Austin Half Marathon Archives

7 Important Items You Need to Start Marathon Training

Start marathon training on the right foot with these 7 marathon training essential items

Training for the Austin Marathon is an exciting journey, but it also requires smart preparation to ensure you’re ready to tackle the race. With the right gear, you can train more effectively, stay comfortable, and perform your best on race day. Whether you’re new to marathons or an experienced runner, these seven essential items will help you cross the finish line strong.

1. Running-Specific Shoes

Your feet are the foundation of your running, so it’s crucial to invest in a pair of high-quality, running-specific shoes. Proper shoes help reduce the risk of injury, provide support for your stride, and offer the necessary cushioning for long-distance runs. Everyone’s foot structure and running style are unique, so it’s important to find shoes that suit you specifically.

Pro Tip: Visit our friends at Fleet Feet Austin for a professional shoe fitting. Their staff uses 3D foot scanning and gait analysis to find the perfect pair for you. Getting professionally fitted helps ensure your shoes are not only comfortable but also offer the right support for long training runs and race day. Plus, breaking in your shoes well before race day can prevent blisters and discomfort.

2. Comfortable, Moisture-Wicking Socks

The right socks can make all the difference in preventing blisters and keeping your feet comfortable over long distances.

Look for running-specific socks made from moisture-wicking materials like merino wool or synthetic blends. These fabrics help keep your feet dry by wicking away sweat, reducing the chances of chafing and hot spots.

3. Weather-Appropriate Gear

Austin’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for various conditions. For hot or humid days, lightweight, breathable clothing is essential. Look for moisture-wicking tops, shorts, or tights that keep sweat off your skin.

For cooler weather, layering is key—consider thermal tops or jackets designed for running, and invest in gloves or hats to keep warm during colder months. Read more on how temperature can affect our running.

4. Running Belt (SPIbelt)

Carrying your essentials, such as your phone, keys, gels, or ID, can be tricky without the right gear. The SPIbelt (Small Personal Item Belt) is a compact, expandable running belt that keeps your belongings secure and prevents bouncing or discomfort.

It’s lightweight and sits snugly around your waist, making it easy to focus on your run without worrying about your items.

5. Nutrition

Proper nutrition is key to maintaining energy during your long training runs and the marathon itself. Consuming easy-to-digest energy gels can help sustain your endurance and prevent energy crashes. During your training, experiment with different gels to see which ones your body tolerates best.

One excellent option is BPN (Bare Performance Nutrition) energy gels. BPN is the official on-course nutrition partner for the Austin Marathon, meaning their products will be provided at aid stations during the race. Training with BPN gels now ensures that your body is already familiar with the nutrients and fuel you’ll be consuming on race day—eliminating any surprises when it matters most.

6. Hydration

Staying hydrated is essential for any marathoner. During your training runs, ensure you’re drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated before, during, and after your workout. Incorporating an electrolyte drink into your hydration plan is a great way to replace minerals lost through sweat.

As the official hydration provider for the Austin Marathon, BPN offers an excellent range of electrolyte drinks designed specifically for athletes. Consider training with their Electrolyte formula so that your body is well-adapted to the hydration stations you’ll encounter on race day.

7. Extras: Hat, Sunglasses, and Headphones

Don’t overlook the small extras that can make your training more enjoyable. A lightweight, moisture-wicking hat will keep the sun off your face, while running sunglasses will protect your eyes from UV rays. If you enjoy running to music or podcasts, invest in a pair of sweat-proof, wireless headphones designed for running. These extras add comfort and enjoyment to your runs.

The right gear can make a significant difference in your marathon training and race-day experience. From choosing the perfect running shoes at Fleet Feet Austin to incorporating BPN nutrition and hydration into your routine, these essentials will help you train smarter, stay comfortable, and perform your best. Test each piece of gear throughout your training to ensure that you’re ready to run your best Austin Marathon—confident, prepared, and without any last-minute surprises.

Calm Pre-Race Nerves With These 5 Tips

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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!

Earn Your Ticket to the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group Championship at the Austin Marathon

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2024 Austin Marathon participants can earn a spot at AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group Championships

Mark your calendars for February 18, 2024, because Austin, Texas, is where the action’s at. The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon is your passport to an adrenaline-fueled adventure as it returns as one of the selected qualifying marathons for the Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group World Rankings. The AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings comprise over 375 qualifying races in over 90 different countries in which athletes in nine separate age groups can compete in marathons across the world to earn a global ranking.

Compete against runners from around the world

The spread of the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group Qualifying Events creates a truly global series throughout the year. This gives runners across the world the chance to be part of a new era of age-group marathon running.

The 2024 season will be the 6th edition of the rankings, with runners competing to earn an invitation to the 2025 AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships.

Dawna Stone, Abbott World Marathon Majors CEO said: “The Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group World Rankings continue to grow and welcome new races into the qualifying process every year. The geographical spread of runners and races shows the appetite for high level competition across all ages and an invite to the World Championships is becoming a much sought-after goal.”

How it Works

Athletes will be ranked according to their single fastest time in a qualifying event. Any athlete achieving the Automatic Qualifying Time for their age group will receive an immediate invitation for the 2025 AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships.

Highly-ranked runners who do not achieve the Automatic Qualifying Time still have the opportunity to receive an invitation to enter the World Championship depending on the full field size and the number of athletes achieving the qualifying time.

In order to receive an invitation, runners must be registered at AbbottWMM.com. The date, location, and field size for the 2025 AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships will be announced in due course.

Age Group Qualifying Times

Times are subject to final confirmation by AbbotWMM at the end of 2023.

2024 Qualifying times Age Group	Male	Female
40-44	02:35	03:05
45-49	02:42	03:11
50-54	02:48	03:21
55-59	02:57	03:30
60-64	03:10	03:48
65-69	03:26	04:06
70-74	03:40	04:35
75-79	04:06	05:05
80+	04:40	05:25

Qualifying for the 2025 AbbottWMM Age Group Championship

There are three ways to qualify for the championships.

1. Achieve the Automatic Qualifying Time for your age group

2. Other highly ranked athletes without an Automatic Qualifying Time may also receive an invitation, depending on the full field size and the number of athletes achieving the qualifying time.

3. The bi-annual AbbottWMM Global Marathon, held within the Global Run Club, has 200 places available for the fastest verified finishers. Visit the Global Run Club for full details.

Full details here.

So, as the Austin Marathon countdown begins, imagine the cheers of the crowd, the beat of your heart, and the thrill of knowing that you could earn a spot at the 2025 AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships. It’s not just a marathon; it’s a global celebration of running . The path to championship glory is paved with determination and a dash of fun. The Austin Marathon beckons and the world is your playground – get ready to run, laugh, and make memories that will last a lifetime. It’s marathon time, and the adventure begins here!

4 Taper Tips: Focus on Controlling What You Can Control

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Get to the start line ready to roll with these taper tips

The Taper. If you’re unfamiliar, tapering refers to the reduction in volume and intensity of your workouts leading to race day. You’ve been running for months, increasing your mileage, getting better and better. Your body is in training mode and it can be difficult to turn that off. Follow these taper tips to effectively utilize the extra time you now have. Continue to follow your training plan, implement these taper tips, and get to the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon or Austin Half Marathon start line ready to run your best!

Take care of yourself

This is vital and something you should’ve been doing since you began training! However, it becomes even more important leading up to Feb. 16th. Your training has introduced more miles than normal, early wake-up calls, and a reduction in time for yourself. Tapering your miles means you’ll have more time for self-care. Spend an extra 30-60 minutes a day foam rolling and stretching. Schedule a massage. Make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep.

Dial-in your nutrition/hydration

Keep an eye on your calorie intake! You burned more calories during training than you will when you taper. Adjust accordingly so the pounds you shed during training stay off! Focus on a balanced diet of moderate carbs, quality protein, and healthy fats. Start hydrating NOW. You should drink 8-10 glasses of water a day. Continue including electrolytes like you’ve done during training. Carry a tube of Nuun with you, pop a tablet into your reusable bottle, and make your water count! Make sure you try the on-course fuel, GU Energy Labs.

No new workouts

Just like nothing new on race day, no new workouts when tapering. This includes everything from a pick-up basketball game to lifting heavy weights at the gym. You don’t want to run the risk of spraining your ankle or pulling a muscle. Stick with what’s comfortable. If that’s running or cross-training (swimming, cycling, etc.), focus on less-intense and lower-volume workouts.

Sidetrack yourself

An increase in your mileage could mean you’re behind on your favorite show. Maybe you haven’t read those new books you got for Christmas. Now’s the time to distract yourself from the fact that you aren’t running as much as you have been. Spend a couple of hours binging your favorite show. Grab that new book and read at your favorite park. If you find yourself getting antsy because you’re not moving, try to foam roll or stretch while watching your favorite show. Or try reading your book while riding a stationary bike.

Follow these taper tips so the taper doesn’t frustrate you or stress you out. The sudden addition of extra time and the feeling that you should be running can be confusing. Follow these taper tips and focus on controlling what you can control. What do you do to get to the start line ready to roll when you taper? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

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