Spring into Training: Building Your Base for Fall Races

in Blog post, Tips, Training Advice

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 Matters

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 Races

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

Mental Strategies for Austin Marathon (That Actually Work)

in Tips, Training Advice

How to Outsmart the Wall and Enjoy the Ride

You’ve trained for months. Logged the miles. Dialed in your nutrition. And now race day is almost here.

But there’s one thing you can’t measure on your Garmin: your mindset.

Whether you’re chasing a PR or just trying to make it to the finish line with both shoes still on, your mental game can make or break your marathon. And at the Austin Marathon—where the energy is high, the hills are real, and the crowd is LOUD—your mind might just be your biggest asset.

So, let’s talk strategy. Here are 7 mental tricks that actually work when it comes to staying strong, focused, and positive all 26.2 miles through downtown, the Capitol, SoCo, and beyond.

1. Break the Race into Bite-Sized Chunks

Running 26.2 miles sounds… a little terrifying, right? So don’t.

Mentally divide the course into smaller, more manageable sections. Think:

The first 5 miles are your warm-up (especially through downtown and along South Congress).
Miles 6 to 13? You’re cruising.
13.1 to 20 is where the mental toughness kicks in.
And 20 to 26.2? That’s where you empty the tank and channel your inner Texan grit.

Pro tip: Pick landmarks you know along the Austin course to serve as your mental checkpoints. “Okay, I just gotta make it over the bridge… now just to the UT Tower… now just to that killer band near Mile 23…”

2. Use a Power Playlist (Even If You’re Not Listening to Music)

Whether you’re racing with headphones or not, having a few “power songs” in your head can keep your spirits up. Bonus points if they’re from Austin artists—shoutout to Spoon, Willie Nelson, or even Gary Clark Jr. for those motivational vibes.

Create a playlist for your training, then mentally cue those songs during tough stretches. You’d be surprised how much a good beat can distract from a burning quad.

3. Find Your Mantra

You don’t need to go full yogi, but having a simple, repeatable mantra can keep your brain from spiraling when things get tough.

Try:

“Strong and steady.”
“I’ve got this.”
“One mile at a time.”
“I CAN do hard things.”
Or our personal favorite: “Keep Austin Running.”

Repeat it on the hills. Whisper it through mile 23. Shout it at the finish if you want. It works.

4. Use the Crowd (They’re Basically Your Teammates)

The energy at the Austin Marathon is electric. From the bands on the course to the high-fives in Hyde Park, the crowd is there to lift you up.

Make eye contact. Smile. Read the signs (some of them are hilarious). Let their energy carry you.

If you’re starting to struggle, look up, not down. Connect with someone in the crowd. It’s wild how much of a boost that can give.

5. Do Some Mental Math (Weirdly, It Helps)

When you hit a rough patch, distract yourself with simple calculations. How many water stops are left? How many songs until the finish? If you’re at mile 18, how many 5Ks left?

This kind of thinking redirects your brain away from the “OMG I’m dying” loop and gives it a task to focus on. Plus, it makes the distance feel doable.

6. Expect the Low Points (and Know They’ll Pass)

No matter how well-trained you are, there will probably be a mile (or three) when you feel like quitting. That doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re human.

Prepare for that feeling in advance. Tell yourself: “At some point I will feel awful. But I will keep going anyway.”

And then… do exactly that.

7. Visualize the Finish Line (Because It’s the Best Feeling Ever)

Take a few quiet minutes the night before the race to picture yourself crossing the finish line on historic Congress Avenue. Hear the announcer. Feel the medal around your neck. Imagine wearing that finisher shirt.

Hold onto that image when things get tough. It’s not just motivation—it’s a promise you’re keeping to yourself.

Final Thoughts

Running the Austin Marathon is more than a physical achievement—it’s a mental triumph. And with the right mindset, you’ll not only conquer the course, you’ll actually enjoy the journey. (Even that hill at Mile 11. Maybe.)

So, lace up, breathe deep, and remember—you’re stronger than you think. You’ve got the legs, you’ve got the heart, and now? You’ve got the mental game.

See y’all at the finish line. 🏁

Calm Pre-Race Nerves With These 5 Tips

in Blog post, Tips

Ready for the big race?

We know you’re on edge, but don’t worry. Pre-race nerves are totally normal – even seasoned runners feel them too. Don’t sweat it though; there are lots of ways to keep those butterflies under control so can focus on that finish line like a champ.

1. Be Prepared

Stop doubt before it happens. Make

a list and prepare everything the night before. Have your clothes, shoes, and bib laid out. Leave stuff you don’t need at home or with a member of your cheer crew. Charge your phone all the way to 100% and leave plugged in until you have to leave.

Is your playlist ready to go? We suggest a service where you don’t have to depend on service and can download the playlist like Spotify premium so you don’t have to worry about any interruptions to your tunes.

2. Set Your Motivation

Why are you here? Remind yourself of your motivation and purpose for signing up. Maybe you want to try something new to prove you could. Maybe you’re shooting for that PR. Maybe you’re showing your kids that exercise is part of a happy life. Try and embrace the added adrenaline or excitement and use it to perform with confidence in why you’re running today. If you haven’t set a goal yet, check out some tips for setting goals.

3. Stop Thinking About it So Much

We know, easier said than done, but at some point, you’ve got to lace up your running shoes and start your warm-up routine.

Distract yourself with other things like talking to others around you, taking some pre-race selfies, participating in the pre-race warm-up, dance it out.

Trust us, you’re prepared. Evaluations can wait until much later. In our opinion, you should give yourself a few days to reflect before you jump into a full race report. The journey is the accomplishment.

4. Use the restroom

This isn’t the most glamorous advice but hey, it is important. Always make the attempt before your start time.

5. Breathe

While it may seem like simple advice, it’s incredibly common to experience an increased heart rate and faster breathing once you get on-site. Take a moment to close your eyes and remember your training. Collect your thoughts and take deep breaths in through your nose and out through the mouth.

You got this!

Breaking in New Running Shoes: Tips for Happy Feet and Faster Runs