Tag Archive for: Austin Half Marathon

5 Reasons Why You Should Run Your First Half Marathon

Run your first half marathon and enjoy the benefits along the way

Have you ever thought about running a half marathon? Training for 13.1 miles is an investment, but the rewards are tremendous! You probably know friends and family who have completed a half marathon or marathon. They might’ve crossed the 3M Half Marathon finish line. Whether you’ve talked with them about the experience or cheered for them on race day, you can do the same. Join an exclusive club when you run your first half marathon. BONUS: Choose 3M Half Marathon as your first half marathon and learn about all the sweet perks you’ll enjoy!

Learn more about yourself

Image of a male and female runner showcasing their 2020 3M Half Marathon finisher medals at the finish line festivals. Run your first half marathon at 3M Half Marathon and cross your first 13.1-mile finish line and join runners like these two.

Two proud finishers of the 2020 3M Half Marathon.

If you plan to run your first half marathon get ready to learn even more about yourself! Like most of what you achieve in life, this is earned. You have to train your body to run the distance. That takes patience, self-belief, and dedication. At some point, every long run leading up to race day will be your longest run. But like the shorter distances, what was once difficult will become easier. Remember when you were happy to complete a 5K run? Well, now you’re just starting to feel good when you reach 5K. Throw in early morning runs and completing workouts you want to skip and you’ll learn a great deal about yourself. Just wait until you cross the finish line!

Improved health benefits

You’ll see some improved health benefits if you just started running or plan to increase your mileage. You more than likely won’t run 13.1 miles right off the bat. You’ll work up to that amount. Along the way, you might lose some weight or become more tone. You might experience a reduction in stress levels or the ability to think more clearly. There’s no doubt you’ll strengthen your heart and expand your lung capacity. Every runner doesn’t experience the same health improvements, but all runners will improve their health. Pro tip: these 7 tips will help you run your best.

Discover your city

There’s no better way to discover your neighborhood and your city than by running! Everything slows down. You see that mural for the first time. A restaurant you drive by and never notice now looks appetizing. That park your friends talk about becomes a part of your route. You should always have a plan when you go out for a run. But there are times when you learn the most by getting lost! Pro tip: make sure you have several reference points so you can always work your way back to familiarity.

Inspire others

Why are you planning to run your first half marathon? Do you know someone who inspired you to run? Are you running to support a local nonprofit like Central Texas Food Bank? Maybe your just running to get healthier or show your children what’s possible. Whatever your reasoning, you just might inspire someone else. You never know who’s watching and taking notes! You’ll definitely make a difference in your own life. But running becomes even sweeter when you inspire others.

3M Half Marathon perks

Image of the 2020 3M Half Marathon with the finish line in the background. Run your first half marathon at 3M Half Marathon and this commemorative spinner finisher medal is just one of the perks you'll receive!

2020 3M Half Marathon finisher medal.

Know someone who has completed 3M Half Marathon? Then you’ve certainly heard about the world-famous gear bag stuffed with 3M products! Every year features different items, from Post-it Notes to scissors, and Command Hooks to a dozen different types of tape. Like every great infomercial, that’s not all! Participants receive a custom Under Armour participant shirt that they proudly wear year-round. Cross the finish line, earn your commemorative spinner finisher medal, and head to the finish line festival! Celebrate with friends and family at the beer garden, enjoy live music, and visit an Austin food truck.

You have to put in the work if you want to run your first half marathon. When you finally make that decision you’ll be rewarded in many ways! From the sweet perks you receive to improving your health, you’ll reap the benefits when you train for and complete your first half marathon. Is there a specific reason you decided to run your first half marathon? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

Central Texas Food Bank Named Beneficiary of 2021 3M Half Marathon

In selecting Central Texas Food Bank, 3M Foundation continues support of Austin organizations with a significant community impact

3M Foundation selects the Central Texas Food Bank as the beneficiary of the 2021 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour. This grant will allow the Central Texas Food Bank to continue its mission of nourishing hungry people and leading the community in the fight against hunger. 3M Foundation continues its support of Austin organizations that positively impact the local community. The 27th annual 3M Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, January 17, 2021, in Austin, Texas.

Image of Central Texas Food Bank worker in a mask and hi-vis vest holding a sign saying, "Don't worry, we got you." The Central Texas Food Bank is the beneficiary of the 2021 3M Half Marathon.

“3M is playing a unique and critical role in the fight against COVID-19 and it’s a responsibility we take seriously. Part of that is to assist with alleviating hunger and providing basic needs and support for vulnerable populations. Choosing the Central Texas Food Bank as the beneficiary of the 2021 3M Half Marathon is the perfect match for how we want to help here in Central Texas,” said Stacey Claessens, Community Relations Manager of 3M Foundation. “It supports our initiative to invest in the most critical local needs of our hometown operating communities and especially during these challenging times.”

Supporting Central Texas

The Central Texas Food Bank is one of the leaders of hunger relief. They help nearly 50,000 people each week through a network of approximately 300 Partner Agencies and mobile food pantries. Though headquartered in Austin, they serve 21 counties in Central Texas. That equals an area about twice the size of Massachusetts. In addition to the grant, their staff will have a booth at the expo. They will also support an aid station on race day. While registering online for the 3M Half Marathon, participants have the opportunity to further support the Central Texas Food Bank and add an additional donation.

“We’re thrilled to be named as beneficiary of the 2021 3M Half Marathon,” said Mark Jackson, Chief Development Officer of the Central Texas Food Bank. “Responding to the unprecedented need created by the COVID-19 pandemic has stretched our resources to the limit. Every dollar donated will help us in our ongoing mission of providing nutritious food for our neighbors in need.”

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. It will celebrate its 27th year running in 2021. Runners will enjoy a point-to-point course with mostly downhill running. The 13.1-mile course showcases some of Austin’s finest locations. Participants start in north Austin and finish near the Texas State Capitol. Many participants set their 13.1-mile PR because of the 300’ net elevation drop. Participants can register on the website.

Point-to-Point Course Explained

3M Half Marathon is one of the fastest point-to-point courses

Courses come in many different flavors: loops, out-and-back, and even lollipops. A favorite flavor amongst many runners is the point-to-point course. Unlike most courses, point-to-points don’t finish where they started. The logistical challenge of getting athletes back to the start after the race makes them rare, but for the runner, there are many things to love.

3M Half Marathon is considered one of the fastest 13.1-mile, point-to-point courses in the country.

Check out 3M Half Marathon’s point-to-point course!

The 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour is one of the most popular point-to-point runs in the country. Dubbed “Downhill to Downtown,” it boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. Starting in North Austin, the course takes athletes on an unforgettable tour of Austin. The finish line is right on the edge of The University of Texas near the Texas State Capitol within walking distance of downtown Austin.

300 ft. net elevation drop

Most courses start and finish in the same location so any elevation drop you enjoy will have to be made up for with an uphill. 3M Half Marathon participants can take advantage of a net elevation drop of almost 300 feet. There’s enough climbing to keep you honest, but the inclusion of several long, steady downhills gives a well-trained runner the opportunity to crush their personal best. And, let’s face it, there is a certain thrill in running 13.1 miles and actually getting somewhere as opposed to just finishing where you started. Pro tip – incorporate these downhill running tips to save your legs!

When asked to list their favorite thing about the 3M Half Marathon most runners immediately mention the world-famous 3M swag bag. But coming in a close second is the amazing course.

A survey of some of our running friends yielded these opinions of point-to-point racing and the 3M Half Marathon:

  • I like any course that doesn’t take you within the line of sight of the finish line until you are actually finishing. – Holly
  • I loved the run down Shoal Creek. It was a beautiful winding street with lots of spectators. Gave me that extra wind to finish. – Melanie
  • It’s fun to finish somewhere different than you started and know that there’s little to no overlap. – Iram

There are many reasons to love a point-to-point course. What makes 3M Half Marathon a favorite is the net elevation drop and finish near downtown Austin. Is there a specific reason you love 3M Half Marathon’s point-to-point course? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

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5 Self-Care Tips to Help Runners Maximize Their Training

Get the most out of your upcoming training schedule with these self-care tips

A key to crossing the 2021 3M Half Marathon finish line and securing a new half marathon PR is to maximize your training. Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming long run or recovering from a speedy track workout, these 5 self-care tips will help you get the most out of your training! BONUS – we did some shopping for you and found some great deals on some of our favorite items.

5 self-care tips

Pay attention to your surroundings

We get it, we love listening to music during our runs and workouts too! That’s why we’ve built this massive #WeLiketheSoundofThat playlist. But it’s imperative that runners pay attention to their surroundings. We like the Titanium Open Ear Headphones from AfterShokz because they allow for the best of both worlds. They allow you to jam out and hear what’s going on around you!

Wear headgear and sunglasses

Running with a hat and sunglasses can make all the difference. Hats can keep sweat out of your eyes and help your head stay cool. Sunglasses can help you see better by reducing that random glare and protecting your eyes from dust and other debris. We like Under Armour’s Launch Run Cap because of its breathability, keeping your head cool. Check out the Zone Sunglasses from Under Armour. They’re lightweight, wrap comfortably around your head, and have polarized lenses.

Image of female running listening to Aftershokz headphones while running. She can listen to music and her surroundings, an important self-care tip in this 3M Half Marathon blog.

Shorten your stride when running downhill

The downhill portion of your run is coming up and you’re ready to fly! But wait… don’t pick up so much speed that you lose control. You also don’t want to put unnecessary strain on your quads with the extra pounding. Shorten your stride and keep your feet underneath you. You’ll still pick up speed, but you’ll be in more control and will save your legs for the rest of your run. Pro tip: read more downhill running tips.

Hydrate

We know what you’re thinking, you hear this all the time. But it’s absolutely vital. Proper hydration provides energy for your muscles, helps you fuel better, and aids in recovery. Consuming 60-80 ounces daily is recommended. You should drink more if you’re more active. Don’t forget to include an electrolyte-enhanced drink. Water alone does not fully hydrate you! Check out Nuun and their rainbow of flavors. You simply pop a tab or two in your water and voila, you have electrolytes!

Foam roll

High mileage can take its toll on your body. You’re asking a lot from your muscles. Make sure you take proper care of them by foam rolling every day, even if it’s for a few minutes before bed. Setting aside a dedicated daily foam rolling session increases the chances that you follow through. Foam rolling can decrease injury risk and your recovery time, getting you ready for the next run. Set an appointment with Fleet Feet Austin today and check out all the different recovery options they have available.

Training has begun. Now it’s time to maximize your efforts so you can stay healthy. These self-care tips can protect you from the elements, speed up your recovery, and reduce your chances of injury. Is there a specific self-care tip that you use to maximize your training and prevent injury? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.

27th Annual 3M Half Marathon Will Open Registration for 2021

Planning is underway for the 27th annual 3M Half Marathon

Registration for the 2021 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour is open. Every year, thousands of participants take on one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country in search of their half marathon PR. Participants receive a custom Under Armour shirt and the world-famous swag bag filled with 3M products. Pricing begins at $89 for those who take advantage of Early Pricing. Those who register by Monday, May 11th, will receive a free personalized nameplate with their name and finishing time so they can personalize their 2021 spinning finisher medal. The 27th annual 3M Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, January 17, 2021, in Austin, Texas.

“I’m excited to run the 2021 3M Half Marathon and can’t wait to cross the finish line of this well-known half marathon,” said Austinite Collin Findlay, who will run his first 3M Half Marathon on January 17th. “I’ve run parts of the course and love how fast it is! Can I start training yet?!”

Register for the 2021 3M Half Marathon

Run fast, then celebrate with friends and family

Participants will earn their commemorative spinner finish medal after crossing the finish line. They can then celebrate with their friends and family at the finish line festival complete with live music, beer garden, and local food trucks. The standalone half marathon will once again feature Austin pacers and professional race-day photography from FinisherFix.

3M Half Marathon, also known as Downhill to Downtown, provides a fully-supported course. The 13.1-mile course features eight aid stations featuring Nuun, a GU Energy Labs Nutrition Station, and thousands of cheering spectators with hilarious signs. Live music acts are placed strategically throughout the course. Both participants and spectators enjoy their experience with The Live Music Capital of the World.

Good times and a good time

The 2020 3M Half Marathon saw nearly 7000 participants travel from 47 states and 22 countries. It showcased a competitive elite field, hundreds of PRs, and continued community support. David Fuentes (1:06:31) and Jessica Harper (1:13:41) were the male and female champions. In conjunction with 3Mgives, $68,000 was donated to the event beneficiary, Austin Youth River Watch.

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 27th year running in 2021. Runners will enjoy a point-to-point course with mostly downhill running that showcases some of Austin’s finest locations. The course starts in north Austin and finishes near the Texas State Capitol. Runners will appreciate a 300’ net elevation drop. Participants can register on the website.