Ascension Seton Returns as 3M Half Marathon’s Official Medical Provider

3M Half Marathon welcomes the return of Ascension Seton as Official Medical Provider

High Five Events announces Ascension Seton will return as the Official Medical Provider for the 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour. Ascension Seton and their experienced team will have an on-course presence throughout the race route. They will also have a medical tent at the finish line. The 3M Half Marathon will take place on Jan. 19, 2020.

“Ascension Seton is excited to be a partner with the High Five Events team and the Official Medical Provider for the 3M Half Marathon for the second year in a row,” said Adam Bauman, vice president of orthopedics and sports performance at Ascension Seton. “We are proud to support and care for the vibrant running community in the city of Austin and beyond.”

As the Official Medical Provider, Ascension Seton doctors and nurses will staff the finish line medical tent and work with Travis County EMS on course. They will also have a presence at the two-day expo. Ascension is one of the leading nonprofit and Catholic health systems in the U.S.

“We take participant safety seriously and are glad to have Ascension Seton back as our Official Medical Provider,” said Dan Carroll, co-owner of High Five Events. “We know that the thousands of 3M Half Marathon participants and volunteers will be in good hands with their doctors and nurses should they be needed.”

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.

December Running Playlist Additions – 10 Must-Add Songs

Refresh your tunes with these December running playlist additions

We’ve got more tunes! 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 10 recent songs and put them in this convenient blog. You can listen to our playlist (100+ songs and counting), check out November’s additions, or refresh your music with these December running playlist additions. Remember, when training keep the volume low enough or don’t use headphones so you can listen to your surroundings.

Future People – Alabama Shakes
This spacey Alabama Shakes jam will have you floating on your run. When the energy in this song kicks up, pick up the pace. Slow down when it relaxes, repeats!

Congratulations – Post Malone feat. Quavo
Set this to play at the end so it reminds you of what you’ll hear once you cross the finish line. Collect your commemorative spinner finisher medal and head to the finish line festival!

Talk On The Street – Greta Van Fleet
Word on the street is everyone can’t get enough of 3M Half Marathon! Play this song at a point on your run when you start feeling sluggish and let the fast-pace rock & roll pick you up.

Where’d All the Time Go – Dr. Dog
Going for a chill run? Put this song on your chill run playlist. It’s always good to get out for a relaxing run, especially if you’re recovering from a hard workout. Pro tip: take your pup on your chill run!

Footprints – Sia
Not feeling your run today? Put this Sia song at the front of your playlist and let the positive vibe wash over you as you get into a groove.

Colors – Black Pumas
Next time you’re on a run, take a minute to soak in all amazing colors. Appreciate all that surrounds you as you listen to Austin’s own and recently Grammy-nominated Black Pumas.

Enter Sandman – Metallica
Some times you wake up, but you don’t really wake up. You’re in a fog, stumbling to get your shoes on. Click play, turn the volume up, and let Metallica wake you up!

I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide – ZZ Top
You know that feeling when you’re on a run and you’re feeling it? Everything feels right as you you knock off mile after mile. ZZ Top took that feeling and put it into song form! Pro tip: remember, you’re bad!

Moondance – Van Morrison
Another perfect song for a slower-paced recovery run. Remember, Van Morrison wants you to know that Sunday, January 19th, is a marvelous day for a half marathon!

Thunderstruck – AC/DC
THUNDER!

Add these December running playlist additions 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.

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Meet the 2020 Pacing Group for the 3M Half Marathon

Get to know your 2020 pacing group

You’re registered. You’re training. You have a goal time in mind. This is your first half marathon. You want to PR. You want to beat last year’s time. Whatever your race day goals, the Twenty-Six Two Marathon Club pacing group will guide you. Meet your 2020 3M Half Marathon pace team, learn where to find them on race day, and read a few dos and don’ts of running with your 2020 pacing group.

Find your 2020 pacing group:

Look for the Twenty-Six Two pacing group in the starting corrals holding pace signs. Those signs correspond to the paces designated by signs in the corrals. There will be two pacers per each pace group (finish times of 1:30, 1:35, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 1:55, 2:00, 2:05, 2:10, 2:15, 2:20, 2:25, 2:30). The pacers will also wear matching Under Armour running outfits that say “PACER” or otherwise designated them as official 3M Half Marathon pacers.

1:30

(6:52 min./mile)

 Matt Fletcher John Golden

1:35

(7:15 min./mile)

 Joe Terracina Leland Mangrum

1:40

(7:37 min./mile)

 Jonathan Garner Jose Reyes

1:45

(8:00 min./mile)

 Charlie Werth Talaya Frazier

1:50

(8:23 min./mile)

 

 Karim Elmarabet Eliot Franklin

1:55

(8:46 min./mile)

 Jennifer Goetz Laura Hitt

2:00

(9:09 min.mile)

 Eric Johnson Sam Gammage

2:05

(9:32 min./mile)

 Steve Pina Summer Smith

2:10

(9:55 min./mile)

 Claire McGuiness Kelvin Lam

2:15

(10:17 min./mile)

 Rocio Villalobos Jillian Baaklini

2:20

(10:40 min./mile)

 Ted Kvapil Son Ha

2:25

(11:03 min./mile)

 Jessica Mangrum Kelly Peck

2:30

(11:26 min.mile)

 Devangi Parikh Juanita Bowling

Race day dos: 

  • DO ask questions before the start about your pacing group’s race plan. Most will run slightly slower at first, and then pick up speed in the middle miles of the race. However, each pace group is slightly different, so make sure to ask any questions before the race begins.
  • DO drink at water stations along the way if you normally take water or sports drink during the race. The pacing group will slow down slightly to allow runners to catch up after water stops.
  • DO ask questions or introduce yourself during the race if you are inclined. The pacers are all accustomed to racing at paces faster than what they are pacing, so they should be able to answer your questions.

    pace team

    Summer (4256) and Steve (4530) will lead the 2:05 group for 2020. Claire (5241) will lead the 2:10 group for 2020.

  • DO ask what your splits should be at each mile marker, and compare the pacers’ times with your watch or GPS device. You want to make sure that you are “in sync” with the pacers’ official times.
  • DO relax and let the pacing group guide you! They are trained to finish at (or slightly faster than) their designated finish times.

Race day don’ts:

  • DON’T struggle to stay right next to or behind the pacers, especially at the beginning when it is crowded. As long as you are near them along the way, you will have plenty of time to stick with them after a few miles.
  • DON’T try to start out with a pacing group that is significantly faster than you are accustomed to running. Find the pace group that is right for you, and enjoy the race as the pacers lead you to the finish line.
  • DON’T forget that the pacing group is targeting a finish that corresponds to their own chip time, not the official “gun time.” If your pace group crosses the start line several minutes after the race begins, the pacers will be following their own chip time, not the “clock” time at the finish. Make sure to ask along the way what the pacers’ time is, and compare it to your own time. If you are unsure whether you are “ahead of” or “behind” the pacers’ time, ask them! They will answer your questions.

Twenty-Six Two Marathon Club (TST) is an Austin-based nonprofit group that provides low-cost training to men and women marathoners and half marathoners throughout the year. Since 2005, TST has trained hundreds of runners for races in Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York, San Antonio, and many other cities (and countries). TST’s Pace Team provides pacers for races year-round and is comprised of club members who have run multiple marathons and half-marathons.

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3 Different Under Armour Shoes To Replace Your Old Pair

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.

3 Holiday Training Tips to Keep You on Track During the Holidays

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.