Tag Archive for: fast half marathon

Perform Your Best with GU’s 13.1-Mile Nutrition Planner

Following GU’s nutrition planner can help you perform your best

You train for months to chase your 13.1-mile PR at 3M Half Marathon. All of your hard work leads up to Sunday, January 19th. GU Energy Labs, the Official Energy Gel and Chew of 3M Half Marathon, is here to help you perform your best! Their products are scientifically proven to give you the energy you need. Their on-course Nutrition Station will be near Mile 6.5. GU will provide the following ROCTANE Energy Gels, Cherry Lime (35 mg of caffeine), Chocolate Coconut (35 mg of caffeine), and Lemonade (no caffeine) on course. GU Blueberry Pomegranate Energy Chews (no caffeine) will also be available. Read their tips below, download their Nutrition Planner, and prepare to perform your best!

Advice from the experts at GU

Image of GU Energy Labs' half marathon nutrition plan. GU is the Official Energy Gel and Chew of the 3M Half Marathon. Click on this image to download the nutrition plan that can help you perform your best on race day.Here are some tips for making sure you’re giving your body what it needs so you perform your best on race day. Planning what to eat during a race can be overwhelming. With so many variables, it’s hard to determine what the “right” answer is for you. When deciding what to eat and drink, we think it’s helpful to break it down by looking at the nutrients your body needs.

A successful nutrition plan takes into account the amount of calories your system can handle in an hour. It should also factor in your body’s need for electrolytes, amino acids, water, and protein. When thinking about your nutritional need for a race or training session, it’s important to remember that everyone is different. Every day is different. For example, body size, air temperature, activity type, intensity, and personal preference will affect your nutritional needs.

That’s why we recommend mixing and matching products to find out what works for you. For example, if you prefer to drink your calories, you can bottle up your fuel using ROCTANE Energy Drink. We developed a half marathon Nutrition Planner to help you dial in your plan for race day. We all know things can change on race day, but it helps to start with a plan! Download the Nutrition Planner and follow the steps below.

Here’s how to use our Nutrition Planner

  1. Pick your goal finishing time and find out what your average pace will be
  2. Use the table to determine your total nutritional need for the event
  3. Mix and match your favorite products and flavors, then calculate your totals
  4. Make sure your plan meets your body’s demand for each nutritional element

3M Half Marathon and GU Energy Labs Forge Two-Year Partnership

GU is 3M Half Marathon’s Official Energy Gel and Chew

High Five Events names GU Energy Labs (GU) as the Official Energy Gel and Chew of the 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour. GU will support participants at the on-course Nutrition Station that will be stocked with gels and chews. 3M Half Marathon has also taken GU’s TerraCycle pledge. The goal is to upcycle all sports nutrition wrappers and divert them from the landfill. The 26th annual 3M Half Marathon, produced by High Five Events, will take place on January 19, 2020.

“GU Energy Labs is thrilled to fuel 3M Half Marathon participants with ROCTANE Energy Gels and Energy Chews at the on-course Nutrition Station,” said Bridgette Travis, Experiential Marketing Manager at GU. “Since the 3M Half Marathon is one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country, we are stocking aid stations with ROCTANE Energy Gels. ROCTANE Energy gels are packed with up to three times as much sodium and three times as many branched-chain amino acids compared to our original Energy Gels so runners can push themselves harder and further on race day.”

Taking the GU TerraCycle pledge

On race day, GU will provide the following ROCTANE Energy Gels, Cherry Lime (35 mg of caffeine), Chocolate Coconut (35 mg of caffeine), and Lemonade (no caffeine) on course. GU Blueberry Pomegranate Energy Chews (no caffeine) will also be available. In addition to other green initiatives, 3M Half Marathon has taken the GU TerraCycle pledge. TerraCycle-labeled bins will be available throughout race weekend. The goal is to divert as many sports nutrition wrappers from the landfill as possible. This free recycling program is in addition to other green efforts. Race weekend efforts include recycling, donating additional food and water, and donating discarded clothing to local nonprofits.

“Our two-year partnership with GU goes beyond Energy Gels and Chews,” said Jack Murray, co-owner High Five Events. “We’re adding another green initiative to race weekend and our extended agreement allows us to impact the Austin running community year-round.”

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. Registration is currently open.

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!

Everything You Need for the 2020 3M Half Marathon

We’ve compiled everything you need to make the most out of race weekend

2020 is here and that means it’s race month for the 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour! We’re just as pumped for Year 26 as you are to chase your 13.1-mile PR. There has been a ton of information shared since we celebrated our 25th anniversary. We put this blog together to provide you with everything you need to make 3M Half Marathon race weekend the most memorable one yet! Check it out and RSVP to the Facebook event to receive the latest details.

13.1 reasons

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!

Runners constantly tell us why they love 3M Half Marathon. We took the 13.1 most common reasons and put them in this blog. The reasons listed are in no particular order!

Commemorative medals and shirts

Every year we take the design of the commemorative spinner finisher medal and Under Armour participants shirt and crank it up a notch. The 2020 editions are no different! We can’t wait to see the streets of Austin filled with runners in these custom UA shirts. And we’re just as pumped to place the 2020 spinner finisher medal around your neck once you cross the finish line!

Image of runner showcasing the 2020 3M Half Marathon finisher medal. This blog has everything you need to get ready for the 2020 3M Half Marathon!

Your 3M Half Marathon finisher medal!

Our favorite on-course spots

It doesn’t matter if you live in Austin, a different state, or another country, you can still check out some of our favorite places along the 13.1-mile course. There were so many places that we had to break the course into two different blog posts. Check out our favorite spots along Miles 1-6 and Miles 7-13.1. Pro tip: this applies to spectators too!

Event weekend

Expo – This is where you can get all the goodies, including the world-famous swag bag filled with 3M products! Make sure you visit Fleet Feet Austin and scoop up your limited-edition 3M Half Marathon gear.
Hotels – Stay near the start line or the finish line, it’s up to you. There’s still time to book with Hilton, our Official Hotel Partner.
Course – our point-to-point, USATF-certified course is 13.1 miles, we double-checked!

Image of two runners celebrating at the Oskar Blues Austin beer garden at the 2019 3M Half Marathon finish line festival. This blog has everything you need to get ready for the 2020 3M Half Marathon!

Celebrate with friends and family at the Oskar Blues Austin beer garden!

Finish line festival – Once you cross the finish line the real party begins. Find your friends and family and check it all out. Visit the Oskar Blues Austin beer garden (21 and older), grab something from a food truck, take selfies with the finish line, or enjoy the music! Pro tip: free shuttles will take you to the start after the event only.

Good tunes

Good tunes can make a huge difference! If you’ve followed us on Twitter then you know about our #WeLiketheSoundofThat playlist on Spotify. Check out our November and December additions to the playlist. Put it on shuffle or use the songs to make your own playlist!

Share on social media

Image of a 3M Half Marathon Ambassador taking a photo of two runners at the 2019 3M Half Marathon expo. This blog has everything you need to get ready for the 2020 3M Half Marathon!

Take a pic, share it with us on social media!

If you don’t post it to social media did it really happen? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Tag us when you share your race-day memories. We can’t wait to check them out!

Virtual 3M Half

What’s that? Can’t make it to Austin? Don’t sweat it. You can still join us from wherever you are! Check out all the benefits of the Virtual 3M Half Marathon, including the aforementioned world-famous swag bag filled with 3M products.

Foam rolling 101

Don’t forget to foam roll after you’ve crossed the finish line and celebrated with friends and family. Check out the foam rolling benefits and make sure you recover in time for the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon.

Now you’re caught up and have everything you need to make 3M Half Marathon weekend epic. Share this with your friends and family when y’all start planning event weekend. If you have questions just let us know on social media. Don’t forget to RSVP to the Facebook event to receive the latest details. See y’all soon!

January Running Playlist Additions – 10 Must-Add Songs

Refresh your tunes with these January running playlist additions

We’ve got more tunes! Often times one song (or several!) can power you through a tough time during an intense workout or a long run. That’s why we’ve created this #WeLiketheSoundofThat playlist! We share every song on Twitter. Follow us so you know what’s next. We’ve taken 10 recent songs and put them in this convenient blog. Listen to our playlist (100+ songs and counting), check out November and December’s additions, or refresh your music with these January running playlist additions. Remember, when training keep the volume low enough or don’t use headphones so you can listen to your surroundings.

Never As Tired As When I’m Waking Up – LCD Sound System
Seriously though, this is why it’s tough to get up in the mornings and why you need an accountability partner! Put this tune towards the front of your playlist and let it wake you up as you’re waking up your body.

Wildcat – Ratatat
Straight jam out with Ratatat on your playlist! This beat will get you going for sure. Pro tip: don’t listen while trail running because it does sound like a wildcat.

Give Up the Funk – Parliament
Sometimes you have to get a little funky. You don’t have to wear bell-bottoms while you run to let the groove of this jam take you over. We NEED the funk!

Right On Time – OAR
Add this song to your playlist. Trust your training. Follow your race day plan. Soak up the on-course energy. You’ll cross the finish line right on time!

Fill in the Blank – Car Seat Headrest
Fill in the Blank’s various guitar rifts start early and keep this tune moving forward. It’ll pick up the pace a little, so make sure you’re ready to kick it up a notch when you hear this come on.

Chop Suey! – System Of A Down
There are times when we all need something a little heavy to get us going. This jam scratches that itch. Strategically place it where you need it and let guitar shredding wash over you.

House Of The Rising Sun – The Animals
This classic starts off just a tad slower than some others. But don’t worry, when you hear the organ kick in around the 40-second mark it’s about to get you going!

Fancy – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Let the drums set your pace. Get into a nice groove. One stride after the other. On your way to that fancy commemorative spinner finisher medal.

Everything You’re Breathing For – The Parlor Mob
Add this song to your playlist and let it remind you of everything you’ve done in working towards your goal. All the miles, the early mornings. Each breath is one breath closer to your goal!

Daydreaming – Milky Chance feat. Tash Sultana
Ever catch yourself daydreaming of crossing the 3M Half Marathon finish line? Add this easy-listening jam by Milky Chance and Tash Sultana to your playlist when you make that a reality on Jan. 19th!

Add these January running playlist additions before you take off for your next run. These 10 songs can pump you up, allow you to catch your breath, or help you focus on the warm-up/cool-down. However you incorporate music, just make sure you can still hear your surroundings. It’s important to know what’s going on around you! Is there something you do that we didn’t list? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.