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4 Reasons to Have a Training Partner

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The right training partner can make all the difference when preparing for longer distances

Don’t train alone! Finding at least one training partner can make all the difference. Perhaps it’s your neighbor, your best friend, or someone you meet through the Austin Marathon Facebook Group. However you met, your training partner just might be the most valuable asset in your training regimen.

So if you don’t have a training partner yet, read the four reasons you need one below.

1. Accountability

Being held accountable provides the extra jolt needed to get all your workouts in, this is especially beneficial if you’re adjusting your schedule to incorporate new training times. You’re less likely to hit the snooze button if you know someone is supposed to meet you for your morning run. Accountability is more than just meeting up to run. It should also include taking care of your body by incorporating proper nutrition and recovery.

2. Positive reinforcement

During training, there are a lot of smaller goals to meet before you reach the start line. Celebrate those achievements! A training buddy will be there for you with a high five when you finally hit a faster pace or when you reach your new long run goal. It also feels good to be there for someone else and to know that you are helping them meet their goals.

3. Push the boundaries

It’s easier to be complacent if you’re training alone. A training buddy will be there to push you. You can set up challenges for each other and help push the envelope of what you thought possible. Nothing like some friendly competition.

4. It is more fun

It really is that simple. Keep running as part of your life if it is something you enjoy.

Looking for someone to be your training buddy? Try posting in the Austin Marathon Facebook Group.

PROfile: Daniel Bishop, 2018 Austin Marathon 3rd place male

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Daniel Bishop maintains an active life while churning out quality races

About: UPDATE – Since Austin, I ran the Salt Lake City Marathon finishing 2nd overall (2:31.20), the Utah Valley Marathon finishing 3rd overall (2:27:37), and the Deseret News Marathon finishing 2nd overall (2:31:15). Next on my schedule is the St. George Marathon (St. George, UT) on October 6th. It’s a fast race and my goal is to break 2:20 there this year. Next year, I hope to return to Austin again for the 2019 race! In my personal life, I recently got engaged and am getting married September 7th! As a result, I am in the throes of planning a wedding in addition to submitting another round of applications to medical school.

Graduated from the University of Utah, BS: Exercise and Sport Science. Currently working at Recreation Equipment Inc. (REI) and in a hematology research lab. I have run the Austin Marathon five times now and have been fortunate to finish top three in the past four years (2018 – 3rd, 2017 – 2nd, 2016 – 3rd, 2015 – 3rd). Aside from running I enjoy skiing, biking, and hiking; essentially anything that gets me into the mountains.

Training tip: Tailor your training to the course, Austin has some hills, so run those hills!

Race day tip: If you didn’t do it in training, don’t do it on race day.

Upcoming Races: St. George Marathon (10/6)

Returning for 2019 Austin Marathon: That’s the plan!

Social media: Facebook and Instagram

PROfile: D’Ann Arthur, 2018 Austin Marathon 3rd place female

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D’Ann Arthur continues to masterfully blend her professional and running career

About: UPDATE – I’m working at a hospital near downtown LA until the end of June, so I’m enjoying exploring the parks and running routes near Griffith Park and the Hollywood sign. I’m currently focusing on strength and speed work for the early months of summer. There are plans to race a few 5K and 10Ks before gearing up for a marathon this fall (which one is still to be decided). I’m currently scheduled to be one of the chiefs for the Orthopedic trauma service from February 2019 to April.

I was born and raised in Texas and spent my childhood as a competitive gymnast. I walked onto the cross country team at Trinity University my sophomore year and quickly fell in love with running. After graduation, I shifted my focus to triathlons and raced as a professional triathlete while I was in medical school. I moved out to Los Angeles in 2014 for residency. I’m currently a third year resident in orthopedic surgery at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. I ran my first marathon in May of 2016. My goal is to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials. - D'Ann Arthur Click To Tweet

Training tip: Don’t underestimate the importance of figuring out your nutrition plan before the race. Your stomach and your body will thank you for it.

Race day tip: When it starts to get tough, smile and remind yourself that you signed up for this and push yourself to run a race you can be proud of.

Upcoming Races: A few summer 5K and 10Ks.

Returning for 2019 Austin Marathon: As a chief for the Orthopedic trauma service (during February 2019) travel will be difficult due to the call schedule. If I can make it out to Austin, then I’ll definitely race as it’s a top notch event!

Social media: Facebook and Instagram

Upgrade Your Training with Under Armour’s Map My Run

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Tap into Map My Run’s data and become a better runner

Registration is open for the 2019 Austin Marathon and you’ve got your sights set on February 17, 2019. Completing 13.1 or 26.2 miles is a phenomenal achievement and we’ve got your back every step of the way. Whether this is your first or tenth event, you’ll need a training plan. Proper preparation is critical to race day success and Map My Run can get you to the finish line. .@UARunning's @MapMyRun is an excellent tool to use during #AustinMarathon training. Click To Tweet

Sync miles to Map My Run with Under Armour connected shoes.

Under Armour’s HOVR Phantom can automatically sync milage to Map My Run. Image: Under Armour

Map My Run is a free app that you can download to your phone. You can upgrade to the MVP subscription to eliminate ads, access personalized training plans, and use live tracking. Either way, you can discover the best running routes within your city, save and share your favorites, and connect with a community of more than 50 million runners. This helpful running app is ranked #21 in the Health & Fitness section of the iTunes App Store and has a rating of 4.8.

Other benefits

  • discover running routes around the world while traveling for work or vacation

  • access stats like pace, route, distance, calories, and elevation

  • connect with 400+ devices to import and analyze data in one place

  • track shoe mileage with Gear Tracker

  • UA Record Equipped connected shoes can automatically sync data with app

  • sync data with many popular apps and wearables

  • share workouts on Facebook and Twitter

  • Join Challenges to compete with others, climb the leaderboard, and win prizes

Download the app today and begin analyzing your running data. Connect with your local runner friends and make new friends from around the world. Then execute your training plan on February 17, 2019! Follow Map My Run on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.