Tag Archive for: 30th annual Austin Marathon

Booty Bands: 4 Reasons Why You’ll Love Their Benefits

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The resistance from booty bands can make you a stronger runner

Booty bands: funny name, legit benefits. Running by itself is great. But if that’s all you do you might experience burnout or have an overuse injury. That’s why we’re always talking about cross-training! The benefits runners can see from cycling, swimming, and yoga are endless. Now you can add booty bands to the list! They’re inexpensive, lightweight, and you can work out with them anywhere. We breakdown what they are, talk about their benefits, and provide some of our favorite workouts. They’re especially helpful for first-time runners!

Booty bands explained

https://youraustinmarathon.com/booty-bands-benefits/Booty bands are small loop bands that can be made from different materials including rubber, cloth, and elastic. These bands usually come in sets with different weights and resistance. They can add additional resistance to natural movements like squats, lunges, slides, and kicks. While they are great for targeting your core and lower body, they can also be used for shoulders and arms. Also known as resistance bands, mini bands, butt bands, and hip bands. They’re a great compliment to your training, especially when you’re increasing your mileage.

Do they work?

Heck yeah they do! Once you work out with them you might realize that you’ve been slacking on working out certain muscles. Because of the added resistance, you will use more stabilizing muscles and feel the burn. They’re one of the simplest additions to your training/workout routine. They’re also great for preventing painful injuries like shin splints. Pro tip: add these endurance circuit workouts to your training too!

Benefits

  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to use
  • Durable
  • Lightweight and easy to pack/store
  • Adds a variety to workouts
  • Great for different levels of fitness

How to use them

Search booty band workouts on Google. You’ll discover so many options that you could literally do a new one each day. That is how versatile they can be. Here are some that caught our eye and that we added to our own workout lineup:

As you can see, we still take cross-training seriously. If we don’t have time to rock climb or ride our bike, we bust out our booty bands. There are times where we even add them to our warm-up routine. Do you already use booty bands and have a favorite workout? Let us know in the Austin Marathon Facebook Group or on Twitter!

4 Reasons Why You Should Try a Virtual Race

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Learn about all the benefits before you sign up for a virtual race

Are you looking for a way to find adventure and excitement this fall? A virtual race is the answer you’ve been searching for. While there are many things in life we have no control over, physical fitness is one thing that we still have a grasp on. And with the Run Austin Virtual Series from Austin Marathon and 3M Half Marathon, you’ll have monthly milestones and get fit in no time!

Virtual events explained

Virtual races are an innovative addition to the racing community, giving participants an opportunity to stay fit and motivated while we work towards returning to in-person events. They can be completed in the comfort of your own home and at a time of your choice. Competitors can pick their starting points and routes, be it the walkway outside their house, in a different state, or even a completely different country. The Run Austin Virtual Series will only dictate the distance you run and there are various races to choose from. It’s a great opportunity to return to racing and enjoy the keen satisfaction that comes with completing a task. Take your virtual races off the roads and to the trails. If you are in Austin you can complete your next virtual run on Austin’s top running trails.

Why you should try virtual racing

1. Set new goals and achieve them

Competitors are given the opportunity to set personal goals and achieve them. Although you won’t run alongside others, you can still achieve your running goals, increase your mileage, and possibly set personal records along the way. Additionally, you can work your way from smaller, more achievable goals to larger ones. Since virtual events have fewer time restrictions than in-person events, you can work towards completing a longer distance than you would normally run, significantly increasing your endurance levels.

2. Explore the social aspect of racing

It’s a shared, fun experience that’s enjoyable for everyone involved. Although virtual, you’ll still be able to interact with fellow runners and connect over the races you’ve completed and the records you’ve set. This also allows you to get your family and friends from different parts of the world in on all the fun. Additionally, participation in virtual races also prepares you for traditional races once you feel the time is right.

3. Take your fitness to the next level

See this as a wake-up call to start achieving your fitness goals today. Virtual races can advance your fitness level, motivating you to change any unhealthy habits, and live your best life. This is a great way for beginners to implement our useful advice for first-timer runners.

4. Virtual racing swag

With each virtual race comes unique swag! You can also purchase official merchandise just like you would for an in-person event. These fun momentos are great ways to remind you of your accomplishments and push you towards your new goal. Share this with your fellow competitors and friends by flaunting your digital swag courtesy of Austin Marathon on our photo booth.

Virtual runs are for people who chase adventure and the sense of accomplishment that follows. It’s definitely an opportunity worth experiencing. You won’t regret supporting your local virtual race provider. How excited are you to take part in a virtual race? Let us know in the Austin Marathon Facebook Group or on Twitter.

How Long Will it Take You to Finish a Marathon?

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Know the 6 factors that may impact your marathon finish time

A marathon is 26.2 miles (42.2K) long. While most elite runners can finish a marathon in the 2-hour range, age group runner’s finish times vary greatly. We review the average finish times for different ages below. Runners usually have 8 hours to complete the designated 26.2-mile distance.  There are several factors that can influence how long it can take you to finish a marathon. If you already know your running pace, use this helpful pace chart to help predict your finish time or set a new goal!

Training and pace

Runner Pace Chart for 5K Half Marathon and marathon finish time predictionLike every competition, preparation is critical for a marathon. The amount of training you put in every day before the race is crucial to how your body acclimatizes itself to running long distances. You can roughly calculate how long it could take you to finish a marathon by taking your mile time and comparing it with a marathon pace chart. For example, if you’re completing a mile in 15 minutes then you would likely reach the finish line in about 6.5 hours.

If you don’t know your base pace, you can calculate it. There are tons of different pace calculators available on the internet. Another good way to figure out your base pace is to run a 5K. Your pace in the final mile is a good place to start for predicting your pace. Since you are planning a longer distance you will want to add anywhere from 30 seconds to a minute to calculate your full marathon pace.

Many marathons will have pace groups for certain times to help guide finishers. These pace times can differ from race to race but many times include the required qualifying times for the Boston Marathon. The Austin Marathon is a Boston Marathon Qualifier with hundreds of people getting their BQ each year. 

  • Pace groups available: 2:59, 3:05, 3:10, 3:15, 3:20, 3:25, 3:30, 3:35, 3:40, 3:45, 3:50, 3:55, 4:00, 4:05, 4:20, 4:35, and 4:50
  • The pace group leaders will run “even splits.” This means that every mile will be run at approximately the same pace
  • Think of them as a moving finish line with your goal time pinned to the back of their shirts

Age and gender

Although age and gender do not restrict your ability as a runner, there are considerable differences in the stats in these categories. On average, men complete a marathon in a little more than 4 hours, while women take roughly 4.5 hours. The marathon running population is typically 30-40 percent female and 60-70 percent male. People of all ages complete a marathon, though the bulk are between 30 and 50 years of age. 

Average finish time by gender and age group from the 2020 Austin Marathon

Average Finisher Times based on age group for the austin marathon

These stats are important to know so that you can plan accordingly and maybe even take home an age group award. Age group awards are usually presented to the top 3 male and female overall in each age group. Categories begin with 19 & under and end with 85+. Groups increase in five-year increments.

Awards for the Austin Marathon (for male and female) include:

  • Overall champion
  • 2nd place
  • 3rd place
  • Age Groups: 19 & under 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-85, 85+

Terrain and weather

One part that can affect how long it takes to finish a marathon is the course’s terrain. The flatter the course, the lesser the effort required to run on it. But terrain does not necessarily dictate success or make a course hard or easy. With proper training for a course, you can set a PR (personal record) on all different styles of course. Pro tip: Try and run the course before race day. Practice some of your long runs on the course if you can!

As much as terrain decides the intensity of the challenge, weather can significantly impact how long it will take you to finish a marathon. If it is warmer than normal, your energy could drain faster. Your body consumes more energy to perform the task at hand and keep your body cool. Participants normally prefer the cooler temperatures in the winter months. But as with everything, if it gets too cold this could impact your time because it could take longer to warm up at the start.

Knowing about these factors and how they can impact how long it could take you to finish a marathon will help on race day. Keep a record of your time and work to improve it at your next marathon. With proper training and dedication, you could set a brand new marathon PR! How do you prepare for these factors during your training? Have they impacted how long it took you to finish a marathon? Let us know in the Austin Marathon Facebook Group or on Twitter.

Run Austin Virtual Series Introduces Third Event, Round the River 4-Miler

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Round the River 4-Miler is named after popular loop on Austin’s Hike and Bike Trail

In July, the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour and 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour created the Run Austin Virtual Series. Everyone is invited to participate in the 6-month-long virtual series. The events provide monthly milestones as participants train for Austin’s two most beloved running events. The Run Austin Virtual Series began with the Wildflower Mile in July and the Armadillo 5K in August. The series will continue in September with the Round the River 4-Miler. Future events will be revealed at the beginning of each month, finishing with a 10-miler in December.

“The Run Austin Virtual Series gives us something to look forward to and a reason to keep pushing (literally),” said Samantha Santos, who has completed the first two events pushing her kids in a stroller. “We talk about the races and the kids know when we’re “racing” and we celebrate our finishes with smoothies or donuts!”

Run Austin Virtual Series perks

Participants of the Run Austin Virtual Series receive themed, downloadable personalized bibs, digital finisher medals, and finisher certificates. Participants will also enjoy fun extras like an online finisher photo booth and virtual reality filters for social media. Registration is open for each of the events for $18. Free entry to the entire six-event series, a $108 value,  is available to participants of the 2021 3M Half Marathon or the 2021 Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K. New distances are launched at the beginning of each month. Limited-edition merchandise customized for each event will be available for purchase throughout the series.

“Participants love the Run Austin Virtual Series because it’s provided them with fun and engaging monthly milestones,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “This month’s Round the River 4-Miler is named after the popular 4-mile loop on Austin’s famous Hike and Bike Trail on Lady Bird Lake.”

Run Austin 2021

Austin’s flagship running event, the Austin Marathon, will celebrate its 30th anniversary on February 14th. It annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 35+ countries around the world. The start and finish locations are just a few blocks apart. They are within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants. The finish line is in front of the picturesque Texas State Capitol. The Austin Marathon is the perfect running weekend destination. Registration is currently open.

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. It will celebrate its 27th year running on January 17th. Runners will enjoy a point-to-point course with mostly downhill running. The 13.1-mile course showcases some of Austin’s finest locations. Participants start in north Austin and finish near the Texas State Capitol. Many participants set their 13.1-mile PR because of the 300’ net elevation drop. Registration is currently open.