Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Partners with GU Energy Labs for Enhanced Race-Day Fueling

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The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon proudly announces GU Energy Labs (GU) as the Official Energy Gel and Chew sponsor for the annual event. This dynamic partnership underscores GU’s dedication to supporting athletes with their high-quality energy products, which will be available at the on-course Energy Zones. The race is set to take place on February 18, 2024.

As the pioneering creator of the first sports nutrition energy gel, GU has established itself as the preferred fuel choice for athletes of all levels, from elite competitors vying for victory to recreational runners aiming for personal bests. Renowned for their scientifically formulated, athlete-tested products, GU offers a range of flavors that not only deliver results, but also add an element of enjoyment to the race experience.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon,” says Cody Logan, GU Brand Experience Manager. “Their commitment to organizing a top-tier running event in Austin perfectly aligns with our mission to fuel athletes on their journey to success.”

Participants can look forward to a variety of GU products on race day, including Strawberry Chews (Caffeine), Lemon Sublime Gel (Caffeine-Free), Chocolate Outrage Gel (20 mg of caffeine), and Salted Watermelon Gel (20 mg of caffeine), providing a diverse array of energy options to suit individual preferences and needs. In keeping with their commitment to sustainability, the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon in collaboration with GU will feature TerraCycle-labeled bins throughout the race weekend to collect sports nutrition wrappers, contributing to a more environmentally friendly event experience.

Megan Frausto, the Partnership Manager for the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, emphasizes the expansive importance of the collaboration, expressing, “Our partnership with GU goes beyond race day fueling. It is a shared year round commitment to making a positive impact on the Austin running community that culminates to an enhanced race day experience for all runners.” 

The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon showcases the vibrant culture and community spirit of Austin, with highlights including live music, energetic spectators, and iconic landmarks along the course. Runners can register for the event on the official website.

Online registration for the marathon, half marathon, and 5k is currently available, but the full marathon has sold out.

 

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 from all over the world.

About GU Energy Labs®: GU Energy Labs helps athletes of all abilities reach their best performance with hydration, energy, and recovery products that deliver the right nutrients, in the right amounts, at the right time. Headquartered in Berkeley, GU Energy Labs produces all its energy gels onsite with solar-generated power. Recommit to becoming your best athletic self, learn more about GU products, and discover how nutrition planning can help you get there at www.guenergy.com

Ascension Seton Austin Marathon and evamor® Water Unite for Ultimate Hydration Experience

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Premium All-Natural Alkaline Hydration Offered at the Finish Line and Expo

The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5k proudly welcome evamor® back for the third consecutive year as the Official Water sponsor. This enduring partnership showcases evamor’s commitment to the event and its participants, enhancing the overall experience for runners, fitness enthusiasts, and their supporters. The Marathon, owned and produced by High Five Events, is scheduled to take place on February 18, 2024, in downtown Austin, Texas.

Building upon their successful collaboration, evamor® is not only supplying refreshing water to all finishers, but is also elevating its involvement as the Presenting Photo Booth partner at the Marathon Health & Fitness Expo. Beyond the finish line, evamor® will distribute its bottles of water at the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Health and Fitness Expo, offering a refreshing experience for expo attendees. The expo is free and open to the public, providing a fantastic pre-race experience for all. The expo, held at the Palmer Events Center in Austin, will run on February 16 from 1 PM to 7 PM and on Saturday, February 17 from 10 AM to 5 PM, providing a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with the evamor® brand.

Heather Woods-Menendez, evamor® Vice President of Marketing, expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing partnership, stating, “Teaming up with the Austin Marathon is more than just a partnership for evamor®; it’s a commitment to the endurance community. As runners take on their challenge of the marathon, half marathon, or 5K, we’re proud to provide them with all-natural, alkaline water straight from mother nature to conquer every mile and reach the finish line feeling refreshed and revitalized.”

evamor® will continue its tradition of supplying finish line water for participants of the marathon, half marathon, and 5k as they complete their race and head to celebrate at the finish line festival.

Megan Frausto, High Five Events partnership manager, shared her excitement about having evamor® once again at the finish line and expo, stating, “They have been a consistent source of support, supplying us year-round at Marathon Headquarters. Our staff loves their water, and we are confident that participants will appreciate it as well.”

Online registration for the marathon, half marathon, and 5k is currently available, but the full marathon is expected to sell out soon.

 

About the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon®: Since its inception in 1991, the Austin Marathon® has emerged as a world-class running event, attracting participants from all 50 states and over 30 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 from all over the world.

About evamor®: evamor® water comes from a rare, single source protected deep in the Earth— delivering a fresh taste and all-natural, high alkalinity every time.

Ascension Seton Austin Marathon and OOFOS Forge Exciting Partnership for 2024

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Leading Recovery Footwear Brand Joins Forces with Iconic Austin Running Event

The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5k is thrilled to announce a dynamic partnership with OOFOS, the global leader in Active Recovery footwear, for the upcoming 2024 event. This sponsorship marks a significant milestone for both organizations, bringing together a shared commitment to excellence, health, and community engagement. The event is set to happen February 18, 2024 in Austin, Texas.

OOFOS, renowned for its innovative recovery footwear, has signed on as the Official Recovery Footwear Sponsor and Presenting Sponsor of the FloTrack Live Broadcast for the Austin Marathon weekend, reaffirming its dedication to supporting athletes in pursuit of their personal athletic goals. OOFOS will be on-site throughout the weekend to celebrate these achievements with surprises and one-of-a-kind activations. 

“We are delighted to welcome OOFOS as a key partner for the Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5k in 2024,” said Megan Frausto, Partnership Manager of the Austin Marathon. “OOFOS’ commitment to athlete recovery aligns seamlessly with our mission to provide a world-class event that prioritizes the well-being of our participants. We believe this collaboration will significantly enhance the overall race experience for runners of all levels.”

As part of the sponsorship, OOFOS will bring the party to the Official Shakeout Run and Health & Fitness Expo leading up to the event, offering participants the opportunity to explore and experience their revolutionary recovery footwear. In addition, OOFOS will play a pivotal role in post-race recovery throughout the OOFOS Finish Line Festival – Recovery Starts Here, including an interactive installation where participants can revel in their success and “feel the OO” after crushing the marathon, half marathon, or 5k.“The only thing that feels better than finishing a marathon is the celebration after,” said Jeremy Langton, Director of Events and Partnership Marketing at OOFOS. “At OOFOS, our mission is to make yOO feel better, and we are thrilled to bring our game-changing OOfoam™ technology to the Austin Marathon community for an epic finish line festival and unforgettable weekend. 

The Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5k, along with OOFOS, are committed to creating an memorable experience for participants, volunteers, and spectators alike. This partnership exemplifies the shared values of both organizations and sets the stage for an exceptional event in 2024. 

Registration is open for all distances, but the full marathon is expected to sell out soon.

 

About the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon®: The Austin Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k will celebrate its 33rd year running in Austin, Texas on Feb. 18, 2024. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. With start and finish locations just a few blocks apart, and within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants, the Austin Marathon is the perfect running weekend destination. The event is owned and produced by High Five Events, one of the largest privately owned event production companies in the United States.

About OOFOS®: OOFOS is the global leader in recovery footwear, founded by a team of industry veterans looking to help runners and fitness enthusiasts recover better from their workouts. Made with revolutionary OOfoam™ technology, OOFOS are designed to absorb 37% more impact than traditional footwear. They reduce stress on joints to keep anyone, of any activity level, feeling their best. From professional athletes to casual walkers, OOFOS footwear will make your hard-working feet and body feel better – all you have to do is feel the OO. For more information, go to www.oofos.com.

Race to Wellness: Master Pre and Post-Race Nutrition with H-E-B’s Expert Dietitian Tips

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Embarking on a wellness journey, especially as you prepare for an event like the Austin Marathon, combines the thrill of physical training with the importance of holistic nutrition. In this blog, we delve into the crucial aspects of pre and post-race nutrition, offering valuable tips and insights to enhance your experience. With the expert guidance of an H-E-B Dietitian, we’ll explore tailored dietary strategies that can significantly boost your performance and recovery.

Whether you’re gearing up for a race or seeking to improve your overall fitness, understanding pre and post-race fueling is crucial. Let’s dive into our H-E-B Dietitian recommendations and share some of their favorite products to meet these goals. 


Before Your Race

H‑E‑B Frozen Multigrain Waffles

For endurance-type activities, carbohydrates serve as the foundation of your diet. They provide the main source of energy for both your body and brain. To prepare your body for longer periods of physical activity, start thinking about carbohydrate loading 1-2 days before your run. Aim for whole grain and starchy vegetables, like waffles or pancakes at breakfast and sweet potato, pasta, or rice at lunch and dinner. Oats, cereals, and fruit pouches make for great snacks and you can even enjoy orange juice during this prep period.

  • Carbohydrate Goal for 1-2 Days Before Your Race: Aim for 4.5-5.5 grams of carbohydrates per pound of body weight each day. For instance, a 150-pound individual should target approximately 675-825 grams of carbohydrates daily.

H‑E‑B 10g Protein Instant Oatmeal – Strawberries & Cream

Keep these same carbohydrate sources in mind as you jump into race mode on the big day. One or two hours before your run, you’ll want to fuel yourself with a quick source of carbohydrates, like a bagel with jam and banana slices.

  • Carbohydrate Goal 1-2 hours before: 0.5-1.0 grams of carbohydrate per pound of body weight. This looks likes some 75-
    100 grams of carbohydrate for someone weighing 150 pounds.
Favorite Products: H-E-B Frozen Multigrain Waffles and H-E-B Protein Instant Oatmeal varieties


What to Eat After 

H‑E‑B Organics Chickpea Elbow Pasta

You’ve just finished your race, congratulations! Now there’s just a small race to fuel your body after all that hard work. In the 24-48 hour period after your race, you’ll want to fuel with the right combination of foods to help replenish glycogen stores, support muscle repair and build, and recover lost electrolytes.

  • Carbohydrate Goal 24-48 hours after: three times more carbohydrate than protein per your usual intake.
Favorite Products: H-E-B Organics Whole Wheat pasta varieties or H-E-B Organics Chickpea, Red or Yellow Lentil pasta varieties if you’re looking for a gluten free option.


What About Protein and Fat?

H‑E‑B Organics Whole Wheat Penne Rigate

While focusing on carbohydrates is crucial, it’s important not to overlook the other essential macronutrients: protein and fat. It’s easy to forget about the other two macronutrients when so much of fueling involves balancing your carbohydrate intake. But a solid high-quality protein plan will help prevent muscle breakdown and enable muscle repair. In the case of endurance activities like marathon running, your body will eventually burn protein for energy.

Pair your carbohydrate-loaded meals with protein foods like lean cuts of meat, tofu, and beans and legumes. In the case of fat, you’ll want to swap smartly. As you increase your carbohydrate intake prior to a run, your fat intake will drop. Think about swapping butter or avocado slices on your morning toast for an extra slice of toast.


Meal Planning

H‑E‑B Stride Strawberry Kiwi Recovery Drink

For just $45, you can book a 30-minute Meal Planning session with an H-E-B Dietitian, tailored specifically to your dietary needs and goals.

Ideal for both individuals and families, this session offers a gateway to healthful, realistic, and scientifically-backed nutrition plans. Athletes, in particular, will find value as the session dives deep into dietary considerations vital for optimal performance. Your dietitian will tailor a meal plan to suit your taste preferences, cooking style, and cultural nuances, all while accommodating any dietary restrictions. The result? A one-week personalized meal guide, complete with delectable recipes and a handy shopping list, ensuring your meals are as enjoyable as they are nourishing.

 

In summary, the journey to peak athletic performance is as much about what you eat as it is about how you train. Proper nutrition, specifically tailored to the demands of your physical activities, is key to unlocking your full potential. From carbohydrate loading before a race to replenishing your body with the right balance of nutrients afterward, every meal plays a critical role in your performance and recovery.

Remember, it’s not just about the quantity of the food you consume, but the quality as well. Balancing carbohydrates with high-quality proteins and smart fat choices ensures your body gets the comprehensive support it needs. This is where the expertise of an H-E-B Dietitian becomes invaluable. By booking a personalized meal planning session, you gain access to customized advice and meal solutions that cater to your unique dietary needs and preferences.

Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a first-timer at the Austin Marathon, investing in a consultation with an H-E-B Dietitian can be a game-changer. It will not only assist in fine-tuning your diet for optimal endurance and performance but also ensure that your meals are enjoyable, nutritious, and aligned with your specific health and wellness goals as a marathon runner. Fuel your body right, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.

To learn more about H-E-B Wellness Dietitian Services, which are available both in-person and virtually, visit our website https://www.heb.com/wellness or call (855) 805-9355.