Tag Archive for: Ascension Seton

7 Valuable Tips You Need to Know to Run Your Best

These 7 valuable tips will help you run your best and get the most out of training

Run your best when you follow these 7 tips! There are some things that are out of our control, like the weather. But when you execute the things you can control, you truly run your best. These tips are as easy as relaxing while you run and as technical as checking your cadence. Keep these tips in mind when you’re training during the summer months. Need a reminder? Click the infographic below to download for yourself. Take your training to the next level when you take care of yourself with this vital advice!

Relax

Downloadable infographic highlighting 7 tips you should follow to run your best.Sounds simple, but we can unknowingly put a strain on our body in an effort to produce mileage or a certain pace. Really focus on relaxing your body. Unclench your fists and loosen your shoulders and jaw. You can even begin your run or workout at a slightly slower than normal pace to really dial in your breathing. Slowly increasing your heart rate at the beginning will help with relaxation.

Check your cadence

The average runner’s cadence should be 160-170 steps per minute. You don’t have to count this in your head! Every runner is different, especially if you’re just starting out or have been running all your life. Under Armour makes knowing your cadence seamless. Their Bluetooth connected shoes, like Under Armour’s HOVR Velociti 2, send the information from your run directly to their MapMyRun app. The app even provides personalized coaching tips! Tracking your cadence, mileage, pace, and other running-related data will help you see improvement.

Focus on your stride

This coincides with the first tip to relax. Your stride improves when you relax. Don’t overstride or run on your tippy-toes. You want your stride to be smooth and comfortable. This better optimizes the energy your body uses and helps avoid injury.

Take time off

Listen to your body, whether you suspect an injury or just don’t feel good. The last thing you want is to have something minor become a major issue. If you have to take more than a day or two off, visit a specialist at the Ascension Seton Sports Performance and get checked out. If you think something is wrong get it diagnosed so you can build a plan to get back to running. 

Get more sleep

Feeling a little sluggish since you’ve increased your mileage? Add one extra minute of sleep per night for every mile you run that week. If you run 30 miles per week, add 30 minutes of sleep. Your body repairs itself when you sleep. Make sure you give your body enough time to recover when you begin asking more of it.

Hydrate

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s extremely vital. At a minimum, you should drink 60-80 ounces every day. The more active you are, the more you should increase that amount. Make sure you have a good balance of water and an electrolyte-infused fluid, like nuun hydration.

Cross-train

Don’t run every day, mix it up. Cross-training is important to prevent overuse injuries. Try swimming, cycling, yoga, lifting weights, or online workouts. You’ll work different muscles and build strength. When lifting weights, focus on a lighter weight with more reps. Here are 8 reasons to include cross-training with Camp Gladiator!

You will ask more of your body as you increase your mileage. It’s important that you take care of your body. Incorporate these tips so that you can run your best. Do you have a tip that helps you run your best? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

Plain and Simple, Downhill to Downtown is Better with Friends

You know it and we know it – 3M Half Marathon is better with friends

It’s no secret, 3M Half Marathon is better with friends. Invite your friends to run with you, cheer for you, or celebrate with you once you cross the finish line. Of course we couldn’t do this without some of our friends. They provide the sweet participant shirts, stock the beer garden, offer amazing hotel deals, design official 3M Half Marathon gear, and more. Check out some of the friends who will help make our 26th anniversary unforgettable! Don’t forget – RSVP to the Facebook event to receive the latest details.

Image of the men's and women's Under Armour 2020 3M Half Marathon participant shirts. This blog has everything you need to get ready for the 2020 3M Half Marathon!

Don’t miss out on these custom Under Armour shirts!

Meet the folks who will help make race day unforgettable

Under Armour – UA returns as presenting sponsor for the third year in a row! The commemorative participant shirt is made with their game-changing material. Participants from all over love to wear them!

Fleet Feet Austin – Fleet Feet Austin is our home away from home. They host weekly runs and provide runners with everything they need, from custom-shoe fitting to restocking your hydration. Swing by their booth at the expo to check out the official 3M Half Marathon gear!

Participants enjoy a cold Oskar Blues beer, the Official Beer Sponsor of the 3M Half Marathon.

Celebrate at the Oskar Blues beer garden!

Oskar Blues – The makers of Dale’s Pale Ale and Mama’s Little Yella Pils are back for another year! Oskar Blues Austin will put the beer on ice while you’re running and get the party started when you visit the beer garden.

Ascension Seton – We hope you don’t need them, but if you do we’re proud to have Ascension Seton back as our Official Medical Provider.

Hilton – our Official Hotel Provider has special deals near the start line and finish line. Either way, you’re guaranteed to be near the action. Don’t forget – free shuttle take folks to the start line after the event.

Austin Youth River Watch – This Austin nonprofit returns as our beneficiary for a second year! Learn why 3Mgives selected this amazing group and how even just a small donation can make a big difference.

H-E-B – Some say H-E-B is the best grocery store in the world and we agree! The post-race snacks comes directly from their stores and straight to our finish line.

Sara Ferniza, 2020 3M Half Ambassador, poses with giant 2019 3M Half Marathon medal.

Our Ambassadors are great!

Ambassadors – Our Ambassadors are top-notch! You see them at events, running around town, and professing their love for 3M Half Marathon on social media.

Volunteers – Show this group some love! They get up early and give you their energy so you can chase your 13.1-mile PR.

Pacers – This crew from Twenty-Six Two Marathon Club will pace you to your goals and/or PR on race day. Get to know them and swing by their booth at the expo to ask questions and talk about race day.

SPIbelt – They’re an Austin original and have supported 3M Half Marathon for as long as we can remember. We’re proud to have SPIbelt as our Official Race Belt, but they’re more than just a belt. Visit them at the expo to check out all the other products they have to offer!

CG trainers cheer on runners at the 2019 3M Half Marathon. Expand your summer training with Camp Gladiator trainers!Camp Gladiator – This crew will get your blood flowing with the pre-race warm you up. Keep an eye out for them on course because they’ll be cheering and giving out high fives at their Official Cheer Stations!

GU – The Official Energy Gel and Chew will be on course providing you with gels and chews to help you chase your PR. We’re also working with them to recycle nutrition wrappers and prevent them from ending up in the landfill.

Chameleon Cold Brew – Want some caffeine after you cross the finish line? Visit the Chameleon Cold Brew tent and recharge with their delicious brews!

Elites – You’ll complete the same course as some fast runners. Meet the elites and see who will run 3M Half Marathon as a final tune-up before the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials!

Dole Sunshine – If you crave something sweet after you finish then Dole has you covered! Their fruit cups are delicious and contain coconut water (which aids in recovery!).

Nuun – Our Official Hydration will be available at every aid station and the finish line. We’re making our water count!

Show these folks some love on social media and race day! Without them, 3M Half Marathon wouldn’t be as amazing as it is year-after-year. Invite your friends and family to join you on Jan. 19th because Downhill to Downtown is better with friends! Don’t forget to RSVP to the Facebook event to receive the latest details. See y’all soon!

Ascension Seton Returns as 3M Half Marathon’s Official Medical Provider

3M Half Marathon welcomes the return of Ascension Seton as Official Medical Provider

High Five Events announces Ascension Seton will return as the Official Medical Provider for the 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour. Ascension Seton and their experienced team will have an on-course presence throughout the race route. They will also have a medical tent at the finish line. The 3M Half Marathon will take place on Jan. 19, 2020.

“Ascension Seton is excited to be a partner with the High Five Events team and the Official Medical Provider for the 3M Half Marathon for the second year in a row,” said Adam Bauman, vice president of orthopedics and sports performance at Ascension Seton. “We are proud to support and care for the vibrant running community in the city of Austin and beyond.”

As the Official Medical Provider, Ascension Seton doctors and nurses will staff the finish line medical tent and work with Travis County EMS on course. They will also have a presence at the two-day expo. Ascension is one of the leading nonprofit and Catholic health systems in the U.S.

“We take participant safety seriously and are glad to have Ascension Seton back as our Official Medical Provider,” said Dan Carroll, co-owner of High Five Events. “We know that the thousands of 3M Half Marathon participants and volunteers will be in good hands with their doctors and nurses should they be needed.”

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

3M Half Marathon Celebrates 25 Years with PRs and Perfect Weather

3M Half Marathon’s celebration continued with an expanded finish line festival and beer garden

The largest field in 3M Half Marathon history enjoyed perfect weather on Sunday, Jan. 20th.

The largest field in 3M Half Marathon history enjoyed perfect weather on Sunday, Jan. 20th. Credit – Ed Sparks

Start time temperature in the mid-30s quickly gave way to a sun-filled sky and slight tailwind at the 25th annual 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour on Sunday, January 20th. Nearly 7500 participants registered, the most in event history, for the standalone half marathon. Participants traveled to Austin from 47 states and 13 countries. Memorable performances by thousands were highlighted by numerous PRs, an epic duel between the first and second place males, and a repeat female champion.

“I always love this course, it’s just so fun,” said Courtnee Doyle, who completed her fourth 3M Half Marathon and earned a nine-minute PR. “The conditions today were race-perfect to go fast and get a new PR.”

Exciting elite finish + back-to-back champ

The elite men provided an exciting race, with a pack of 4-5 running together most of the race. The sprint to the finish featured a dual. Texas State University alumnus Michael “Slim” Morris (1:07:19) crossed the finish line first. Oklahoma City’s Andrew Leahey (1:07:21) gave a hard final push and finished just two seconds after Morris. Monterrey, Mexico’s Ivan Ortiz (1:08:00) completed the overall men’s field. For the second year in a row, Matt McCurdy (1:11:55) was the male Master’s champion.

“It was a great, honest and fast race,” said Morris, 2019 3M Half Marathon champion (1:07:19). “Loved all the support from the crowds throughout the course!”

Jess Harper is all smile after her second 3M Half Marathon victory in as many years.

Jess Harper is all smile after her second 3M Half Marathon victory in as many years. Credit – Ed Sparks

Austinite Jessica Harper (1:14:23) was the female champion for the second time in as many years. Emily Parker of Kerrville, Texas, (1:19:00) and Anissa Angelosante of Ypsilanti, Michigan, (1:19:16) finishing second and third respectively. Tammy Bogle (1:27:57) was the top female Master’s finisher for the second year in a row.

Despite chillier than normal temperatures, thousands of spectators lined the Austin streets. They cheered thousands on the point-to-point half marathon course. The course began in north Austin and finished near the Texas State Capitol. Some spectators hosted parties, played musical instruments, and handed out extracurricular nutrition and hydration.

“The energy that the 3M Half Marathon has followed you straight through the city to downtown,” said Jess Carroll, who completed her first 3M Half Marathon in 2:10:04. “The amount of Austin residents that came out to cheer us along the course was truly incredible, the motivation those cheers provide is indescribable.”

Plan for 2020 now!

For those planning ahead to January 20, 2019, next year’s registration is open and set at the low price of $75. This amazing deal will be available until Wednesday, January 23rd. Don’t miss out on one of the faster half marathon courses in the country. It features the best packet in the industry, full of useful 3M products. Participants can see their results on the 3M Half Marathon website and continue to share their memorable experiences on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Runners can expect their FinisherPix race day photos to be ready in 24-48 hours after the race.

The 3M Half Marathon would like to thank the volunteers, spectators, and participants who made the race so special. This includes 3M’s Carl Wentzel, the 3M Half Marathon’s longest standing volunteer, and Austin Youth River Watch’s Executive Director Melinda Chow, the 3Mgives beneficiary. The following sponsors and partners made this successful race day possible: Under Armour, Fleet Feet Austin, Ascension Seton, SPIbelt, Austin Sports Commission, H-E-B, nuun hydration, Heavenly Care Moving, Dole, Oskar Blues Brewery, Goodwill Austin, Hilton, Camp Gladiator, Austin Massage Company, City of Austin, Austin Police Department, Department of Public Safety, CapMetro, and Travis County EMS.

3M Half Marathon Prepares for Largest Field in Their 25-Year History

3M Half Marathon will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Jan 20th

Jess Harper, 2018 3M Half Marathon female champ. Credit – Ed Sparks

High Five Events is making final preparations for the 25th annual 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour on January 20th. With registration numbers nearing 7500 participants, this will be the largest field in the event’s history. The race will begin at 7:30 a.m., feature a competitive elite field, benefit Austin Youth River Watch, and highlight thousands of runners chasing after their half marathon PR.

“I’m excited to return to the 3M Half Marathon and defend my title against the largest field in their history,” said Jess Harper, 2018 3M Half Marathon female champ (1:15:45). “This event has been an Austin staple for 25 years and I’m ready to help them celebrate their anniversary!”

Participants will receive their 25th anniversary Under Armour participant shirt and world-famous swag bag filled with useful 3M products at the Expo & Packet Pick Up. Race day begins near The Domain in north Austin. Thousands will run the predominantly downhill course in search of their PR, cruising through beautiful Shoal Creek Blvd., historic Hyde Park neighborhood, and the world-renowned University of Texas at Austin before finishing near the Texas State Capitol in downtown Austin. The 3M Half Marathon’s finish line festival will celebrate finishers and their efforts. They’ll receive their customizable spinning finisher medal, post-race hydration, and snack bag. Participants 21 years old and older can enjoy Oskar Blues Austin brews and devour delicious food from several food trucks. Sponsors, vendors, and partners will populate the finish line festival, celebrating runners and their achievements.

“The 3M Half Marathon has been a staple running event in Austin for 25 years and we’re proud to feature the largest field in the event’s history,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “Working with great sponsors like 3M, Under Armour, nuun hydration, Fleet Feet Austin, and Ascension Seton will ensure our 25th anniversary is a memorable event for participants, spectators, and volunteers alike.”

3M Half Marathon beneficiary

Austin Youth River Watch is the beneficiary of the event. 3Mgives will contribute $60,000 to support Austin Youth River Watch’s educational programs in conjunction with the race. Austin Youth River Watch is a multi-year, after-school and summer program for high school students. They combine peer mentoring with intensive environmental education. Their students collect, analyze, and publish water-quality data from Austin-area streams and rivers. They then report their data to local and statewide agencies. Students also work with community partners on environmental restoration projects to improve watershed health.

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. Runners 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. Registration is currently open for all options.