Exploring Austin’s Food Scene: Healthy Eats for Runners

Austin isn’t just a city known for live music and outdoor adventures—it’s also a food lover’s paradise. For runners, finding meals that are both delicious and packed with nutrients is key to fueling training runs and recovering strong. Luckily, Austin’s food scene is overflowing with restaurants and cafes that serve up healthy, satisfying options perfect for athletes.

1. Picnik

Picnik has made a name for itself with a menu full of gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar–free options. From hearty bowls packed with veggies and lean protein to their famous butter coffee, runners will love the balance of flavor and nutrition. It’s the perfect spot for grabbing a wholesome breakfast before hitting the trail.

2. True Food Kitchen

This downtown favorite is a runner’s dream, offering dishes inspired by Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory food philosophy. The menu changes seasonally and features fresh ingredients like kale, quinoa, salmon, and sweet potatoes. The bowls and salads are perfect for a nutrient-packed lunch, and their smoothies make a great post-run refresher.

3. JuiceLand

A true Austin staple, JuiceLand is the go-to stop for smoothies, juices, and light vegan-friendly meals. After a hot run on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, swing by for an ice-cold smoothie loaded with superfoods, or grab one of their protein-packed shots for a quick recovery boost.

4. Flower Child

With its bright atmosphere and feel-good menu, Flower Child offers plenty of options for health-conscious runners. From customizable bowls and salads to wraps and protein-packed plates, there’s something to fit every training need. Their “Glow Bowl” or Mother Earth bowl are especially popular with athletes looking for both energy and flavor.

5. Snap Kitchen

If you’re on-the-go, Snap Kitchen is a lifesaver. With locations across Austin, they specialize in ready-to-eat meals designed with balance in mind. From protein-packed breakfasts to macro-friendly lunches and dinners, it’s easy to keep your nutrition on track even with a busy training schedule.

6. Koriente

For a lighter but nourishing option, Koriente offers Asian-inspired dishes that are fresh, colorful, and always made from scratch. Their rice bowls topped with veggies, tofu, or grilled protein are a favorite among athletes looking for simple, energizing fuel.

Fuel Your Runs, Austin Style

Whether you’re training for your first 5K, ramping up mileage for a half marathon, or simply enjoying weekend jogs around Lady Bird Lake, Austin’s food scene makes it easy to fuel like an athlete while still enjoying incredible flavors. From smoothie stops to nutrient-packed sit-down meals, these local gems keep runners powered up and ready to go.

The Benefits of Yoga for Runners: Enhancing Flexibility and Strength

When it comes to running, many athletes focus heavily on mileage, speed workouts, and strength training. While these are all crucial for performance, one powerful tool often gets overlooked—yoga. Whether you’re a first-time 5K runner or a seasoned marathoner, incorporating yoga into your weekly routine can improve flexibility, build strength, and speed up recovery, all of which enhance your overall running performance.

Why Yoga Matters for Runners

Running is repetitive. Each step uses the same muscles and joints, which can lead to tightness, imbalance, and even overuse injuries. Yoga provides a counterbalance by lengthening tight muscles, strengthening stabilizing muscles, and promoting better mobility. It’s not just about touching your toes—it’s about improving how your body moves and recovers.

Key Benefits of Yoga for Runners

1. Improved Flexibility

Tight hips, hamstrings, and calves are common among runners. Yoga stretches these muscles in ways running alone can’t. Increasing flexibility helps with stride length, reduces the risk of strains, and allows for more efficient movement.

2. Enhanced Strength and Stability

Yoga builds strength in often-overlooked muscles, such as the core, glutes, and small stabilizers around the hips and ankles. These muscles play a big role in maintaining form and preventing fatigue during long runs.

3. Better Breathing and Focus

Breathwork (pranayama) in yoga teaches runners how to control and deepen their breathing. This improves oxygen intake and can help maintain focus and calmness, especially during tough workouts or races.

4. Faster Recovery

Yoga promotes blood flow and reduces muscle soreness, making it an excellent recovery tool. Gentle stretches and restorative poses can ease tension after long runs, helping you bounce back faster.

5. Injury Prevention

By increasing mobility, balance, and body awareness, yoga lowers the likelihood of common running injuries like IT band syndrome, shin splints, and runner’s knee.

Simple Poses Runners Can Try

  • Downward Dog: Stretches calves, hamstrings, and shoulders.

  • Low Lunge: Opens up tight hip flexors.

  • Bridge Pose: Strengthens glutes and core.

  • Reclined Spinal Twist: Relieves tension in the back and hips.

  • Legs Up the Wall: A restorative pose that aids recovery and circulation.

Bringing It All Together

You don’t need to spend hours in a studio to reap the benefits of yoga. Even 10–20 minutes, two or three times per week, can make a noticeable difference in flexibility, strength, and recovery. By weaving yoga into your routine, you’ll not only become a stronger, more balanced runner but also enjoy the mental clarity and relaxation it provides.

So, next time you’re planning your training week, roll out the yoga mat—it might just be the missing piece to unlocking your best running performance yet.

The Importance of Long Runs: Building Stamina for the Big Day

If you’re training for the Austin International Half Marathon, long runs are the cornerstone of your weekly routine. These extended efforts do more than just rack up miles—they’re essential for building the endurance, mental toughness, and race-day readiness you’ll need to conquer 13.1 miles with confidence.

Let’s break down why long runs matter, how to structure them effectively, and where they fit into your overall training plan.

Why Long Runs Are Essential

Long runs teach your body and mind how to endure distance and fatigue. Physiologically, they:
  • Strengthen your heart and improve cardiovascular efficiency.
  • Train your muscles to store and use glycogen more efficiently.
  • Build capillaries that transport oxygen to your working muscles.
  • Improve your body’s fat-burning ability, which is key for endurance running.
Mentally, long runs help you develop:
  • Focus and patience for race day.
  • Confidence in your ability to handle the half marathon distance.
  • Experience with pacing, hydration, and nutrition strategies.

Structuring Long Runs for Success

To get the most out of your long runs, follow these key principles:

️ Start with a Plan

Long runs should increase gradually, following the 10% rule—no more than a 10% increase in distance from week to week. Most half marathon plans build up to a peak long run of 10–12 miles, about 2–3 weeks before race day.

Pace It Right

Long runs aren’t about speed—they’re about stamina. Aim to run at a comfortable, conversational pace, roughly 60–90 seconds slower per mile than your goal race pace. This keeps your effort aerobic and maximizes endurance-building benefits.

Practice Fueling

Use your long runs to rehearse hydration and nutrition. Try different energy gels, electrolyte drinks, or fueling intervals to find what works best for your stomach and energy needs.

Include Variations

Mix up your long run strategy as you progress:
  • Cutback weeks (shorter long runs every 3rd or 4th week) give your body time to recover.
  • Race pace finishes help teach your legs to run strong on tired legs.
  • Back-to-back workouts (e.g., a tempo run followed by a long run) simulate late-race fatigue.

How Long Runs Fit Into Your Weekly Plan

Long runs are typically scheduled once per week, often on weekends when you have more time to recover. They anchor your training and should be complemented by:
  • Speed workouts or tempo runs (1–2 times per week) to build aerobic power.
  • Shorter recovery runs to promote circulation and active recovery.
  • Rest or cross-training days to prevent burnout and injuries.
By structuring your week around your long run, you ensure your body gets both the stress stimulus it needs to improve and the recovery it needs to adapt.

Final 3 Long Runs: The Countdown to Race Day

As race day nears, your final long runs become especially important:
  • 3 Weeks Out: Peak long run (10–12 miles)
  • 2 Weeks Out: Slight taper (8–10 miles)
  • 1 Week Out: Sharpening (6–8 miles at a relaxed pace)
These runs are your final dress rehearsals—treat them with care, and trust the work you’ve put in.

Build Smart. Run Strong.

Long runs may feel intimidating at first, but they’re where the magic happens. Each one builds your stamina, mental grit, and race readiness. As you tackle longer distances, you’ll find strength in the miles—and by race day, you’ll be ready to put it all together for a powerful finish on the streets of Austin.
So lace up, trust your plan, and remember: every long run brings you one step closer to the finish line.

SPURS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCED AS TITLE SPONSOR OF AUSTIN INTERNATIONAL HALF MARATHON

 First NBA Franchise to Hold Naming Rights to a Half Marathon 

 

AUSTIN (Aug. 26, 2025) – Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E) today announced a new partnership with the Austin International Half, becoming the official title sponsor of the race, which will now be known as the Spurs Austin International Half. The 2026 event is set for Sunday, January 18, 2026. This marks the first time an NBA team has secured naming rights to a half marathon. 

 

As part of the multi-year agreement, Spurs branding will be integrated throughout race weekend, including signage, digital platforms and on-site activations. All registered runners will have access to purchase specialized ticket packages for San Antonio Spurs games. The Spurs will also create their own team for the race that participants can register for, which will include an exclusive Spurs item.  

 

This partnership, which unites two longstanding local sports organizations, ties into the Spurs year-round engagement efforts in Austin, in addition to many other ongoing community initiatives like court renovations through PlayATX.   

 

“This partnership represents another meaningful step in strengthening our bond with the Austin community,” said Brandon James, Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth and Deputy General Counsel for Spurs Sports & Entertainment. “From grassroots initiatives to bringing Spurs basketball to Austin through the I-35 Series, we’re committed to showing up in authentic and lasting ways. Aligning with one of the region’s premier running events not only deepens our presence in Central and South Texas, but also reinforces our dedication to health, wellness, and building community.” 

 

“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with the Spurs,” said Jack Murray, Owner and Partnership Director of the Austin International Half. “They’ve shown time and again that their commitment to Austin goes far beyond basketball. Their values—teamwork, wellness, and uplifting the community—mirror everything this race stands for. Together, we’re creating something more than a race. We’re building an experience.” 

 

The Spurs Austin International Half will feature its signature Downhill to Downtown™ course with a half marathon and two-person relay option. The fast, net-downhill 13.1-mile route winds through Austin neighborhoods and finishes in the heart of downtown. The event attracts runners from more than 47 states and 14 countries, with over 7,000 participants each year. 

 

For registration and race details, visit AustinInternationalHalf.com. To take part in the event as part of the Spurs Fit Club Team, text SPURSFIT to 210-444-5940. 

 

About Austin International Half 

The Austin International Half, formerly the 3M Half Marathon, is one of Texas’ fastest and most exciting 13.1-mile events. Established in 1995, it features a net-downhill course that winds through Austin’s most iconic neighborhoods and finishes downtown. Runners enjoy a high-energy experience with live music, enthusiastic spectators, and top-tier course support. With PR potential, great swag, and an unbeatable Austin spirit, this event welcomes runners of all levels. Learn more at AustinInternationalHalf.com.

 

About Spurs Sports & Entertainment  

Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E) is a value-based and community-centric sports and entertainment company that provides premier live and global digital experiences for fans across a portfolio of three teams and several first-class venues in South Texas – all supported by a staff of more than 1,000 full and part-time employees. SS&E owns and operates the San Antonio Spurs (NBA), Austin Spurs (NBA G League), and San Antonio FC (USL), as well as manages the day-to-day operations of the Frost Bank Center, The Rock at La Cantera, Toyota Field and Ricos STAR Soccer Complex. The SS&E investor group is led by Managing Partner Peter J. Holt.

The Unsung Hero of Half Marathon Success: Sleep

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or training for your first Austin International Half, you likely spend plenty of time focusing on your training plan, nutrition, and gear. But there’s one essential pillar of performance that runners often overlook—sleep.
Getting enough quality rest isn’t just a recovery tool, it’s a key performance enhancer. In fact, how well you sleep might just be the difference between finishing strong and hitting the dreaded wall.

Why Sleep Matters for Runners

Sleep is when your body repairs and rebuilds. During deep sleep, your body releases growth hormone, which stimulates muscle recovery and repair—crucial after long runs, tempo workouts, and hill repeats. It also helps regulate the hormones that control hunger and metabolism, which are essential for maintaining energy levels and a healthy weight during training.

The Science:

  • Muscle Recovery: Sleep facilitates protein synthesis and the release of human growth hormone (HGH), which are vital for muscle repair.
  • Energy Restoration: Glycogen stores—your muscles’ primary fuel source—are replenished most efficiently during rest.
  • Mental Resilience: Sleep enhances cognitive function, decision-making, and mood stability. Less sleep = more stress, which can sabotage race prep.

The Performance Connection

Studies consistently show that athletes who prioritize sleep see marked improvements in speed, reaction time, and endurance. Just a few nights of poor sleep can impair performance, increase perceived effort, and make recovery take longer.
For half marathoners, this means your ability to push through long runs, maintain good form, and stay mentally strong is directly influenced by your time spent in bed—not just on your feet.

Pro tip: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night during training. If you’re increasing mileage or doing harder workouts, your body may need even more.

Injury Prevention Starts With Rest

Inadequate sleep increases your risk of injury—period. When your body is sleep-deprived:
  • Your coordination suffers.
  • Reaction time slows.
  • Muscles and connective tissues don’t repair properly.
This can lead to overuse injuries like shin splints, IT band syndrome, or plantar fasciitis—conditions that can derail your training altogether.

Recovery Boost:

Make sleep part of your recovery protocol, alongside stretching, hydration, and nutrition. Think of it as your most accessible recovery tool—free and highly effective.

Sleep Strategies for Runners

Getting better sleep isn’t just about clocking more hours—it’s about improving quality. Here are a few practical tips to maximize rest during your training block:
  • Set a regular sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily—even on weekends.
  • Wind down tech-free: Avoid screens 30–60 minutes before bed to help your brain power down.
  • Create a sleep-friendly environment: Cool, dark, and quiet rooms are best.
  • Avoid heavy meals and caffeine late in the day.
  • Nap smart: Short naps (20–30 minutes) can help with recovery without disrupting nighttime sleep.

Final Thoughts: Make Sleep Your Secret Weapon

As you prepare for race day in January, remember that training doesn’t make you stronger—recovery does. And the foundation of great recovery is sleep. Whether you’re aiming for a PR or just want to feel strong at the finish line, making sleep a priority will help you show up as your best self, mile after mile.
So tonight, consider turning in a little earlier. Your legs—and your future race-day self—will thank you.