Tag Archive for: Austin

Upgrade Your Training with Under Armour’s Map My Run

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Tap into Map My Run’s data and become a better runner

Registration is open for the 2019 Austin Marathon and you’ve got your sights set on February 17, 2019. Completing 13.1 or 26.2 miles is a phenomenal achievement and we’ve got your back every step of the way. Whether this is your first or tenth event, you’ll need a training plan. Proper preparation is critical to race day success and Map My Run can get you to the finish line. .@UARunning's @MapMyRun is an excellent tool to use during #AustinMarathon training. Share on X

Sync miles to Map My Run with Under Armour connected shoes.

Under Armour’s HOVR Phantom can automatically sync milage to Map My Run. Image: Under Armour

Map My Run is a free app that you can download to your phone. You can upgrade to the MVP subscription to eliminate ads, access personalized training plans, and use live tracking. Either way, you can discover the best running routes within your city, save and share your favorites, and connect with a community of more than 50 million runners. This helpful running app is ranked #21 in the Health & Fitness section of the iTunes App Store and has a rating of 4.8.

Other benefits

  • discover running routes around the world while traveling for work or vacation

  • access stats like pace, route, distance, calories, and elevation

  • connect with 400+ devices to import and analyze data in one place

  • track shoe mileage with Gear Tracker

  • UA Record Equipped connected shoes can automatically sync data with app

  • sync data with many popular apps and wearables

  • share workouts on Facebook and Twitter

  • Join Challenges to compete with others, climb the leaderboard, and win prizes

Download the app today and begin analyzing your running data. Connect with your local runner friends and make new friends from around the world. Then execute your training plan on February 17, 2019! Follow Map My Run on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Best Austin BBQ (that we’ve eaten)

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Austin BBQ spoils people from all over on a daily basis

The Austin BBQ scene is a haven for those who crave perfectly smoked meats. Whether you’re a unicorn (born in Austin) or you recently moved here, there are places all over town where you can quiet your meatatarian urges. The Austin Marathon is entering its 28th year and we’ve witnessed firsthand the Austin BBQ explosion. We’ve done our best to visit as many Austin BBQ places as we can. After we arose from each meat-induced slumber we jotted down some notes about our favorites places. Might be a while before we recover from this BBQ frenzy. Maybe the next time we have one will be at home, although our BBQ is slightly knackered. This is why I’ve been looking at getting a new Weber BBQ. I must admit I may have a small break first! Check out the five best spots (in no particular order) where we’ve consumed smoked meats. Try our recommendations after your next intense speed workout or long run.

Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ is some of the best Austin BBQ.

The Real Deal Holyfield: bacon, brisket, fried egg.

Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ (short/medium wait in line)

Valentina’s is a south Austin, family-owned joint that combines two Texas favorites: Tex Mex and BBQ. Everyone who visits this establishment (1150 Manchaca Rd. 78745) wins. Their hashtag is #hechoconamor and that is clearly evident in everything they do, from giant, peppery beef ribs to their homemade queso. Here’s the kicker, they don’t just have BBQ… THEY HAVE TACOS. Pro tip – get the Real Deal Holyfield before 11:00 a.m.

Kerlin BBQ (short wait in line)

Two words – brisket kolaches. Kerlin BBQ took two Texas staples and merged them into a slightly sweet, doughy, brisket-filled pouch of perfection. Get there early (they open at 9:00 a.m. Wed-Sun) because the kolaches go quickly. This east Austin spot is making noise as a powerhouse. But you can still get amazing ‘cue (brisket, pork ribs, hot links) without waiting in an extremely long line. Get there now because that won’t last. (watch the Austin Marathon in-person at Mile 24.5 and cheer on runners!)

La Barbecue (medium/long wait in line)

Skip a few blocks west and you’ll discover one of Austin’s OGs on the BBQ scene. They’ve lived in several different spots in Austin, but one thing remains the same: La Barbecue knows how to smoke meats. Their brisket is a crowd favorite and sells out quickly. If you manage to get one, the beef ribs are as big as your head. Sausage is made in-house. Every choice is the right choice. (watch the Austin Marathon in-person at Mile 24.5 and cheer on runners!)

Some of the best Austin BBQ is at LeRoy and Lewis.

LeRoy and Lewis are turning heads with their fresh creations.

LeRoy and Lewis (short wait in line)

Their slogan “New school barbecue, old school service” perfectly encapsulates this truck. Their South Congress location means they’re a stone’s throw from the office High Five Events, owners and producers of the Austin Marathon. They serve alternative meats (tender beef cheek) and creative, seasonal sides (Pakistani street corn). They stick to the originals (brisket, ribs, sausage) but add their own twist, taking flavors to another level. Pro tip: their brisket fried is a must-have when available on the ever-changing menu.

Micklethwait (short/medium wait in line)

For some odd reason, Micklethwait flies under the radar when it comes to Austin BBQ. The smoked meats are always perfect when you pick them up outside their trailer window. Make sure you’ve been working out, their beef ribs normally weigh 1.5 pounds. While the meats are mouthwatering, their sides and desserts are what elevate their game. You must get the Jalapeño Cheese Grits and Banana Pudding. Pro tip – when they make homemade moon pies it’s illegal to not get one. Don’t break the law.

Global Running Day – Austin Style

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PROfile: Joey Whelan, 2018 Austin Marathon champion

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Joey Whelan has been on fire since winning the 2018 Austin Marathon

Update on Joey Whelan – Things have been great since winning the Austin Marathon (watch his post-race interview). I received Nike support from Stotan Racing based on my performance. Stotan Racing is a post-collegiate Nike group based out of Syracuse, New York. I’m now a satellite athlete coached by John Aris.

Joey Whelan accepts his Austin Marathon championship check.

All smiles for Joey Whelan as he accepts his Austin Marathon championship check.

My current mission is to get a 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials standard (sub 2:19:00) at Grandma’s Marathon on June 16th. So far in my marathon build-up, I improved my half marathon personal best by more than a minute in Pittsburgh (1:07:34). I’m also aiming to improve my half marathon personal best at the Buffalo Half Marathon on May 27th*.

As of now, the plan is to lower my personal best in a half marathon this fall, training specifically for that distance. I’ll then begin my buildup to defend my Austin Marathon title to kick off 2019.

*Whelan won the Buffalo Half Marathon on May 27th (65:37) and set a new personal best.

I live in Spring Branch, Texas, (an hour south of Austin) but grew up in Buffalo, New York (Go Bills). When I’m not training, I work in ranch restoration in the Texas Hill Country making ranch roads and clearing properties. During my time as a student-athlete at Syracuse University, I competed on four NCAA qualifying teams, with my highest finish being 55th at the 2012 NCAA Championships. I’m spontaneous and enjoy traveling, nature, and drinking beer.

Marathon PR (2:21:37)

Training tip 

If you struggle with the mid-week workout, don’t stress, focus on the weekend long run. Consistency is key.

Race day tip

Look at the training you’ve done. Be confident.

Upcoming races for Joey Whelan: Grandma’s Marathon (June 16th) for a B-standard attempt.

Returning for 2019 Austin Marathon: Yep!

Social media:  Twitter and Instagram