Tips to Get Your Best Race Photo

Look Your Best in Race Photos

Image result for ridiculously photogenic guy

Remember when “ridiculously photogenic guy” made is way around the internet? His race photo amazed us all. Regardless of how the race is actually going, the amount you are sweating, or the pain your feet are in, the elusive perfect running photo is actually within reach. With these 10 simple tips, you too can be like “ridiculously photogenic guy” and have race photos that you will be showing off for years to come.

1. Improve your form

Stand Tall! We tend to let our shoulders lean in, so when you see that yellow vest, pull the shoulders back and align the spine. This is also probably just feel good on your body if you have gotten into a slump.

2. Increase your stride

Make your legs look long and fast by slightly over exaggerating your stride. You don’t want to do this for all 13.1 miles, but it won’t hurt for a photo or three.

3. Pull your arms away from your sides

This was advice given by a wedding photographer but it also applies here. With your arms out a little bit, they don’t have the squished look like when they are pressed up against your sides.

4. Make your path

Be aware of the upcoming photographers and move so that other runners are not in your way. No point in putting in the work to look good if you are covered up by someone else.

5. Relax your face

We know easier said than done, but start practicing now on your training runs. Make your cheeks soft and say the word “Money.” Seriously go to a mirror and try it.

6. Do your hair

You do your hair for any other good photo… do it here too! A braid, a bun, a clean ponytail. Hats are okay at taming crazy hair, but they can also cast a shadow on your face.

7. Think positive thoughts

Have a photo mantra like ” I love running” or “I am awesome and am going to finish this race.” This positive energy will show through in the photo. You can even say something out loud to the photographer to get their attention, a whoohooooo never hurt!

8.Wear your bib on the front

Make sure your bib placement is clean looking and on the front. The automated photosystems use this to tag your photos. You don’t want to sift through thousands of photos to try and find yourself.

9. Don’t pause your watch… just yet

I know it is tempting to hit the pause button right when you cross the finish line, but give it a few steps. Otherwise, the photo will be of you looking at your watch and not enjoying the finish experience.

10. Bust out the major emotion!

Smiles, cheers, jumps, yells, tears… you’ll get a second look from the photographers. Avoid waving quickly or flapping your arms up and down, they can make you look like your falling in the photo. If you are going to make movements, make them meaningful and keep the pose for more than a few seconds.

You can pre-purchase your 2019 3M Half Marathon race photos now at a discounted price.

 

 

 

2019 Under Armour Participant Shirt Reveal

Introducing Your 25th Anniversary Under Armour Participant Shirts!

This is a shirt that you will be proud to have in your collection! These custom Under Armour HeatGear shirts are built to keep you cool during any workout or competition. This shirt is only available this year, so don’t miss out!

 

November Running Gear Round Up

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4 Downhill Running Tips

These downhill running tips can save your legs

It’s no secret, running on hills is beneficial. You strengthen your lower body and your cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Over time, running gets easier, allowing you to push your body further. You think hill workouts and your mind immediately goes to the uphill climb. But don’t forget, coming back downhill is just as important. Incorporate these downhill running tips to improve your form, become a better runner, and save your legs. With a ~300 ft. elevation drop from start to finish, this advice will benefit you at 3M Half Marathon.

Lean forward from your hips

Gravity naturally pulls you downhill (thanks Sir Isaac Newton!). Lean slightly forward from your hips, not your shoulders, to help maintain control of your body as you descend. If it helps, you can lean your shoulders back slightly, but not too much. This combination might feel awkward during your first couple of runs. Maintaining your center of gravity when running downhill will help avoid injuries and give your body a chance to recover from running uphill. Pro tip: engage your abs and glutes to provide extra control.

Use your arms for balance, not power

When running downhill, you don’t need the forward-back arm movement to generate power. That’s mainly used when running on flat ground and uphill. Take the above advice and partner it with your arms. As you descend, find the arm placement that best helps you maintain your balance. Your arms will naturally move back-and-forth, that’s okay. But remember that specific movement needs to focus on balance, not power.

Shorten your stride

As mentioned above, coming downhill doesn’t require as much power as going uphill. You need to alter your stride just like you altered how you use your body. Don’t overstride, you’ll overextend your body which forces you to lose control. Shorten your stride and keep your feet underneath you. You’ll feel like you should fly down the hill, but maintaining a controlled descent will benefit you during and after the race or workout.

Focus downhill

Focus beyond your feet. Continue to pay attention to your surroundings and the terrain, but don’t look at your feet. Doing so will disrupt your center of gravity and throw your stride out of sync. Adjusting your stride going downhill is designed to prevent injuries, maintain control, and allow for recovery. Looking at your feet leans your shoulders forward and disrupts your center of gravity. Then gravity takes over and you begin running faster, overextending your stride as you descend. Focus on what’s downhill and trust that your lower body will take care of you.

4 Tips to Grow Your 3M Half Marathon Team

You’re a Captain, now grow your 3M Half Marathon team

Having a large team running at 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour is really fun! But motivating everyone to sign up on time can be challenging. Here are 4 tips to help you grow your 3M Half Marathon team and have everyone registered before the Tuesday, December 18th team deadline. This one’s on the house: remind them it’s our 25th anniversary!

1. Emails

Make matching shirts as a perk to grow your 3M Half Marathon team.The most important part of this is the -s. One email inviting everyone to the team is not enough. You may feel pushy but trust us, you’re not. Reminding people of the deadline and perks is important. We suggest at least 3 emails between now and the team deadline to remind everyone if you want to grow your 3M Half Marathon team.

2. Challenge others

Nothing gets the competitive juices flowing more than an accepted challenge. You can challenge the group to all run PRs or see who can raise the most funds for a nonprofit, like the 2019 3M Half Marathon beneficiary, Austin Youth River Watch. You could even have weekly challenges to keep everyone motivated and following their training plan. The possibilities are endless! If you can think of it, you can make it happen.

3. Add perks

Some need a little something extra. If you are able, you may want to offer something special to everyone who joins the team before a certain date. This can be something like having their name on their shirt, if you are doing a group shirt, or maybe a hat, jacket, or special pin. Make your group members feel important by making the group that much more exclusive! Pro tip: perks can act as recruiting tools that can help you grow your 3M Half Marathon team!

4. Share it on social media

If you are a public team, share it everywhere. 🙂 A great way to do this is a Facebook Event where the event date is the team registration deadline. You can then invite all your friends and then ask them to invite everyone they know who might be interested. In no time you may find yourself with 100s of people who are interested in joining your team. Post in the event or private message these people to make sure they are reminded of the deadline. You can also use this opportunity to stay connected, talk about training, provide updates, and recognize team members with shoutouts. The possibilities are endless!