Run Austin 2020 Archives

Next Stop in Cancer Survivor’s Quest to Run the World: Austin

April 21, 2020/in My Running Story /by Austin Marathon

6-time cancer survivor chooses Austin for North American stop in quest to run the world

Jonathan Acott is no stranger to cancer. In fact, he’s more familiar with it than any one person should be. He’s been diagnosed six times. Throughout everything, running has been a constant for Jonathan. He runs to celebrate his body, honor those who’ve lost their battle, and because he can. What does one do in Jonathan’s shoes? Continue to run! Read about Jonathan’s plans to run the world and complete a marathon on all 7 continents. Follow him on Instagram, learn about the two continents he crossed off his list, and why his North American goal is the 2021 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon!

The reasons I run

Since 2004 I’ve heard “I’m afraid it’s cancer” or something similar six times. I was 29 in 2004 and am now 44. For a third of my life, I’ve lived with this vile and insidious disease. It has robbed me of sleep, health, life, mental well-being, a career, testicle, spleen, and kidney. Who knows what else I will miss out on.

It’s like persistent hunting, only I’m the prey. I’m aware cancer might end my life prematurely. It could catch me, but I am going to do all I can to stay ahead of it for as long as possible. In the meantime, I will extract every ounce from life possible.

I run because I still need a sense of movement. Running provides the illusion of control in an otherwise unpredictable world. A world where I need to do something, anything related to physical activity to distance myself from the days, weeks, and months of forced inactivity. It’s the repetition, the therapy that comes from being alone in my thoughts. Running stills the anxiety. It’s a celebration of what my body is capable of after all it has endured. I run to honor all the people who have been less fortunate than me. I run because I can.

So, I’m going to travel and see the world, I’ll visit locations I wouldn’t normally visit or places on my bucket list. I will run, not fast, but I will run. My plan is to live life and run whilst I do. As long as I’m moving, I’m alive and whilst it may not add years to this particular life it does add life to my years.

What am I going to do? Well, I put it all together and thought I’m going to run the world. Six cancers. Seven continents. One marathon on each continent.

The first marathon of my quest was at the end of 2019 in Berlin (Europe). My second marathon was in Marrakech (Africa) at the start of 2020. Next on my list: North America. I looked at numerous marathons, but Austin has been on my bucket list for years. Running the streets of Austin in 2021 was an opportunity too good to pass up. So you’ll see me there on Feb. 14, 2021. I’ll be near the back, smiling all the way, stopping to take photographs, and high fiving everyone because when you know what you could lose you make the most of every opportunity.

April Running Playlist Additions – 10 Must-Add Songs

April 16, 2020/in Blog post /by Austin Marathon

Expand your playlist with these April running playlist additions

You want music? We’ve got music! Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World and we are big music lovers. That’s why we’ve created this #WeLiketheSoundofThat playlist! We share every song on Twitter. Follow us so you know what’s next. We’ve taken 10 additions and put them in this convenient blog. Listen to the playlist (100+ songs and counting) and refresh your music with these April running playlist additions. Pro tip: making a playlist that you’ll love is a great motivation tool to get you out of bed for your morning run!

Hard Wired – Shakey Graves

This folk tune by Austinite Shakey Graves is methodical and persistent. It’ll help you get rolling and find your stride. Plus, it’s a good reminder that we runners are hard-wired to run!

Them Changes – Thundercat

Feel like you’re in a funk? Get out of your funk with some funk of your own! This futuristic track will get you in a groove for sure. This jam is perfect for long runs and/or warm-ups and cool-downs.

Come On Eileen – Dexys Midnight Runners

This classic from 1982 is upbeat and will get you moving from the moment you hear the introductory beat. This song is great for intervals. Pick up the pace every time you hear the chorus!

Recover – CHVRCHES

The synth in this tune will give you the jolts of energy needed to snap out of your running haze. Pro tip: this tune doubles as a reminder to foam roll after your run so you can start the recovery process.

Testify – Los Coast

Los Coast call Austin home, just like we do! You’ll see sunshine on your next run, even on the cloudiest of days, with this tune on your running playlist.

Pedestrian At Best – Courtney Barnett

This song rocks from the jump. The audio is scratchy and reminds us of our old PE coach yelling. Make no mistake, Courtney will get you going with her energetic personality and guitar-laden sound.

Sunny Came Home – Shawn Colvin

Shawn is an Ausitnite and sang the National Anthem at the 2020 Austin Marathon. The calming demeanor of this song will help you relax on long runs and recovery runs. Plus, it won two Grammys!

Knights of Cydonia – Muse

Need some audio energy? Put this song on your playlist. It’s roughly 6 minutes of hard-hitting, fight-the-establishment, in-your-face rock and roll. Click play and buckle up!

Your Hand In Mine – Explosions in the Sky

Need a 3+ minute warmup to get going? Austin’s own Explosions in the Sky has you covered. No lyrics, just layers of enjoyable audio to give you that extra burst of energy.

Barracuda – Heart

This 1977 hit grips you immediately with heavy electric guitar and doesn’t let go. Don’t put this song at the front of your playlist unless you plan to pick up the pace. If you’re alternating songs for an interval run, this is the perfect “fast run” song.

Utilize this April running playlist update before you take off for your next run. These 10 songs can pump you up, allow you to catch your breath, or help you focus on the warm-up/cool-down. However you incorporate music, just make sure you can still hear your surroundings. It’s important to know what’s going on around you! Is there something you like that we didn’t list? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.

Binge-Worthy Show Recommendations from the High Five Events Staff

March 24, 2020/in Blog post /by Austin Marathon

This list of binge-worthy show recommendations has everyone covered

Image of Schitt's Creek promotional material. Schitt's Creek is on the High Five Events binge-worthy show recommendation list.

Emily’s favorite: Schitt’s Creek.

Looking for some new shows to watch? You’re in luck! The staff at High Five Events compiled their list of favorite binge-worthy show recommendations. You’re covered if you like drama, comedy, fantasy, or history. Fire up the next episode, settle in on the couch (after your run of course!), grab your favorite snack, and enjoy. Pro tip: these shows will also help pass the time if you’re following our long training run recovery timeline!

Laura

Grey’s Anatomy. It is particularly good to binge-watch because there are SO MANY SEASONS AND EPISODES! I also love it because of all the drama.

Emily

Schitt’s Creek. I haven’t watched a show that made me laugh as much as this one in a long time. The dysfunctional family members are all my spirit animals! The costumes are fantastic. David’s sweaters, hello! The actors have so much chemistry with each other. The writing is so clever. It’s hard to turn it off.

John

Image of Parks and Recreation promotional material. Parks and Recreation is on the High Five Events binge-worthy show recommendation list.

Joey’s favorite: Parks and Rec.

Top Gear. I like knowing how things work and this show is right up my alley. They travel the world testing whether or not cars actually do what their manufacturers claim. This show has been around since 2002, time to catch up!

Stacy

Image of The Office promotional material. The Office is on the High Five Events binge-worthy show recommendation list.

Caroline’s favorite: The Office.

Turn: Washington’s Spies. It’s about a farmer during the Revolutionary War who helps defeat the British by becoming a spy for General Washington. I tend to like period pieces and this one is only four seasons long so you can’t get too carried away. Add it to your Netflix watch list!

Joey

Parks and Recreation. I like seeing how the characters evolved over the seasons and how the inside jokes never got old.

Dan

Brooklyn 99. This comedy follows around New York’s funniest police precinct. I like how light-hearted everything is and the unexpected chuckles when I least expect it. Brooklyn 99 won a Golden Globe Award for Best Comedy Series!

Jack

You. A local bookstore manager falls in love with a female writer. He does everything possible, including killing people, to get closer to her. The twists and turns of this show will keep you watching.

Scott’s favorite: Peaky Blinders.

Scott

Peaky Blinders. A gangster family epic set in Birmingham, England, in 1919, several months after the end of the First World War in November 1918. The story centers on the Peaky Blinders gang and their ambitious and highly cunning boss, Tommy Shelby. I like how good the wardrobe and settings are to the time period.

Megan

Dead to Me. The humor is dark, but it is funny. Also, it has a few plot twists that really get you. I am currently waiting for the second season to come out.

Tina

Forensic Files. There are so many reasons to watch this documentary-style TV show. The main reason: every episode is thrilling and re-watchable! Experts gather and utilize every piece of evidence to prove that there is no “perfect crime.”

Image of Game of Thrones promotional material. Game of Thrones is on the High Five Events binge-worthy show recommendation list.

William’s favorite: Game of Thrones.

Caroline

The Office. I just started (re)binge-watching The Office. It’s good and easy to watch, so I can always count on it for a good laugh. One of my favorite parts of re-watching The Office is noticing similarities between characters in the show and the High Five Events team!

William

Game of Thrones. I held out for 4 seasons before I watched the first episode. Thought I’d be cool and “not watch that show.” Welp, watched Episode 1 and was immediately hooked. I also highly recommend reading the books!

As you can see, this list of binge-worthy show recommendations has it all! And there are enough of them to keep you busy for awhile. The hard part is figuring out where to start. Did your favorite not make our list? Let us know what your favorite binge-worthy show is on Facebook or Twitter.

March Running Playlist Additions – 10 Must-Add Songs

March 16, 2020/in Blog post /by Austin Marathon

Spring clean your playlist with these March running playlist additions

You want music? We’ve got music! Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World and we are big music lovers. That’s why we’ve created this #WeLiketheSoundofThat playlist! We share every song on Twitter. Follow us so you know what’s next. We’ve taken 10 of our recent additions and put them in this convenient blog. Listen to the playlist (100+ songs and counting) and refresh your music with these March running playlist additions. Learn how to protect your phone if the forecast calls for rain.

Hang Me Up to Dry – Cold War Kids

The base in this old-school Cold War Kids tune is perfect for getting you into a good rhythm on your next run. It’s also a good reminder for what you should do with your shirt after a summer run.

Superstition – Stevie Ray Vaughan

When you have the chance to put SVR on your playlist you do it. Especially when you have the chance to share the song on Friday the 13th!

Halle Berry – Lord Buffalo

Austin’s own Lord Buffalo released this single from their recently released album, Tohu Wa Bohu. It’s gritty and the energy it gives will make you grind when you need it most during your next run.

bad guy – Billie Eilish

You want energy? Eilish delivers with bad guy. We wouldn’t be mad if you just put this song on repeat for the duration of your run. Just don’t be surprised if you stop running begin dancing!

WHAT’S GOOD – Tyler, The Creator

Tyler, The Creator pushes boundaries. That’s what makes him and his music so enthralling, you never know what you’re going to get! WHAT’S GOOD is perfect for that next speed workout.

New Sensation – INXS

Runners of all abilities have experienced the runner’s high. It’s an amazing sensation, especially after you cross a finish line! Push yourself, change your goals, find a new finish line, and experience a new sens-a-tion!

Dirty Laundry – Don Henley

What’s one byproduct of running that no runner enjoys? Laundry. Pro tip: listen to this song on your recovery run or while you’re washing all your dirty running clothes!

Break on Through (To the Other Side) – The Doors

If you time this song just right, it’ll push you through a tough time during your run. Get over that hump, get in your groove, and crush the rest of your run. All you have to do is break on through to the other side!

Entrance Song – The Black Angels

We don’t know about you, but we like to have certain songs lined up that play right before we begin running. Similar to a baseball player walking to the batter’s box, this song by Austin’s own The Black Angels will get you ready for your run.

300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpour Blues – The White Stripes

Does your next workout call for intervals? Changing speeds can be difficult on a run, especially if you’re in the zone. But interval training is beneficial. And much easier when you add this back-and-forth tune from The White Stripes.

Utilize this March running playlist update before you take off for your next run. These 10 songs can pump you up, allow you to catch your breath, or help you focus on the warm-up/cool-down. However you incorporate music, just make sure you can still hear your surroundings. It’s important to know what’s going on around you! Is there something you do that we didn’t list? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.

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