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.