Fleet Feet Austin Archives

Tag Archive for: Fleet Feet Austin

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.

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.

Blog

Make it to Your Morning Run with these 6 Tips

Get out the door for your morning run with this helpful advice

You hear that? That’s your alarm clock going off earlier than normal. Your schedule calls for an early morning run. Now the internal battle begins because your bed is so comfortable and you were really enjoying sleep. Every runner battles themselves in some way every morning. Use one or all six of these tips to make your morning run!

Runner gives two thumbs up during 2019 3M Half Marathon while listening to music. Runners can make their own playlist to help them get up in the morning for their morning run.

Make a playlist that you’ll give two thumbs up!

Create a playlist you love

If you listen to music, knowing you’ll jam during your morning run will help you get up. Set the playlist to coincide with the duration of your run or make a list and put it on shuffle. Singing along will help get you going and make the miles fly by. Need some song recommendations? Follow us on Twitter and check out our #WeLiketheSoundofThat campaign. We’re compiling the songs on this Spotify playlist!

Sleep in your running clothes

Simplify your morning routine and sleep in your running clothes. Take this a step further and put your running shoes and socks by the door. Pack everything you’ll need for the day if you don’t plan to come home after your run. Pro tip: before you get in bed make sure the clothes are clean and weren’t previously used on a run!

Go to bed early

Getting more sleep is a great way to wake up refreshed and ready for your morning run. It also helps get you in a daily rhythm. Wake up early, complete your run, have a great day, go to bed early, repeat. If you have trouble going to sleep try eating dinner earlier, watch your favorite show before you lay down, or read a book in bed. Try to avoid looking at any screens an hour before bed.

Put your alarm out of reach

Place your alarm somewhere where you have to get out of bed to turn it off. This tactic gets your body moving and reduces the chances that you hit the snooze button. Put it next to your toothbrush, in the kitchen, or in your running shoes. Just make sure the alarm is set and the volume is loud enough to hear in the bedroom. Pro tip: if you use your phone, set your favorite song to go off when it’s time to get up.

Simplify your run

If you’ve just started running, start small and work your way up. Longer runs can seem daunting at first, increasing the chances you stay in bed. If you’ve just started running, alternate running and walking. Eventually, you’ll eliminate walking. You can also start out by running 15 minutes and increase your time on subsequent runs. Plan your route, know it, and make sure someone else knows the route. This increases your safety and provides benchmarks so you know how much running remains.

Reward yourself

Quite possibly our favorite tip for getting up early for a run! Your reward can be as simple as indulging on your favorite snack or as grand as a massage at the end of the month. Eventually, you’ll need to make the rewards more difficult to achieve. This will help you progress in your training and keep you from spending so much money.

Completing an early morning run gets your day started and knocks one more thing off your to-do list. Use one or all of our tips to jumpstart your morning. Is there a trick you use that we didn’t mention? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!

Blog

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!

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!