5 Reasons It’s Important to Add Running Variety to Your Training

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Adding running variety to your training is critical to your growth as a runner

Everyone’s fitness goals vary, but one thing that remains common in all forms of training is the goal to accomplish growth. Most beginner runners train with the same routine every day. Even running the same route gets monotonous. This is exactly why adding running variety can tackle that boredom and help you become a better runner in the process. Below are five reasons why you should add running variety to your training! Pro tip: when building your training plan, add in variations of these 9 different types of runs.

Build endurance

If you’re running the same course every day at the same speed there is little to no chance for growth. It will keep you fit, but it won’t help you grow. Incorporating different types of running and using different routes will slowly build your endurance. You’ll work and strengthen different muscles which will help with your ability to run for longer periods of time. Use these 10 healthy recipes for busy runners to provide your body with the fuel it needs to build endurance.

Increase muscle definition

Keeping true to your everyday training is certainly good. But the problem arises when you hit a plateau with your training and there are no visible changes in your body. This can be disheartening for some. Runners notice an increase in the definition of their leg muscles when adding high-intensity sprints to their training. Follow these 7 tips to increase your speed when you add speed training.

Reduce fatigue and injuries

When we run, our muscles experience fatigue. Runners can tackle fatigue or avoid cramps by simply changing their running type. If you run the same route all the time you’ll use the exact same set of muscles. You won’t activate other muscle groups. When the time comes to use muscle groups that haven’t been worked your chances for injury increase. If you experience fatigue that might be a sign you need to take a day off from running.

Keep it interesting

Boredom is something that can make us dislike even things we like. Running is no exception. When you add running variety there is a kind of excitement associated with it. You find yourself looking forward to the run. You might explore a new route, visit a different part of your city, or run past an amazing mural.

Build a well-rounded plan

Incorporating running variety into your training program ensures every day presents something different. Your body won’t know what to expect and that is exactly what makes variety bear fruit. Different types of runs have varying effects on our body and when combined, our bodies evolve as a whole instead of targeting a single part.

Well, now you know the benefits of adding running variety to your training. If you don’t know where to start, take a look at these 9 types of runs you can include in your routine. Once you’ve planned that out, it’s time to get running!

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The Importance of Mentally Training for a Half or Full Marathon

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If you’re like most runners, you spend the majority of your time training your body to run long distances. But what about your mind? Despite being just as important as the body, mental training often falls by the wayside. In this post, our 2021-2022 Race Ambassador Jackie talks about the importance of mental training and shares some personal experiences to help you get started.

Lace up your sneakers and let’s get started!

Out of 47 races, I have never quit, until last weekend. Heck! I didn’t even start, let alone quit.

I trained for several months for my race. In prime physical condition, I felt very strong and confident in the distance and my ability to finish. But come race morning, I did not want to compete. I didn’t even want to try. I really didn’t want to participate at all. So, I didn’t. I quit, before the race even started. I failed mentally. Upon reflection and talking with other experienced runners and coaches, I realized I never mentally trained for the race.

Here are the mental training tips that I learned and want to share with you as you prepare for your Austin Marathon or Half Marathon.

1) First and foremost, listen to your body. Take a break when your body is telling you that it’s fighting extreme exhaustion or is injured. See a doctor or physical therapist if needed. These tips are for building your mental strength and are not suggested to be used in place of your physical needs.

2) On the flip side, don’t blow off your workouts because you are tired and just don’t feel like doing them that day. After doing this too many times, it becomes the norm. Stand true to your workouts and try to hit as many as possible. Tell yourself you are strong and can do it – then do it!

3) Embrace the suck. Some runs are hard, and they might suck. But without these, you won’t know what a good workout feels like. And these hard workouts make you stronger and faster, so embrace them.

4) Remember that racing is fun. Sure, we all have a little competitiveness and our own personal goals, but they should be fun. If you find yourself frustrated or regretting every workout in your training plan, maybe ask yourself if you are running the right distance.

5) Visualize your race day. Do this early and frequently in your training. Picture the hills, weather (good and bad), temperature, crowd support, etc. Walkthrough good and bad runs in your mind and decide early how you are going to handle each when or if they come.

6) Remember why you committed in the first place. Many times, this alone will carry you through any tough run.

7) Share your feelings with your running tribe. Fellow runners are your best supporters and can help you talk through your concerns. Even if you are one who likes to run alone, call your running friends or message them and just chat about your training and how you feel. These folks can help carry you through any bad workout or race. They will be there to get you to the start.

8) The power of positive thinking is real! Stay positive and don’t allow yourself to travel down the spiral of negativity. Stop and redirect your thoughts if you start down the negative path.

I hope you find help in these and best of luck with your training! You can follow Jackie on Instagram at @jaxbunce.

6 Tips for Staying Motivated Until Race Day

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Keep your training momentum high with these tips for staying motivated

For many, running is an integral part of their day. Consistently running will prepare you for your distance, but there are factors out there that can sap your motivation. Don’t let that happen! Be diligent, keep your motivation cranked up, and race day will be here before you know it. The tips for staying motivated that you’ll need are below!

Track your progress

Friends pose the 2019 Austin Half Marathon finish line. Accountability is a great tip to stay motivated.

Friends hold each other accountable and keep them motivated all the way to the finish line.

Motivation can be quickly lost when you don’t see progress. It’ll feel like you’re not going anywhere. Track your progress to stay motivated! You can see the data for each workout, improvement from week-to-week, and total mileage once you cross the finish line. We run with Under Armour’s MapMyFitness. The insights are tremendous, it lets you know about everything, including stride and cadence.

Find accountability

We can’t stress this enough. Running with a friend or your local running group ( like RAW or Austin Runners Club) will elevate your motivation. The accountability factor is real and it benefits everyone. Everyone wants to cross the Austin Marathon finish line and you want to help each other get there. Accountability will keep that pact intact, especially if you have trouble getting up in the morning. 

Reward yourself

One reason people lose motivation is they focus on the big goal – the Austin Marathon finish line. That’s fantastic, but it shouldn’t be your only goal because that one goal will produce only one reward. Set up monthly, weekly, or daily goals and reward yourself! Get out of bed for that early morning workout? Get your favorite coffee. Complete your weekend long run? Reward yourself with brunch from your favorite spot.

Prep your stuff the night before

Lance Armstrong, the Austin Gives Miles Charity Chaser, at the 2019 Austin Marathon finish line. Running on behalf of Austin Gives Miles is a great tip to stay motivated.

Lance Armstrong was the 2019 Austin Gives Miles Charity Chaser, lending his legs and his miles!

Your alarm goes off, you roll out of bed, just trying to get out the front door. The last thing you want to do is think about what you need for your run or to pack a bag so you can shower at the gym. Knock all this out the night before and set your bag near the front door. This will save time in the morning and ensure you don’t forget something important, like soap, deodorant, or your underwear! Pro tip: sleep in your running clothes to save even more time!

Find a cause to support

Run for someone or something other than yourself! A great place to look is Austin Marathon Gives – the Austin Marathon’s philanthropic program. Austin Marathon Gives supports Central Texas nonprofits, helping them raise funds and increase awareness for their cause. There’s a range of causes for runners to choose from! Pick a nonprofit you love, lend your legs and miles, and make a difference with your training. You can also run and fundraise on behalf of your favorite charity! Plus every dollar you raise is matched by the Moody Foundation, up to $10,000 per charity!

Sign up for a race

There are benefits to registering for another race. It’ll act as another goal for you to work towards, you can test your hydration/nutrition plans, and eliminate some of those race-day jitters. 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour on January 23rd is the perfect tune-up race for the Austin Marathon. It has one of the fastest half marathon courses in the country and is 4 weeks before the Austin Marathon. 

Keep your momentum levels on HIGH. The more you have fun during your runs and workouts, the more likely you are to continue the next day. Incorporate these tips for staying motivated throughout your training. Do you have a tip that keeps you motivated during your training? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.