is on their legs and shoes—a perfect scene for a beginner's guide to trail running. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Conclusion: Embrace Trail Running in Austin

Trail running provides an exceptional opportunity to challenge yourself, connect with nature, and build resilience—essential traits for those tough miles in the Austin Marathon. Take your running off-road and experience why Austin’s trails are loved by the local running community.

How Many Calories Do You Burn While Running?

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Your Ultimate Guide to Calculating Energy Burn and Fueling Your Austin Marathon Training

 

Are You Really Burning As Many Calories As You Think?A hand holds a sheet of paper labeled "Calories," with one corner burning—flames consuming part of the text—symbolizing how a calories burn calculator tracks your progress. The background is a gray, tiled wall. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Did you know that a 10K run could torch up to 800 calories? But how much are you really burning when you hit the pavement for your next training run? Whether you’re aiming to fuel better, recover smarter, or crush your goals at the Austin Marathon, understanding how many calories you burn while running is the key to leveling up your performance.

Understanding Caloric Expenditure: The Basics

When you run, your body burns calories to fuel your muscles, regulate your temperature, and keep you moving. The total calorie burn depends on:
  • Your weight and body composition – the more you weigh, the more energy you burn.
  • Running speed – faster running increases your burn rate.
  • Duration and distance – longer runs burn more calories.
  • Terrain and conditions – hills, trails, and heat (hello, Austin!) can add to your energy cost.
  • Running efficiency – experienced runners may burn fewer calories per mile.

How Many Calories Do You Burn? Let’s Crunch the NumbersA person stands with one bare foot on a white bathroom scale, next to a blue exercise mat on a tiled floor, perhaps curious about the running calories or calories burned during their workout. The scale's dial is partially visible. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

 

Calories Burned Per Mile

A general rule of thumb: 100 calories per mile.
  • 120-pound runner: approximately 85 calories per mile
  • 180-pound runner: approximately 125-130 calories per mile
For a 10K (6.2 miles), expect to burn 500–800 calories depending on your weight and pace.

Calories Burned Per Hour

For a 155-pound runner:
  • 5 mph (12-minute mile): approximately 600 calories/hour
  • 6 mph (10-minute mile): approximately 700 calories/hour
  • 7.5 mph (8-minute mile): approximately 850 calories/hour

Using MET to Calculate Calories Burned While Running

Want a more accurate estimate? Use MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) values, which represent the energy cost of an activity.
Running Pace
MET Value
Light jogging (5.0 mph)
6 METs
Running (6.0 mph)
8 METs
Running (7.0 mph)
10 METs
Running (8.0 mph)
11.5 METs
Running (9.0 mph)
12.8 METs

 

How to calculate:
  1. Find the MET for your pace.
  2. Know your body weight in kilograms.
  3. Convert your run time into hours.
  4. Use this formula:
  5. Calories Burned = MET x Body Weight (kg) x Duration (hours)
Example: If you weigh 65 kg and run at 8.0 mph for 45 minutes (0.75 hours):
Calories Burned = 11.5 x 65 x 0.75 = 563.6 kcal
Remember, this is an estimate – actual burn can vary based on individual factors.

Using Fitness Trackers and AppsA woman in workout clothes checks her smartwatch at the gym. Digital graphs and circular stats show calories burned running, with percentages and data, plus multimedia control icons below. The background features blurred gym equipment. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Don’t feel like doing the math? Enter fitness trackers and running apps, which can estimate your calorie burn using distance, pace, heart rate, and body metrics. Here’s a breakdown of some top options runners use today, including the features that make them stand out:

Garmin Forerunner 965

  • Features: Advanced GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, VO2 max estimation, race predictor, and real-time calorie burn estimation.
  • Calorie Tracking: Calculates calorie burn based on heart rate, pace, and personal metrics for more precise results.
  • Why Runners Love It: Durable build, long battery life, and seamless integration with running platforms.

Fitbit Charge 6

  • Features: Continuous heart rate tracking, built-in GPS, Active Zone Minutes, sleep tracking, and calorie tracking.
  • Calorie Tracking: Estimates calories burned by combining heart rate, activity intensity, and duration, then syncs data to the Fitbit app.
  • Why Runners Love It: Lightweight design, all-day fitness tracking, and easy integration with smartphone apps.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

  • Features: Advanced GPS, dual-frequency for precise tracking, heart rate monitor, temperature sensing, and high-resolution display.
  • Calorie Tracking: Uses a combination of heart rate, motion sensors, and personal data to estimate calories burned, plus compatibility with multiple running apps.
  • Why Runners Love It: High durability, beautiful display, and excellent integration with iOS and third-party apps like Strava.

Strava App

  • Features: GPS tracking, pace analysis, route mapping, social sharing, and activity logs.
  • Calorie Tracking: Estimates calories burned based on pace, distance, time, and user weight, with detailed post-run analytics.
  • Why Runners Love It: Large social community, competitive challenges, and easy tracking on any smartphone or synced device.

Nike Run Club

  • Features: Guided runs, pace tracking, audio coaching, community features, and activity history.
  • Calorie Tracking: Calculates calorie expenditure based on distance, pace, and duration, with motivational feedback during and after runs.
  • Why Runners Love It: Clean interface, motivational audio, and easy connection with Apple Watch and other trackers.

MyFitnessPal (Paired with Running Trackers)

  • Features: Nutritional tracking, calorie logging, and integration with devices like Garmin, Fitbit, and Apple Watch.
  • Calorie Tracking: Allows you to sync workout data from your tracker to log calories burned against your nutrition plan.
  • Why Runners Love It: Combines fitness and nutrition tracking for a holistic approach to marathon training.

Why Knowing Your Burn Matters for Austin Marathon TrainingA smiling man with long curly hair, wearing a light green shirt and shorts, runs in a marathon with a race bib numbered 6755, burning calories as he goes. Other runners are visible in the background on this sunny day. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

  • Plan Your Nutrition: Fuel smart before and after runs.
  • Optimize Recovery: Replenish energy and repair muscles effectively.
  • Set Goals: Whether you’re running to lose weight, gain endurance, or improve performance, knowing your energy expenditure is key.

Key Takeaways

  • Average calorie burn: approximately 100 calories per mile
  • Use MET values for more accuracy
  • Fitness trackers and apps provide helpful estimates
  • Fueling and recovery are essential for Austin Marathon success

Ready to Hit the Pavement?

Use these tips to power your training, fuel smart, and conquer the Austin Marathon. Want a handy calorie-burn chart or calculator? Drop your email below or click here to download one.
Share your training journey with us using #AustinMarathonTraining – we can’t wait to see you cross that finish line.