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6 Tips to Help You Wake Up Early for a Morning Run

Get out the door for your morning run with these 6 tips

The sun will soon rise and your alarm clock is going off. You’re training for the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon or Austin Half Marathon and your schedule calls for a morning run. But your bed is so comfortable and you were really enjoying sleep. Every runner battles themselves on some level every morning. Use one or all six of our tips to get out of bed and ready for your morning run!

Go to bed early

Hitting the sack early is a great way to wake up refreshed and ready for your morning run. It also helps get you in a daily rhythm. Wake up early, complete your run, have a great day, go to bed early, repeat. If you have trouble going to sleep try eating dinner earlier, watch your favorite show before you lay down, or read a book in bed. Once your body adjusts to your new schedule, going to bed early and getting up early gets easier.

Run with friends

Running with friends is a great way to ensure you get up for your morning run.

Running with friends is a great way to ensure you get out of bed for your morning run.

Accountability! Knowing that at least one person is waiting for you is great motivation to get up early for your morning run. This mental hack is beneficial because you won’t want to let your friend run alone. Plus, everyone knows running is better with friends. Who knows, your friend is probably using this same tip!

Create a playlist you love

Knowing you’ll jam during your morning run will help you get up. Set the playlist to coincide with the duration of your run or make a list and put it on shuffle. Singing along will help get you going and make the miles fly by. Need some song recommendations? Follow us on Twitter and check out our #WeLiketheSoundofThat campaign. We’re compiling the songs on this Spotify playlist!

Sleep in your running clothes

Runner ties shoes before going on a morning run.

Place your shoes and socks by the door so they’re ready to go for your morning run.

Simplify your morning routine and sleep in your running clothes. Take this a step further and put your running shoes and socks by the door. Pack everything you’ll need for the day if you don’t plan to come home after your run. Pro tip: make sure the clothes are clean and weren’t previously used on a run!

Put your alarm out of reach

Place your alarm somewhere so you have to actively get out of bed to turn it off. This tactic gets your body moving and reduces the chances that you hit the snooze button. Put it next to your toothbrush, in the kitchen, or in your running shoes. Just make sure the alarm is set and the volume is loud enough to hear in the bedroom. Pro tip: if you use your phone, set your favorite song to go off when it’s time to get up.

Simplify your run

Start small and work your way up. Longer runs can seem daunting at first, increasing the chances you stay in bed. If you’ve just started running, alternate running and walking. Eventually, you’ll eliminate walking. You can also start out by running 15 minutes and increase your time on subsequent runs. Plan your route and know it. This increases your safety and provides benchmarks so you know how much running remains.

Completing an early morning run gets your day started and knocks one more thing off your to-do list. Use one or all of our tips to jumpstart your morning. Is there a trick you use that we didn’t mention? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!

Explore these 7 East Austin Highlights Near the Austin Marathon Course

in Blog post, Explore Austin

Explore some of our favorite East Austin highlights and learn about their rich history

There are numerous legendary, significant, and beautiful locations in East Austin. From Huston-Tillotson University, Austin’s first institution of higher learning, to the many green spaces, parks and trails, East Austin is brimming with places you should visit. We whittled down our favorite East Austin highlights to those that are in close proximity to the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon course. We’re proud that the course runs through historic East Austin once again. On Feb. 16th, runners from around the world have a chance to soak in all that East Austin has to offer. That’s something we enjoy on a daily basis. Check out our list of the seven East Austin locations you must visit!

Huston-Tillotson University

Huston-Tillotson University is Austin’s first institution of higher learning.

Established in 1875, Huston–Tillotson University was the first institution of higher learning in Austin. It is a private, historically black university. The university’s history resides with two schools, Tillotson College and Samuel Huston College, which merged in 1952. During Labor Day Weekend, the university plays host to Six Square’s The District Cultural Arts Festival. It’s an exciting celebration that honors the rich legacy and cultural contributions of Central Texas’ Black community and provides a gathering place for everyone to enjoy Austin’s unique black arts, music, history, and culture. Photo credit: Huston-Tillotson University Facebook page.

Yellow Jacket Stadium

Yellow Jacket Track is a stone’s throw from the Boggy Creek Trail. This track is a haven for the East Austin community and those doing speedwork during their Austin Marathon training. It was restored by L.C. Anderson High alum Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson The former Dallas Cowboys linebacker is heavily invested in the track, fundraising twice to improve the track, and East Austin.

Rosewood Neighborhood Park

Near Mile 19.5, Rosewood Neighborhood Park offers numerous amenities when you visit. This East Austin highlight offers plenty of open space for a picnic, a couple of baseball fields for a pick-up game, and a splash pad.

Six Square

The Peterson Brothers headlined the 2018 Austin Marathon’s finish line festival.

Six Square’s mission is to preserve and celebrate the cultural legacy of the African American community that once thrived in Central East Austin through cultural arts, education, economic development, and historic preservation. They have a gallery that highlights up-and-coming artists. Six Square provides historical tours, hosts The District Culture Arts Fest, and showcases Austin’s best musicians during Black Music Month with blues, R&B, hip-hop, and jazz showcases. The Peterson Brothers headlined the 2019 Blues Music Showcase. They also headlined the 2018 Austin Marathon finish line festival!

Boggy Creek Trail

Want a short recovery run while training for the Austin Marathon? Leave Rosewood Park, walk across the railroad tracks, and hop on the Boggy Creek Trail. This out-and-back trail is ideal for stretching your legs on Sunday after your Saturday long run.

George Washington Carver Complex

We’re fortunate to have the Carver Complex and its dedication to the past, present, and future in Austin.

Known as the “Drumbeat of the Black Community,” the Carver Complex is an institution that is dedicated to the collection, preservation, research, interpretation, and exhibition of historical and cultural materials reflecting all dimensions of experiences of persons of African descent living in Austin, Travis County, and in the United States. The 36,000-square foot facility is also a key source of information on the history and celebration of Juneteenth. Visit this East Austin highlight and explore the George Washington Carver Museum, Carver Branch Library, and Carver Genealogy Center. Photo credit: George Washington Carver Complex Facebook page.

Texas State Cemetery

Establishment of the Texas State Cemetery (909 Navasota St.) began in 1851. The 18-acre site is just three blocks from the final mile of the Austin Marathon course. The Texas State Cemetery is the final resting place of many influential individuals, including former governors, Senators, and people instrumental with Texas gaining its independence. It has a meditation area and features monuments honoring Texans who have served the United States of America. If you’re a history buff or want to pay your respects, the cemetery is open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Was the above list of East Austin locations not enough? Visit these Google Maps of our favorite murals and other places we love around Austin!

7 East Austin Restaurants Near the Austin Marathon Course

in Blog post, Explore Austin

Check out some of our favorite East Austin restaurants near the Austin Marathon course

East Austin has no shortage of amazing and delicious restaurants, from Kemuri Tatsu-Ya, Eater Austin’s 2017 Restaurant of the Year, to the legendary, no-frills Sam’s BBQ. We’re proud to have the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon course run through historic East Austin. Runners from around the world have a chance to visit and taste what we enjoy on a daily basis. Check out our list below of East Austin restaurants near the Austin Marathon course!

Kemuri Tatsu-Ya

A delicious spread at Kemuri Tatsu-Ya, don’t skip the Brisket Ramen!

This east Austin izakaya (informal Japanese pub) from the team behind Ramen Tatsu-Ya. Kemuri Tats-ya (2713 E. 2nd St.) was Eater Austin’s 2017 Restaurant of the Year. This spot marries Texas and Japanese ingredients and techniques. We recommend the Texas Ramen because it’s delicious and contains a Texas staple, brisket. Your tastebuds will thank you! Photo credit: Kemuri Tatsu-Ya Facebook page.

Sam’s BBQ

This no-frills, East Austin staple was started in 1957 by Sam Campbell. It has been serving Austin’s original hot sausage since then! Dan Mays Sr. took over after Sam’s death in 1976. Brian Mays, Dan’s son, forges ahead with Sam’s vision: to make delicious, high-quality, home-cooked meals for all appetites. Sam’s BBQ is located near Mile 19.5 of the Austin Marathon course (2000 E. 12th St. 78702). Carnivores can enjoy everything from brisket to mutton. The sides are delicious as well!

Buenos Aires Cafe, Este

The craft cocktails at Buenos Aires Cafe are top-notch, one of the Austin Marathon's favorite East Austin restaurants.

You have to try the specially crafted cocktails at Buenos Aires Cafe.

Buenos Aires Cafe is a must-add to your list! They celebrate the holy trinity of Argentine cuisine: meat, fire, and seasonal ingredients. They are particular about the ingredients they make and sell and responsibly source them to ensure only the finest products make it to your table. Pro tip: they’ll open for brunch soon and their drinks are refreshing! Photo credit: Buenos Aires Cafe, Este Facebook page.

Bufalina

Is pizza your thing? Grab a Neopolitan-style pie and a bottle of wine from Bufalina’s at 1519 E. Cesar Chavez. You can’t go wrong with any of their appetizers. Brush up on your wine knowledge, the list is quite extensive. Pro tip: pizzas are 50% off during happy hour (4:00 p.m. – 5:30)!

Pitchfork Pretty

Looking for a spot to grab some regional and seasonal food? Pitchfork Pretty (2708 E. Cesar Chavez) is your answer. Their menu consists of everything from vegan options to the enormous BBQ beef rib. Often what you see on their menu is what has been grown in their garden that’s about a mile away.

Sour Duck Market

The outdoor seating is perfect for a group of runners at Sour Duck Market.

With an on-site smoker, Sour Duck (1814 E. MLK) smokes all of their meats in-house. Swing by for breakfast during the week to grab something from their coffee shop and bakery. Their outdoor seating is great when your friends want to get together for happy hour (Sunday – Thursday, 2:00 – 6:00). Check out the extensive list of who they work with in the local food community! Photo credit: Sour Duck Market Facebook page.

JuiceLand

JuiceLand (2601 E. Cesar Chavez) was founded in Austin in 2011. They now have 25 locations in or around Austin! Their menu is award-winning, offering a delicious array of cold-pressed bottled juices, vegan cuisine, smoothie bowls, shots, and cleanses. Take your pick of fresh-squeezed juices, they’re the perfect antidote for a hot, Texas day!

Was the above list of East Austin locations not enough? Visit these Google Maps of our favorite murals and other places we love around Austin!

2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Registration Opens June 1st

in Press Release

2020 Austin Marathon prepares for runners from around the world

Registration for the 2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour® officially opens Saturday, June 1st. The 29th Austin Marathon will take place on Sunday, February 16, 2020, in Austin, Texas. Earlier this year, Austin’s premier running event featured more than 16,000 participants from all 50 states and 38 countries. Planning for 2020 began months ago so participants can chase their PR, meet their goals, and celebrate at the three-block-long finish line festival in front of the Texas State Capitol on February 16, 2020.

“We’re proud to share the City of Austin with participants from all over the world and provide them with an experience that lives with them forever,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “Vigorous planning has been underway since the final participant crossed the finish line and we can’t wait to share the 2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon with the world!”

2020 Austin Marathon perks

Those who register before the first price increase on Monday, June 10th, will receive a free customized nameplate for their finisher medal. Finishers of the Austin Marathon will receive a custom Under Armour long sleeve finisher’s shirt. On course, participants will enjoy 22 fully stocked aid stations, two fuel zones, thousands of cheering spectators, and live music. When runners cross the finish line, they can celebrate at a three-block-long party that will feature the Under Armour recovery zone, a beer garden, local food trucks, Jumbotrons displaying FloTrack’s live coverage, and hours of live music.

Giving back

Austin Gives Miles aims to surpass the $1,187,000 raised for 36 Central Texas nonprofits in 2019. A search is underway to replace Lance Armstrong as Charity Chaser and carry his momentum into 2020. The Charity Chaser will begin the marathon as the final participant and earn money for every marathoner they pass. For the fourth year in a row, AGM was the recipient of a generous matching grant from The Moody Foundation.

Elites

The Austin Marathon Elite Athlete Program will return for 2020. The application process will open during the summer. Joey Whelan (2:17:03) successfully defended his title as Austin Marathon champion. Heather Lieberg (2:42:27) claimed the female crown as the Austin Marathon female champion. Both athletes easily hit the Olympic Marathon Trials B standard. James Ngandu (1:04:32) and Caroline Rotich (1:13:24) were the male and female half marathon champions. All the action was streamed live through the Austin Marathon’s continued partnership with FloTrack.

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 29th year running in the capital of Texas on February 16, 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.

The initial pricing structure follows: Austin Marathon ($109), Austin Half Marathon ($89), Austin Marathon 5K benefitting Paramount Theatre ($39). Participants can register for any distance and the Austin Marathon VIP Experience beginning June 1st.