Spring into Training: Building Your Base for Fall Races

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Ah, spring in Austin — when the bluebonnets bloom, the trails warm up, and the post-marathon glow (or soreness!) starts to fade. Whether you just crossed the finish line at the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon or you’re eyeing your next big challenge this fall, now is the perfect time to shift gears and start laying down that oh-so-important foundation: your training base.

Let’s break it down and get you ready to spring into training — the smart way.

Why Base Building MattersTwo women in athletic clothes run and smile at a race, both with bib numbers and one raising her arm in excitement. The crowd of runners behind them, including someone in a banana costume, highlights the lively spirit of this training base event. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Think of base training like prepping the canvas before painting a masterpiece. It’s not flashy, it’s not fast, but it sets the tone for everything that comes next. Whether you’re chasing a new PR at the Austin Half Marathon or tackling your first-ever 26.2, this phase is where your aerobic engine gets stronger, your muscles adapt, and your body recovers from any lingering post-race fatigue.

Skipping base building? That’s like trying to put up drywall before you’ve framed the house. It won’t end well.

Step 1: Reset & Reflect

Before you lace up, take a breath. Literally. Spring is a chance to check in with yourself. How did your last race go? What felt good? What needs work?

Pro tip: Take 1–2 weeks of active recovery (think easy walks, yoga, or casual rides around Lady Bird Lake) before diving back into structured training. Your body (and brain) need that downtime.

Step 2: Build the Habit, Not the Mileage

Spring base training is all about consistency, not intensity. Start with 3–4 easy runs per week, focusing on time on your feet rather than pace. Aim for conversational running — you should be able to chat with a running buddy without huffing and puffing.

This is also a great time to reestablish your routine: morning runs, weekend long runs, and maybe a strength session or two. Nothing fancy. Just steady, feel-good movement.

Step 3: Hit the Trails (or Try a New Route!)

One of the best parts of spring base building in Austin? The weather is (usually) fantastic, and the city is full of scenic, runner-friendly routes. Explore new areas to keep things fresh:

  • The Barton Creek Greenbelt: Soft surface, shady, and full of nature vibes.

  • Shoal Creek Trail: A mellow, meandering path great for recovery runs.

  • Pease Park to UT Loop: Add a little urban flair to your base miles.

Need inspiration? Check out our Austin’s Hidden Running Routes — we’ve mapped out some gems perfect for this phase.

Step 4: Strengthen Your (Running) Core

Don’t let your muscles take a spring break. Base training is the perfect time to build strength and prevent injury. Hit the gym (or your living room floor) 2–3 times a week with exercises that target your core, hips, and glutes. Think lunges, planks, bridges, and band work.

Your future self at Mile 22 will thank you.

Step 5: Sprinkle in Some Fun

Not every run has to be serious. Sign up for a local 5K, run with friends, or join a group like Austin Runners Club or Gilbert’s Gazelles. Enjoying the process now makes those long fall training blocks way more manageable later on.

Bonus: You might just meet your future training buddy for the next Austin Marathon.

Looking Ahead to Fall RacesA young man wearing a race bib numbered 7451 runs in a city marathon, smiling and wearing a black t-shirt. Other runners from his training base and blurred city buildings are visible in the bright, sunny background. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

By the time summer rolls around (yes, we’re talking real heat training), your base should be strong, your habits solid, and your body ready to ramp things up. That’s when the magic happens — speed work, tempo runs, long-run progression — all built on the foundation you’re laying right now.

Whether you’re racing the Austin Half, Full, or 5K this coming February or tackling a different fall goal race, your success starts this spring.

TL;DR: Your Spring Training To-Do List

✅ Reflect and recover
✅ Run easy and consistently
✅ Explore new Austin routes
✅ Build strength
✅ Have fun and stay social

Austin Marathon vs Austin Half Marathon: Which Should You Run?

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You’ve circled race day on your calendar. You’ve laced up your trainers. But there’s one big decision left: are you going all in for the full 26.2, or cruising through 13.1 in style? If you’re eyeing the Austin Marathon weekend, you’re already on the right track — now let’s help you decide which distance is your perfect match.

 

The Full Marathon: For the Distance DreamersA smiling person in outdoor gear holds a mallet and stands next to a large gong at the Austin Marathon, ready to commit to their race goals in May, with a sign listing race distances behind them. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

The Austin Marathon is more than just a race — it’s a test of endurance, a showcase of grit, and an unforgettable tour of Austin’s most iconic neighborhoods. If you’re someone who:

  • Thrives on long-term training goals
  • Wants to cross “marathon” off your bucket list
  • Lives for big finish-line moments
  • Enjoys pushing your limits and feeling like a total legend afterward

Then this is your distance.

Bonus: You’ll experience every inch of the city, from South Congress to Hyde Park, with live music and cheering squads all the way through. It’s challenging, yes — but the payoff is worth it.

 

The Half Marathon: For the Smart and Steady Stars A large crowd of runners, many smiling and cheering, fills a city street during the Austin Marathon in May. Skyscrapers line both sides, and a domed building is visible in the distance under a clear sky as participants commit to the challenge. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

The Austin Half Marathon is the sweet spot. You get all the race-day glory, the crowd energy, and the scenic course — with a bit less time on your feet. If you:

  • Are new to distance running
  • Want a race that fits into a busy schedule
  • Like the idea of training hard without the wear-and-tear of a full
  • Still want to cross that finish line feeling strong and smiling

Then the Half is calling your name.

Bonus: You’ll still get the live bands, course support, and that epic downtown finish — all with a bit more pep in your step.

 

So…Which Should You Run?

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Criteria Full Marathon Half Marathon
Distance 26.2 miles 13.1 miles
Training Time 16-20 weeks 10-12 weeks
Recovery Longer (1-2 weeks) Shorter (a few days)
Experience Level Intermediate to advanced Beginner to experienced
Bragging Rights Ultimate Still super impressive

Still unsure? Here’s a pro tip: base your decision on your “why.” Are you chasing a personal best? Looking for a life milestone? Or just trying to enjoy Austin’s best running party? The good news is, you can’t go wrong either way.

 

Final Thoughts

Whether you run the Austin Marathon or the Austin Half Marathon, you’re joining a passionate, supportive, and high-energy community. And no matter which finish line you cross — you’ll have earned every step, every cheer, and every bite of post-race brunch.

Why May is the Perfect Time to Commit to the Austin Marathon

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If you’ve been on the fence about running the Austin Marathon, here’s your sign: May is the perfect month to go all in. The weather is warming up, the school year’s winding down, and your training window is wide open. Whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth, now is the time to click “register.”

Here’s why making the commitment in May sets you up for a strong, successful race day next February.

 

A group of smiling marathon runners pose together, some in colorful outfits and one in a blue mouse mascot costume, on a city street during the Austin Marathon in May. The atmosphere is cheerful and energetic, capturing the spirit of marathon training. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

1. You Lock In the Best Registration Deals

Early bird registration isn’t just a marketing phrase — it’s the real deal. When you register in May, you typically score the lowest prices of the entire season. And let’s be honest, running might be free… but races are better when you save on fees.

Bonus: You’ll have your bib locked in while others are still “thinking about it.”

 

 

 

2. You’ve Got the Full Training Window Ahead

May gives you a generous head start. With nine months until race day, you can:

  • Ease into base mileage
  • Build a sustainable training routine
  • Avoid burnout by gradually increasing distance
  • Plan around life events, holidays, or travel

No need to cram a training plan into 12 weeks. Start now, and you’ll thank yourself come January.

 

3. You Can Set Big (but Realistic) GoalsA smiling person in outdoor gear holds a mallet and stands next to a large gong at the Austin Marathon, ready to commit to their race goals in May, with a sign listing race distances behind them. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

If you’ve got your eye on a time goal, a distance PR, or simply finishing strong, having extra time to prepare helps you train smarter — not just harder. You can build up slowly, add cross-training, or work on nutrition and recovery habits well before things get intense.

This kind of planning isn’t just smart — it’s how runners succeed long-term.

 

4. You Boost Your Motivation Through the Summer

Let’s face it: summer running can be tough. But having the Austin Marathon on your calendar gives every hot, sweaty mile a purpose. Those early morning runs hit differently when you know they’re building toward something epic in February.

And if you’re training in Austin’s summer heat? February race day is going to feel like a breeze.

 

A large crowd of runners, many smiling and cheering, fills a city street during the Austin Marathon in May. Skyscrapers line both sides, and a domed building is visible in the distance under a clear sky as participants commit to the challenge. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K5. You Join the Austin Marathon Community Early

Registering now plugs you into the vibe early. You’ll get updates, training tips, and be part of the excitement as race weekend gets closer. It’s not just about one day in February — it’s the journey leading up to it that makes the whole thing special.

 

Final Thoughts

The Austin Marathon is a challenge, a celebration, and a rite of passage for runners across Texas and beyond. And there’s no better time to commit than right now. Register in May, start your journey, and give yourself the gift of a well-planned, well-earned finish line moment.

Make it official — your future self will thank you.

The 2026 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Celebrates Non-Profit Employees with Exclusive Discount

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Registration initiative honors the individuals powering change in our communities

Austin, TX, May 13, 2025 – The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K is proud to announce that 2026 will be the Year of Non-Profit Employee Appreciation. This initiative celebrates the dedicated individuals who serve our communities through non-profit organizations, acknowledging the compassion and perseverance they bring to improving lives across Central Texas and beyond. The 2026 event will take place over President’s Day Weekend, February 13–15, in downtown Austin, Texas.

 

In a meaningful show of gratitude, the Austin Marathon is offering a special 50% discount on registration fees for non-profit sector employees. Whether participants choose the marathon, half marathon, or the 5K distance, this initiative offers non-profit professionals a chance to go from mission-driven work to mile-marking achievement.
This effort builds on the marathon’s tradition of recognizing local heroes—including teachers, healthcare professionals, public servants, and last year’s honorees, the food and beverage workforce—affirming a long-standing commitment to inclusivity and community appreciation.

 

“Non-profit employees are the backbone of social progress and support in our city,” says Tina Teich, Marketing Manager of High Five Events. “Their work often goes unseen but is absolutely essential. We’re excited to provide an opportunity for these changemakers to be celebrated and empowered at the start line and beyond.”

 

Registration is now open. Eligible participants are encouraged to register early, as discounts are subject to availability and will be processed on a rolling basis. To qualify, employees must provide proof of current employment at qualifying establishments. Accepted applicants will receive a discount code via email for online registration at YourAustinMarathon.com.  More information on the application process can be found here

About the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon®: Since its inception in 1992, the Austin Marathon® has emerged as a world-class running event, attracting participants from all 50 states and over 50 countries. With a course that spans every quadrant of this dynamic city, offering a festive atmosphere with live music throughout, the marathon culminates in a vibrant finisher party. The event also serves as a powerful force for good, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for various non-profit organizations. The Austin Marathon elevates Presidents Day weekend into a grand showcase of athleticism and community spirit, making it a bucket-list event for athletes, enthusiasts, and supporters worldwide.