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6 Tips for Staying Motivated Until Race Day

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Keep your training momentum high with these tips for staying motivated

For many, running is an integral part of their day. Consistently running will prepare you for your distance, but there are factors out there that can sap your motivation. Don’t let that happen! Be diligent, keep your motivation cranked up, and race day will be here before you know it. The tips for staying motivated that you’ll need are below!

Track your progress

Friends pose the 2019 Austin Half Marathon finish line. Accountability is a great tip to stay motivated.

Friends hold each other accountable and keep them motivated all the way to the finish line.

Motivation can be quickly lost when you don’t see progress. It’ll feel like you’re not going anywhere. Track your progress to stay motivated! You can see the data for each workout, improvement from week-to-week, and total mileage once you cross the finish line. We run with Under Armour’s MapMyFitness. The insights are tremendous, it lets you know about everything, including stride and cadence.

Find accountability

We can’t stress this enough. Running with a friend or your local running group ( like RAW or Austin Runners Club) will elevate your motivation. The accountability factor is real and it benefits everyone. Everyone wants to cross the Austin Marathon finish line and you want to help each other get there. Accountability will keep that pact intact, especially if you have trouble getting up in the morning. 

Reward yourself

One reason people lose motivation is they focus on the big goal – the Austin Marathon finish line. That’s fantastic, but it shouldn’t be your only goal because that one goal will produce only one reward. Set up monthly, weekly, or daily goals and reward yourself! Get out of bed for that early morning workout? Get your favorite coffee. Complete your weekend long run? Reward yourself with brunch from your favorite spot.

Prep your stuff the night before

Lance Armstrong, the Austin Gives Miles Charity Chaser, at the 2019 Austin Marathon finish line. Running on behalf of Austin Gives Miles is a great tip to stay motivated.

Lance Armstrong was the 2019 Austin Gives Miles Charity Chaser, lending his legs and his miles!

Your alarm goes off, you roll out of bed, just trying to get out the front door. The last thing you want to do is think about what you need for your run or to pack a bag so you can shower at the gym. Knock all this out the night before and set your bag near the front door. This will save time in the morning and ensure you don’t forget something important, like soap, deodorant, or your underwear! Pro tip: sleep in your running clothes to save even more time!

Find a cause to support

Run for someone or something other than yourself! A great place to look is Austin Marathon Gives – the Austin Marathon’s philanthropic program. Austin Marathon Gives supports Central Texas nonprofits, helping them raise funds and increase awareness for their cause. There’s a range of causes for runners to choose from! Pick a nonprofit you love, lend your legs and miles, and make a difference with your training. You can also run and fundraise on behalf of your favorite charity! Plus every dollar you raise is matched by the Moody Foundation, up to $10,000 per charity!

Sign up for a race

There are benefits to registering for another race. It’ll act as another goal for you to work towards, you can test your hydration/nutrition plans, and eliminate some of those race-day jitters. 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour on January 23rd is the perfect tune-up race for the Austin Marathon. It has one of the fastest half marathon courses in the country and is 4 weeks before the Austin Marathon. 

Keep your momentum levels on HIGH. The more you have fun during your runs and workouts, the more likely you are to continue the next day. Incorporate these tips for staying motivated throughout your training. Do you have a tip that keeps you motivated during your training? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Registration Opens June 1st

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2020 Austin Marathon prepares for runners from around the world

Registration for the 2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour® officially opens Saturday, June 1st. The 29th Austin Marathon will take place on Sunday, February 16, 2020, in Austin, Texas. Earlier this year, Austin’s premier running event featured more than 16,000 participants from all 50 states and 38 countries. Planning for 2020 began months ago so participants can chase their PR, meet their goals, and celebrate at the three-block-long finish line festival in front of the Texas State Capitol on February 16, 2020.

“We’re proud to share the City of Austin with participants from all over the world and provide them with an experience that lives with them forever,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “Vigorous planning has been underway since the final participant crossed the finish line and we can’t wait to share the 2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon with the world!”

2020 Austin Marathon perks

Those who register before the first price increase on Monday, June 10th, will receive a free customized nameplate for their finisher medal. Finishers of the Austin Marathon will receive a custom Under Armour long sleeve finisher’s shirt. On course, participants will enjoy 22 fully stocked aid stations, two fuel zones, thousands of cheering spectators, and live music. When runners cross the finish line, they can celebrate at a three-block-long party that will feature the Under Armour recovery zone, a beer garden, local food trucks, Jumbotrons displaying FloTrack’s live coverage, and hours of live music.

Giving back

Austin Gives Miles aims to surpass the $1,187,000 raised for 36 Central Texas nonprofits in 2019. A search is underway to replace Lance Armstrong as Charity Chaser and carry his momentum into 2020. The Charity Chaser will begin the marathon as the final participant and earn money for every marathoner they pass. For the fourth year in a row, AGM was the recipient of a generous matching grant from The Moody Foundation.

Elites

The Austin Marathon Elite Athlete Program will return for 2020. The application process will open during the summer. Joey Whelan (2:17:03) successfully defended his title as Austin Marathon champion. Heather Lieberg (2:42:27) claimed the female crown as the Austin Marathon female champion. Both athletes easily hit the Olympic Marathon Trials B standard. James Ngandu (1:04:32) and Caroline Rotich (1:13:24) were the male and female half marathon champions. All the action was streamed live through the Austin Marathon’s continued partnership with FloTrack.

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 29th year running in the capital of Texas on February 16, 2020. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. Having start and finish locations just a few blocks apart, being within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants, and finishing in front of the picturesque Texas State Capitol makes the Austin Marathon the perfect running weekend destination.

The initial pricing structure follows: Austin Marathon ($109), Austin Half Marathon ($89), Austin Marathon 5K benefitting Paramount Theatre ($39). Participants can register for any distance and the Austin Marathon VIP Experience beginning June 1st.

2019 Austin Gives Miles Surpasses $1 Million Fundraising Goal

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2019 Austin Gives Miles provides an impactful platform for 36 Central Texas nonprofits

2019 Austin Gives Miles, the Official Charity Program of the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon® presented by Under Armour, raised $1,187,000. The 36 Central Texas nonprofit organizations accepted into the program worked tirelessly to exceed the program’s fundraising goal. They also increased awareness for their organization and recruited race weekend volunteers. Lance Armstrong, charity chaser, was the final participant to cross the Austin Marathon start line. He elevated the program’s profile, helped surpass the $1 million fundraising goal, and passed all but 59 marathoners (3:02:13).

“We were proud to be an Austin Gives Miles Official Charity and use Back on My Feet’s connection with running to raise more than $20,000,” said Scott Merritt, Back on My Feet Austin Chapter Director. “We love seeing the program’s continued growth and the Austin Marathon’s ability to positively impact more Central Texas nonprofits.”

The Moody Foundation’s continued support makes a huge difference

For the fourth year in a row, Austin Gives Miles was the beneficiary of a grant from The Moody Foundation that matched donations for each organization, up to $10,000. The 2019 grant totaled $252,819, bringing their four-year grant total to $963,044. The money raised significantly impacts Central Texas and the communities the charities serve. Learn more about Austin Gives Miles and how your nonprofit can get involved. The application process is open for nonprofits interested in being involved with 2020 Austin Gives Miles.

“Raising $1,187,000 in yet another record-breaking year shows the generosity and giving spirit of the running community,” said Carly Samuelson, Austin Gives Miles Charity Manager. “We wouldn’t have reached our goal if it weren’t for the everyday runners who gave their miles, the Moody Foundation for their gracious matching grant, and Lance being an amazing charity chaser.”

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 29th year running in the capital of Texas on February 16, 2020. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. Having start and finish locations just a few blocks apart, being within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants, and finishing in front of the picturesque Texas State Capitol makes the Austin Marathon the perfect running weekend destination. Participants can register for the Austin Marathon, Austin Half Marathon, or Austin Marathon 5K beginning June 1st.

Lance Armstrong Still Raising Funds for Austin Gives Miles

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Armstrong continues raising funds for Austin Gives Miles

Lance Armstrong, Charity Chaser for Ascension Seton Austin Marathon’s Austin Gives Miles, continues raising funds for the event’s official charity program after race day. Armstrong’s involvement elevated Austin Marathon’s support of the Austin community, enhanced Austin Gives Miles’ profile, and helped the program surpass its $1 million fundraising goal. You can still support Austin Gives Miles and 28 Central Texas nonprofits by donating to Armstrong’s Charity Chaser page through Friday, March 15th.

“It was an honor to begin the Austin Marathon in last place and help Austin Gives Miles surpass their $1 million fundraising goal,” said Armstrong. “Austin holds a special place in my heart and I’m fortunate that this opportunity allowed me to positively impact so many amazing Central Texas nonprofits.”

As Charity Chaser, Armstrong finished the Austin Marathon in 3:02:13

Lance Armstrong was the final participant to cross the Austin Marathon start line. He earned money for 28 Central Texas nonprofits for every marathoner he passed. Armstrong began 22 minutes after the ringing of the start gong. He finished in 3:02:13 and passed all but 59 marathoners. Armstrong’s efforts have pushed Austin Gives Miles past their $1 million fundraising goal. Rewatch his podcast about preparing for the Austin Marathon and learn about his approach to being Charity Chaser.

“Lance has done a tremendous job in his role as Charity Chaser, taking the Austin Gives Miles program to another level,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “We’re proud to surpass the $1 million fundraising goal and are excited to see how much further it will increase.”

Armstrong is a philanthropist, cyclist, and an avid runner. He is founder and owner of WEDŪ, a content destination designed to provoke and equip people to embody an endurance lifestyle. Armstrong hosts two podcasts: The Forward, which features down to earth conversations between Armstrong and a myriad of personalities; and THEMOVE which offers listeners a rare, insider’s perspective on the world’s most iconic cycling races. WEDŪ also produces endurance cycling events Texas HŪNDRED and Aspen FIFTY.

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 29th year running in the capital of Texas on Feb. 16, 2020. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 35+ countries around the world. Having start and finish locations in the heart of downtown Austin puts participants and spectators near all the action and within walking distance of restaurants, hotels, and shops. Finishing with the picturesque Texas State Capitol as your backdrop is icing on the cake for the perfect running weekend destination. Registration is currently open and best pricing ends on Thursday, Feb. 28th.