Tag Archive for: half marathon

An Athlete’s Perspective – Issue 2

An Athlete’s Perspective is a blog series of event and/or training experiences written firsthand by the athlete themselves. An Athlete’s Perspective is a completely unscripted and raw look into the mind and daily life of an athlete as they prepare for their next race. Readers will discover training regimens, eating tips, gear recommendations, and an uncut perspective into the lives of people like you and me.

My Return to Austin

Preparing for Downhill to Downtown

by: Becki Spellman

2nd place 2008 Austin Marathon (2:43:43).

I can not wait to arrive in Austin! The city holds a special place in my heart. In 2008 I begged my way into the Austin Marathon as an elite. It was my first marathon, and while I was unsure about my ability over the distance, I wanted to compete well to thank John Conley, the race director at the time, for the opportunity.  That day, I qualified for the 2008 Olympic Marathon Trials.

I have since gone on to have nine successful years of running, qualifying for the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials. And it all started on the streets of Austin. If I hadn’t already adored Austin for its quirky, fun loving vibe, that race would have made me love it for sure. So coming back on January 22nd is very exciting for me; I am hoping Austin has a little magic left in store for me! I know I will pour my heart out on the course, take some chances, and hopefully come home with a PR!

Training has gone well, I have gone through a different cycle than I have in the past. I came out of the fall very strong, having run four marathons in 21 months, and wanted to work on some speedier things. So I made up my mind to come into the 3M Half under-cooked on the mileage side with more speed in my legs. I have averaged between 60-70 miles per week and have had some of the faster tempo runs I have been able to do in years.

2016 Olympic Marathon Trials (2:44:44).

I am eager to put my mental and physical strength to the test and see what I am currently capable of. As the nerves start settling in over the coming weeks, I will remind myself of the opportunity. It’s a privilege to be able to race and test my limits. I will remind myself of all the times I wanted to back down in training but instead told myself, “No one is going to hand this to you. You do the work, you meet your goals.” I have had to tell myself that countless times, and I am stronger for it. I coming into the 3M Half Marathon with hopes of a new PR (under 1:16:05). I know it will be a fun weekend, full of amazing people, an awesome race, and all in a place that I love!

To everyone racing, enjoy celebrating your hard work!  When the race gets tough, remember you are tougher! Good luck on race day! I am so excited to chase down goals alongside you!

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

Red Bull to Partner with 3M Half Marathon

High Five Events is excited to introduce Red Bull as an official partner for the 2017 3M Half Marathon. The partnership will provide participants with Red Bull during their race day experience. Additional race day activations are still being planned and will enhance the finish line festival.

“We’re glad to have Red Bull involved with the 3M Half Marathon,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Their crew will bring an energy to this event that will help participants fly through the downhill-to-downtown half marathon course on their way to a PR. ”

The original Red Bull energy drink and Red Bull sugarfree will be available to all participants at the start and finish lines and at every aid station along the half marathon course. Red Bull, first created 29 years ago in Austria, is well-known for their sponsorship of and involvement with sports, racing, and extreme adventures. In addition to product support throughout the course, the Red Bull team is currently working on additional audio and visual race day activations.

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 23rd year running in 2017. 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 in front of the Texas State Capitol, runners will appreciate a 306’ net elevation drop. Participants can register and book their hotel on the website.