4 Reasons to Have a Training Partner

The right training partner can make all the difference when preparing for longer distances

Don’t train alone! Finding at least one training partner can make all the difference. Perhaps it’s your neighbor, your best friend, or someone you meet through the Austin Marathon Facebook Group. However you met, your training partner just might be the most valuable asset in your training regimen.

So if you don’t have a training partner yet, read the four reasons you need one below.

1. Accountability

Being held accountable provides the extra jolt needed to get all your workouts in, this is especially beneficial if you’re adjusting your schedule to incorporate new training times. You’re less likely to hit the snooze button if you know someone is supposed to meet you for your morning run. Accountability is more than just meeting up to run. It should also include taking care of your body by incorporating proper nutrition and recovery.

2. Positive reinforcement

During training, there are a lot of smaller goals to meet before you reach the start line. Celebrate those achievements! A training buddy will be there for you with a high five when you finally hit a faster pace or when you reach your new long run goal. It also feels good to be there for someone else and to know that you are helping them meet their goals.

3. Push the boundaries

It’s easier to be complacent if you’re training alone. A training buddy will be there to push you. You can set up challenges for each other and help push the envelope of what you thought possible. Nothing like some friendly competition.

4. It is more fun

It really is that simple. Keep running as part of your life if it is something you enjoy.

Looking for someone to be your training buddy? Try posting in the Austin Marathon Facebook Group.

PROfile: Daniel Bishop, 2018 Austin Marathon 3rd place male

Daniel Bishop maintains an active life while churning out quality races

About: UPDATE – Since Austin, I ran the Salt Lake City Marathon finishing 2nd overall (2:31.20), the Utah Valley Marathon finishing 3rd overall (2:27:37), and the Deseret News Marathon finishing 2nd overall (2:31:15). Next on my schedule is the St. George Marathon (St. George, UT) on October 6th. It’s a fast race and my goal is to break 2:20 there this year. Next year, I hope to return to Austin again for the 2019 race! In my personal life, I recently got engaged and am getting married September 7th! As a result, I am in the throes of planning a wedding in addition to submitting another round of applications to medical school.

Graduated from the University of Utah, BS: Exercise and Sport Science. Currently working at Recreation Equipment Inc. (REI) and in a hematology research lab. I have run the Austin Marathon five times now and have been fortunate to finish top three in the past four years (2018 – 3rd, 2017 – 2nd, 2016 – 3rd, 2015 – 3rd). Aside from running I enjoy skiing, biking, and hiking; essentially anything that gets me into the mountains.

Training tip: Tailor your training to the course, Austin has some hills, so run those hills!

Race day tip: If you didn’t do it in training, don’t do it on race day.

Upcoming Races: St. George Marathon (10/6)

Returning for 2019 Austin Marathon: That’s the plan!

Social media: Facebook and Instagram

Save Money! Purchase Your Race Photos Now

You can buy your 2019 Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K photos now at a discounted rate!

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FinisherPix processes your race photos on the spot, which allows us to get photos online quickly. Photos are normally available within 24-48 hours after the event.

Austin Marathon official photo provided by finisherpix.

Use the links below to pre-purchase your race photos at a discounted rate.

Austin Marathon – $29.99
www.finisherpix.com/e/2752

Austin Half Marathon – $19.99
Austin 5K- $9.99

 

This pricing is only available for pre-purchase. After February 16th, prices increase.

 

Staff Picks: Favorite Clif Bar Products

See the High Five Events staff’s favorite Clif Bar products

The staff at High Five Events are always on the go. When they’re not producing world-class events they’re running around Town Lake, swimming in Barton Springs, and riding bikes on the Southern Walnut Creek Trail. Nutritious snacks are needed to keep them going. That’s where Clif Bar, the Austin Marathon’s Official Nutrition, comes into play. Their renowned products are delicious, healthy, and perfect for active lifestyles. Clif Bar’s product line has something for everyone! Check out the @HighFiveEvents staff's favorite @ClifBar products. Click To Tweet

So many Clif Bar products to choose from!

So many Clif Bar products to choose from!

Stacy – Tart Cherry Berry Fruit Smoothie Filled Bar

Jack – Chocolate Chunk with Sea Salt Bar

Dan – Salted Watermelon Bloks

Tina – Peanut Butter & Honey with Sea Salt Bar

William – Salted Watermelon Bloks

Joey – White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Energy Granola

Laura – Chocolate Chip Bar

John – White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Bar

Scott – Blueberry Almond Butter Nut Butter Filled Bar

Emily – White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Bar