Tag Archive for: 2021 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour
Convince Your Friend to Train for a Half Marathon with You
5 ways to convince your friend to train for a half marathon with you
Maybe you have a race coming up and you don’t want to train alone. Perhaps you need some motivation to get your running groove back. Or you could have a friend who’s talked about running a half marathon, but has yet to commit. Regardless of the reason, it is time to convince your friend to train for a half marathon with you. Training with a buddy is not only fun, but inspiring as well. You can encourage each other while training for the upcoming 13.1-miler. If they’re still on the fence, convince your friend to train for a half marathon with you using the 5 tips below. Remember, running is contagious!
Incorporate a stretch routine before all runs and workouts.
Pro tip: it’s important to remember that life happens. Share how you balance life and training with your friend. That and these 5 helpful tips will give them what they need to train successfully.
1. Describe the race-day experience
Sometimes not knowing what to expect on race day can be detrimental. Take this opportunity to let your friend know what happens during race weekend. From packet pickup to the finish line festival, explain the process and what happens along the way. Provide details about the vendor-filled expo, what to expect on race morning, and the party at the finish line. Build this 4-stretch routine into your training plan and make it part of your race morning.
2. Share training information
Share information, like your favorite GPS watch, with your friend.
Share tips about how to train for the upcoming half. Provide guidance for essential items like running shoes, GPS watches, nutrition, training plans, stretching exercises, etc. Communicate what works and didn’t work for you. This is also a chance for you to determine what might be holding them back. Your friend will have lots of questions. You want to make the entire experience as enjoyable as possible for them. Think back to training for your first 13.1-miler and try to anticipate what they might need. Chances are there are a few things that’ll help them that they’re not aware of, like side stitches. Share these side-stitch prevention methods with them.
3. Provide support and encouragement
Keep in mind, running can seem daunting for a first-timer. Offer support and inspiration that’ll help them continue, even during the tough times. Take small steps and set smaller, weekly goals. Incorporate the ABCs of goal setting and they will help you both build-up to the main goal: crossing the half marathon finish line. Don’t throw your friend into full-fledged running, especially if they’ve never run before. Recall why you started running in the first place and try to impart that to your friend.
4. Work at their pace
Your insight will help your friend cross the finish line!
Your enthusiasm for the half marathon might discourage your friend who might feel less-than-ready to run. To counteract this, make your training run sessions fun. Include tunes they enjoy or run in an area they’re familiar with. Be sure to not make them burn out. Keep things at their pace, from running to the information you share. Again, revert back to training for your first half and what worked for you. If your runs are at night because of their schedule, follow these safety tips and enjoy the benefits of running at night.
5. Create friendly competition and give rewards
What better way to stimulate the passion for running than some competition. It is a fun way to challenge each other during training. Rewards can be small and inexpensive, like home-baked cookies or a new pair of socks. It shows your friend that you’re thinking of them and will incentivize them to reach their goal. When thinking about competition, it doesn’t have to be between the two of you. Challenge your friend to run half a mile further than before or a few seconds faster during a speed workout. After all, they’re their own competition.
Running is an exciting way to get fit and have fun. What better way to enjoy this sport and train for the next half marathon than with your friend? This advice will help you get them off the fence and in training mode. Establish a routine, set smaller goals, and create friendly competition to help your friend cross their first half marathon finish line!
5 Reasons It’s Important to Add Running Variety to Your Training
Adding running variety to your training is critical to your growth as a runner
Everyone’s fitness goals vary, but one thing that remains common in all forms of training is the goal to accomplish growth. Most beginner runners train with the same routine every day. Even running the same route gets monotonous. This is exactly why adding running variety can tackle that boredom and help you become a better runner in the process. Below are five reasons why you should add running variety to your training! Pro tip: when building your training plan, add in variations of these 9 different types of runs.
Build endurance
If you’re running the same course every day at the same speed there is little to no chance for growth. It will keep you fit, but it won’t help you grow. Incorporating different types of running and using different routes will slowly build your endurance. You’ll work and strengthen different muscles which will help with your ability to run for longer periods of time. Use these 10 healthy recipes for busy runners to provide your body with the fuel it needs to build endurance.
Increase muscle definition
Keeping true to your everyday training is certainly good. But the problem arises when you hit a plateau with your training and there are no visible changes in your body. This can be disheartening for some. Runners notice an increase in the definition of their leg muscles when adding high-intensity sprints to their training. Follow these 7 tips to increase your speed when you add speed training.
Reduce fatigue and injuries
When we run, our muscles experience fatigue. Runners can tackle fatigue or avoid cramps by simply changing their running type. If you run the same route all the time you’ll use the exact same set of muscles. You won’t activate other muscle groups. When the time comes to use muscle groups that haven’t been worked your chances for injury increase. If you experience fatigue that might be a sign you need to take a day off from running.
Keep it interesting
Boredom is something that can make us dislike even things we like. Running is no exception. When you add running variety there is a kind of excitement associated with it. You find yourself looking forward to the run. You might explore a new route, visit a different part of your city, or run past an amazing mural.
Build a well-rounded plan
Incorporating running variety into your training program ensures every day presents something different. Your body won’t know what to expect and that is exactly what makes variety bear fruit. Different types of runs have varying effects on our body and when combined, our bodies evolve as a whole instead of targeting a single part.
Well, now you know the benefits of adding running variety to your training. If you don’t know where to start, take a look at these 9 types of runs you can include in your routine. Once you’ve planned that out, it’s time to get running!
2021 Austin Half Marathon Signals Austin’s Successful Return to Running
The running community celebrates Austin’s successful return to running
On Sunday, April 25th, the Ascension Seton Austin Half Marathon presented by Under Armour signaled Austin’s successful return to running. Nearly 5400 registered for the Austin Half Marathon or KXAN Simple Health 5K benefitting Paramount Theatre. Austin’s successful return to running was highlighted by first-time runners, costumes, countless smiles, and an energetic atmosphere. Participants have been training for months, including decorated Texas Longhorn athletes Leo Manzano and Nate Boyer. Even though the 3-block-long finish line festival was left out this year due to the Mitigation Plan, finishers were encouraged to celebrate at one of the dozens of Austin restaurants and bars that provided deals and discounts for the virtual goodie bag.
Credit: Scott Flathouse.
“The Austin Half was my first race in 12 years and I couldn’t have asked for a better event to bring me back into running,” said Jack McBee, who finished in 2:06:32. “The energy was incredible — clearly everyone was ready to get back to running Austin! I’m sure I speak for most runners today when I say kudos to the Austin Marathon team for making this an unforgettable experience!”
Successful return to running
Temperatures began in the mid-50s. The rest of race day was picturesque, without a cloud in the sky. Twelve local bands performed on the 13.1-mile course, giving participants a taste of The Live Music Capital of the World. Social media confirmed participants were blown away by their goodie bags which included a custom Under Armour shirt, pint glass, bandana, sunglasses, and more. Finishers received a virtual goodie bag that includes exclusive deals at more than 30 sponsors, partners, and local Austin businesses.
“After the year we’ve had I’m so grateful I ran with the Austin running community today,” said Andrea Mee, who’s celebrating finishing her third Austin Half Marathon in a row at Star Bar. “The Austin Half Marathon is hands down one of the best races I’ve ever done and I’m so thankful they were able to host it today!”
Jordan West is the Austin Half Marathon champion (1:07:31). Michael “Slim” Morris (1:07:56) and Jared Schatz (1:08:04) crossed the half marathon finish line after him in second and third place. Michelle Murray is the Austin Half Marathon female champion (1:24:21). Carrie Birth-Davis (1:27:45) and Julia Rhie (1:29:25) were the second and third females to cross the half marathon finish line.
Credit: Scott Flathouse.
“After so many canceled races it felt great to toe the Austin Half Marathon start line,” said Murray, who says she earned her first major victory. “This was an experience I will never forget and I’m thankful that race organizers went above and beyond in making today as safe as possible!”
Austin Marathon Gives
The 26 Central Texas nonprofits that are part of Austin Marathon Gives charity program have raised more than $700,000. Austin Marathon Gives will receive a grant from presenting partner the Moody Foundation for the sixth year in a row. The grant will match donations raised, up to $10,000, for each participating organization. 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.
Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar.
“This was an absolutely incredible day and experience, especially considering I nearly beat my friend and Olympic silver medalist Leo Manzano,” said Nate Boyer, who helped raise more than $20,000 for Dell Children’s. “I’ll never forget how the running community came together at the Austin Half Marathon to mark Austin’s successful return to running. Training begins to get my revenge against Leo in 2022!”
Extended 30th anniversary
Registration is open for the Austin Marathon’s extended 30th anniversary, scheduled for February 20, 2022. Special pricing is set at $119 for the marathon, $99 for the half marathon, and $49 for the KXAN Simple Health 5K. These amazing deals will be available for a limited time only. Don’t miss your chance to Run Austin, the #1 city in America. 2021 participants can see their results on the Austin Marathon website and continue to share their memorable experiences on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Runners can expect their FinisherPix race day photos to be ready in 24-48 hours after the race.
Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar.
“I just know that Austin’s successful return to running today is going to springboard into an even more amazing experience at the Austin Marathon’s 30th anniversary in 2022,” said Manzano, Austin Marathon Celebrity Race Ambassador. “The running community is a special one, and to see them come together and support one another, local businesses, and nonprofits after months of training truly exemplifies how amazing this community is.”
The Austin Marathon would like to thank the volunteers, spectators, and participants who made the race so special. They would also like to thank title sponsor Ascension Seton, Under Armour, The Moody Foundation, Super Coffee, Camp Gladiator, GU Energy Labs, Nuun Hydration, Tacodeli, Siete Foods, Fleet Feet Austin, KXAN, Paramount Theatre, SPIbelt, Dole Packaged Foods, H-E-B, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Goodwill Central Texas, FloTrack, FinisherPix, Life Time, Boy Scout Troop 49, the City of Austin, Austin Police Department, Department of Public Safety, CapMetro, Austin Public Health, and Travis County EMS.
