Tag Archive for: Austin Marathon 5K

How to Pick A Training Plan

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Pick the training plan that’s right for you

Here are some important things to consider when picking your training plan.

1. Be honest with your goalsTwo smiling women stand side by side at a city marathon finish line, proudly holding finisher’s medals. After overcoming mental hurdles and long runs, they celebrate in athletic clothes and race bibs, with a state capitol building rising behind them. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Every runner’s journey is unique. Are you aiming for a personal best, hoping to finish your first half, or just looking to enjoy themiles with friends? Be real with yourself about what you want out of this season. If you’re eyeing a speedy 10K before your February half marathon, your plan might need a little extra speed work early on. Your goals matter, let them guide your path!

2. Be realistic about your time commitment

If a plan has you running long runs on Saturday mornings, but that is when your son’s baseball games are, that might not be the plan for you. Starting your training further out leaves you more time to adjust for when “life happens.” Shorter plans are great for feeling the pressure and for those who find themselves losing interest after a period of time.

Training should fit into your life, not the other way around.

3. Build upon what you’re running right now

A green infographic titled "8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Picking a Plan" lists questions about fitness goals, time, budget, motivation, and priorities for choosing a workout or training plan, with white and yellow text. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Your training plan should meet you at your current fitness level. Jumping into a plan with more miles than you’re ready for can lead to injury and frustration. Build on your current routine, and let your progress come naturally.

4. General or personal plan?

Decide if you want to invest in a personal plan or do you just want to follow a general plan. A general plan may be great to start and then switch to a more personalized plan once you feel you are ready to take it to the next level.

5. Check The Author

Choosing a big goal like running a half marathon or full marathon is something that you are investing so be sure to check what sources you are reading, because there are a lot of opinions out there. This is highly connected to making sure you are matching your current fitness level. Look for a certified coach with experience in your goal distance, such as The Run Plan. Don’t trust a random website with such an important goal (like running a marathon!).

Another great option is to find a local group or club in your city, and see if they have a group training plan or if there is a coach they recommend in your area. If you are in Austin, we have a full list at werunaustin.com

6. Include cross training

Some plans are strictly running while others incorporate other activities like yoga, cycling, or weightlifting. Cross training can be great for building strength, reducing injuries, and for preventing burnout.

7. Rest days are a necessityA male runner in a black tank top and headband crosses the marathon finish line with arms raised in victory, fueled by marathon motivation. Spectators cheer along colorful barricades, while event banners mark the finish area. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Rest days aren’t optional, they’re essential. Your body needs time to recover and get stronger. If a plan doesn’t include recovery days, keep looking. Training for long distance running is a challenge and your body will be stronger if you give it the proper time to recover.

8. Be kind to yourself and allow change

Life is full of surprises. You might miss a run for a concert, a family visit, or just because you needed a little extra sleep. That’s okay! Reset, refocus, and get back out there. If your plan isn’t working for you, switch it up. The finish line will still be there, and so will we, cheering you on every step of the way

The 2020 September Running Playlist: Music to Your Ears

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We curated the 2020 September Running Playlist just for you

You want music? We’ve got music! Austin is known as The Live Music Capital of the World and we are big music lovers. Every year, we showcase live music throughout the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon course and at the 3-block-long finish line festival. These monthly playlists will allow y’all to hear what we’re listening to. Each song can be found on its monthly playlist and our master #WeLiketheSoundofThat playlist! We also share every song on Twitter. Hit the ‘Follow’ button on Twitter so you know what’s next! The 2020 September Running Playlist has everything you need, including the legendary Red Hot Chili Peppers and the energy-creating Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Pro tip: having a playlist that you love is a great motivational tool to get you out of bed for your morning run!

Playlist pro tips:

1) In Spotify, drag the 2020 September Running Playlist to your ‘Playlists’ section for quick access

2) Then click the download button so you can listen even if you’re offline

Click play on the 2020 September Running Playlist before you take off for your next run. These 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 like that we didn’t list? Let us know in the Austin Marathon Facebook Group and Twitter.

The 2020 August Running Playlist: Music to Your Ears

in ,

We curated the 2020 August Running Playlist just for you

You want music? We’ve got music! Austin is known as The Live Music Capital of the World and we are big music lovers. Every year, we showcase live music throughout the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon course and at the 3-block-long finish line festival. These monthly playlists will allow y’all to hear what we’re listening to. Each song can be found on its monthly playlist and our master #WeLiketheSoundofThat playlist! We also share every song on Twitter. Hit the ‘Follow’ button on Twitter so you know what’s next! The 2020 August Running Playlist has everything you need, from Manchester Orchestra’s heavy guitar riffs to Gloria Gaynor’s classic “I Will Survive.” Pro tip: having a playlist that you love is a great motivational tool to get you out of bed for your morning run!

Playlist pro tips:

1) In Spotify, drag the 2020 August Running Playlist to your ‘Playlists’ section for quick access

2) Then click the download button so you can listen even if you’re offline

Click play on the 2020 August Running Playlist before you take off for your next run. These 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 like that we didn’t list? Let us know in the Austin Marathon Facebook Group and Twitter.

The 2020 July Running Playlist: Music to Your Ears

in ,

We curated the 2020 July Running Playlist just for you

You want music? We’ve got music! Austin is known as The Live Music Capital of the World and we are big music lovers. Every year, we showcase live music throughout the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon course and at the 3-block-long finish line festival. These monthly playlists will allow y’all to hear what we’re listening to. Each song can be found on its monthly playlist and our master #WeLiketheSoundofThat playlist! We also share every song on Twitter. Hit the ‘Follow’ button on Twitter so you know what’s next! The 2020 July Running Playlist has everything you need, including Austin’s guitar virtuoso Stevie Ray Vaughan and the beloved and uncompromising Lizzo. Pro tip: having a playlist that you love is a great motivational tool to get you out of bed for your morning run!

Playlist pro tips:

1) In Spotify, drag the 2020 July Running Playlist to your ‘Playlists’ section for quick access

2) Then click the download button so you can listen even if you’re offline

Click play on the 2020 July Running Playlist before you take off for your next run. These 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 like that we didn’t list? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.