Tag Archive for: 3M Half

Stay Safe on Your Training Runs with these 7 Tips

7 tips that’ll help you stay safe during your runs

Running outside has tons of benefits no matter what type of run you’re completing! You can hit up the trails, take in the sights of a new city, breathe fresh air, say hey to folks you know, and so much more! But with those benefits comes some potential harm. There are many ways to ensure you finish your run just as healthy and safe as when you began. Whether you’re running one mile at your local track or 20 miles on your favorite trail, these 7 tips will help keep you stay safe.

Run with a friend

Two runners stay safe by running together and carrying their phone.

Stay safe on your next run when you run with a friend and carry your phone.

The best way to stay safe is to run with a friend. You’re more likely to be visible to vehicles and less likely to be the victim of a crime, think strength in numbers. Should something happen to one of you, the other will be quicker to get help and assist until help arrives. Plus, everyone knows it’s better to train for and run 3M Half Marathon with friends!

Listen to your surroundings

Whether you’re running the roads or the trails, pay attention to your surroundings! Music can help us power through our run, but it can also prevent us from hearing what’s going on around us. If you run with earbuds, keep one out. You can also ditch the earbuds and play your music out loud. If you love new running technology, check out AfterShokz Titanium headphones. They use bone conduction technology with their open-ear design, allowing you to enjoy your tunes and hear what’s going on around you.

Run against traffic

It’s important for you to see drivers and for drivers to see you. Running against traffic allows you to see what’s coming your way. Avoid running against traffic on blind corners, drivers won’t have enough time to react if they don’t see you until the last second. 

Look both ways when crossing the street

This tip goes all the way back to elementary school. When running, you should pay attention to everything. Don’t assume vehicles will stop, chances are they don’t see you. Also, just because you pushed the button to cross the street doesn’t mean it’s immediately safe to cross the street. Pay attention to all signals, when it’s your turn, still look both ways! Even though you think you know the light sequence, it could’ve changed. Don’t assume anything!

Wear reflective clothing

Reflective clothing will help with visibility, which is vital when running outside. You want to be seen by vehicles so they can plan accordingly. Light-weight lights can also be placed on your arms, shoes, ankles, or hat. We recommend SPIbelt’s SPIbeams LED Arm Band. Reflective clothing and lights will also help you be seen by cyclists and other runners.

Carry your phone

Your phone can do more than just play music or track your GPS. It’s the most beneficial tool you can have in the event of an emergency. Make sure your phone is fully charged before you take off on your run. If you’re ever in an accident or come upon one, having your phone available can make a massive difference.

Tell someone your plan

Before you take off, tell someone your planned route, mileage, and when they can expect you back. This person can be a loved one, co-worker, or roommate. This gives them an idea of when to expect you back and where to check should you not come back on time. Turn on the setting that allows someone to know your location, most smartphones have this. Pro tip: vary your route. Switching up your route is not only great for your training, it reduces the chances of someone harming you on your run.

By utilizing one or all 7 of these tips, you increase the chances that you stay safe on your next run. Chances are you already use some of these. Step it up and make sure you’re using them all the time! Is there a tip you use that we didn’t mention? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

7 Types of Runs to Add to Your Training Program

Prepare for a half marathon with these 7 types of runs

Whether this is your first half marathon or your 10th, make sure these 7 types of runs are a part of your training. This breakdown can explain to beginners what their workout might specifically call for. These descriptions are helpful for veterans because it reminds them of what they need to focus on during their next run. Whatever your next type of run is, make sure you foam roll afterward to speed up your recovery. 

Long

This is a run that is longer than any of the other types of runs. Long runs have many benefits: builds muscle/heart strength, improves endurance, and teaches the body to burn fat rather than glycogen as a fuel source. They differ based on your current fitness level and the overall distance that you’re trying to achieve (like 5K or a marathon). Most training plans call for no more than one long run per week. Follow this long run recovery timeline to feel better faster.

Wilke Rd. provides a great hill workout, one of 7 types of runs runners should use during their 3M Half Marathon training.

The Wilke Rd. hill workout will make you a stronger runner!

Hill repeats

Running hill repeats increases leg strength, improves fitness, and uses the muscles of the legs, arms, and core in ways that are different than running on flat surfaces. Hill repeats help improve running economy, which translates into less energy expended over the course of a long-distance race. Start from the bottom of the hill, choose a destination point at the top of the hill and sprint up the hill to get there as fast as you can. Jog back to your starting point and repeat. The distance will be much shorter than your usual run, but the high-intensity sprint, as well as the incline, will make this challenging. Check out these Austin locations and try the recommended workouts!

Progression

Progression run is a run with a structured pace that increases from beginning to end. The distance and pace will vary based on your specific training goals. This type of run is good for improving your running stamina, mental strength, and teaching the body to run increasingly faster at the end of a race. It’s also a way to get a run in that is more difficult than the base run but not as intense as other different types of running.

Tempo

Tempo run refers to a “comfortably hard” pace that you can maintain for a longer period of time. It is different than race pace, however. A tempo run (also known as an anaerobic threshold or lactate-threshold run) is a pace about 25 to 30 seconds per mile slower than your current 5K race pace.  Basically, when you run, your muscles build up lactic acid, a metabolic byproduct that causes them to fatigue. The intention of a tempo run is to increase your threshold so that your muscles don’t fatigue as fast. This allows you to keep running longer.

Recovery

A relatively short, easy-paced, run performed within 24 hours after a hard session; usually an interval workout or a long run. Easiest training day of the week after rest days. A recovery run is done at an easy pace, “easy” being relative to your fitness level.

[bctt tweet=”Recovery run – relatively short, easy-paced, run performed within 24 hours after a hard session; usually an interval workout or a long run. Easiest training day of the week after rest days.” username=”@3mhalfmarathon”]

Sprints

Sprint workouts mean to run shorter distances at a faster than normal pace with multiple repeats during the workout. Sprint training is essential if you want to increase your speed. It builds strength and power so that you can run faster. Even if you’re a long-distance runner, sprinting is beneficial. Sprints actually help you run longer. They condition your body to be able to handle the distance without fatiguing as quickly.

Interval

Interval training runs are a mixture of low-moderate and high-intensity runs. It incorporates shorter periods of fast, hard runs where you put in more effort, followed by longer periods of jogging or walking. Interval training means that you will alternate between the two. For instance, you’ll run high intensity for one minute, followed by jogging for two minutes, one minute hard, two minutes easy (for a specified amount of time). Pro tip: the intense interval is key and you really need to push yourself to deliver the benefits, which include improving your running efficiency and your ability to maintain higher speeds for longer. It also burns a lot of calories very quickly.

Knowing about these 7 types of runs and their differences is great. But don’t forget you have to add them to your training and complete them too! When you begin training for the 3M Half Marathon, include these 9 tips runners use to see improvements. Reach out on Facebook or Twitter and let us know your favorite run.

4 Reasons to Run the 2020 Virtual 3M Half Marathon

Can’t join us in Austin? Run the 2020 virtual 3M Half Marathon

We’ve got great news for you if you’re bummed that you’ll miss the 26th annual 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour. You can run the 2020 virtual 3M Half Marathon! You can still join the fun even if you can’t run Austin’s streets because of work or previously scheduled events. See what the virtual option is all about!

Hyuntai Kim, of South Korea, completed the 2019 virtual 3M Half Marathon.

South Korea’s Hyuntai Kim completed the 2019 virtual 3M Half.

Receive the famous swag bag filled with 3M products

That’s right, we ship the world-famous swag bag filled with 3M products to all virtual participants. Add to your supply of Post-it Notes, Scotch Tape, and Command Hooks. We’ll even throw in a tube of nuun tablets to keep you hydrated!

Run from anywhere in the world

You can participate in the virtual edition from anywhere you choose. Join the action whether you’re from Austin and traveling race weekend or you’re from another state and can’t join us in Austin. Runners, like South Korea’s Hyuntai Kim, love this option because they’re still part of the action!

Achieve your goal

Have you had your eye on our commemorative spinner finisher medal? You can still achieve your goal of earning that sweet bling through the virtual option! Virtual times must be submitted by March 4, 2020. Then we’ll ship your bling directly to you. BONUS: part of your registration will support Austin Youth River Watch. 3Mgives selected them as our 2020 beneficiary!

Train for a marathon

If a marathon is on your to-do list, add this to your calendar. This is a great way to see where your training is and perfect your hydration and nutrition plans. 13.1 miles is in your training plan if you’re training for 26.2 miles. Run the virtual 3M Half, submit your time, and see where you stand in the results!

Register for the 2020 Virtual 3M Half Marathon

If you can’t join us in-person on Jan. 19th don’t stress! The virtual 3M Half Marathon is the next best thing. Participants will have the option to purchase a commemorative, Under Armour participant shirt during registration. Are you running the virtual 3M Half Marathon? Reach out on Facebook or Twitter and let us know where you plan to run.

Meet the 2020 3M Half Ambassadors

Take a few minutes to meet the 2020 3M Half Ambassadors

Meet the 2020 3M Half Marathon Ambassadors, follow them on social media, and say hey to them in-person at expos and on January 19, 2020! This group loves the 3M Half Marathon, but they love running even more! Learn a little about the 3M Half Marathon Ambassadors and how running impacts their lives. They share their Ambassador codes often, so make sure you follow them on social media for a discount on the 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour.

Agatha Kerr, 2020 3M Half Ambassador, takes a selfie during a trail run.Agatha Kerr

Agatha works full time as the Project & Process Manager at her church. She’s a single mom of two lovely daughters (ages 7 and 16) and is an ultrarunner. Her distance PR is 152 miles! She’s self-admittedly not fast, but has the courage to endure. She runs when her schedule allows because running is her release. It’s her quiet time and how she’s met some of her closest friends. She applied to be a 3M Half Marathon Ambassador because she loves the course and the people, not to mention the great medals and swag!

Airon Andrews, 2020 3M Half Ambassador, poses for the camera.Airon Andrews

Airon is a native Austinite and avid endurance athlete. She’s a Program Analyst and also a Run Lead at Lifetime South Austin. She participates in various running, biking, and triathlon events. She enjoys running on the Hike and Bike trail in Austin. Airon is proud to be an ambassador to promote the 3M Half Marathon organized by High Five Events. Follow her on Instagram.

Ashley Rollins, 2020 3M Half Ambassador, smiles for the camera.Ashley Rollins

Ashley is a running coach with Rogue Running in Austin. Her running journey started as a way to relieve stress in college and accelerated when she moved to Austin in 2010. When she’s not found running the local streets, she’s the editor-in-chief of her healthy lifestyle blog, Swift. She’s excited to be a 2020 3M Half Ambassador and spread the Downhill to Downtown love! Follow her on Instagram.

Barbara Bussey, 2020 3M Half Ambassador, poses for the camera.Barbara Bussey

Barbara began her running career just trying to get an “A” in her PE class in nursing school. Luckily for her, the exercise stuck (and yes, she got the “A”).  That was back in 2000. Since then, she has run 12-15 half marathons, more 5Ks and 10Ks than she can count, and this September, she will complete her second 70.3 triathlon at Kerrville Triathlon Festival. Running feels like freedom to her. Freedom from worries, freedom to truly enjoy the outdoors, freedom to challenge herself to be better. Running has also brought her closer to her daughter, who seems to have caught the same bug her mother did all those years ago. Now they challenge each other to reach greater achievements than they thought possible.

Brittany Bussey, 2020 3M Half Ambassador, poses with giant 2019 3M Half Marathon medal.Brittany Bussey

Brittany is 25 and began running at the end of 2013 to live a healthier lifestyle and to lose weight. She ran her first half marathon by 2015. Starting off 2017 with a bang, Brittany and her mother ran their first marathon. Three short years later, they will run the 3M Half Marathon half for the second year in a row and enjoying the time they spend together. Her favorite part of running is being able to enjoy the journey with her mom. She is her rock and inspires her to be a better person. Follow Brittany on Instagram.

Katrina Green poses in her 2020 3M Half Ambassador shirt.Katrina Green

Katrina loves being active. Her favorite thing to do is to combine vacations with running race events and enjoying the outdoors. Because of this, she started working towards a goal to complete a marathon in all 50 states. She has completed six states so far with #7 coming this fall. She has participated in the 3M Half Marathon three years in a row and continues to tell everyone that it’s her favorite half marathon (maybe even favorite race as it’s one of the few races she’s repeated). Follow her on Instagram.

Lauren Dehdari, 2020 3M Half Ambassador, poses at the 2019 3M Half Marathon finish line.Lauren Dehdari

Lauren lives in Plano with her wife and their dog, Penny. She works as a Medical Librarian at a hospital in Dallas. She came to love running in high school on the cross country and track team and have been on the move ever since! With more than 25 half marathons and 5 full marathons under her belt, her love for the sport continues to grow with each race start line she crosses. She is honored to represent the 3M Half Marathon again in 2020 and run the streets of Austin! Follow Lauren on Instagram.

Liubov Lomonosova, 2020 3M Half Ambassador, crosses the 2019 3M Half Marathon finish line with excitement.Liubov Lomonosova

Liubov is originally from Ukraine. She moved to Austin in 2014. When she came to the US she was not a runner nor an active person. In 2015, she began her transformation journey by running just 20 minutes a day, 3 times a week. She lost 50 pounds! Eventually, she became a run addict and her favorite distance is the marathon. Running has changed her lifestyle and mindset and made her a better person. She wants to inspire people by showing how she became healthier and happier. Follow her on Instagram.

Rachel Meador, 2020 3M Half Ambassador, smiles for the camera.Rachel Meador

Rachel is like most runners: she loves running, she hates running, she loves running, she hates running! A self-described fitness freak, taco connoisseur, and coffee lover, being a 3M Half Marathon Ambassador makes her complete! Her running journey has allowed her to run for those who can’t. She wears bibs for fallen soldiers, those challenged with health issues, and those in memoriam. Follow her on Instagram.

Sara Ferniza, 2020 3M Half Ambassador, smiles for the camera.Sara Ferniza

Sara discovered her passion for running more than 20 years ago while living in her hometown of Chicago. She has run 50 marathons. Sara moved to Austin 10 years ago and loves the amazing Austin running community. She had a brain tumor removed in 2015. Thankfully the tumor was benign, but she had a long road of recovery ahead of her. She ran her first 50K ultra race seven months after brain surgery. She is the Director of Volunteer Services for the Austin Runners Club, a local nonprofit organization. Volunteering and working with visually impaired and disabled athletes has been a very rewarding experience for her. Follow her on Instagram.

Scott Firth, 2020 3M Half Ambassador, runs the 2019 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon.Scott Firth

Scott is 63 years old and has been running off and on for more than 30 years. He mostly ran shorter distances and completed his first half marathon, the 2016 3M Half Marathon. Scott lives in Georgetown and volunteers with the Georgetown Running Club. Scott said the great thing about 3M Half is the significant net downhill, making it the perfect half marathon for someone running their first 13.1 miles. Follow him on Instagram.

3M Half Marathon Tabs Oskar Blues Brewery as Official Beer Sponsor

2020 will mark the third year that local brewery is Official Beer Sponsor

In 2018, runner gets a beer from Oskar Blues, the Official Beer Sponsor of the 3M Half Marathon.

Runners grab an ice-cold Oskar Blues brew to celebrate their 3M Half Marathon accomplishments.

High Five Events announces Oskar Blues Brewery as the Official Beer Sponsor for the 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour. The 3M Half Marathon will feature Oskar Blues signature Austin-brewed beers at the finish line festival’s beer garden. Only finishers that are over 21 years old will be allowed into the beer garden.  The 3M Half Marathon will take place on January 19, 2020. In 2018, nearly 7500 participants enjoyed 3M Half’s 25th anniversary.

 “This is more than a run, it’s also a celebration of hard work, adventure, and passion,” said Leilani Howard, Marketing Manager Oskar Blues Brewery Austin. “We are overwhelmed and grateful to be a part a community that celebrates and encourages that passion, not just of the people in our city, but those who have journeyed here to share their’s with us and their loved ones.”

Beer garden grows in popularity

Oskar Blues Brewery Austin will offer participants and spectators 21 and older their award-winning, Austin-brewed beers on race day. They’re the original craft beer in a can. The 3M Half Marathon’s beer garden will provide runners and their friends and family a place to gather. They can relax and celebrate their accomplishments. They’ll enjoy any one of Oskar Blues’ signature craft brews post-race. Available beers include Austin’s own Dale’s Pale Ale, Mama’s Little Yella Pils, and Oskar Blues IPA.

 “In 2019, nearly 7500 participants celebrated their accomplishments with loved ones and a cold Oskar Blues brew in the beer garden,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “The finish line festival is a massive party on the streets of Austin, highlighting race-day efforts and months of training.”

 The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and 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.