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Runners of Austin: Part VI

An update on our special series featuring four Austin runners and their journey as they reflect on the 3M Half Marathon and prepare for the Austin Marathon. Brought to you by CLIF Bar & Company, the Official Sports Nutrition of the 2017 Austin Marathon presented by NXP.

Name – Jillian

Club – Twenty-Six Two

Training has been going well so far! I have had a recent tendon strain, but with careful planning I have been able to keep up with my training schedule. Running the 3M Half Marathon provided a great perspective on how I need to plan for race day for the Austin Marathon. I used the Clif Strawberry Blok Chews around Mile 9 and they gave me that extra push to finish the race. I have been alternating between using the chews and the gels during my training runs and I feel both give me the energy I need to finish the workout. I like both, so my 20 mile run this weekend will determine which one I use for Austin. I felt I ran a great race and I plan on running the 3M Half again next year with a PR goal!

I have also been eating the Peanut Butter Clif Bars (the chocolate peanut butter are my favorite!) before my weekly runs and they have helped in boosting my pre-run snack with the energy I need to get through my workout. My weekday runs are always in the evening since I work very early in the morning and after a long day of work, they really help!

Austin Marathon Announces Austin Gives Miles Contest Winner

High Five Events, one of the largest privately owned event production companies in the United States, is thrilled to announce that Camp Kesem at the University of Texas at Austin is the winner of the Austin Gives Miles Charity Chaser contest. Chikage Windler, the Austin Gives Miles Charity Chaser will start the Austin Marathon® presented by NXP last and run on behalf of Camp Kesem, earning $1.25 for every marathoner she passes.

“As the winner of the 2017 Austin Gives Miles month-long contest, we are thrilled to have Chikage Windler run the Austin Marathon on our behalf,” said Samantha Finkenstaedt, Camp Kesem Austin Gives Miles Liaison. “We’d like to extend our deepest and most profound thanks to all those who supported us throughout the competition and those who have continued to support us over the past 6 years since our chapter was first founded.”

During the month-long contest, Austin Gives Miles, the Official Charity Program of the Austin Marathon, raised $70,000 ($23K more than 2016), earned 19,705 votes (double from 2016), and received 2417 Facebook and 2511 Instagram likes. To win, Camp Kesem at the University of Texas at Austin raised $6,285, earned 8,299 online votes, and received 509 Facebook and 103 Instagram likes. It is possible to gain Instagram followers organically, but if you find that it is taking longer than you expected, the option to get free instagram followers is always out there.

“I’m proud of the work Camp Kesem put into winning this month-long contest,” said Carly Samuelson, Austin Gives Miles Charity Manager. “They, along with the other 26 charities, raised the bar and truly increased the awareness of what Austin Gives Miles is doing for Central Texas.”

Camp Kesem at University of Texas at Austin was founded in 2011. They support children affected by a parent’s cancer in the Austin community by providing a week-long summer camp experience and year-round peer support. Camp Kesem at University of Texas at Austin is operated by 75 student volunteers and serves 150 campers aged 6-16. They also offer a CIT (Counselor In Training) program in which campers aged 16-17 can apply for and prepare to become a counselor.

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 26th year running in the capital of Texas. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 20+ countries around the world. With start and finish locations just a few blocks apart, and within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants, the Austin Marathon is the perfect running weekend destination. Participants can still register for the marathon, half marathon, or 5K.

Runners of Austin: Part V

An update on our special series featuring four Austin runners and their journey as they train for the upcoming 3M Half Marathon and the Austin Marathon. Brought to you by CLIF Bar & Company, the Official Sports Nutrition of the 2017 Austin Marathon presented by NXP.

Name – Abi

Club – Austin Runners Club

Abi – 2016 Houston Half Marathon

Training has been difficult (with graduate school, work, injury, and life), but that’s why I love to run. I love the challenges and even the set backs. They prove to me that I am a strong individual and can conquer anything with hard work and dedication.

In September, I pulled my hamstring and had to really cut back on my running. In October/November, I was running about 20-30 miles weekly. During those weeks, I tried to focus on having one tempo, one medium run, and a long run. In December, I ramped up my mileage to 40 miles and ended up getting Achilles Tendinitis. Since then, I have had to focus on cycling to help maintain my endurance and have started to incorporate weight lifting in the hopes that it will help to prevent any further injury.

I ran Run for the Water (1:19), Decker Challenge (1:43) and the Houston Half (1:49— gosh I lost my speed) and used those to gauge my capabilities. I’m hoping to run at least a 1:40 at 3M, but will adjust my goal and pace during the race as needed. This type of adjustment during my races has helped to keep me positive, helps to further drive my passion for racing, and and has been key to not allowing myself to give in to negative thinking.

Nut Butter Filled CLIF Bars.

CLIF has helped to fuel me during all forms of exercise. I love the CLIF Shot Energy Gel and use that 30 minutes prior to my activity. The Mocha is my favorite and I love the extra boost of energy that the caffeine gives me! I then follow up at 30 minutes with the CLIF Bloks and continue those based on the length of my run/activity. The Strawberry is my favorite! I’ve have also fallen in love with the scrumptious Nut Butter Filled bars and snack on them often. The CLIF bars are great when I need a snack at school. They help keep me full and provide me with a healthy organic snack option.

Austin Marathon, 3M Half Marathon Partner with First Texas Honda

High Five Events is thrilled to announce that First Texas Honda will be the Official Lead Vehicle of the 2017 Austin Marathon® presented by NXP and the 3M Half Marathon. As the Official Lead Vehicle, First Texas Honda will provide 2017 Honda Ridgelines for each event.

“First Texas Honda is well-known and respected throughout the Austin metro area for their knowledgeable staff and excellent customer service,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “We’re glad their team is going to join us on race day and lead these two prestigious events.”

The First Texas Honda trucks will lead the entire race for both the Austin Marathon and the 3M Half Marathon. Their trucks will be the lead vehicles and media trucks for each event. First Texas Honda is well-known in Austin for their hassle-free environment and their excellent customer service.

“First Texas Honda and its family of employees are proud to partner with this year’s running of the Austin Marathon and 3M Half Marathon,” said General Manager Allen Clauss. “We are especially excited to showcase the 2017 North American Truck of the year – the Honda Ridgeline – to the participants and fans of these iconic Austin events.”

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 26th year running in the capital of Texas on February 19th. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 20+ countries around the world. With start and finish locations just a few blocks apart, and within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants, the Austin Marathon is the perfect running weekend destination. Participants can register for the marathon, half marathon, or 5K.

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 23rd year running on January 22nd. 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 in front of the Texas State Capitol, runners will appreciate a 306’ net elevation drop. Participants can register and book their hotel on the website.