Complete these 4 Stretches Before You Run

/in /by

Help prevent injury and add these 4 stretches before you run

Aside from losing weight and lowering your blood pressure, running is an activity that comes with numerous benefits. It can help improve both your mental and physical health. Just like other exercises, you need to warm up your body before you begin. A great way to do that before running is to stretch. We breakdown why injuries happen and advise that you complete these 4 stretches before you run.

Regardless of how beneficial running can be, more than 65% of runners get injured every year. This stat might seem discouraging, but the good news is that you can avoid these running injuries. One of the primary reasons why people get injured after running is because their muscles were overworked or overstretched. When the muscles in the legs are stiff and tight, running might be a bad idea as it can lead to injuries. In order to avoid getting injured, the muscles should be first stretched properly. The best way to avoid this is by completing these 4 stretches before you run. If you do become injured, see Dr. Allen and the experts at Ascension Seton Sports Performance.

Pro tip: don’t begin marathon training without these 7 essential items!

  • Single-Leg Deadlift 

This exercise is an effective means of stretching every muscle within the hips and hamstrings. To do this, get into a standing position with your feet hip-width apart. Place your weight on your right leg and gradually raise your left leg out behind you and make sure it’s straight. As you raise your left leg, simultaneously hinge at your waist. Doing this correctly gets you into a T shape.

  • Hip Flexor Stretch 

A tight hip flexor can cause injuries while running. This exercise can help avoid that injury. Get into a lunge position with your front knee at 90 degrees. Then gradually straighten your back leg and then raise your arms. Hold in this position for 10 seconds and change legs.

  • Walking Lunge 

This exercise helps avoid injuries in the knee and thigh region. Get into a standing position, then move your right leg forward. Bend the right leg until the knee is at 90 degrees and the back knee is almost touching the ground. Stay in this position for 5 seconds and then move forward with the left leg. While doing this, place your hands on your waist.

  • Calf Raise 

This is another helpful stretching exercise that can help avoid injuries while running. This exercise targets muscles in the calf region. To do this, stand straight and gently push through the balls of your feet till your heels are high, and you are standing fully on your toes. After standing on your toes for 5 seconds, slowly return to your initial standing position.

Avoiding injuries that are caused by running is possible, but only with the right stretching. Completing these 4 stretches before you run is very important. Especially for people that haven’t engaged in running for a long time or engage in activities that require less movement. If you have an injury or what to become a better runner, email Ascension Seton Sports Performance today – sportssci@ascension.org.

Austin Marathon Gives Receives Grant, Unveils New Name

/in , /by

Austin Marathon Gives continues support of various Central Texas nonprofits

Austin Marathon Gives presented by the Moody Foundation, formerly Austin Gives Miles, is the philanthropic program of the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour. The new name and logo stem from the growing partnership between the Austin Marathon and the Moody Foundation. Since 2014, Austin Marathon Gives has raised $3.8 million for numerous worthy Central Texas nonprofits. Through their grants, the Moody Foundation has given $1.2 million to the program since 2016. The 30th annual Austin Marathon, owned and produced by High Five Events, will take place on February 14, 2021.

“As our Central Texas communities continue to grapple with the effects from COVID-19, supporting our local nonprofits is more important than ever,” said Ross Moody, trustee of the Moody Foundation. “The Moody Foundation is honored to partner with a program that invites the community to give back to more than 25 local organizations through the iconic Austin Marathon, elevating the impact and reach of our single gift.”

Supporting Central Texas

Austin Marathon Gives will receive a grant from the Moody Foundation for the sixth year in a row. The grant will match donations raised, up to $10,000, for each participating organization. Money raised annually through the program significantly impacts a wide array of local nonprofits. Earlier this year, 25 nonprofits fundraised $702,500 and recruited more than 800 runners. 

“The growth of this partnership has had a tremendously positive impact on the Central Texas community,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Austin Marathon Gives is proud to continue working side-by-side with the Moody Foundation to make our community a better place for everyone.”

The Moody Foundation, based in Galveston, Texas, has funded projects and programs that better communities throughout Texas. The grant will match Austin Marathon Gives’ donations and has a positive impact on the Central Texas organizations and their specific causes. One of the Moody Foundation’s areas of support – community development – directly aligns with the goal of the Austin Marathon: to better Central Texas. The Austin Marathon is excited to expand the Moody Foundation relationship and knows the positive effects will be far-reaching. 

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 30th year running in the capital of Texas on February 14, 2021. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 35+ countries around the world. The start and finish locations are just a few blocks apart. They are within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants. The finish line is in front of the picturesque Texas State Capitol. The Austin Marathon is the perfect running weekend destination. Austin Marathon Gives presented by the Moody Foundation is the perfect way for runners to get involved and support the Central Texas community. Registration is currently open.

Understand How Temperature Affects Running Performance

/in /by

Dr. Allen breaks down how and why temperature affects running performance

Central Texas is known for its dramatic changes in weather. Runners should always check the weather before taking off for a run. You should always have a plan and dress accordingly. Properly hydrating also goes a long way. In order to optimize running, you should know how temperature affects running performance. That’s why we checked in with Dr. Allen and the experts at Ascension Seton Sports Performance. Dr. Allen explains how temperature affects running performance and what it means for you. Remember to always listen to your body!

How the body reacts to hot and cold

Temperatures in the Central Texas summer months can exceed 100°F. Winter months can experience temperatures that can range from the 20s to 50s. The body performs best if core temperature is maintained below 104°F with fatigue setting in above this temperature. Humans are unfortunately relatively inefficient when it comes to this. As much as 70% of the chemical energy can dissipate as heat instead of being turned into mechanical energy for movement. This is why it’s important to know your pace and have a plan for race day. Pro tip: use this helpful pace chart as your guide!

As the runner increases their pace the body slowly heats up. It sends more blood to the muscles involved in movement and proportionally less blood to the skin to get rid of heat. Cooler temperatures, wind, cloud cover, and appropriately ventilated clothing all help runners maintain a faster race pace. This is helpful to know if you’re increasing your mileage while training for a marathon.

Research shows that runners self-select a pace that will allow them to perform at their physiological limit given the conditions of the day. During a marathon, competitive runners usually maintain a pace that corresponds to 70-90% of their VO2 max. Contact the experts at Ascension Seton Sports Performance to find out your VO2 max and marathon race pace – sportssci@ascension.org. 

Running in the heat

Additionally, it has been demonstrated that 50°F is the optimal temperature for peak marathon performance. As the temperature heats up from 41°F, runners get slower for every 9°F increase in wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT). WBGT is an index of heat that is thought to best represent heat stress. Elite runners tend to slow their self-selected race pace by 1.7, 2.5, 3.3, and 4.5% respectively. That means at a WBGT of 77°F elite runners are running 4.5% slower than at a WBGT of 41°F. Slower runners seem to slow down even more, decreasing speed by 3.2, 6.4, 9.6, and 12.8% respectively. At a WBGT of 77°F a slower runner is running over 12% slower than at WBGT of 41°F. This can explain why your runs take more effort as you run in the heat of summer.

The research indicates this may be because slower runners spend more time exposed to hotter conditions. They also tend to spend more time running in packs of other runners. This has been shown to decrease airflow related heat loss by 50%!

Regardless of your ability level, the key takeaways are that runners tend to settle on a pace that corresponds to what their body can do given the temperature of the day. Hotter temperatures present a greater challenge for runners than colder temperatures. It’s important to allow your body to naturally cool down by allowing for airflow when racing on a hot day. For more content related to all things sports performance, fun virtual challenges, and information regarding our Sports Performance offerings, join our free Strava Club “Ascension Texas Sports Performance.”

About Dr. Jakob Allen

Dr. Allen received his Doctoral training from the nationally ranked University of Texas at Austin. He was an 8x All-American collegiate swimmer at Stanford, American Record holder, NCAA and Pac-10 Champion, and 2x Olympic Trials qualifier. Dr. Allen is now an avid cyclist and triathlete, frequently placing in the top-5 overall amateurs in Central Texas triathlons. He is driven to bring about the greatest potential of all athletes whether you are a weekend warrior or an Olympian.

Dr. Allen currently serves as the Sports Scientist for the Austin Bold FC team in addition to his work in the clinic. He believes that exercise remains one of the best ways to improve every physiological system in the body throughout the lifespan. Whether it’s helping prevent changes in mental acuity or improving muscle function, the benefits of exercise continue to be supported by scientific studies. Dr. Allen specializes in designing exercise training programs for improving muscle and cardiovascular health for aging wellness and masters athlete performance.

Run Austin Virtual Series Launches Fourth Event, Makin’ Music 5-Miler

/in , /by

Makin’ Music 5-Miler highlights Austin as The Live Music Captial of the World

In July, the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour and 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour created the Run Austin Virtual Series. Everyone is invited to participate in the 6-month-long virtual series. The events provide monthly milestones as participants train for Austin’s two most beloved running events. The Run Austin Virtual Series includes the Wildflower Mile (July), Armadillo 5K (August), and Round the River 4-Miler (September). The series continues in October with the Makin’ Music 5-Miler. Future events will be revealed at the beginning of each month, finishing with a 10-miler in December.

“The Run Austin Virtual Series has given participants monthly milestones to achieve during their training,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “It’s been great to see the series grow and participants share their accomplishments online with the running community.”

Run Austin Virtual Series

Participants of the Run Austin Virtual Series receive themed, downloadable personalized bibs, digital finisher medals, and finisher certificates. Participants will also enjoy fun extras like an online finisher photo booth and virtual reality filters for social media. Registration is open for each of the events for $18. Free entry to the entire six-event series, a $108 value, is available to participants of the 2021 3M Half Marathon or the 2021 Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K. New distances will be launched at the beginning of the month. Limited-edition merchandise customized for each event will be available for purchase throughout the series.

Austin’s flagship running event, the Austin Marathon, will celebrate its 30th anniversary on February 14th. It annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 35+ countries around the world. The start and finish locations are just a few blocks apart. They are within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants. The finish line is in front of the picturesque Texas State Capitol. The Austin Marathon is the perfect running weekend destination. Registration is currently open.

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. It will celebrate its 27th year running on January 17th. Runners will enjoy a point-to-point course with mostly downhill running. The 13.1-mile course showcases some of Austin’s finest locations. Participants start in north Austin and finish near the Texas State Capitol. Many participants set their 13.1-mile PR because of the 300’ net elevation drop. Registration is currently open.