Tag Archive for: finish line

7 Tips for Better Race Photos

Elusive perfect race photos are within reach

Get ready to level up your Austin Marathon photo game with these savvy tips, ensuring your snapshots are as memorable as your race day! Whether you’re tackling the full marathon, cruising through the ha

Women Runner with Arms Outstretched Official Photo Austin Marathon by Finisher Pix

lf, or sprinting in the 5K, these tips will have you Instagram-ready at the finish line. And remember, when you share those triumphant shots, give a shoutout to the Austin Marathon Instagram!

1. Perfect Your Posture

Strike a pose! It’s easy to hunch over during a race, especially when fatigue sets in. Keep an eye out for those photographers in yellow vests and use it as a cue to straighten up, roll those shoulders back, and align that spine. Not only will this improve your photos, but it’ll also feel oh-so-good for your body.

2. Lengthen Your Stride

Who doesn’t want to look like a running gazelle in their race photos? Give your legs the appearance of speed and grace by extending your stride just a tad more than usual as you spot a camera. It’s not about keeping it up for the entire race, just long enough to snag that perfect shot.

3. Clear the Way

Photo bomb-free zone coming through! Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming photographers and tactically position yourself so you’re not hidden behind other runners. It’s your moment in the spotlight, after all.

4. Smile Like You Mean It

Relaxing your face while running might seem like a tall order, but with a bit of practice, you can master the serene race-day look. Try whispering “Money” as you run—it works! Or,

better yet, practice that relaxed, happy facial expression during your training runs.

5. Positive Vibes Only

Adopt a race-day mantra that keeps your spirits high and reflects in your photos. Whether it’s “Running brings me joy” or “I’m a race-day warrior,” let that positive energy radiate. Feel free to

share a cheer or a shout as you pass by the photographers—a little enthusiasm goes a long way!

6. Bib Placement Matters

Aim for a clean, front-and-center bib placement. This not only ensures you look organized but also helps the race’s photo tagging system quickly identify your triumphant moments without you having to scroll through endless galleries.

7. Hold Off on Stopping Your Watch

Two women embrace as they finish half marathonn in Austin Texas

We get it, you’re eager to hit pause the moment you cross that finish line. However, give it a few more strides before you check your stats. Let your finishing moment be all about the joy and accomplishment, not the digits on your watch.

8. Emotions in the Spotlight

Don’t hold back—let those feelings show! A beaming smile, a victory jump, or even tears of joy can make for an unforgettable photo. Aim for expressive gestures that last more than a fleeting moment to ensure photographers capture your true race-day spirit.

As you gear up for the Austin Marathon, half marathon, or 5K, remember that the journey is as picture-perfect as the finish line. These tips aren’t just about creating Instagram-worthy moments; they’re about enhancing your race experience and capturing the memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime. So, lace up, smile wide, and get ready to make some photographic magic. Here’s to a race day filled with personal bests, both on the course and on camera!

You got this!

The Daily Battle: Running with Auto Immune Disease

Crossing another finish line means Angela’s winning the battle

Angela Clark wasn’t supposed to run long distances, much less marathons and half marathons. Every morning she wakes up, preparing to battle her autoimmune diseases. In her edition of My Running Story, Angela provides a glimpse of what she’s up against on a daily basis. She also explains how she’s winning the battle with every step she takes and every finish line she crosses.

Angela Clark after crossing another marathon finish line, winning the battle against her autoimmune diseases.

Angela Clark poses with her family after crossing another marathon finish line!

The daily battle

I was a track and cross country runner in high school, but slacked off in college and veterinary school. In my third year of veterinary school, I was suddenly diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, an autoimmune disease. It got so bad that, two years later, when I was an intern veterinarian working 60-80 hours a week, I had two intestinal surgeries. They wiped me out. I weighed 98 pounds, was so weak that I could barely walk around the house, and slept 20 hours a day. Nothing gave me joy. 

My mother gave me a book written by a nurse who had ulcerative colitis. That book said that we should exercise, but let’s face it, we’re not going to ever run marathons. I was not going to have her tell me what I can’t do. Four years after my surgeries I ran my first marathon. Since then, I have been diagnosed with eight autoimmune diseases with the overarching, umbrella diagnosis being “mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD)”, similar to Lupus. Every day I take inventory of how I feel. There’s always some kind of combination of bone-crushing fatigue, joint pain, and swelling. The list goes on – coughing, brain fog, white fingertips due to Raynaud’s, weight gain due to hypothyroidism, opportunistic infections like pneumonia, and painful eye inflammation. I consider MCTD almost like a different person and an opponent. 

What running means to me

To me, running means that MCTD and I are going toe-to-toe into battle. Every day I’m fighting to win. Every day that I can put one foot in front of the other I’m winning the battle. This past October I ran my 20th Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. and celebrated the win (even though I finished two minutes before the course was closing). Even though I only run the Austin Half Marathon, I’m still winning the battle against MCTD (and just a cool and fun run in a cool and fun city!). Everybody has their own “why”, especially in the back of the pack. Thank you for asking what our “whys” are.

My Running Story is a series of blog submissions from runners just like yourself. They submitted their inspirational running stories as part of a contest to win an entry of their choice to the 2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon. Their stories range from crossing their first finish line to drastic lifestyle change due to running. Everyone’s story is different and unique, impacting them in a specific way. While each story is specific to the author, everyone can resonate in some form or fashion because of the power of running. Other My Running Story submissions include Kayleigh Williamson, Kirsten Pasha, Michael Coffey, Samantha Santos, Tom Hamann, and Erica Richart.

Austin Marathon Tips for a Smooth Week

Implement these Austin Marathon tips for a smooth race week

The 28th annual Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour is less than two weeks away. Can you feel the excitement? There’s no better time like the present to take a look at some race week tips. These Austin Marathon tips range from week-of tips to what we strongly encourage you do once you cross the finish line. Whether this is your first Austin Marathon or half marathon or your 10th, these tips will set you up for success! 

Attend the Under Armour HOVR Shakeout Run

  • This is one Shakeout Run you don’t want to miss! Kick off Austin Marathon weekend with hundreds of your running friends, UA HOVR shoe demos, a jog around Town Lake, tacos, and coffee. All distances and paces are welcome.

The expo’s first hour is always the busiest

  • It’s no secret, the first hour of expos is always the busiest. There’s an energy because of race weekend, the opening of the expo, and the industry’s top vendors gathered all in one place. Add the buzz from amped participants wanting their Under Armour shirt and you have a recipe for a busy first hour! 
  • Participants must pick up their own packet at the expo. Don’t forget your photo ID and confirmation number!

Stay near the start line

  • Get a good night’s sleep before race day and wake up feeling refreshed! Book your Hilton hotel today and take advantage of their great rates and hospitality. Pro tip: stay downtown and you’ll be within walking distance of the start (2nd St. and Congress Ave.) and finish lines (9th St. and Congress Ave.)! Just think, you won’t have to worry about parking race morning!
  • Want something specific when you finish your race? Don’t forget to drop off your gear bag. It’ll be waiting for you when you’re done, for FREE!

Run with the pacers

  • The excitement at the start of the Austin Marathon is undeniable. Don’t get caught up and go out too fast! Running with the Austin Marathon pacers is an excellent way to reign in your desire to lay down the hammer.

Celebrate with friends and family

  • When you’re done and you’ve crossed your finish line it’s time to celebrate! Show off your race bling, talk about your PR, let others know your goals and how you crushed them. Make sure you visit the Under Armour recovery zone to work out any kinks. If you pre-purchased a massage from Austin Massage Company (you should do this!), don’t forget to check in with them. And last but not least, don’t skip the Oskar Blues beer garden! There will also be live music and food trucks to keep the party going. Remember, this is your time to celebrate!

Customize race day

  • Let the professionals from FinisherPix capture your race day memories. Take advantage of the pre-race prices and order your photos today. Once the race begins prices go up!
  • Show off your accomplishments! Customize your commemorative 28th annual belt buckle finisher medal. Purchase your personalized nameplate by logging in and selecting ‘Shop’ next to your registration.
  • Wear your accomplishment! That’s right, purchase a limited-edition Austin Marathon belt to pair with your belt buckle. Only 200 are being made!

An Athlete’s Perspective – Issue 13

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.

Still Going

By: Robert Mange with Leslie and Andrea Leyton-Mange

I am 65 years old and for most of my adult life, up until about 5 years ago, I was a runner. I began running in 1976 after moving to the Washington, DC area for a job with the Federal government. Eventually, I had a 36 miles per week habit. I’ve completed 16 marathons, a dozen triathlons, and assorted other races of varying distances.   

On February 18, 2018, I completed the Austin Half Marathon with my daughter, finishing with a chip time of 4 hours and 18 minutes, which was certainly nothing spectacular… except for the fact that I have Parkinson’s Disease. 

Parkinson's Disease

Andrea enjoys a post-race meal with her family after completing the Austin Half Marathon with her father, Robert.

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neuromuscular disorder that affects both brain and body. Typical symptoms can include tremors, slowness of movement, rigid muscles, trouble with balance, fatigue, and loss of mental sharpness (dementia), among other things. Over time, swallowing and other bodily functions are affected and there is no cure. Not everyone will display the same symptoms, but symptoms that are experienced will become more frequent and severe.

Prior to the half marathon, I didn’t (and still don’t) know of any other Parkinson’s Disease patients who attempted this distance and, when we spoke, neither had my neurologist. He said that he had never treated anyone at my fitness level so I should be confident. This time, I would be attempting my first long distance race while having a disease that dominated my life. So many things could go wrong. I was terrified. I only knew how to train for normal running distances while free from disease.

How do I train by walking, with the kind of effect I would need to build strength for the long haul? What do I do to substitute for long runs and speed work? I trained hard but could not tell if I was getting a training effect. I just walked for as long as I could and jogged for short spurts in between. Would it be enough? Would it be enough to enable me to take the nearly 70,000 steps to the finish?

Race Day – February 18, 2018

It was still dark when I awoke the morning of the race. I needed extra lighting to take the 10 different medications that I need to keep my symptoms at bay. My Parkinson’s Disease meds are generally effective for most of the day but by evening have completely worn off, so I wondered as I downed my morning pills how long they would keep me upright on that day. I wore a shirt signed by the members of my weekly Power for Parkinson’s (PFP) exercise class. They’re a courageous group of people who offered me encouragement and support as I trained. Before heading to the course, my daughter helped me attach my race bib. My tremors and coordination issues make it difficult to use something like safety pins on my own.  

Happy just to be alive at the start, we set off. I was tired after 3 miles. What went wrong? Did we start out too fast?  I was going to have to grit it out. Support on the sidelines helped. At around mile 11, encouragement came from about 30 young adults who formed a canopy over us, cheering us on. I walked and ran for the duration of the 13.1-mile course with my daughter beside me, supporting my efforts and guiding me to the finish. I was more tired than I had ever been before.

Crossing the finish line that day had special meaning to me because it showed me that I could still accomplish fitness goals in my life despite the challenges of a disease that seeks to rob me of my ability and strength. I’ll need them both when I try the Austin Half Marathon again next year.