Check out the benefits of running headgear and scoop up our recommendations

Runners tend to obsess about running shoes and clothing. Are the shoes comfortable? Have I got the right running shoes for men on? Do they fit my style of running? Will my clothing wick sweat effectively? Does this outfit make me look good? Don’t overlook running headgear! Putting a lid on your top for your next run will have benefits that are similar to your running shoes and clothing. Check out this list of running headgear benefits and see our recommendations. Get the one that best fits your needs and take off!

There are many benefits provided by running headegear.

We recommend the UA Launch ArmourVent Cap to wick sweat and keep you cool.

Keeps your dome cool or warm

Depending on your location and environment, you’ll want to keep your head cool if it’s hot and warm if it’s cold. Wearing a running hat in warmer temperatures wicks sweat from your head keeping you cool through evaporating sweat. It also helps keep sweat out of your eyes. A hat like Under Armour’s Launch ArmourVent Cap keeps your head cooler with its breathability. In cooler temps, you’ll want to maintain breathability while not allowing all of the heat from your head to escape. The ability to wick sweat away from your head and dry quickly is important, especially if you’re running in much colder temperatures for longer distances. The UA Vented Run Beanie provides exactly what you need. The material is light and keeps your head warm, it wicks sweat and dries quickly, and the mesh insets allow for ventilation.

Controls your hair

If you run with long hair you know the importance of taming your lovely locks. You want the same benefits listed in Reason #1, but you want to keep your hair from flying everywhere and sticking to your neck and/or back. Men’s and women’s running headgear can get the job done. We recommend the UA Fly-By Cap. It’ll keep you cool while extending your ponytail further from your neck and/or back. This allows those areas to ventilate better and allow your hair to dry quicker.

Protects from the elements

Running headgear will protect your face from the elements, just like sunglasses. A low profile cap like the UA Microthread Run Crew Cap will help keep debris out of your eyes, especially rain. It will also keep the sun off your head and your face. Running headgear can also protect from wind and dust, especially on those early morning long runs when everyone is out mowing their lawn. Protection from the elements includes people! If you don’t want to be bothered on a run, wearing a hat can help conceal your identity. This allows you to focus more in your stride, breathing, and rhythm.

Look good

Who doesn’t want to look good when running?! Some say looking good it half the battle. It’s an accessory, so have fun with it! Get bright colors or radical designs. You’ll feel more confident during your workout. You’ll worry less about your external conditions because you have protection, allowing you to focus on the task at hand. Add in the fact that most running headgear has reflective properties. This is one more layer of visibility to keep you safe on those early morning or late evening runs.

There are so many amazing Austin coffee shops, here are our favorites

Did you know that coffee is the second most traded commodity on Earth? It has also been known to help runners “get ready” to run. We need to give a little mention to the suppliers of our favourite coffee shops. Without companies like Iron and Fire (in the UK) and suppliers around the world, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy our daily cups of coffee. Come to think of it, I wouldn’t even be writing this post! Whether you live, I’m sure you’ll be able to name a few of your favourite coffee shops, just like I have done below.

Coffee fuels late nights and early mornings around the world. Austin is no different. There are numerous Austin coffee shops that brew the wonderful bean. From hot coffee to iced, straight black to heavy cream, you can get that needed extra kick just about any time of day. You’re in town to PR at 3M Half Marathon or searching for a new coffee shop, we got you. The crew at High Five Events lets you in on their favorite Austin coffee shops.

JoeyThunderbird at 2222

LauraSummermoon on South 1st (that Moon Milk though!)

John – whichever one is closest when I want coffee

EmilyGenuine Joe

TinaCosmic Coffee (the atmosphere is perfect)

WilliamSpokesman (love the artwork inside)

ScottCuvee Coffee and Coffeebean

DanJo’s Coffee on South Congress (before the crowds arrive)

Jo's Coffee is made our list of amazing Austin coffee shops.

“i love you so much” mural outside Jo’s Coffee.

Eloy Ojeda and his energy radiate on race day

Eloy Ojeda at the 2018 3M Half Marathon.

Eloy’s ready for runners at the finish line of the 2018 3M Half Marathon.

Eloy Ojeda is the winner of the latest Nomination Contest. He was nominated because of all the help he provided at packet pickup and on race day at the 2018 3M Half Marathon. At the expo, he kept participants flowing through packet pickup after they scooped up their bib. On race day, Eloy helped stock the finish line with medals and gave them to deserving runners after their achievement. He also played an integral volunteer role at the 2017 3M Half Marathon!

Eloy’s volunteer experience spans events of all types, including many produced by High Five Events. He has a great attitude and is always smiling. His experience and personality make him a good leader for other volunteers. He answers their questions and makes sure they have what they need to be successful. We truly appreciate Eloy. We’re grateful for everything he does to help us produce fun, safe, and successful events!

The High Five Events’ “Nomination Contest” features volunteers who go above and beyond at one of our events. These phenomenal volunteers help us produce successful, safe, and fun events for athletes, volunteers, and staff. Know an outstanding volunteer? Fill out this short form and nominate them today!

Agreement with Under Armour marks second year of supporting participants in their quest to PR

Under Armour, Inc. returns as the presenting sponsor of the 3M Half Marathon. The second-year partnership will highlight Under Armour’s support of the running community. It will also push runners to chase their personal edge on one of the country’s fastest half marathon courses.

“At Under Armour, there’s nothing we support more than helping athletes achieve their personal best. Our brand’s mission is to make athletes better and engineer the gear that helps them do just that,” said Josh Rattet, General Manager of Under Armour Run. “For this reason, we’re especially proud to support the 3M Half Marathon and runners from all over the world who will be chasing their PR this January.”

Under Armour will outfit participants and race volunteers with their HeatGear® running shirts. Additionally, Under Armour will outfit the 3M Half Marathon pace team with race kits. Pacers will lead runners to PRs in the newly-designed UA HOVR performance running footwear. Under Armour’s support will be felt by runners on race day in their quest to set a personal best.

“Under Armour’s mission to push runners to chase their personal best directly aligns with participants’ goals of setting a PR at 3M Half Marathon,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Continuing our partnership will allow for more creative pre-race and race-day engagement opportunities.”

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. The standalone half marathon will celebrate its 25th year running on January 20, 2019. 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 300+’ net elevation drop. Registration is currently open.