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Runners of Austin: Part IV

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 – Jason

Club – Rogue Running

1. What got you into running?

I ran a couple 10K events several years ago, but didn’t stick with it. Then I thought it would be good idea to run a marathon before I turned 40. I joined a training program and got hooked, running became my routine and I’ve met some great friends along the way.

2. How long have you been a runner?

I’ve been a “consistent” runner since December 2012. It started with a social 5K run “Jingle Run” at Rogue Cedar Park. Then I joined one of their intro programs. It’s been almost four years now and I’m still going strong.

3. What continues to motivate you to run?

Being part of a running group is essential for me. The team environment really motivates me, even on days I don’t want to roll out of bed at 4 a.m., knowing my teammates will be there makes me accountable. Training with Team Rogue constantly pushes me outside my comfort zone. I keep breaking my PRs, with no limits in sight. Oh, and the races, the energy and excitement of running with so many people is the greatest feeling! Finishing strong and celebrating that moment with friends and strangers, you feel on top of the world.

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

Typical Saturday long runs are with Rogue Cedar Park location. We typically run the neighborhoods of CP or Brushy Creek Trail. Generally running anywhere from 12-20 miles with a variety of people, typically a group of three or four of us will settle into a conversational pace. Stories are all over the place, amazing what you learn about people when running for three to four hours together. We typically stretch, roll, and have coffee back at Rogue after the run and spend time socializing. Generally done by 9:30 and get my weekend moving.

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!

3M Half Marathon Course Preview

Review both the Course Map and the Elevation Map while reading this preview.

Mile 1 – Runners will depart the start line and head north on Stonelake Blvd. for roughly one mile. The start of the course has one of the few smooth inclines; use this as a time to get your body warmed up and primed to sail downhill. From Stonelake Blvd., runners will turn right and head east on Braker Lane. Now the downhill begins! Mile 2 provides the first aid station. Make a quick pit stop if you need water or nuun.

JJ Pickle Research Campus

Mile 3 – After passing Aid Station #1, runners will turn right off Braker Lane and continue their descent by heading south on Burnet Ave., passing by The University of Texas’ JJ Pickle Research Campus. In less than one mile, Longhorn Rd. will bring about your next right hand turn. Look at that sunrise! This begins the only part of the course that has back-to-back turns. After taking a right on Longhorn Rd., you will have hit Mile 3. The course takes a quick left on Neils Thompson Dr. and then another immediate left on Industrial Terrace. Make another pit stop at Aid Station #2 to refuel. Head south on United Dr. towards Research Blvd. After turning right, runners will make a quick u-turn under Highway 183 and begin heading south on Shoal Creek Blvd.

Mile 5 – Feel the downhill breeze through your hair! Right after Mile 5, you’ll come to Aid Station #3. Make sure you give a big thank you to our volunteers. They’re amazing! Continue south on Shoal Creek Blvd. and make a quick right on Foster Lane. You’ll be on Foster Lane for just a minute before taking a left on Great Northern Blvd. Floating down Great Northern, you can replenish fluids at Aid Station #4. Congrats! You’ve just passed Mile 7 and are more than halfway to the finish.

Great Northern Blvd. (looking north)

Mile 7 – Need an extra boost of energy? Grab some CLIF Bar Shots in the CLIF Bar Energy Zone. Halfway past Mile 7, you’ll take a left on Bullard Dr., passing Gullett Park (on your left). After Bullard, take an immediate White Rock Dr., crossing Shoal Creek. Hopping back on Shoal Creek (you’re still going downhill!) you’ll arrive at Mile 8 and Aid Station #5. Make sure you grab some nuun! Keep running south, with Shoal Creek on your righthand side.

Mile 9 – Right after Mile 9, runners will head east on 45th St. After crossing N. Lamar Blvd., Aid Station #6 appears. Don’t forget to thank the volunteers! This is the second brief incline throughout the entire course. Boom! You just passed Mile 10. Double-digit mileage feels good! Welcome to beautiful Hyde Park; you’ve got a 5K left. Runners will arrive at Duval Rd. and take a right, heading south once more.

Hyde Park.

Mile 11 – You’ve now entered Central Austin and are that much closer to the finish line. All your training, early mornings, and long runs will be put to the test now. Continuing south on Duval St., you’ll arrive at the final aid station. If you need a final gulp or water or nuun to push you through, grab it now! From Duval St., you’ll veer left on San Jacinto Blvd. and wind your way through The University of Texas campus. That’s Darrell K. Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium on your left, home of the Texas Longhorns.

Mile 13 – You’re in the home stretch. Downhill to downtown is nearly complete! Take a right and head west on MLK Blvd. See the Capitol yet? Hear all the spectators cheering you on through the finish?! You got this! Take a left on Congress Ave. Turn on the jets as you push towards the finish line. The Capitol is in sight, as are your friends and family. Cross the finish, throw your hands in the air, and smile! You’ve just run downhill to downtown! Enjoy the finish line festival. This atmosphere has been created with you in mind! Grab a cold Oskar Blues Beer, visit the food trucks, and snap photos with your medal and the Capitol in the background. Get friends and family in there too. Remember to use #downhilltodowntown17.

#downhilltodowntown17

Runners of Austin: Part II

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 – Jillian

Club – Twenty-Six Two

1. What got you into running?

I ran on and off throughout middle school and high school for fun. I found out that I enjoyed running when I was a cheerleader in 8th grade. We had to run a mile before practice every day and it was my goal to be the fastest to run my mile. I never joined cross country or track, but I continued to run occasionally during college and I picked it up more after I graduated. I really began running again in 2013 after I started the South Beach Diet. After four years of teaching, I was at my heaviest, 198 pounds, and didn’t feel good, so I decided to do something about it. After I lost the initial 25 pounds, I started running more and signed up for my first 5K. I ended up losing 72 pounds and have kept it off for three years now.

2. How long have you been a runner?

I would say an avid runner for three years.

3. What continues to motivate you to run?

My motivation comes from how running makes me feel. I feel accomplished as well as relaxed after I run. I also enjoy the time to think and escape from reality for a little while during a run. I also keep running to stay in shape and maintain the new lifestyle that I started.

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

We start running at 7 a.m., usually from Cover-3 off of West 5th Street. I’m usually finished between 8:35-8:45 a.m. It really depends on the route we take and how far we have to run. Then I rest up a bit at Cover-3 and head home. Sometimes I stop at Starbucks on my way to get coffee and a second breakfast. Then after that I relax for the rest of the day.

Runners of Austin: Part I

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 – Abi

Club – Austin Runners Club

Area to run – South Austin (St. Edward’s University)


1. What got you into running?

I started running as a way to cope with difficulties in my life. Running has been an outlet for me, a way to de-stress. It has improved my self-confidence, reduced my negative thought processes, and brought stability and peace. Time spent running is time for me to reflect on myself and how far I have come.

2. How long have you been a runner?

I ran cross country and track in high school. I quit when some mental and physical difficulties took over my life. As an adult, I began to run again in early 2015 and I don’t foresee that ending any time soon!

3. What continues to motivate you to run?

I am motivated to continue to run because of the dedication that it takes when it gets hard – both mentally and physically. I am motivated by that “special” feeling I get after I finish a run. I am also motivated by my fellow ARC runners, the multiple health benefits that result from running, and the ability to explore the city that I live in by using my feet.

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

I live near the St. Ed’s campus in South Austin and find myself training through those neighborhoods, around the downtown trail, and when my schedule permits, with ARC.