Retire your current pair and replace them with these Under Armour shoes

When looking for a new pair of shoes you want to make sure they’re right for your feet. The right pair of shoes can help protect your joints and muscles. We spoke with our friends at Under Armour and recommend the following Under Armour shoes. Make sure they’re right for your feet. Then visit our friends at Fleet Feet Austin to get your new pair today. This MapMyRun blog post informed this piece and has more helpful tips for finding the right running shoes.

Are your shoes wearing out? Is their mileage count running high? Wear and tear beginning to show? Sounds like you need a new pair of running shoes. Our helpful blog post will tell you how to test your old shoes and break in your new Under Armour shoes!

We recommend these Under Armour shoes

HOVR Velociti 2

The Velociti 2 is designed for those who want a light shoe for racing, speedwork, or daily training. They offer Under Armour’s patented HOVR cushioning technology. Track your mileage and log your workouts when you sync their Bluetooth version with the MapMyRun app. Best for efficient runners who don’t overpronate.

HOVR Infinite

Under Armour shoes like the cushioned Infinites are great for those who have moderate-to-high arches, strike midfoot or forefoot when running, and need maximum midsole cushioning and minimum medial (arch-side) support. They offer Under Armour’s patented HOVR cushioning technology. Track your mileage and log your workouts when you sync their Bluetooth version with the MapMyRun app. Not recommended for overpronators.

HOVR Guardian

Shoes like the Guardians are best for runners who are mild-to-moderate overpronators and need extra support and durability. They provide good arch support and midsole cushioning. They offer Under Armour’s patented HOVR cushioning technology. Track your mileage and log your workouts when you sync their Bluetooth version with the MapMyRun app.

These Under Armour shoes can replace your retired pair or be your second pair when you alternate. Either way, make sure they’re right for you and fit your foot. They can help you keep crushing your 3M Half Marathon training! Don’t forget to visit our friends at Fleet Feet Austin or underarmour.com to purchase your new pair of Under Armour shoes today. Images courtesy of 3M Half Marathon presenting sponsor, Under Armour.

Keep things moving with these 3 holiday training tips

The chances of your 3M Half Marathon training plan going out of the window increase during the holidays. Maybe your family will visit and overrun your house. Perhaps you’ll travel this year and won’t have access to all of your gear and normal routes. Either way, there’s going to be food! Don’t let these factors interfere with your training. Focus on the task at hand and remember your ultimate goal: the 3M Half Marathon finish line. Follow these holiday training tips and keep your training momentum rolling strong.

Start early

This is often the quietest and most relaxing time of the day during the holidays. This is true if you’re traveling or people are visiting you. You don’t have to entertain and responsibilities are fewer. Also, you’re not stuffed from eating delicious food… yet! Take this time for yourself and knock out your training run early. It’s the best way to begin your day. Plus, you can eat more to replace the calories you burn. Pro tip: don’t forget to foam roll!

Invite someone to join you

We’re big believers in accountability. You might not have your normal running partner or group to hold you to account. So ask another friend or family member to join you. The cool thing about this is they don’t have to go as far as you’re going. They can if they want to, but the important thing is that they start with you. Getting out of bed is often the hardest part of a long run. Hold each other accountable. Chances increase that you’ll complete your workout once you get started whether they’re with you the entire time or not.

Prepare ahead of time

This is a big one especially if you’re traveling or “giving up your room” to incoming family. Following your routine as much as possible makes it more likely that you’ll make your training run. If your normal routine is altered, do all you can to make it as normal as possible. Make sure you have all your gear, a rain jacket, nutrition/hydration, and of course your shoes. Take a second pair of shoes in case the others get wet. That way you can train in the rain! Pro tip: if traveling, research routes you can (like trails) and locate the local track.

Training during the holidays isn’t impossible, just a little harder. Runners are creatures of habit who don’t like change, especially during training. These holiday training tips will keep your training on track while still enjoying time with friends and family. Plus, this is the perfect excuse to replace all the calories you’ll burn! Do you have a holiday training tip that keeps you on schedule? Let us know what it is on Facebook or Twitter.

Refresh your tunes with these November running playlist additions

Often times one song (or several!) can power you through a tough time during an intense workout or a long run. That’s why we’ve created this #WeLiketheSoundofThat playlist! We share every song on Twitter. Follow us so you know what’s next. We’ve taken the most recent 10 songs and put them in this convenient blog. You can listen to our playlist (100+ songs and counting) or refresh your music with these November running playlist additions. Remember, keep the volume low enough or don’t use headphones so you can listen to your surroundings and stay safe while training.

I Like Dirt – Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Chili Peppers have been at it for years. This isn’t one of their major radio hits, but this jam will have you quickly pick up the pace. Pro tip: best listened to if going on a trail run!

Busted and Blue – Black Pistol Fire
Black Pistol Fire call Austin home, but that’s not the only reason they made this list. They have several albums and this song is just the tip of the iceberg for running playlist-approved songs.

Shake It Out – Manchester Orchestra
Not feeling motivated for your run? Sometimes a song just tells you what to do. Pro tip: make this the first song of your playlist and get ready to shake it out!

Good Times Roll – The Cars
You thought this list would be all newer songs? Don’t limit your playlist. The tempo for this song is slower than the others. Pro tip: set this song for your recovery run or cool down and let the good times roll.

Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees
We’ve often heard runners claim to use this song as their running mantra. Of course it’s on this November running playlist update! Pro tip: set this song towards the end of your long run.

Remember to Breathe – Sturgill Simpson
We’ve got some rock and some classics so of course we added some alt-country. We doubt you’ll forget to breathe, but play this song when you need to slow down the pace and catch your breath.

Southern Point – Grizzly Bear
Don’t let Southern Point’s slow start fool you. It picks up around the 1:05 mark. If you hear this song pop up, use those 65 seconds to recover before you pick up the pace again.

Currency – The Black Angels
Another Austin group that rocks out first and asks questions later. The song is slow and methodical, making it the perfect warm-up or cool-down song.

Keep the Wolves Away – Uncle Lucius
You hear the wolves howling? Those are the voices in your head telling you to cut your run short. They want you to end your workout early. Pro tip: put this song towards the end of your running playlist when you need a reminder to keep the wolves away.

Takin’ Care of Business – Bachman-Turner Overdrive
Put this song anywhere in your playlist and let it be a reminder of what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. You’ve, set goals, you’re working towards them, and you’re takin’ care of business!

Utilize this November running playlist update before you take off for your next run. These 10 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 do that we didn’t list? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.

Running tips that can keep you safe now that daylight saving time has ended

If your clocks didn’t do it automatically, then you just made every clock you own “fall back.” Whether you like it or not, daylight saving time has ended and the sun will set much, much earlier than normal. In general, this means colder temperatures and less sunlight. But like they say, the training must go on! If you’re training for 3M Half Marathon or the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, these 5 running tips will keep you safe now that daylight saving time has ended. If you’re out driving, watch out for runners and cyclists!

Wear reflective clothing/lights

Reflective clothing is a must! In addition to reflective clothing, bright colors work too. Make sure you’re seen by everyone, from drivers to cyclists. Take your safety a step further and add lights. They’re lightweight and can ensure you’re seen from farther away. Depending on your preference, lights can be worn on your shoes, legs, arms, or your head.

Dress in layers

If it’s chilly outside, dressing in layers can help your body maintain its core temperature. This is critical in ensuring you don’t get sick. It also allows you to take off layers if you get too warm and put them back on when you cool down post-run. When dressing in layers, make sure the layer closest to your body has sweat-wicking material.

Adjust your schedule

Whether you like the time change or not, you should adjust your schedule now that daylight saving time has ended. If you can, run when the sun is out, coming up, or going down. This increases the chances that you’re seen by others. You also avoid running during the coldest parts of the day, especially early morning. You should always check the weather before you head out for a run.

Run defensively

Running defensively doesn’t mean you have to run slower. This could mean wearing reflective clothing/lights (like above), avoiding busy roads, or running in areas with high foot traffic. If you do run near busy roads, make sure you run against traffic. Expect the unexpected and briefly slowing down at intersections, parking garage entrances, and apartment/business driveways. As the amount of daylight diminishes, you need to protect yourself from others who aren’t paying attention or might want to cause harm to others.

Tell someone your workout

Before you take off, tell someone (loved one, co-worker, or roommate) your planned route, mileage, and when they can expect you back. Or ask them to run with you! If they don’t, knowing your route and mileage provides an idea of when they can expect you back and where to check should you not come back on time. Turn on the setting that allows someone to know your location, most smartphones have this.

Take your safety into your own hands with our tips. By being proactive, you increase the chances of completing a successful training run. With drivers paying less and less attention, runners need their safety even more seriously. We want you to make it to the 3M Half Marathon start line on January 19th fully healthy! Is there something you do that we didn’t list? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.

SPIbelt named Official Race Belt of the 3M Half Marathon

High Five Events names SPIbelt as the Official Race Belt of the 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour. SPIbelt will partner with 3M Half Marathon for community activations, product giveaways, and race-week engagement. The 3M Half Marathon will take place on January 19, 2020.

“We are excited to continue supporting the Austin running community,” said Kim Overton, SPIbelt founder and owner. “It’s always incredible to see so many of our running belts on the streets of Austin come race day. We wish all of the athletes the best of luck and we will be cheering you on in January!”

Another Austin original

SPIbelt, the leader in fitness accessories and creator of the original small personal item belt, was founded in 2006 by Austinite Kim Overton. Its bounce-free products are well-known within the endurance sports industry for their ability to conveniently carry keys, bottles, gels, and your phone while on the go. SPIbelt and 3M Half Marathon will team up at community events to support the running community. Visit the SPIbelt booth at the 3M Half Marathon expo to see their entire range of accessories, including the new 2020 color palette and the all-new Dual Pocket PRO – equipped with two larger pocket sizes for even more storage.

“SPIbelt’s mission and product line have allowed countless individuals to do what 3M Half Marathon participants do every year – chase their personal best,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “We’re excited to partner with this Austin company and continue to support the endurance community as they chase their goals.”

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. It will celebrate its 26th year running in 2020. Runners will enjoy a point-to-point course with mostly downhill running that showcases some of Austin’s finest locations. Starting in north Austin and finishing near the Texas State Capitol, runners will appreciate a 306’ net elevation drop. Participants can register on the website.