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7 Important Items You Need to Start Marathon Training

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

Using the right gear is as important as following the right training program when you start marathon training. High-quality, reliable items maintain an optimal level of comfort for your body. They also make it easier for you to focus on the task at hand during your marathon training. Include these running essentials when you start marathon training and make your experience as comfortable, fun, and memorable as possible! Pro tip: we share some of our favorite items below.

First and foremost, shoes

Pair of grey and orange women's Under Armour HOVR Sonic 3s. It's crucial to have the perfect pair of shoes when you start marathon training. Read about more items you need at https://youraustinmarathon.com/items-to-start-marathon-training/

Under Armour HOVR Sonic 3s are runner-approved!

It’s a no-brainer to get yourself the perfect running shoes before you start marathon training. The right pair of shoes will equally distribute the force when your foot strikes the ground. Make sure there is enough cushioning and room on the inside of the shoes. This will put less strain on your feet. Pair your running shoes with socks that have more padding and wick away sweat quickly. Keep the rest of your outfit aligned with the weather. Some great shoe options include Under Armor’s HOVR line. Check out what we like and see if they’re right for you.

Infographic 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/Schedule an appointment with our friends at Fleet Feet Austin and get fitted soon. Pro tip: learn how the HOVR line shoes automatically connect to MapMyRun via Bluetooth to track your progress.

Nutrition and hydration

You are what you eat! The significance of maintaining a healthy diet during marathon training is paramount. You have to consume nutritious foods and hydrate adequately to reach peak performance. Carry nutrition with you when you start marathon training, especially as your mileage increases. GU Energy Gels are ideal because they’re easy to carry and contain what you need on long runs. Read how proper nutrition is imperative and why GU Gel’s are ideal for marathon training.

When it comes to hydration, dissolve Nuun tablets into your water. They’re filled with the minerals and electrolytes you need to replenish your system. Hydrating after your long run is important, so keep a bottle ready to go for when you’re done! Pro tip: if you don’t carry hydration with you, stash it somewhere along your route. 

Running belt

When you start marathon training, you might want to carry a few essentials like money, your phone, keys, nutrition, etc. A light running belt, like SPIbelt, will carry your items conveniently. SPIbelt is a popular running belt brand with belts that come in different sizes, color schemes, and patterns.

Extra items to start marathon training

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/

A SPIbelt can carry so much!

Apart from the aforementioned must-haves, you might want to include sunglasses, a hat/visor, and/or headphones. See what we use on our long runs!

These running essentials are ideal for any runner when they start marathon training. Veteran runners might be set in their ways and know what they prefer. But for first-time runners, it’s important to test out different items on your long runs. You want to know exactly what works for you before race day arrives! What specific items are must-haves for you when you start marathon training? Let us know in the Austin Marathon Facebook Group and Twitter.

The 2020 September Running Playlist: Music to Your Ears

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We curated the 2020 September Running Playlist just for you

You want music? We’ve got music! Austin is known as The Live Music Capital of the World and we are big music lovers. Every year, we showcase live music throughout the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon course and at the 3-block-long finish line festival. These monthly playlists will allow y’all to hear what we’re listening to. Each song can be found on its monthly playlist and our master #WeLiketheSoundofThat playlist! We also share every song on Twitter. Hit the ‘Follow’ button on Twitter so you know what’s next! The 2020 September Running Playlist has everything you need, including the legendary Red Hot Chili Peppers and the energy-creating Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Pro tip: having a playlist that you love is a great motivational tool to get you out of bed for your morning run!

Playlist pro tips:

1) In Spotify, drag the 2020 September Running Playlist to your ‘Playlists’ section for quick access

2) Then click the download button so you can listen even if you’re offline

Click play on the 2020 September Running Playlist before you take off for your next run. These 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 in the Austin Marathon Facebook Group and Twitter.

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.

Run Austin Virtual Series Introduces Third Event, Round the River 4-Miler

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Round the River 4-Miler is named after popular loop on Austin’s Hike and Bike Trail

In July, the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour and 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour created the Run Austin Virtual Series. Everyone is invited to participate in the 6-month-long virtual series. The events provide monthly milestones as participants train for Austin’s two most beloved running events. The Run Austin Virtual Series began with the Wildflower Mile in July and the Armadillo 5K in August. The series will continue in September with the Round the River 4-Miler. Future events will be revealed at the beginning of each month, finishing with a 10-miler in December.

“The Run Austin Virtual Series gives us something to look forward to and a reason to keep pushing (literally),” said Samantha Santos, who has completed the first two events pushing her kids in a stroller. “We talk about the races and the kids know when we’re “racing” and we celebrate our finishes with smoothies or donuts!”

Run Austin Virtual Series perks

Participants of the Run Austin Virtual Series receive themed, downloadable personalized bibs, digital finisher medals, and finisher certificates. Participants will also enjoy fun extras like an online finisher photo booth and virtual reality filters for social media. Registration is open for each of the events for $18. Free entry to the entire six-event series, a $108 value,  is available to participants of the 2021 3M Half Marathon or the 2021 Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K. New distances are launched at the beginning of each month. Limited-edition merchandise customized for each event will be available for purchase throughout the series.

“Participants love the Run Austin Virtual Series because it’s provided them with fun and engaging monthly milestones,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “This month’s Round the River 4-Miler is named after the popular 4-mile loop on Austin’s famous Hike and Bike Trail on Lady Bird Lake.”

Run Austin 2021

Austin’s flagship running event, the Austin Marathon, will celebrate its 30th anniversary on February 14th. It annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 35+ countries around the world. The start and finish locations are just a few blocks apart. They are within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants. The finish line is in front of the picturesque Texas State Capitol. The Austin Marathon is the perfect running weekend destination. Registration is currently open.

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. It will celebrate its 27th year running on January 17th. Runners will enjoy a point-to-point course with mostly downhill running. The 13.1-mile course showcases some of Austin’s finest locations. Participants start in north Austin and finish near the Texas State Capitol. Many participants set their 13.1-mile PR because of the 300’ net elevation drop. Registration is currently open.