2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour Archives

The Life-Changing Impact of Running

January 6, 2020/in Blog post, My Running Story /by Austin Marathon

Life-changing journey brought runner to the streets of Austin

Running is life-changing. That is undeniable. It impacts runners of all shapes, sizes, and speeds. Running’s positive effects can be felt in veteran runners and newbies. It impacts everyone differently. For Jose Antonio Santiago, it all began with trying to complete 100 meters. It wasn’t easy, but it took him on a life-changing journey. Learn how that 100-meter run brought him to the streets of Austin and introduced him to his favorite marathon, the Austin Marathon.

From 100 meters to the Austin Marathon

Jose Antonio Santiago poses at the 2019 Austin Marathon finish line.

It all started nine years ago, trying to run 100 meters continuously. I found it difficult. After I did that I increased the distance to 200 meters. Six months later I ran my first 5K. After crossing my first finish line, I felt an emotion so strong that my life changed completely. Running is life-changing. In the following weeks, I ran my first 10K. Two years after I began running I completed my first marathon in Monterrey, Mexico, where I live. I crossed the finish line in 5:01.

Austin Marathon love

I went to Chicago in 2018 and ran the marathon in 4:16, a 45-minute improvement. My most recent marathon was the 2019 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon. Everything allowed me to experience the city of Austin in a different way, the course, the people, the State Capitol, the finish line festival. I’m excited to return to Austin and run my favorite marathon on February 16th! One reason I love my annual visit is I get to soak up all of Austin while running the Austin Marathon.

My Running Story is a series of blog submissions from runners just like yourself. They submitted their inspirational running stories as part of a contest to win an entry of their choice to the 2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon. Their stories range from crossing their first finish line to drastic lifestyle change due to running. Everyone’s story is different and unique, impacting them in a specific way. While each story is specific to the author, everyone can resonate in some form or fashion because of the power of running. Other My Running Story submissions include Kayleigh Williamson, Kirsten Pasha, Michael Coffey, Samantha Santos, Tom Hamann, Erica Richart, Angela Clark, Rebecca Galvan, Jeremy Tavares, Axel Reissnecker, Blair Nagel, Brittany Drennan, Rene Arguello, Christy Thomas, and Shawn Livingston.

January Running Playlist Additions – 10 Must-Add Songs

January 4, 2020/in Blog post /by Austin Marathon

Spice up your tunes with these January running playlist additions

You want music? We’ve got music! Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World and we are big music lovers. That’s why we’ve created this #WeLiketheSoundofThat playlist! We share every song on Twitter. Follow us so you know what’s next. We’ve taken 10 of our recent additions and put them in this convenient blog. Listen to the playlist (100+ songs and counting) and refresh your music with these January running playlist additions. Learn how to protect your phone if the forecast calls for rain.

Sexy Back – Justin Timberlake feat. Timbaland

This is an absolute classic. No questions about it. If you stop running for a minute and start dancing, that’s okay. Just remember, you’re the one bringing sexy back!

Figure It Out – Royal Blood

Stuck in a training rut? Add this song to your playlist, take off on your run, and the electric guitar will help you figure it out!

You May Be Right – Billy Joel

Billy Joel has tons of hits, but we chose this tune because this is what long distance runners say when non-long distance runners claim they’re crazy.

Pearl Cadillac – Gary Clark Jr.

This slow, relaxing jam is ideal for the cool down portion of your long run. Plus, it’s our opportunity to ask Gary Clark Jr. if we can use his Pearl Cadillac as our lead vehicle. He’s from Austin too so you know we’ll let him drive!

Lyla – Big Red Machine

This collaboration between Aaron Dessner (The National) and Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) provides a steady tempo. Stay locked into your pace when this song comes on!

Good Times and Bad – Shiny Ribs

Playlists that have this tune from Austin’s own Shiny Ribs are scientifically proven to have more good runs than bad!

Texas Sun – Leon Bridges and Khruangbin

Let’s keep the Texas musician train rolling with this collaboration from Fort Worth’s Leon Bridges and Houston’s Khruangbin! You’ll enjoy the rise of the Texas sun at the start of the Austin Marathon.

Fire – Black Pumas

Keep your training on track and Sunday, February 16th, will be smooth sailing! Pro tip: we’re contemplating adding the entire Grammy-nominated album from Austin’s own Black Pumas to our playlist. It’s that good!

Little Black Submarines – The Black Keys

If you need a jolt of energy add this jam to your playlist and wait two minutes. Use that time as your warm-up. Then prepare to crank up the intensity!

Rise To The Sun – Alabama Shakes

The lyrics of this song alone warrant a spot on this playlist. Wake up, remember your goals, and attack the day. Plus, Alabama Shakes are legit!

Add these January running playlist additions before you take off for your next run. These 10 songs can pump you up, allow you to catch your breath, or help you focus on the warm-up/cool-down. However you incorporate music, just make sure you can still hear your surroundings. It’s important to know what’s going on around you! Is there something you do that we didn’t list? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.

Running’s Positive Impact Turned Around this Addict’s Life

December 19, 2019/in Blog post, My Running Story /by Austin Marathon

Former veteran uses running’s positive impact to help others

The positive impact running has on people is widespread and far-ranging. Runners of all speeds and abilities have bettered their health, become better role models for their kids, and uprooted stigmas set by society. Shawn Livingston uses running’s positive impact to make up for lost time. Learn how he went from hitting rock bottom to being featured in a documentary and giving hope to those living the life he used to live in his edition of My Running Story. Experience running’s positive impact firsthand and join Shawn at the 2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon!

What running has done for me

Shawn Livingston crosses the finish line of the 2019 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon.

Running has had a positive impact in every single aspect of my life. It has become the best medicine I could ever hope to find for both my physical and mental health. It’s also introduced me to a community the likes of which I have never seen before. The friends I have shared and endured so many miles with has left a bond that will last for life. Most importantly, running has given me the ability to help others.

As a combat veteran of the US Army, I lost my way once departing the service. I was plagued by symptoms of PTSD, the loss of close friends, injuries that led to opiate addiction, and legal trouble. I hit rock bottom. Eventually, I discovered running. It’s positive impact completely transformed my life.

Woke the Monster

Andrew Shebay, with Pipeline Films, began filming a documentary called Woke the Monster (trailer below) a year ago. He just wrapped up production. This documentary would tell my story and highlight running’s positive impact. That film would provide a platform and show me I had the ability to help others by using my experiences. This would allow me to show individuals similar to me what’s possible. Addicts who still suffer, their families, and the rest of the world can see that people can change. They can accomplish feats beyond their wildest dreams. However, those who’ve led a life similar to mine often can’t change on their own. They need a pacer in the marathon of life. Someone with the ability to help inspire and motivate them to the finish line.

The positive impact of running

I’ve started a movement, Be Somebody’s Pacer, so people can use their experiences in life to help others who are having similar troubles. If those of us who have suffered hardships and persevered aren’t using our experiences to educate others, then, in my opinion, it was all a waste. The ability to help others has become the most rewarding part of my life. If it wasn’t for running I would have never discovered that I had this special ability to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Follow my journey and stay up-to-date with Woke the Monster on Instagram.

My Running Story is a series of blog submissions from runners just like yourself. They submitted their inspirational running stories as part of a contest to win an entry of their choice to the 2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon. Their stories range from crossing their first finish line to drastic lifestyle change due to running. Everyone’s story is different and unique, impacting them in a specific way. While each story is specific to the author, everyone can resonate in some form or fashion because of the power of running. Other My Running Story submissions include Kayleigh Williamson, Kirsten Pasha, Michael Coffey, Samantha Santos, Tom Hamann, Erica Richart, Angela Clark, Rebecca Galvan, Jeremy Tavares, Axel Reissnecker, Blair Nagel, Brittany Drennan, Rene Arguello, and Christy Thomas.

Austin Marathon Introduces The Moody Foundation as Sponsor

December 18, 2019/in Press Release /by Austin Marathon

Since 2016, The Moody Foundation has contributed nearly $1 million to Austin Gives Miles

Austin Gives Miles, the philanthropic program of the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour, introduces The Moody Foundation as its presenting sponsor. The Moody Foundation has given nearly $1 million to Austin Gives Miles since 2016. More than 25% of that total was given to 36 Central Texas nonprofits during the 2019 Austin Marathon. The 2020 Austin Gives Miles presented by The Moody Foundation is already working to increase those numbers and further the positive impact on the Central Texas community. The 29th annual Austin Marathon, owned and produced by High Five Events, will take place on February 16, 2020.

“The Moody Foundation is proud to partner with Austin Gives Miles for the fifth consecutive year to match funds raised for the AGM Central Texas causes,” said Ross Moody, trustee of the Moody Foundation and chairman and CEO of National Western Life Group. “This initiative is near and dear to our hearts and has been for many years. We’re so excited to support a program that gives runners the opportunity to make their miles meaningful and encourages donors to give back to the Central Texas community.”

Austin Gives Miles continues to grow

Austin Gives Miles will receive a grant from The Moody Foundation for the fifth year in a row. The money raised annually through Austin Gives Miles significantly impacts a wide array of local nonprofits. Austin Gives Miles fundraised $1,187,000, recruited more than 1200 runners, and provided 1500 volunteers during the 2019 Austin Marathon. Austin Gives Miles’ six-year fundraising total is nearly $3.2 million.

“This is a thrilling addition to Austin Gives Miles because The Moody Foundation has meant so much to this program for so many years,” said Carly Samuelson, Austin Gives Miles Charity Manager. “The Moody Foundation’s previous contributions have had a far-reaching, positive effect on Central Texas nonprofits and this announcement will allow us to further that positive impact.”

Bettering Central Texas, one step at a time

The Moody Foundation, based in Galveston, Texas, has funded projects and programs that better communities throughout Texas. The grant that will match Austin Gives Miles donations will have a positive impact on the Central Texas organizations and their specific causes by matching their funds raised (up to $10,000 per Official Charity). One of Moody Foundation’s areas of support is community development. It directly aligns with the goal of the Austin Marathon: to better Central Texas. Austin Gives Miles is excited to expand this relationship and knows the positive effects will be far-reaching.

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 29th year running in the capital of Texas in 2020. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. The Austin Marathon is the perfect running weekend destination. The start and finish lines are a few blocks apart, within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants. The finish line backdrop is the picturesque Texas State Capitol. Austin Gives Miles presented by Moody Foundation is the perfect way for runners to get involved and give back to the Central Texas community. Registration is currently open.

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