Tag Archive for: run a marathon

7 Important Items You Need to Start Marathon Training

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Start marathon training on the right foot with these 7 marathon training essential items

Training for the Austin Marathon is an exciting journey, but it also requires smart preparation to ensure you’re ready to tackle the race. With the right gear, you can train more effectively, stay comfortable, and perform your best on race day. Whether you’re new to marathons or an experienced runner, these seven essential items will help you cross the finish line strong.

1. Running-Specific ShoesInfographic listing items needed to start marathon training, like running shoes, sunglasses, hydration. Read about all the items at https://youraustinmarathon.com/items-to-start-marathon-training/

Your feet are the foundation of your running, so it’s crucial to invest in a pair of high-quality, running-specific shoes. Proper shoes help reduce the risk of injury, provide support for your stride, and offer the necessary cushioning for long-distance runs. Everyone’s foot structure and running style are unique, so it’s important to find shoes that suit you specifically.

Pro Tip: Visit our friends at Fleet Feet Austin for a professional shoe fitting. Their staff uses 3D foot scanning and gait analysis to find the perfect pair for you. Getting professionally fitted helps ensure your shoes are not only comfortable but also offer the right support for long training runs and race day. Plus, breaking in your shoes well before race day can prevent blisters and discomfort.

2. Comfortable, Moisture-Wicking Socks

The right socks can make all the difference in preventing blisters and keeping your feet comfortable over long distances.

Look for running-specific socks made from moisture-wicking materials like merino wool or synthetic blends. These fabrics help keep your feet dry by wicking away sweat, reducing the chances of chafing and hot spots.

3. Weather-Appropriate Gear

Austin’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for various conditions. For hot or humid days, lightweight, breathable clothing is essential. Look for moisture-wicking tops, shorts, or tights that keep sweat off your skin.

For cooler weather, layering is key—consider thermal tops or jackets designed for running, and invest in gloves or hats to keep warm during colder months. Read more on how temperature can affect our running.

Image of a SPIbelt holding a phone in its pocket and a gel in the clip. A good running belt is nice to have when you start marathon training. Read about more items you need at https://youraustinmarathon.com/items-to-start-marathon-training/

4. Running Belt (SPIbelt)

Carrying your essentials, such as your phone, keys, gels, or ID, can be tricky without the right gear. The SPIbelt (Small Personal Item Belt) is a compact, expandable running belt that keeps your belongings secure and prevents bouncing or discomfort.

It’s lightweight and sits snugly around your waist, making it easy to focus on your run without worrying about your items.

5. Nutrition

Proper nutrition is key to maintaining energy during your long training runs and the marathon itself. Consuming easy-to-digest energy gels can help sustain your endurance and prevent energy crashes. During your training, experiment with different gels to see which ones your body tolerates best.

One excellent option is BPN (Bare Performance Nutrition) energy gels. BPN is the official on-course nutrition partner for the Austin Marathon, meaning their products will be provided at aid stations during the race. Training with BPN gels now ensures that your body is already familiar with the nutrients and fuel you’ll be consuming on race day—eliminating any surprises when it matters most.

6. HydrationBox and packet of BPN GO Gel Endurance Gel in Apple Cinnamon flavor, featuring green, white, and black packaging with orange accents. The packet highlights "100 Cal" and "24G Carbs" with "Made in the USA" noted on the box – a great addition to any Father’s Day gift guide for running gifts. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Staying hydrated is essential for any marathoner. During your training runs, ensure you’re drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated before, during, and after your workout. Incorporating an electrolyte drink into your hydration plan is a great way to replace minerals lost through sweat.

As the official hydration provider for the Austin Marathon, BPN offers an excellent range of electrolyte drinks designed specifically for athletes. Consider training with their Electrolyte formula so that your body is well-adapted to the hydration stations you’ll encounter on race day.

7. Extras: Hat, Sunglasses, and Headphones

Don’t overlook the small extras that can make your training more enjoyable. A lightweight, moisture-wicking hat will keep the sun off your face, while running sunglasses will protect your eyes from UV rays. If you enjoy running to music or podcasts, invest in a pair of sweat-proof, wireless headphones designed for running. These extras add comfort and enjoyment to your runs.

The right gear can make a significant difference in your marathon training and race-day experience. From choosing the perfect running shoes at Fleet Feet Austin to incorporating BPN nutrition and hydration into your routine, these essentials will help you train smarter, stay comfortable, and perform your best. Test each piece of gear throughout your training to ensure that you’re ready to run your best Austin Marathon—confident, prepared, and without any last-minute surprises.

 

 

How Long Will it Take You to Finish a Marathon?

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Know the 6 factors that may impact your marathon finish time

A marathon is 26.2 miles (42.2K) long. While most elite runners can finish a marathon in the 2-hour range, age group runner’s finish times vary greatly. We review the average finish times for different ages below. Runners usually have 8 hours to complete the designated 26.2-mile distance.  There are several factors that can influence how long it can take you to finish a marathon. If you already know your running pace, use this helpful pace chart to help predict your finish time or set a new goal!

Training and pace

Runner Pace Chart for 5K Half Marathon and marathon finish time predictionLike every competition, preparation is critical for a marathon. The amount of training you put in every day before the race is crucial to how your body acclimatizes itself to running long distances. You can roughly calculate how long it could take you to finish a marathon by taking your mile time and comparing it with a marathon pace chart. For example, if you’re completing a mile in 15 minutes then you would likely reach the finish line in about 6.5 hours.

If you don’t know your base pace, you can calculate it. There are tons of different pace calculators available on the internet. Another good way to figure out your base pace is to run a 5K. Your pace in the final mile is a good place to start for predicting your pace. Since you are planning a longer distance you will want to add anywhere from 30 seconds to a minute to calculate your full marathon pace.

Many marathons will have pace groups for certain times to help guide finishers. These pace times can differ from race to race but many times include the required qualifying times for the Boston Marathon. The Austin Marathon is a Boston Marathon Qualifier with hundreds of people getting their BQ each year. 

  • Pace groups available: 2:59, 3:05, 3:10, 3:15, 3:20, 3:25, 3:30, 3:35, 3:40, 3:45, 3:50, 3:55, 4:00, 4:05, 4:20, 4:35, and 4:50
  • The pace group leaders will run “even splits.” This means that every mile will be run at approximately the same pace
  • Think of them as a moving finish line with your goal time pinned to the back of their shirts

Age and gender

Although age and gender do not restrict your ability as a runner, there are considerable differences in the stats in these categories. On average, men complete a marathon in a little more than 4 hours, while women take roughly 4.5 hours. The marathon running population is typically 30-40 percent female and 60-70 percent male. People of all ages complete a marathon, though the bulk are between 30 and 50 years of age. 

Average finish time by gender and age group from the 2020 Austin Marathon

Average Finisher Times based on age group for the austin marathon

These stats are important to know so that you can plan accordingly and maybe even take home an age group award. Age group awards are usually presented to the top 3 male and female overall in each age group. Categories begin with 19 & under and end with 85+. Groups increase in five-year increments.

Awards for the Austin Marathon (for male and female) include:

  • Overall champion
  • 2nd place
  • 3rd place
  • Age Groups: 19 & under 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-85, 85+

Terrain and weather

One part that can affect how long it takes to finish a marathon is the course’s terrain. The flatter the course, the lesser the effort required to run on it. But terrain does not necessarily dictate success or make a course hard or easy. With proper training for a course, you can set a PR (personal record) on all different styles of course. Pro tip: Try and run the course before race day. Practice some of your long runs on the course if you can!

As much as terrain decides the intensity of the challenge, weather can significantly impact how long it will take you to finish a marathon. If it is warmer than normal, your energy could drain faster. Your body consumes more energy to perform the task at hand and keep your body cool. Participants normally prefer the cooler temperatures in the winter months. But as with everything, if it gets too cold this could impact your time because it could take longer to warm up at the start.

Knowing about these factors and how they can impact how long it could take you to finish a marathon will help on race day. Keep a record of your time and work to improve it at your next marathon. With proper training and dedication, you could set a brand new marathon PR! How do you prepare for these factors during your training? Have they impacted how long it took you to finish a marathon? Let us know in the Austin Marathon Facebook Group or on Twitter.