Tag Archive for: 3M Half Marathon

Make it to Your Morning Run with these 6 Tips

Get out the door for your morning run with this helpful advice

You hear that? That’s your alarm clock going off earlier than normal. Your schedule calls for an early morning run. Now the internal battle begins because your bed is so comfortable and you were really enjoying sleep. Every runner battles themselves in some way every morning. Use one or all six of these tips to make your morning run!

Runner gives two thumbs up during 2019 3M Half Marathon while listening to music. Runners can make their own playlist to help them get up in the morning for their morning run.

Make a playlist that you’ll give two thumbs up!

1. Plan a Scenic Route to Motivate You

One of the biggest perks of living in Austin is the abundance of scenic running spots. Plan your morning run to include some of the city’s most beautiful locations. Nothing gets you moving like the promise of a sunrise over Lady Bird Lake or the cool, shaded paths of the Barton Creek Greenbelt.

Pro Tip: Kickstart your morning with a loop around the Lady Bird Lake Trail. You’ll get to see rowers gliding across the water as the city wakes up, which will fuel your motivation. Plus, how can you say no to those postcard-worthy skyline views?

2. Run Fuel at a Local Coffee Shop

Plan to stop by one of Austin’s many runner-friendly coffee shops after your run for a little post-workout treat. Whether it’s a cold brew from Mozart’s Coffee Roasters or an iced matcha latte from Houndstooth Coffee, having a post-run ritual tied to a local favorite can help get you excited to lace up. You’ve earned it!

Pro Tip: Tell yourself, “If I get this run in, I’m stopping by Bennu Coffee for a lavender latte.” Boom! Motivation and reward all in one.

3. Join a Local Running Group

Austin has an awesome running community, and nothing helps you stick to your morning run schedule like knowing someone is counting on you. Groups like The Morning Jo’s, RAW Running, and the Rise & Run have regular meetups around the city, often in the early morning hours. Not only will you have someone to run with, but you’ll also be a part of Austin’s vibrant running scene. Accountability = consistency.

Pro Tip: Check out WeRunAustin.com to find run groups to fit your schedule. Some running groups meet at iconic spots like the Texas Capitol or Zilker Park. Make friends and explore the city’s best running routes together!

4. Set Everything Out the Night Before

Take the guesswork out of your morning by laying out your gear the night before. Shoes, socks, watch, and hydration—have it all ready to go. When your gear is staring you in the face, it’s a lot harder to justify staying in bed. Plus, you’ll save valuable time in the morning. You know what they say: “Don’t think, just run!”

Pro Tip: Put your phone with your alarm across the room, next to your running gear. Now you have to get up!

5. Pair Your Run with a Recovery Session at a Local Spot

Once your morning run is complete, treat yourself to some active recovery! Austin has plenty of great places to help you recover in style. Swing by Deep Eddy Pool for a post-run swim or stop by Black Swan Yoga for a quick restorative session. Knowing you have a relaxing recovery plan lined up can help push you out the door in the morning.

Pro Tip: If you’re running on the Shoal Creek Trail, plan a cool-down stretch on the beautiful lawns at Pease Park afterward. You’ll get to relax while soaking in some nature.

6. Set a Race-Day Goal to Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

Whether you’re training for the Austin International Half Marathon or aiming for a personal best at a local 10K, keeping race day in mind is a powerful motivator. Austin’s race scene is electric, and nothing feels better than crossing the finish line knowing those early mornings paid off. Keep your registration confirmation or bib from a past race visible as a daily reminder of why you’re putting in the work.

Pro Tip: The Austin International Half Marathon is known for its amazing crowd support and lively atmosphere, so picture yourself running through downtown with the cheers of the city pushing you to the finish line. That’s something worth waking up for!

With Austin’s stunning running spots, cool local hangouts, and strong running community, there’s no reason you can’t conquer your morning run. Sure, the bed is comfy—but the feeling of a morning well spent on the trails is even better. Stick to these tips, and you’ll be cruising through those training miles and ready to dominate race day at the Austin International Half!

Let’s rise, run, and crush it together, Austin!

3M Half Marathon Expo Highlights You Don’t Want to Miss

These expo highlights showcase the must-visit booths

Hello, Running Enthusiasts! As we eagerly anticipate the 3M Half Marathon, don’t miss the action-packed 3M Half Marathon Expo & Packet Pick Up at the Palmer Event Center on the Friday and Saturday before the race. This is your golden opportunity to meet the official pacers, explore a wide range of exhibitors offering exclusive shopping experiences, and participate in fantastic giveaways and discounts.

Plus, keep an eye out for some special surprises that might just make your day! Join us for this pre-race celebration and gear up for an amazing event.

Image of the Post-it Wall from the 2019 3M Half Marathon expo covered in messages of support and inspiration. The Post-it Wall will be a 2020 expo highlight.

3M Post-it Lounge

Visit the ever-popular 3M Post-it Lounge and add your message to our giant post-it wall. Leave a message of inspiration for a loved one or all participants. Or just sit back and relax before you go another round about the expo. Kids can even join in on the fun with our photo booth.

Photo booths

There will be several fun photo opportunities set up throughout the expo including our GIF photo booth, a larger than life-size version of Blaze, course maps, and more. Visit them all!

A 3M Half Marathon Ambassador takes a photo of two runners and the oversized 2019 3M Half Marathon medal at the 2019 3M Half Marathon expo. Take your photo with a giant 2020 3M Half Marathon medal, one of the many 2020 expo highlights.

Don’t forget to tag us on social @3MHalfMarathon and #DownhilltoDowntown.

Austin Marathon

Visit the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon and chat with their Ambassadors about race day! Thinking about registering for the Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, or KXAN Simple Health 5K? Register at their booth and take advantage of their expo deals. You can even walk away with some cool swag! Rumor has it they are giveaway away free entries as well!

2025 3M Half Marathon Booth

As you exit packet pick-up, make your first stop at our dazzling 2025 3M Half Marathon Booth! Get early registration for next year’s race at our Best Pricing of $79. This is your chance to shimmer and shine, getting a taste of the excitement that awaits in 2025. Don’t miss out on this fantastic deal.

Fleet Feet Austin

Visit our friends at Fleet Feet Austin and snag some gear to get you to the start line and beyond. They will have some Run Austin gear but it is limited so get there as soon as you can. They’ll also have hydration and nutrition from GU for your last-minute needs.

Twenty-Six Two Marathon Club

If this is your first half marathon or you’re chasing your 13.1-mile PR, visit these folks! Meet the runners who will pace you to the finish line! These pacers are veterans and know what they’re doing. Swing by their booth, chat about race day and get your last-minute questions answered.

EIGHT Beer

Runners, get ready to raise a toast to your upcoming triumph! Make sure to swing by the EIGHT Beer booth at the 3M Half Marathon Expo. This is more than just a sampling – it’s a sneak peek into your post-race celebration! Our friends at EIGHT Beer will also be at the finish line for all of our celebrations.

Ascension Seton CapTex Tri

Add a little variety to your running by trying out a triathlon! CapTex Tri is Austin’s only downtown triathlon and features 3 distances including the beginner-friendly Rookie Tri Distance. Or get your friends involved, make it a team effort, and sign for a relay. They have a mystery prize machine full of discounts.

Super Coffee

Before you hit the pavement, stop by the Super Coffee booth at the 3M Half Marathon Expo for a delicious energy boost. Their range of energizing coffees is the perfect pick-me-up, ensuring you’re charged and ready to conquer every mile!

Texas Drain Specialist 

Chat with Julian and his team while you make special cheer signs. As an official sponsor of 3M Half Marathon, Texas Drain Specialist is there for you on and off the course. They even have a team you can join that includes free group workouts!

SHRUNK 3D

Capture your biggest and sweetest moments with an exact 3D replica of you, your family loved ones, and pets! Stop by the Shrunk booth to get a 3D replica.

Kerrville Triathlon

TRI your luck and spin the slots at the Kerrville Triathlon Festival booth. This Texas destination triathlon is known for its two day festival complete with 7 different triathlon distances from the beginner Rookie Tri to the 70.3 half distance.

Visit these other booths

Evamor

Sandcastle Seasonings

Verb

Little Guys Movers

Card.io

Go For It Sports

Strong Atheltic

SPIbelt

Race Essentials

Smith Chiropractic

Lifespring

Cap10K

National Running Center

Pinnacle Eye Wear

HiDow

 

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Optimal Nutrition Strategies: Pre-Race and On-Course Fueling at the 3M Half Marathon

Maximize Your Performance with GU’s Expert Nutrition Planning

Months of training lead up to your pursuit of a personal best at the 3M Half Marathon. To support your efforts, GU Energy Labs, the Official Energy Gel and Chew of the 3M Half Marathon, offers scientifically designed products to boost your energy levels when you need it most.

Revitalize at the GU Energy Zone at Mile 7

Be sure to visit the GU Energy Zone at Mile 7 for a burst of energy! Here, you’ll find GU gels and chews:

  • Strawberry Chews (with caffeine)
  • Lemon Sublime Gel (caffeine-free)
  • Chocolate Outrage Gel (with caffeine)
  • Salted Watermelon Gel (with caffeine)

Remember, your pre-race preparation is just as crucial as your race-day strategy. Let’s explore some tips to optimize your performance.

Fueling Tips Before Your Half Marathon

In the week leading up to the race, focus on hydrating and increasing your calorie intake, especially carbohydrates. Hydration is key – You can supplement your water intake with nuun hydration, available at all aid stations, to make sure you are getting the electrolytes your body needs to be sufficiently hydrated come race morning.

10 Low carb hit SvV | Voedingscentrum | FlickrThe Science of Carb-Loading

The Mayo Clinic recommends starting carb-loading a week before the event, increasing your carbohydrate intake to 8 to 12 grams per kilogram of body weight. When you combine carbohydrate loading and tapering your workouts, you can store more energy in your muscles which will give you more energy sources during your event.

Carbohydrate-Rich Foods to Consider:

  • One slice of bread
  • A 6-inch tortilla
  • 1/2 cup mashed potatoes or 1/2 medium baked potato or sweet potato
  • 1/3 cup rice
  • One small apple or two tangerines
  • 2 tablespoons raisins
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 3 cups green beans
  • 1 1/4 cup milk or yogurt

Image of GU Energy Labs' half marathon nutrition plan. GU is the Official Energy Gel and Chew of the 3M Half Marathon. Click on this image to download the nutrition plan that can help you perform your best on race day.On race morning, aim to eat 2-3 hours before starting to avoid a heavy stomach. If you oversleep, opt for a lighter meal with liquid or gel carbs.

On Course Fueling: Personalize Your Nutrition Plan

We understand that planning your race nutrition can be daunting, so we recommend utilizing the GU Half Marathon Nutrition Planner. This tool helps you customize your nutrition plan based on various factors like your body size, the race’s intensity, and personal preferences.

Here’s how to use GU’s Nutrition Planner

    1. Pick your goal finishing time and find out what your average pace will be
    2. Use the table to determine your total nutritional need for the event
    3. Mix and match your favorite products and flavors, then calculate your totals
    4. Make sure your plan meets your body’s demand for each nutritional element

 

As you count down the days to the 3M Half Marathon, remember that your nutrition is as vital as your training. By following these guidelines and tailoring them to your personal needs, you’ll step up to the starting line with confidence, knowing you’re well-prepared to tackle every mile. Whether it’s your first half marathon or you’re a seasoned pro aiming for a new record, the right nutrition strategy can make all the difference.

We’re thrilled to support you on this journey and can’t wait to cheer you on as you cross that finish line. Remember, the 3M Half Marathon isn’t just about reaching the finish line – it’s about the exhilarating experience, the personal achievements, and the story you’ll tell after conquering those 13.1 miles.

Here’s to a race filled with energy, strength, and unforgettable moments. See you at the finish line!

Fun Relay Team Names: Spice Up Your 3M Half Marathon!

Are you ready to lace up your running shoes, hit the pavement, and conquer the 3M Half Marathon? If you want to add an extra dose of fun and camaraderie to this exciting event, then running as a two-person relay team is just what you need! In this blog post, we’ll share some creative and entertaining relay team name ideas that will make your experience even more memorable. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect name for your dynamic duo!

Why a Fun Relay Team Name Matters

While participating in the 3M Half Marathon is already an exhilarating experience, having a quirky and entertaining team name adds an extra layer of excitement. A fun team name not only brings a smile to your face but also helps foster team spirit and camaraderie among other participants. It gives you a unique identity, making it easier for fellow runners to recognize and cheer you on during the race. Plus, who doesn’t love a clever pun or witty play on words to brighten up their day?

Relay Team Name Ideas

 

Using Running Terminology:

  1. Fast and Furious Feet:
  2. Twisted Treadmills:
  3. Sole Mates:
  4. The Sprinting Sprites
  5. Pace Pals:
  6. The Dynamic Duo:
  7. Blazing Blazers
  8. Race Avengers
  9. The Speedy Tortoises:
  10. The Lightning Bolts:

Using Austin monikers:

  • Keepin’ It Weird Racers
  • Hill Country Hustlers
  • Barton Springs Blazers
  • Live Music Loopers
  • Bat City Bolt Buddies
  • Lady Bird Lope Legends
  • Zilker Zip Zappers
  • BBQ Brisket Burners
  • Capital City Cheetahs
  • Lone Star Lightning
  • SoCo Speedsters
  • Guadalupe Glide Duo
  • Barton Creek Blazers
  • Stevie Ray Sprinters
  • Hipster Haven Hurdlers
  • South Congress Stompers
  • Barton Springs Bolt
  • Keep Austin Racing
  • Violet Crown Velocity
  • Longhorn Leap Legends
  • Live Music Milemasters
  • SoCo Speedsters
  • Lady Bird Lightning
  • BBQ Trail Blazers
  • Zilker Zephyrs
  • Lone Star Loop Legends
  • Capitol City Pacers
  • Steady Eddy Eastsiders
  • Keep Austin Racing
  • Hipster Haven Hares
  • Austin Adventure Racers
  • Trailblazing Troopers
  • South Congress Swifties
  • Riverside Rockets
  • Capital City Circuit
  • Batty Pace Partners
  • Funky Town Flyers

 

Remember, these names are meant to add a touch of Austin flair to your relay team. Enjoy the run and embrace the Austin spirit!

Q&A

Q: Can we change our team name if we don’t like it anymore?

A: Absolutely! Your team name is not set in stone. Feel free to change it as many times as you want until you find the perfect fit.

Q: Is there a deadline to add or change a team name?

A: To have your team name printed on your race bib, it must be confirmed by November 14. After that deadline, no changes to the name can take place.

Q: Do we need a team name or can we just participate without one?

A: While having a team name is not mandatory, it adds an extra element of fun and excitement to the race. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter!

Q: How do we come up with our own unique team name?

A: Get together with your teammate and brainstorm ideas. Consider your running style, personalities, or even inside jokes that make you laugh. Let your imagination run wild!

So, gather your teammate, put on your thinking caps, and unleash your creativity to choose a fun relay team name for the 3M Half Marathon. Remember, this event is all about pushing your limits, having a blast, and creating unforgettable memories. Good luck, and may the best team win!

2023 July Running Playlist: Your PR-Chasing Soundtrack

The July running playlist is the anthem you need to chase your 13.1-mile PR

We’ve got more tunes for you because Austin is The Live Music Capital of the World. We’re sharing our favorite tunes with you every month so you can train for and chase your half-marathon PR. Often times one song (or several!) can power you through a tough time during an intense workout or a long run. Trust us, we speak from experience! Jam out to the entire July running playlist or take your favorites and make your own list. The July running playlist has the music you need, from AC/DC’s Thunderstruck to one of Texas’ ascending stars, Leon Bridge

Playlist pro tips:

1) drag the July Running Playlist to your ‘Playlists’ section for quick access

2) click the download button so you can listen even if you’re offline

Utilize the July running playlist and these 5 self-care tips to maximize your training. Keep the volume at a level where you can pay attention to your surroundings. It’s important to know what’s going on around you!