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Comedor Run Club Reveals their Favorite Places to Carb Load

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This is an exclusive list of places to carb load from the experts: Comedor Run Club

Carb load. Runners often list this as their favorite part of training. For the uninitiated, you essentially load up on carbohydrates before your race. This provides the fuel your body will need to complete what you’re about to ask of it. Austin is well known for its food scene. Who better to ask where to carb load before race day than the amazing and talented individuals who work in the restaurant industry? We reached out to Comedor Run Club and asked for their expert opinions and favorite places. And they delivered!

Comedor Run Club. credit: Elmer Ferro

Comedor Run Club has created a new and inclusive space for Austin’s food community to connect through running. The runners below are staples in this community so you know their recommendations are on point! This crew is also fundraising for The Mike & Sherry Project, an Austin Marathon Gives nonprofit that offers high-quality and accessible mental healthcare to service industry employees. So if you love the recommendations below thank them by donating to this amazing cause! Now let’s learn about the best places in Austin to carb load. Not sure where some of these places are, Carb Load with Comedor Run Club Google Map at the end of this blog will point you in the right direction.

14 best places to carb load in Austin

Annie Dukes – Old Thousand

Salt and Pepper Tofu

Carb-loading is one of my favorite activities, so it’s such a bonus that we are SUPPOSED to do it for race day! My favorite carbs to consume, race or no race, weekend, weekday, lunch, dinner, or breakfast leftovers is Old Thousand’s Salt and Pepper Tofu dish. First of all, this is the best-prepared tofu dish I’ve had in Austin. As a plant-powered athlete, I’ll scour the city for the perfect combo of protein and carbs. And I think I found it at Old Thousand. I have dreams about this dish. In fact, I just recently ate it. Don’t sleep on their many veggie appetizer options too! 

Megan McQuaid – Old Thousand

My very favorite post-race carbo reload is the chicken and waffles at Old Thousand. I had Sunday brunch there the first time I ran 16 miles (my longest run to date at that time). The Old Thousand chicken and waffles dish is a perfect combo of sweet, salty, and spicy with a mix of great textures—think crispy chicken nuggets and moist, chewy bubble waffles. It also provides the perfect nutritional refuel with carbs from the waffles and protein from the chicken! I also love that they make the waffles and chicken into bite-sized pieces so that when your brain is fried after running hard, you don’t have to fumble around with a knife and fork.

Florian Opaska – Lucy’s Fried Chicken

Chicken and Waffles

When I think of carb-loading before a race I think of chicken and waffles! Flaky yet crunchy, sweet Belgium waffles and tender fried chicken smothered in maple syrup. Healthy? I think not, but plenty of easily digestible carbs for race day and absolutely delicious! The first place that comes to mind is Lucy’s Fried Chicken right off of South Congress on 2218 College Ave. Lucy’s has been one of my favorites since I moved to Austin in 2014. Right down the street from Big Stacy Pool and Park, Lucy’s always hits the spot after a long run and/or swim. PS – my daughter also approves!

Elmer Ferro – Fixe Southern House

Served with Steen’s butter, preserves, and honey Fixe’s biscuits are by far one of my top carb-loading secrets! Fueling up with a delicious lunch at Fixe is key for those crucial moments on my run when things get tough. I can always fall back on the fact that these biscuits are a piece of heaven on earth. You can eat your way there, one biscuit at a time. Pro tip: get a dozen for your post-run snack and save a few for the morning after. That southern comfort is soothing.

Leigh Ennis – Pinthouse Pizza

Honey Bear Pizza

Now open for dine-in, curbside, or delivery, Pinthouse Pizza offers a laid-back and casual atmosphere perfect for someone looking for fun and relaxation. Offering a wide variety of appetizers, salads, pizzas, and desserts, Pinthouse is the prime place for carb loading. My personal favorite is the Honey Pear Pizza. Loaded up with a genius combination of crisp pear slices, caramelized onions, blue cheese, prosciutto, fresh basil, and local honey, this pizza’s flavor makes it impossible to have just one slice!

James Robert – Old Thousand

Nothing beats race day vibes, but pre-race rituals are almost just as cool. Hydrating the day prior, laying out your race kit the night before, and definitely the good ol’ carb load. Austin offers so many great choices for a pre-race meal but one that springs to mind, for several reasons, is Old Thousand. First, because Chefs Jeff Brown and Rhys Davis are good friends and fellow Comedor Run Clubbers – it’s all about keeping it in the family. Second, the 11th Street location is in my neighborhood and one of my favorite spots in town. Third, there are carbs aplenty. My go-to would be brisket fried rice or, if in season, XO crawfish fried rice. Dan Dan noodles would be the clear winner, but sadly are not on the menu all the time. Hey boys, bring back the Dan Dan!

Philip Speer – Thai Kun

Crab Rice with Nam Phrik Nam Plaa

Pre-race, I love to get down on Thai Kun‘s Roast Half Chicken with Boom Sauce and Nam Jim Jaew and their famous Crab Rice with Nam Phrik Nam Plaa. But first, you must start with the super delicious and unique Chive Cake with Serrano Nam Jim, one of my favorite bites in the whole city. Don’t forget to end with Mango Sticky Rice, but they only carry it when the mangoes are at the peak of the season! Chef Thai (Egnipont Changthong) and his crew are cooking some of the best food around in the spot nestled up in Rock Rose.

Mark Jackson – Via 313

If I’m psyching myself up and trying to get carbs into my system for a big effort the next morning, I choose Via 313’s Detroiter. Compared to a bowl of spaghetti, choosing to eat this slightly spicy, cheese and meat-laden pizza is objectively a crazy decision. But I just wanna be happy, not fast. 

Page Pressley – Tiny Grocer

Tiny Grocer

I like to pop into Tiny Grocer to grab coffee, water, and/or a healthy snack. Whether it’s a protein bar, a pastry, or something from the cold case, I can roll through, pre-, post-, or mid-run and re-fuel. To have a locally owned spot that’s so versatile in the neighborhood and on my favorite run routes has been such a welcome addition to not only my workout routine but also to my weekly shopping. The Austin Marathon will run right past my favorite fuel spot! They’re making big moves!

Anna Mendoza – Uncle Nicky’s

When I’m carb-loading, I wanna go somewhere with GOOD bread. As a pastry chef, I’m generally pretty high maintenance about it, but Uncle Nicky’s kills it with their sandwiches and toasts. The roasted porchetta on focaccia is to die for and I’m constantly craving the Classico tostada. And of course, you can never go wrong with pasta. 

Luis Benedetto – Comedor

Pambazo Torta

The Pambazo Torta is my favorite way to carb load. The dish is served at Comedor in downtown Austin (Comedor Run Club’s home base) and is available on their Sunday brunch menu. The reason I love this sandwich is it’s seasoned with spicy red chorizo and has guacamole, black bean puree, and fried egg. The flavors and size of this giant sandwich make sure you’ll not need to go back for seconds. The Comedor patio is my favorite spot to grab a bite and enjoy the beautiful secluded setting. 

Quentin Bates – Hopdoddy Burger Bar

Sweet potatoes are always my go-to carbo-load before a race. I reached a point where I wanted to change it up. So I got some sweet potato fries from Hopdoddy’s. A sweet and savory meal with just the right amount of sea salt. Excellent for carb-loading because it’s high in fiber, keeps you full, and easy to digest. 

Trisha Bates – Bufalina and Juniper

Bufalina pizzas

I try to choose restaurants first by local ownership, second by where they source their food, and third by what I want to eat. The night before a race, I tend towards something filling but not too heavy, which for me would include lots of fresh veggies and herbs. For the pre-race carbs, I have two favorite choices. Either Bufalina for pizza and their daily pasta special or Juniper for a pasta-centric meal that includes lots of light and fresh flavors. 

Sarah Jeter – Ceviche7

Rice and potatoes? All I’ve ever wanted. Owner and solo-chef (David) of this tiny Peruvian food truck brings truly authentic Peruvian food to Austin—and it’s amazing! Lomo saltado is a traditional Peruvian staple: beef, red peppers, onions, and cumin served with rice and house-made french fries. David cooks the beef perfectly so it melts in your mouth, and with rice and potatoes, you never leave hungry.

Yes, it was not easy to put this post together on an empty stomach. But we did it. Now you must decide which of these places will you visit to carb load? Comedor Run Club provided the insider information, now you must decide!

4 Staff Favorite Taco Recipes that You Have to Try

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Spice up your dinner plans with these tasty Siete taco recipes

We’re big fans of the products from our newest partner, Siete Family Foods. The Austin-based company has quickly become the leading health-conscious Mexican-American food brand on the market. We’re putting one of their delicious products, the grain-free Sea Salt Tortilla Chips, in all post-run goodie bags. But they’re more than just their products! They have so many amazing recipes. We LOVE tacos so of course we zeroed in on their taco recipes. Once we cleaned up the drool, we saved these 4 Siete taco recipes for ourselves and are sharing the taco love with you!

Papas con chorizo

These papas con chorizo tacos are the perfect post-long run snack. You know, that weekend long run where you have a little more free time and a strong desire for tacos? The recipe is straightforward, simple, and includes Siete’s Chorizo Seasoning Skillet Cooking Spice. You’ll be eating these gluten- and grain-free tacos in less than an hour.

Serves – 4 | Prep time – 10 minutes | Cook time – 40 minutes

Pork carnitas

Have you ever returned home after setting a slow cooker with that night’s dinner? The smell will bring a smile to your face, especially if you’re slow-cooking a pork shoulder for these pork carnitas tacos. Don’t have that much time, no worries! Use an instant pot and pressure cook the pork for 35 minutes. Try not to drool too much if you follow this recipe’s video. 

Serves – 4 | Prep time – 15 minutes | Cook time – 7 hours

Veggie picadillo

These delicious veggie picadillo tacos are perfect for vegans and vegetarians. Make sure you are ready to feed a crew because this recipe serves 6-8. Or you can enjoy these tacos two nights in a row. Trust us, we’ve done that. This is a taco-free judgment zone. 

Serves – 6-8 | Prep time – 30 minutes | Cook time – 50 minutes

Chipotle fish

Need a quick and healthy recipe for date night? These chipotle fish tacos will get the job done. The recipe serves two and the prep and cook time is roughly 45 minutes. Make it a meal you can both prepare by following their 71-second recipe video. 

Serves – 2 | Prep time – 30 minutes | Cook time – 15 minutes

You love tacos. We love tacos. Everyone loves tacos! These 4 Siete taco recipes are delicious and have something for everyone. If you’re looking for more healthy recipes that don’t take much time to prepare, these 10 recipes are a great place to start. You can also sign up for the Siete Foods newsletter where they share even more great recipes!

Join the Siete Familia

 

3 Reasons to Buy Your Race-Day Shoes Now

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Don’t wait any longer to buy your race-day shoes

Runners love their shoes and will defend their favorite pair(s) as being the best. We’re big fans of Under Armour’s latest, the Flow Velociti Wind. What all runners will agree with is that you don’t wear a new pair of shoes on race day! You want your shoes to be broken in, but without too many miles. Typically, a pair of running shoes will last 300-400 miles. If it’s time to buy a new pair, do it. Buying your race-day shoes now will give you plenty of time to get used to them. This will also keep you from running in old shoes that have lost their comfort, cushion, and support. Check out the 3 reasons to buy your race-day shoes now. Then schedule an appointment with our friends at Fleet Feet Austin and let them do what they do best!

Break-in race-day shoes

Break in your shoes at least 3-4 weeks before your event.

Whether it’s a new brand or the latest iteration of your favorite shoe, it will take some time for your feet to become comfortable with a brand-new pair. Your feet and shoes should achieve a nice harmony before race day to minimize the possibility of blisters and injury. Ideally, 3-4 weeks before the event will provide enough time for you to break in your race-day shoes. Continue to include running variety in your training to help you further break in your new pair of shoes.

Maximize cushion and support

Familiarizing your feet with new race-day shoes is a part of breaking them in. As shoe technology advances, they become better-equipped with cushioning, stability, and memory foams. To maximize the cushioning support you should alternate your race-day shoes along with your current pair leading up to your event. This will keep the mileage on your race-day shoes low and allow for the most cushion and support during your event. Don’t run in them 3-4 days before your event so the cushion has a chance to recover from the most recent run.

Avoid unfamiliarity on race day

Nothing new on race day, shoes included!

Every runner has heard the following: nothing new on race day. This goes for your shoes as well. Even if they’re the same version as your old pair, they could be slightly different. No two pairs are exactly the same. Your feet will need time to adjust to the new pair. Remember: you should only run in your running shoes. Use the 3-4 week timeline, mentioned earlier, as a guide in the minimum amount of time needed to become acclimated to your new pair of shoes.

Endurance training is never easy and you have to be well-prepared. Consistency and adequate nutrition/hydration will help you in ensuring success. Comfortable, cushioned, and supportive running shoes are a part of that equation too. Just make sure that you buy what you plan to wear at least 3-4 weeks in advance. This way you can break them in, maximize cushion and support, and follow the “nothing new on race day” rule.

10 Ways to Have a Great 2021 Run Austin Experience

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Ensure you have a great 2021 Run Austin experience when you follow our advice

We want y’all to have the best 2021 Run Austin experience possible! As you know, this year’s event will look a bit different. But don’t worry, we’re still planning an amazing in-person experience for all participants. We’ve worked with many different city, county, and state entities to provide a comprehensive Mitigation Plan with specific measures. We need you to follow these guidelines and protocols so every participant can have an amazing 2021 Run Austin experience. 

10 steps everyone needs to follow to Run Austin

1. Approach the start line at your designated time

Female runner smiles as she crosses the 2020 Austin Half Marathon finish line.

Follow these tips to have a memorable 2021 Run Austin experience.

This will be communicated to all participants via email and will be boldly printed on your bib. You can only start when it’s your designated time. This helps reduce on-course density and allows us to maintain the required social distancing measures. 

2. Stay at home if you’re sick or have symptoms of COVID-19

Don’t risk it! If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 stay home. Participants will be required to fill out a health survey before they can pick up their bib. We want to get back to live events as much as you do, but not at the expense of spreading this virus. If you stay home because of this you can either A or B. Email our team (info@youraustinmarathon.com) for more information.

3. Wear your mask

Signage will be placed to designate mask required zones so everyone is aware of where they are. When running, carry your mask with you so you can put it back on once you cross the finish line. Spectators are encouraged to wear masks as well. Masks will also be provided at the finish line.

4. Maintain social distance, even on course

One Texas Longhorn equals roughly six feet.

Keep groups to fewer than 10 people and maintain six feet of social distancing from others. In case you have a hard time visualizing it, six feet roughly equals the length of: 

5. Encourage friends and family to track you online

Spectators are highly discouraged at the start and finish lines. If your crew does come out they must follow all mask and social distancing rules. They should also stick to less dense parts of the course. Do not form groups of 10 or more. You can also have your friends and family use our athlete tracking so they can follow you from anywhere in the world. Just tell them to download the Austin Marathon app!

6. Use hand sanitation stations

Make sure you get all your questions answered before race day.

Keep ‘em clean! There will be plenty of these stations at the start and finish lines and aid stations. Take advantage of them. Our team will ensure specific high-touch areas are regularly cleaned, but it’s strongly recommended that you take advantage of these hand sanitation stations as needed. 

7. Ask questions before race day

We know you’ll have questions and our team works overtime to make sure you have the information you need. To streamline and limit in-person interactions, we’re asking that you ask questions before race day. There’s a ton of helpful information currently on our site. If you do have questions, ask us on social media, use the live chat on our website, or send us an email at info@youraustinmarathon.com.

8. Finish and celebrate Austin

You’ve crossed the finish line. CONGRATS! This year we’re asking that you cross the finish line, grab your post-race goodie bag, and safely visit one of the Austin restaurants and bars we’ve partnered with. Since we can’t party in the beer garden and celebrate with live music, this is the next best option! We’re partnering with some awesome businesses to offer deals for runners. Check your pre-race emails for all the details. BONUS – you’ll also have a much-needed impact on the Austin economy and all of our friends in the service industry.

9. Share with us on social

Cross the finish line and celebrate with Austin.

We don’t get to celebrate together like we normally do, but we still want to know about your accomplishments! You’ve put in months of training and finally crossed that finish line. We want to hear about your experience and join the celebration virtually. Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and tag Austin Marathon when sharing your race-day experience!

10. Read the Mitigation Plan

This one might be obvious, but it’s also important. Countless hours have gone into the creation of this Mitigation Plan. By familiarizing yourself with this information you are helping yourself and your fellow runner have a great 2021 Run Austin experience. 

Ensure you and all the other participants have a memorable 2021 Run Austin experience by following the 10 recommendations and our Mitigation Plan. A successful Austin Half Marathon and 5K can be the blueprint for large-scale endurance events returning.