An update on our special series featuring four Austin runners and their journey as they reflect on the 3M Half Marathon and prepare for the Austin Marathon. Brought to you by CLIF Bar & Company, the Official Sports Nutrition of the 2017 Austin Marathon presented by NXP.

Name – Jillian

Club – Twenty-Six Two

Training has been going well so far! I have had a recent tendon strain, but with careful planning I have been able to keep up with my training schedule. Running the 3M Half Marathon provided a great perspective on how I need to plan for race day for the Austin Marathon. I used the Clif Strawberry Blok Chews around Mile 9 and they gave me that extra push to finish the race. I have been alternating between using the chews and the gels during my training runs and I feel both give me the energy I need to finish the workout. I like both, so my 20 mile run this weekend will determine which one I use for Austin. I felt I ran a great race and I plan on running the 3M Half again next year with a PR goal!

I have also been eating the Peanut Butter Clif Bars (the chocolate peanut butter are my favorite!) before my weekly runs and they have helped in boosting my pre-run snack with the energy I need to get through my workout. My weekday runs are always in the evening since I work very early in the morning and after a long day of work, they really help!