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KXAN Simple Health Named Title Sponsor of Austin Marathon 5K

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Austin Marathon KXAN Simple Health 5K will continue to benefit Paramount Theatre

The Austin Marathon KXAN Simple Health 5K will take place on February 16, 2020.

Runners take off at the 2019 Austin Marathon 5K.

High Five Events introduces KXAN Simple Health as the title sponsor of the 2020 Austin Marathon 5K. The partnership includes amplification of the Simple Health initiative, race weekend activations, and year-round media opportunities. The Austin Marathon KXAN Simple Health 5K benefitting Paramount Theatre will take place on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020.

“We’re proud to support the Austin Marathon through our station-wide initiative, Simple Health,” said Eric Lassberg, Vice President and General Manager of KXAN. “By highlighting all events during Austin Marathon weekend, including the Austin Marathon KXAN 5K, we hope to raise awareness for Central Texans on fun ways to be active within their community.”

Bettering Central Texans

KXAN’s Simple Health is a public service initiative focused on providing its viewers with healthy living and wellness tips across all KXAN platforms. KXAN has partnered with The American Heart Association and focuses on their four tenants; eat smart, add color, move more, be well. The Austin Marathon was recently on KXAN’s Studio 512 to discuss summer training tips as part of KXAN’s fitness focus. KXAN is the Austin, Texas, NBC affiliate. They’re committed to providing Central Texans valuable and local news coverage through its in-depth, investigative brand.

“The growth of our partnership with KXAN has been tremendous and we know the Austin Marathon KXAN 5K will benefit from that growth,” Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Their Simple Health initiative aligns with one of our main goals: to get people moving and living healthier lives.”

Austin Marathon KXAN 5K

The Austin Marathon KXAN 5K will begin at 7:30 a.m. Runners will take off 30 minutes after the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon and Austin Half Marathon. It still benefits Paramount Theatre, Austin’s original performing arts venue since 1915. Participants will participate in the only Austin 5K that runs on historic Congress Avenue. The stroller-friendly course is perfect for the entire family. All participants receive an Under Armour participant shirt and a commemorative finisher medal. The current price, $39, will increase to $49 on Tuesday, September 10th. More than 2300 participants registered for the 2019 Austin Marathon 5K.

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. Having start and finish locations just a few blocks apart, being within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants, and finishing in front of the picturesque Texas State Capitol makes the Austin Marathon the perfect running weekend destination. Registration is currently open.

Austin Marathon Title Sponsor, Ascension Seton, Returns for Second Year

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Ascension Seton’s role as Austin Marathon title sponsor expands positive community impact

High Five Events announces the return of Ascension Seton as the Austin Marathon title sponsor. Entering its second year, the partnership has grown tremendously. Both Ascension Seton and Austin Marathon are focused on helping others improve their lifestyles and helping keep those on the move injury-free. Additionally, Ascension Seton will be the Official Medical Provider. The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour will take place on February 16, 2020.

“Ascension Seton is excited to return as the title sponsor and Official Medical Provider for the Austin Marathon,” said Adam Bauman, vice president of Orthopedics & Sports Performance at Ascension Seton. “The Austin Marathon reflects the community’s commitment to be an active and vibrant city, and through our partnership with High Five Events and friends of the Austin community, we are committed to promote, support, and facilitate activities for a healthy lifestyle.”

Official Medical Provider for race day

As the Official Medical Provider, Ascension Seton doctors and nurses will staff the finish line medical tent and work with Travis County EMS on course. During race weekend, Team Ascension Seton will participate in all events. They will also volunteer their time and have a major presence at the Health and Fitness Expo. Their presence will be felt as they get involved with local running clubs and attend community runs outside of race weekend. Ascension Seton will raise funds and spread awareness as an Official Austin Gives Miles charity. Ascension Seton is part of the largest nonprofit health system in the U.S. and the world’s largest Catholic health system.

“It’s been tremendous to watch this partnership grow and see our continued positive impact on the running community,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Ascension Seton’s involvement as Austin Marathon title sponsor has taken our event to another level. We’re pumped to continue supporting Central Texas and the running community together!”

2020 will mark the Austin Marathon’s 29th year running in the capital of Texas. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. Having start and finish locations just a few blocks apart, being within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants, and finishing in front of the picturesque Texas State Capitol makes the Austin Marathon the perfect running weekend destination. Registration is currently open.

9 Beginner Running Tips to Get You Started

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Get on the right track with these beginner running tips 

Every runner begins at square one. Whether you’re just starting out or returning from a long break from running, these nine beginner runner tips will get you started. Some might not need all nine, but everyone will use at least one to get them going. Remember to have fun, running should be enjoyable!

Don’t track distance

Run on the Boardwalk to track your time, a helpful beginner running tip!

Austin has a massive amount of places to implement these beginner running tips!

Track time instead. Focus on time on your feet when you begin. Start off with a time that’s comfortable for you and increase that amount over time. For your first time out, try running/walking for 15 minutes and see how that feels. If you feel fine, increase it by 3-5 minutes next time! After a few weeks when you get more comfortable being on your feet you can begin tracking mileage.

Take walk breaks

When starting out, your heart rate will increase quickly. You’re asking a lot of your body when you first begin running. Your body will adjust accordingly. Taking walk breaks will allow your heart rate to come back down and catch your breath. When you’re on your first 15-minute run, alternate running and walking every 60 seconds. The next time you’re out, run for 90 seconds and walk for 60. Eventually you’ll eliminate walking altogether!

Run in a location you’ll love

Austin runners can run on the Greenbelt, trail running is a helpful beginner running tip.

If you love nature, try running/walking on the trail when you first start out.

Love nature? Go to the trails. Like a certain coffee shop? Run near the shop and reward yourself. Enjoy being near water? Check out the Boardwalk. Running at a location you love helps you have a better experience when you first start out.

Get fit for running shoes

You’re running, get running shoes! Fit matters. You want shoes that fit your feet, provide comfort, and look good. Visit our friends at Fleet Feet Austin. They’re the Official Running Store of the Austin Marathon. You can use their state-of-the-art foot scanning machine to get fitted with the shoes that’s best for you.

Start slow

Don’t start like you’ve been shot out of a cannon. Begin at an easy, comfortable pace. You don’t want to wear yourself out or elevate your heart rate too soon. Your effort shouldn’t be stressful. Starting slow allows your body to warm up and helps prevent injury.

Track your progress

Group photo of friends before running the 2019 Austin Half Marathon. Running with friends is a great beginning running tip.

Run with friends and track your progress all the way to the finish line.

As mentioned above, don’t track distance, track time. Keep a log of the amount of time you spent on your feet. Track the amount of jogging and walking and how many times you alternate. This will inform you what your next workout should be, how much you run/walk, and how much time you spend on your feet. 

Lower your expectations

If you’re just starting out, you won’t run a 5K right off the bat. Every runner, from elites to beginners, starts at square one. Make sure your expectations and goals are attainable. If you set lofty goals and don’t achieve them you can get burned out and lose interest. Start off small and work your way up!

Listen to music you love

Make a running playlist that you’ll love! Don’t have the time? Check out our #WeLiketheSoundofThat playlist on Spotify! Listening to music you love will help pass the time, act as a timer for your workout, and help distract from the task at hand. Feel free to sing out loud if needed! If using headphones, make sure the volume is low enough to hear your surroundings.

Run with a friend who is at your level

This tip is beneficial for two reasons: accountability and camaraderie. You’ll hold each other accountable, meaning you’re less likely to hit snooze for that early morning run if you know your friend is waiting for you. Additionally, you can push one another when needed, compare training progress, and congratulate one another when you do something great!

Beginning to run can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t break it down. The benefits of running are endless and these beginning runner tips will get you on the right track. Did you use a specific beginner running tip when you first started running? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

Follow this Recovery Timeline After Your Long Training Run

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Recover from your long training run faster with our advice

Your Ascension Seton Austin Marathon or Half Marathon training plan is certain to include long runs. They’re the core to building the endurance needed to achieve your goals. But just like any other run, you need to recover after your long training run and prepare for what’s next. Our timeline will help expedite the recovery process, from the moment you stop your watch until you lay down for a well-deserved nap. Take our advice, adjust it to your schedule, and make sure you’re ready for whatever is next on your training plan. Having trouble getting up in the morning for your long run? These 6 tips are sure to jump-start your morning!

Rehydrate (within 5 minutes)

nuun display at Austin Marathon expo. nuun is the perfect drink for your long training run.

nuun has the electrolytes you need after your long training run! Credit – Deborah Cannon

You lose fluids during your run when you sweat. This is the price you pay so your body can stay cool during the run. It’s important to drink at least 16 ounces of an electrolyte-enhanced drink (like nuun!) when you’re done. Drinking this will begin the rehydration process and restore needed nutrients Pro tip: prepare a drink that’s specifically for after your run before you begin.

Stretch/foam roll (within 5-15 minutes)

You’re pushing your body further and further, reward it with stretching and foam rolling. Whether you’re increasing your distance or lowering your time, you’re asking a lot of your body. Take care of the muscles that take care of you. Stretching and foam rolling allow fresh blood to flow to the muscles. This speeds up recovery and helps prevent lactic acid from settling in.

Eat a snack (within 15-30 minutes)

Grab some fruit, beef jerky, or your favorite protein bar. Eat something that won’t upset your stomach or dry out your mouth. You need to replace the energy your body consumed during your long training run. Plus, it’ll give you a nice little energy boost. Keep hydrating!

Cool off (within 30-60 minutes)

Barton Springs is a great place to cool off after your long training run.

Cool off in Barton Springs after your long training run.

Take a cold shower or jump in a cold body of water like Barton Springs (stay no more than 15 minutes). The cold water can help your body’s core temperature return to normal and reduce inflammation. 

Eat a meal (within 1-2 hours)

Now it’s time to eat! By now your snack is wearing off and your stomach is beginning to rumble. Your body probably burned thousands of calories. Time to replace them! Grab something to eat, whether it’s a pre-cooked meal, something you prepare, or you go out to a restaurant. Pro tip: check out some of our favorite East Austin restaurants.

Nap (within 2+ hours)

Ahh, the ending to a perfect long run, the nap. You’ve stretched and foam rolled, eaten, hydrated, and showered. It’s time to let your body do some repair work. Find somewhere that’s dark and cool. A 30-60 minute nap is perfect, depending on what you have to do for the rest of the day. It’s not a bad ideat to stretch/foam roll one more time and drink some more electrolytes before your nap. 

Some runner’s recovery timeline might differ. You can adjust this to fit your schedule. But the core of this timeline will assist in your recovery after your long training run. This will help your body get ready for whatever is next on your training schedule!