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4 Taper Tips: Focus on Controlling What You Can Control

Get to the start line ready to roll with these taper tips

The Taper. If you’re unfamiliar, tapering refers to the reduction in volume and intensity of your workouts leading to race day. You’ve been running for months, increasing your mileage, getting better and better. Your body is in training mode and it can be difficult to turn that off. Follow these taper tips to effectively utilize the extra time you now have. Continue to follow your training plan, implement these taper tips, and get to the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon or Austin Half Marathon start line ready to run your best

Take care of yourself

This is vital and something you should’ve been doing since you began training! However, it becomes even more important leading up to Feb. 16th. Your training has introduced more miles than normal, early wake-up calls, and a reduction in time for yourself. Tapering your miles means you’ll have more time for self-care. Spend an extra 30-60 minutes a day foam rolling and stretching. Schedule a massage. Make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep.

Dial-in your nutrition/hydration

Keep an eye on your calorie intake! You burned more calories during training than you will when you taper. Adjust accordingly so the pounds you shed during training stay off! Focus on a balanced diet of moderate carbs, quality protein, and healthy fats. Start hydrating NOW. You should drink 8-10 glasses of water a day. Continue including electrolytes like you’ve done during training. Carry a tube of Nuun with you, pop a tablet into your reusable bottle, and make your water count! Make sure you try the on-course fuel, GU Energy Labs.

No new workouts

Just like nothing new on race day, no new workouts when tapering. This includes everything from a pick-up basketball game to lifting heavy weights at the gym. You don’t want to run the risk of spraining your ankle or pulling a muscle. Stick with what’s comfortable. If that’s running or cross-training (swimming, cycling, etc.), focus on less-intense and lower-volume workouts. 

Sidetrack yourself

An increase in your mileage could mean you’re behind on your favorite show. Maybe you haven’t read those new books you got for Christmas. Now’s the time to distract yourself from the fact that you aren’t running as much as you have been. Spend a couple of hours binging your favorite show. Grab that new book and read at your favorite park. If you find yourself getting antsy because you’re not moving, try to foam roll or stretch while watching your favorite show. Or try reading your book while riding a stationary bike.

Follow these taper tips so the taper doesn’t frustrate you or stress you out. The sudden addition of extra time and the feeling that you should be running can be confusing. Follow these taper tips and focus on controlling what you can control. What do you do to get to the start line ready to roll when you taper? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

Places to Train in Austin

Austin will spoil you with a slew of running options offering excellent opportunities for fitness enthusiasts, runners, and marathoners to explore their skills. This article will walk you through some of those fascinating terrains.

Four excellent running places in Austin

There are plenty of them. But we have zeroed in on a handful that are known to provide a vivid running experience.

1. Lady Bird Lake Trail

Austin has something to offer to every runner from pro down to a rookie. So if you are a newbie, you have the 3.2-mile loop between the South First Bridge and the Mopac Bridge to explore. Marked by two water stops, this loop is short and easy to navigate. However, this area also boasts of longer trails that are seven miles and 10 miles respectively which are meant for the more experienced runners.

2. McKinney Falls State Park

Located well within the city limits, this is one of the best places to train in Austin. This park has breathtaking scenery and waterfalls, and is home to two prominent running trails. These winding trails not only stretch for miles, but they also have elevations that rise to more than several hundred feet. This area is perfect for those of you who are contemplating participating in the Austin Marathon. But also, if running is your passion or a stress buster, this place is a must-visit.

3. Barton Creek Greenbelt

Located in the heart of the city, this place is inundated by miles of trees, along with various waterfalls, and limestone cliffs. Starting from Zilker Park, this trail provides a good opportunity for runners to test their skills. From navigating around uneven terrain to conquering the Hill of Life at the end of the trail.  The trail is known as the seventh-best running trail in Austin.

4. Travis Heights

Some neighborhoods are also great places for training in Austin, like Travis Heights. It is easier to run in neighborhoods as you can continue doing it regularly without any limit. Travis Heights is a quiet residential neighborhood dotted with hills that offer peace, and the freedom to explore your running prowess to the fullest.

Conclusion

With a wide variety of running trails, Austin is truly a runner’s paradise. A place where you can realize your marathon dreams, amp up your fitness regimen, or simply feel the magic of tearing through the force of the wind for the fun of it. 

The Benefits of Training with a Group

Doing activities alone may not always yield the desired results. But when you join a group, the same activities may turn out to be more enjoyable, motivating, and productive, and this can be especially true for running.

If you are contemplating participating in the Austin marathon, half marathon, or 5K, training for it solo may not be beneficial. So to extract the maximum benefits out of it, joining a training group is essential. 

They help you stick with it

Starting training may be easy but sustaining it over a period requires grit, determination, and above all, inspiration. So when you join a training or running group you automatically start feeling motivated because you see people around you doing the same thing. After all, running is a different ball game. It can be easy to tire out or lose enthusiasm. But when your fellow runners heap praise on you for successfully executing your training, you become supercharged. You’ll be ready to infuse more energy and perseverance into your running. This in turn also inspires others to perform with similar gusto. 

Helps give you a purpose 

When several people come together, there is a creative exchange of ideas. You learn from others while others learn from you. The group, therefore, helps in fostering a sense of camaraderie and companionship that you slowly begin to cherish. You may also be required to mentor other runners in the group which may give you a sense of purpose. 

Helps build relationships 

Group training may be the perfect way to give you purpose while also expanding social circles, be they personal or professional. As you grow closer with running mates, you may find yourself sharing joys or venting frustrations about your life in a safe and supportive environment. Running also offers an opportunity to get to know your coworkers and bosses on more than just a work level, which can help make you enjoy coming in every day, or even help in advancing your career.

They help you learn from failures 

Failures are a part of any sport, but how you learn from your failures and turn them around to your advantage is the true test of an athlete. If you are alone, you may feel frustrated at those failures. But if you have a great support group, you can take lessons from your failures and convert them into success. Having a group that supports you is important if you want to transcend the barriers and reach the pinnacle of success. 

In group training, your team is like a pillar of strength. They guide and encourage you to be your best self. Running together bonds you as a team and cultivates teamwork skills that will last long after the run is finished.

 

4 Reasons Why You Should Try a Virtual Race

Learn about all the benefits before you sign up for a virtual race

Are you looking for a way to find adventure and excitement this fall? A virtual race is the answer you’ve been searching for. While there are many things in life we have no control over, physical fitness is one thing that we still have a grasp on. And with the Run Austin Virtual Series from Austin Marathon and 3M Half Marathon, you’ll have monthly milestones and get fit in no time!

Virtual events explained

Virtual races are an innovative addition to the racing community, giving participants an opportunity to stay fit and motivated while we work towards returning to in-person events. They can be completed in the comfort of your own home and at a time of your choice. Competitors can pick their starting points and routes, be it the walkway outside their house, in a different state, or even a completely different country. The Run Austin Virtual Series will only dictate the distance you run and there are various races to choose from. It’s a great opportunity to return to racing and enjoy the keen satisfaction that comes with completing a task. Take your virtual races off the roads and to the trails. If you are in Austin you can complete your next virtual run on Austin’s top running trails.

Why you should try virtual racing

1. Set new goals and achieve them

Competitors are given the opportunity to set personal goals and achieve them. Although you won’t run alongside others, you can still achieve your running goals, increase your mileage, and possibly set personal records along the way. Additionally, you can work your way from smaller, more achievable goals to larger ones. Since virtual events have fewer time restrictions than in-person events, you can work towards completing a longer distance than you would normally run, significantly increasing your endurance levels.

2. Explore the social aspect of racing

It’s a shared, fun experience that’s enjoyable for everyone involved. Although virtual, you’ll still be able to interact with fellow runners and connect over the races you’ve completed and the records you’ve set. This also allows you to get your family and friends from different parts of the world in on all the fun. Additionally, participation in virtual races also prepares you for traditional races once you feel the time is right.

3. Take your fitness to the next level

See this as a wake-up call to start achieving your fitness goals today. Virtual races can advance your fitness level, motivating you to change any unhealthy habits, and live your best life. This is a great way for beginners to implement our useful advice for first-timer runners.

4. Virtual racing swag

With each virtual race comes unique swag! You can also purchase official merchandise just like you would for an in-person event. These fun momentos are great ways to remind you of your accomplishments and push you towards your new goal. Share this with your fellow competitors and friends by flaunting your digital swag courtesy of Austin Marathon on our photo booth.

Virtual runs are for people who chase adventure and the sense of accomplishment that follows. It’s definitely an opportunity worth experiencing. You won’t regret supporting your local virtual race provider. How excited are you to take part in a virtual race? Let us know in the Austin Marathon Facebook Group or on Twitter.