Tag Archive for: Run Austin 2020

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.

Ascension Seton Returns as 3M Half Marathon’s Official Medical Provider

3M Half Marathon welcomes the return of Ascension Seton as Official Medical Provider

High Five Events announces Ascension Seton will return as the Official Medical Provider for the 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour. Ascension Seton and their experienced team will have an on-course presence throughout the race route. They will also have a medical tent at the finish line. The 3M Half Marathon will take place on Jan. 19, 2020.

“Ascension Seton is excited to be a partner with the High Five Events team and the Official Medical Provider for the 3M Half Marathon for the second year in a row,” said Adam Bauman, vice president of orthopedics and sports performance at Ascension Seton. “We are proud to support and care for the vibrant running community in the city of Austin and beyond.”

As the Official Medical Provider, Ascension Seton doctors and nurses will staff the finish line medical tent and work with Travis County EMS on course. They will also have a presence at the two-day expo. Ascension is one of the leading nonprofit and Catholic health systems in the U.S.

“We take participant safety seriously and are glad to have Ascension Seton back as our Official Medical Provider,” said Dan Carroll, co-owner of High Five Events. “We know that the thousands of 3M Half Marathon participants and volunteers will be in good hands with their doctors and nurses should they be needed.”

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. Participants can register on the website.

December Running Playlist Additions – 10 Must-Add Songs

Refresh your tunes with these December 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. You can listen to our playlist (100+ songs and counting), check out November’s additions, or refresh your music with these December running playlist additions. Remember, when training keep the volume low enough or don’t use headphones so you can listen to your surroundings.

Future People – Alabama Shakes
This spacey Alabama Shakes jam will have you floating on your run. When the energy in this song kicks up, pick up the pace. Slow down when it relaxes, repeats!

Congratulations – Post Malone feat. Quavo
Set this to play at the end so it reminds you of what you’ll hear once you cross the finish line. Collect your commemorative spinner finisher medal and head to the finish line festival!

Talk On The Street – Greta Van Fleet
Word on the street is everyone can’t get enough of 3M Half Marathon! Play this song at a point on your run when you start feeling sluggish and let the fast-pace rock & roll pick you up.

Where’d All the Time Go – Dr. Dog
Going for a chill run? Put this song on your chill run playlist. It’s always good to get out for a relaxing run, especially if you’re recovering from a hard workout. Pro tip: take your pup on your chill run!

Footprints – Sia
Not feeling your run today? Put this Sia song at the front of your playlist and let the positive vibe wash over you as you get into a groove.

Colors – Black Pumas
Next time you’re on a run, take a minute to soak in all amazing colors. Appreciate all that surrounds you as you listen to Austin’s own and recently Grammy-nominated Black Pumas.

Enter Sandman – Metallica
Some times you wake up, but you don’t really wake up. You’re in a fog, stumbling to get your shoes on. Click play, turn the volume up, and let Metallica wake you up!

I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide – ZZ Top
You know that feeling when you’re on a run and you’re feeling it? Everything feels right as you you knock off mile after mile. ZZ Top took that feeling and put it into song form! Pro tip: remember, you’re bad!

Moondance – Van Morrison
Another perfect song for a slower-paced recovery run. Remember, Van Morrison wants you to know that Sunday, January 19th, is a marvelous day for a half marathon!

Thunderstruck – AC/DC
THUNDER!

Add these December 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.

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Meet the 2020 Pacing Group for the 3M Half Marathon

Get to know your 2020 pacing group

You’re registered. You’re training. You have a goal time in mind. This is your first half marathon. You want to PR. You want to beat last year’s time. Whatever your race day goals, the Twenty-Six Two Marathon Club pacing group will guide you. Meet your 2020 3M Half Marathon pace team, learn where to find them on race day, and read a few dos and don’ts of running with your 2020 pacing group.

Find your 2020 pacing group:

Look for the Twenty-Six Two pacing group in the starting corrals holding pace signs. Those signs correspond to the paces designated by signs in the corrals. There will be two pacers per each pace group (finish times of 1:30, 1:35, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 1:55, 2:00, 2:05, 2:10, 2:15, 2:20, 2:25, 2:30). The pacers will also wear matching Under Armour running outfits that say “PACER” or otherwise designated them as official 3M Half Marathon pacers.

1:30

(6:52 min./mile)

 Matt Fletcher John Golden

1:35

(7:15 min./mile)

 Joe Terracina Leland Mangrum

1:40

(7:37 min./mile)

 Jonathan Garner Jose Reyes

1:45

(8:00 min./mile)

 Charlie Werth Talaya Frazier

1:50

(8:23 min./mile)

 

 Karim Elmarabet Eliot Franklin

1:55

(8:46 min./mile)

 Jennifer Goetz Laura Hitt

2:00

(9:09 min.mile)

 Eric Johnson Sam Gammage

2:05

(9:32 min./mile)

 Steve Pina Summer Smith

2:10

(9:55 min./mile)

 Claire McGuiness Kelvin Lam

2:15

(10:17 min./mile)

 Rocio Villalobos Jillian Baaklini

2:20

(10:40 min./mile)

 Ted Kvapil Son Ha

2:25

(11:03 min./mile)

 Jessica Mangrum Kelly Peck

2:30

(11:26 min.mile)

 Devangi Parikh Juanita Bowling

Race day dos: 

  • DO ask questions before the start about your pacing group’s race plan. Most will run slightly slower at first, and then pick up speed in the middle miles of the race. However, each pace group is slightly different, so make sure to ask any questions before the race begins.
  • DO drink at water stations along the way if you normally take water or sports drink during the race. The pacing group will slow down slightly to allow runners to catch up after water stops.
  • DO ask questions or introduce yourself during the race if you are inclined. The pacers are all accustomed to racing at paces faster than what they are pacing, so they should be able to answer your questions.

    pace team

    Summer (4256) and Steve (4530) will lead the 2:05 group for 2020. Claire (5241) will lead the 2:10 group for 2020.

  • DO ask what your splits should be at each mile marker, and compare the pacers’ times with your watch or GPS device. You want to make sure that you are “in sync” with the pacers’ official times.
  • DO relax and let the pacing group guide you! They are trained to finish at (or slightly faster than) their designated finish times.

Race day don’ts:

  • DON’T struggle to stay right next to or behind the pacers, especially at the beginning when it is crowded. As long as you are near them along the way, you will have plenty of time to stick with them after a few miles.
  • DON’T try to start out with a pacing group that is significantly faster than you are accustomed to running. Find the pace group that is right for you, and enjoy the race as the pacers lead you to the finish line.
  • DON’T forget that the pacing group is targeting a finish that corresponds to their own chip time, not the official “gun time.” If your pace group crosses the start line several minutes after the race begins, the pacers will be following their own chip time, not the “clock” time at the finish. Make sure to ask along the way what the pacers’ time is, and compare it to your own time. If you are unsure whether you are “ahead of” or “behind” the pacers’ time, ask them! They will answer your questions.

Twenty-Six Two Marathon Club (TST) is an Austin-based nonprofit group that provides low-cost training to men and women marathoners and half marathoners throughout the year. Since 2005, TST has trained hundreds of runners for races in Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York, San Antonio, and many other cities (and countries). TST’s Pace Team provides pacers for races year-round and is comprised of club members who have run multiple marathons and half-marathons.