running Archives

Calm Pre-Race Nerves With These 5 Tips

Ready for the big race?

We know you’re on edge, but don’t worry. Pre-race nerves are totally normal – even seasoned runners feel them too. Don’t sweat it though; there are lots of ways to keep those butterflies under control so can focus on that finish line like a champ.

1. Be Prepared

Stop doubt before it happens. Make

a list and prepare everything the night before. Have your clothes, shoes, and bib laid out. Leave stuff you don’t need at home or with a member of your cheer crew. Charge your phone all the way to 100% and leave plugged in until you have to leave.

Is your playlist ready to go? We suggest a service where you don’t have to depend on service and can download the playlist like Spotify premium so you don’t have to worry about any interruptions to your tunes.

2. Set Your Motivation

Why are you here? Remind yourself of your motivation and purpose for signing up. Maybe you want to try something new to prove you could. Maybe you’re shooting for that PR. Maybe you’re showing your kids that exercise is part of a happy life. Try and embrace the added adrenaline or excitement and use it to perform with confidence in why you’re running today. If you haven’t set a goal yet, check out some tips for setting goals.

3. Stop Thinking About it So Much

We know, easier said than done, but at some point, you’ve got to lace up your running shoes and start your warm-up routine.

Distract yourself with other things like talking to others around you, taking some pre-race selfies, participating in the pre-race warm-up, dance it out.

Trust us, you’re prepared. Evaluations can wait until much later. In our opinion, you should give yourself a few days to reflect before you jump into a full race report. The journey is the accomplishment.

4. Use the restroom

This isn’t the most glamorous advice but hey, it is important. Always make the attempt before your start time.

5. Breathe

While it may seem like simple advice, it’s incredibly common to experience an increased heart rate and faster breathing once you get on-site. Take a moment to close your eyes and remember your training. Collect your thoughts and take deep breaths in through your nose and out through the mouth.

You got this!

7 Tips for Better Race Photos

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Elusive perfect race photos are within reach

Get ready to level up your Austin Marathon photo game with these savvy tips, ensuring your snapshots are as memorable as your race day! Whether you’re tackling the full marathon, cruising through the ha

lf, or sprinting in the 5K, these tips will have you Instagram-ready at the finish line. And remember, when you share those triumphant shots, give a shoutout to the Austin Marathon Instagram!

1. Perfect Your Posture

Strike a pose! It’s easy to hunch over during a race, especially when fatigue sets in. Keep an eye out for those photographers in yellow vests and use it as a cue to straighten up, roll those shoulders back, and align that spine. Not only will this improve your photos, but it’ll also feel oh-so-good for your body.

2. Lengthen Your Stride

Who doesn’t want to look like a running gazelle in their race photos? Give your legs the appearance of speed and grace by extending your stride just a tad more than usual as you spot a camera. It’s not about keeping it up for the entire race, just long enough to snag that perfect shot.

3. Clear the Way

Photo bomb-free zone coming through! Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming photographers and tactically position yourself so you’re not hidden behind other runners. It’s your moment in the spotlight, after all.

4. Smile Like You Mean It

Relaxing your face while running might seem like a tall order, but with a bit of practice, you can master the serene race-day look. Try whispering “Money” as you run—it works! Or,

better yet, practice that relaxed, happy facial expression during your training runs.

5. Positive Vibes Only

Adopt a race-day mantra that keeps your spirits high and reflects in your photos. Whether it’s “Running brings me joy” or “I’m a race-day warrior,” let that positive energy radiate. Feel free to

share a cheer or a shout as you pass by the photographers—a little enthusiasm goes a long way!

6. Bib Placement Matters

Aim for a clean, front-and-center bib placement. This not only ensures you look organized but also helps the race’s photo tagging system quickly identify your triumphant moments without you having to scroll through endless galleries.

7. Hold Off on Stopping Your Watch

We get it, you’re eager to hit pause the moment you cross that finish line. However, give it a few more strides before you check your stats. Let your finishing moment be all about the joy and accomplishment, not the digits on your watch.

8. Emotions in the Spotlight

Don’t hold back—let those feelings show! A beaming smile, a victory jump, or even tears of joy can make for an unforgettable photo. Aim for expressive gestures that last more than a fleeting moment to ensure photographers capture your true race-day spirit.

As you gear up for the Austin Marathon, half marathon, or 5K, remember that the journey is as picture-perfect as the finish line. These tips aren’t just about creating Instagram-worthy moments; they’re about enhancing your race experience and capturing the memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime. So, lace up, smile wide, and get ready to make some photographic magic. Here’s to a race day filled with personal bests, both on the course and on camera!

You got this!

Earn Your Ticket to the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group Championship at the Austin Marathon

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2024 Austin Marathon participants can earn a spot at AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group Championships

Mark your calendars for February 18, 2024, because Austin, Texas, is where the action’s at. The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon is your passport to an adrenaline-fueled adventure as it returns as one of the selected qualifying marathons for the Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group World Rankings. The AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings comprise over 375 qualifying races in over 90 different countries in which athletes in nine separate age groups can compete in marathons across the world to earn a global ranking.

Compete against runners from around the world

The spread of the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group Qualifying Events creates a truly global series throughout the year. This gives runners across the world the chance to be part of a new era of age-group marathon running.

The 2024 season will be the 6th edition of the rankings, with runners competing to earn an invitation to the 2025 AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships.

Dawna Stone, Abbott World Marathon Majors CEO said: “The Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group World Rankings continue to grow and welcome new races into the qualifying process every year. The geographical spread of runners and races shows the appetite for high level competition across all ages and an invite to the World Championships is becoming a much sought-after goal.”

How it Works

Athletes will be ranked according to their single fastest time in a qualifying event. Any athlete achieving the Automatic Qualifying Time for their age group will receive an immediate invitation for the 2025 AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships.

Highly-ranked runners who do not achieve the Automatic Qualifying Time still have the opportunity to receive an invitation to enter the World Championship depending on the full field size and the number of athletes achieving the qualifying time.

In order to receive an invitation, runners must be registered at AbbottWMM.com. The date, location, and field size for the 2025 AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships will be announced in due course.

Age Group Qualifying Times

Times are subject to final confirmation by AbbotWMM at the end of 2023.

2024 Qualifying times Age Group	Male	Female
40-44	02:35	03:05
45-49	02:42	03:11
50-54	02:48	03:21
55-59	02:57	03:30
60-64	03:10	03:48
65-69	03:26	04:06
70-74	03:40	04:35
75-79	04:06	05:05
80+	04:40	05:25

Qualifying for the 2025 AbbottWMM Age Group Championship

There are three ways to qualify for the championships.

1. Achieve the Automatic Qualifying Time for your age group

2. Other highly ranked athletes without an Automatic Qualifying Time may also receive an invitation, depending on the full field size and the number of athletes achieving the qualifying time.

3. The bi-annual AbbottWMM Global Marathon, held within the Global Run Club, has 200 places available for the fastest verified finishers. Visit the Global Run Club for full details.

Full details here.

So, as the Austin Marathon countdown begins, imagine the cheers of the crowd, the beat of your heart, and the thrill of knowing that you could earn a spot at the 2025 AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships. It’s not just a marathon; it’s a global celebration of running . The path to championship glory is paved with determination and a dash of fun. The Austin Marathon beckons and the world is your playground – get ready to run, laugh, and make memories that will last a lifetime. It’s marathon time, and the adventure begins here!

Explore these Local Austin Breweries

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