Tag Archive for: 3M Half Marathon

Balega and 3M Half Marathon Partner

High Five Events is happy to announce that Balega will be the Official Sock of the 2017 3M Half Marathon. In addition to being the Official Sock, Balega will sponsor promotions and giveaways leading up to race day and offer discounted product at the 3M Half Marathon Packet Pickup & Expo.

“Just about everyone, from elite endurance athletes to your recreational joggers, loves their Balega socks,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Their technically advanced socks allow athletes to perform at their very best and we know they’ll power PRs on one of the faster half marathons in the country.”

Balega, a leading performance sock brand in the run and outdoor specialty market, is known for their technical excellence, superior fit and unbelievable comfort. The company provides foot solutions to help runners perform at their personal peak. Balega’s socks are known around the world, but on January 20-21 they can be found at the Austin Convention Center during the 3M Half Marathon Packet Pickup & Expo. Balega’s socks are manufactured at both their state-of-the-art facility in Cape Town, South Africa, and in Hickory, North Carolina.

“As a running brand, the 3M Half Marathon is the place to be and we’re thrilled to showcase Balega and our products to this enthusiastic community,” said Tanya Pictor, VP of marketing of Implus Specialty. “Balega is designed for high performance achievements and we look forward to celebrating all the runners’ accomplishments on January 22nd.”

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 23rd year running in 2017. 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 in front of the Texas State Capitol, runners will appreciate a 306’ net elevation drop. Participants can register and book their hotel on the website.

Runners of Austin: Part III

A special series featuring four Austin runners and their journey as they train for the upcoming 3M Half Marathon and the Austin Marathon. Brought to you by CLIF Bar & Company, the Official Sports Nutrition of #downhilltodowntown17.

Name – Cressida

Club – Gilbert’s Gazelles

1. How long have you been a runner?

The demands of graduate school got me into running consistently. I found that running helped me in so many ways – physically and mentally. I also had two rescue dogs at the time in a one-bedroom apartment, so they (one in particular) needed to run as much as I did! It was also in graduate school that I met two important people- my husband and Gilbert! My husband inspired me to run my first marathon in 2007 and Gilbert was actually my neighbor in graduate school. It took a few years, but I started training with Gilbert to get ready for the 2008 Boston Marathon.

2. How long have you been a runner?

I would say for 15 years, although as a kid even I loved running!

3. What continues to motivate you to run?

I have lots of motivations to run, which is why it’s easy for me get up so early most mornings! First, my family. Along with my husband, my two boys ages – three and five – are my biggest cheerleaders. Then, of course my other family – Gilbert’s Gazelles. Gilbert is truly an amazing person. Days that start with his workouts are certainly brighter. He brings joy to all of us who run with him. The friends I have made through the Gazelles are like family and we all support each other. Being a runner in the Gazelle community makes me a better mother, wife, and psychologist. It’s definitely been a balancing act with work and family, but so worth it.

4. What does a typical long run Saturday look like in your world?

Meet up with friends at Luke’s Locker and then head out on whatever course Gilbert has mapped out for us. Then, go home and spend the rest of the day with my boys!

Training Tips from the Pros

Running the 3M Half Marathon? Read what these professional endurance athletes have to say.

Several athletes who have been accepted to the Austin Marathon’s Elite Athlete Program are running the 3M Half Marathon as a final tune-up before race day. They’re using this race to test various race strategies, lock in their hydration and nutrition plans, and attempt to PR (like many of you!).

The following athletes (marathon and half marathon champs, Olympic Trials Qualifiers, and Masters’ Elites) have provided tips to get you to race day and help you perform better on race day.

Mark Pinales.

Mark Pinales – “Always maintain positive self-talk. Tell yourself out loud that it will hurt, that it will be tough, and that it will push you. Most importantly, tell yourself that you can do this and that you are good enough. Something I say to myself throughout the race to calm my mind is, “Relax, stay focused, and keep pushing.” This will program your mind to be ready for the pain and help you embrace it, knowing the ultimate reward is at the finish.” (2016 Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Half Marathon Champ)

Chris Kimbrough – “Stay confident in your fitness. You’ve put in the training and hard work so stay focused on the goal!” (owns Masters’ titles in the 8K, 10K, and Club XC)

Joel Harris – “Be free and have fun!” (2016 Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon Champ)

Becki Spellman (cover photo) – “When motivation is lacking make yourself go just one mile, and more times than not you’ll end up feeling more motivated and get in the entire run. If not at least you went for a run!” (3X Olympic Trials Qualifier)

Do you have any training tips you want to share with other participants? Share them on our Facebook or Twitter page and we will make sure they get passed along! Use #downhilltodowntown17.