Tag Archive for: Austin Marathon

Universal Advice from an Elite

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Rizzo’s universal advice can be used by every runner

Patrick Rizzo is one of the most decorated and versatile distance runners in the United States. In December 2017, he ran 2:17:27 at the U.S. Marathon Championship in Sacramento, California. This made him a four-time Olympic Trials qualifier in the marathon; a remarkable and almost unprecedented achievement which solidifies his running legacy. To honor this accomplishment, Colorado Running Magazine named Rizzo its runner of the month. Rizzo is competing in the Austin Marathon’s Elite Athlete Program on race day. He’s sharing some tips that have led to his success. His universal advice can be applied to all runners!

An Athlete’s Perspective – Issue 15

by: Patrick Rizzo

Race day for the Austin Marathon (Feb. 17th) is rapidly approaching. We’re in the final month of training now. This is where the fatigue sometimes gets the best of us. The mileage starts to think it’s winning. Nerves start to sneak into our thoughts. Taper madness is trying to set in. All of those things are normal though. It means you’ve been working toward a goal and you care enough to push yourself in order to achieve it.

Congratulations on getting this far! This is the metaphorical peak of the hill and now it’s time to come downhill. With that said, mistakes can still be made. Having covered the marathon distance 20 times myself, I’d like to share some universal advice. This universal advice is applicable to runners of all speeds and experience levels. Implement this universal advice to run your best and have a positive experience at the 2019 Austin Marathon.

One

Decide what you’re eating the night before the race and practice eating that same food before quality days. When a friend asks what you thought of the course, it’s better not to answer in terms of how frequent the port-o-potties were spaced on the course. Especially if it’s within your control to practice.

Two

Sticking with the specifics, have you tried nuun hydration? nuun performance will be the on-course hydration. Same with Gatorade gels and blocks. There will be two stations on the marathon course handing out nutrition. If it doesn’t suit your preference, plan ahead! Experiment with what DOES work and how you can carry that on race day. Gels pinned to the inside of shorts is a great way to carry your calories.

Three

What kind of shape are your shoes in? Will they make it to race day or are you 50/50? Now is the time to plan ahead. Nothing is worse than befriending the medical staff because your forefoot grafted to the insoles of your new shoes (yes, that happened to me at the London Marathon in 2013).

Four

Know your pace and stick to it. You shouldn’t be training more than five seconds faster than race pace and that’s even limited. If your regular runs are faster than goal marathon/half pace, either your goal is too slow or your training is too fast. Also, on race day, it’s easy for emotions to start out high (and take your pacing plan right with it). Prepare ahead of time to start at a pace that you plan to still find achievable in the last 5K.

Five

HAVE FUN! Really. If training has become “work” then you’re doing it wrong! I train 100 miles a week, with a wife, a kid, and a full-time job. It’s still something I “get to do” and not “have to do.” Dads and moms, you can’t be afraid to get that running stroller out for the easy days and chat with the little one while you’re out there. My son and I have solved the world’s problems while we run together. It also gives me time to bond with him and gives my wife a break to do her workout. Fun comes from having balance and perspective.

An Athlete’s Perspective is a blog series of event and/or training experiences written firsthand by the athletes themselves. An Athlete’s Perspective is a completely unscripted and raw look into the mind and daily life of an athlete as they prepare for their next race. Readers will discover training regimens, eating tips, gear recommendations, and an uncut perspective into the lives of people like you and me.

Austin Gives Miles: Where Miles and Meaning Meet

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Introducing Austin Gives Miles

It’s been reported that less than 1% of the world’s population has run a marathon, roughly seven million people (give or take). There’s an even smaller number of people who run marathons that need to be celebrated; those who run their race on behalf of a charity. Enter Austin Gives Miles, the Official Charity Program of the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour.

Austin Gives Miles gives runners from around the world the opportunity to give back to local and national nonprofits. This is accomplished by fundraising in conjunction with their race. Participants can raise funds while training for the marathon, half marathon, 5K, or Manzano Mile.

The concept isn’t unique to the running world. Charity endurance programs are a popular mechanism for charitable organizations to raise money for their causes. What is unique to Austin Gives Miles is that the program celebrates the local charities that make Austin great. Some of these Austin nonprofits rescue dogs, combat homelessness through running, and tackle cancer. Austin Gives Miles has a mission that will tug at your heartstrings and add even more meaning to your miles.

Lance Armstrong, Charity Chaser

The great part about Austin Gives Miles is that no fundraising effort is too small or large. Austin Gives Miles charities are proud, enthusiastic, and supportive of every runner that runs for their cause. Sure, large donations and lots of fundraising dollars are great, but Austin Gives Miles charities celebrate every runner, every connection, and every contribution to their mission. The program is even more exciting this year with the announcement that Lance Armstrong will run the 2019 Austin Marathon on behalf of Austin Gives Miles.

Lance is an Austinite, philanthropist, cyclist, and an avid runner. He is founder and owner of WEDŪ, a content destination designed to provoke and equip people to embody an endurance lifestyle. Lance is the 2019 Charity Chaser, a program started five years ago to raise awareness for Austin Gives Miles. This year, Lance will start the marathon in last place. He will raise money for every marathoner he passes on his 26.2-mile journey. The money raised will be evenly split between the local charities who work hard to make Austin Gives Miles a huge success.

If you are looking for a way to add even more meaning to your miles this February 17th, check out Austin Gives Miles. You can make a donation, support Lance, or raise funds for one of the 30 Austin charities.

High Five Events, Fleet Feet Austin Join Forces

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Fleet Feet Austin will sell Official Austin Marathon Under Armour gear at the expo

High Five Events announces Fleet Feet Austin as their Official Running Store and Merchandise Partner. The partnership will focus on management of all event-related Under Armour gear and expanding community engagement opportunities.

“We’re excited for the opportunity to support and grow Austin’s active community alongside High Five Events,” said Ari Perez, Fleet Feet Austin’s Operating Partner. “Their lineup of premier events, level of community involvement, and record of philanthropy fall in congruence with Fleet Feet’s ongoing efforts in Austin and beyond.”

Fleet Feet Austin will have an increased expo presence at the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour and 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour. Additionally, they’ll manage the expanded Merchandise Zones that will sell official Under Armour gear. Fleet Feet Austin opened in July of 2018 and made themselves well-known through their positive impact on Austin’s running and fitness community. This partnership includes other events in High Five Events’ portfolio: Manzano Mile presented by Dole, Rookie Triathlon, Jack’s Generic Triathlon, and Kerrville Triathlon Festival.

“The support Fleet Feet Austin has shown Austin’s endurance community directly aligns with High Five Events’ goals and mission,” Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “By working together we will continue to better the community that we’re a part of and that we serve.”

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 28th year running in the capital of Texas on February 17th. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. Having start and finish locations in the heart of downtown Austin puts participants and spectators near all the action and within walking distance of restaurants, hotels, and shops. Registration is open for all distances.

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. It will celebrate its 25th year running on January 20th. Runners will enjoy a point-to-point course with mostly downhill running that showcases some of Austin’s finest locations. Starting in north Austin and finishing near the Texas State Capitol, runners will appreciate a 300+’ net elevation drop. Registration is currently open.

Austin Marathon Set to Join Forces with KXAN

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KXAN, the Austin-based NBC affiliate, to host FloTrack’s live race-day coverage

High Five Events introduces KXAN as the Official Media and News Coverage of the 2019 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour®. In addition to hosting FloTrack’s live coverage, KXAN will have an exclusive media zone and provide live shots and on-air talent on race day. The Austin Marathon will take place on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019.

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 5K, we hope to raise awareness for Central Texans on fun ways to be active within their community.

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. KXAN’s Simple Health is a new public service initiative. It’s focused on providing its viewers with healthy living and wellness tips across all KXAN platforms.

“We’re excited to work with KXAN and expand the Austin Marathon’s media footprint,” Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Their involvement will expand beyond live coverage and stories as many of their staff will run on race day.”

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 28th year running in the capital of Texas in 2019. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. Having start and finish locations in the heart of downtown Austin puts participants and spectators near all the action and within walking distance of restaurants, hotels, and shops. Finishing with the picturesque Texas State Capitol as your backdrop is icing on the cake for the perfect running weekend destination. Registration is open for all distances.