Tag Archive for: Run Austin 2021

Point-to-Point Course Explained

3M Half Marathon is one of the fastest point-to-point courses

Courses come in many different flavors: loops, out-and-back, and even lollipops. A favorite flavor amongst many runners is the point-to-point course. Unlike most courses, point-to-points don’t finish where they started. The logistical challenge of getting athletes back to the start after the race makes them rare, but for the runner, there are many things to love.

3M Half Marathon is considered one of the fastest 13.1-mile, point-to-point courses in the country.

Check out 3M Half Marathon’s point-to-point course!

The 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour is one of the most popular point-to-point runs in the country. Dubbed “Downhill to Downtown,” it boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. Starting in North Austin, the course takes athletes on an unforgettable tour of Austin. The finish line is right on the edge of The University of Texas near the Texas State Capitol within walking distance of downtown Austin.

300 ft. net elevation drop

Most courses start and finish in the same location so any elevation drop you enjoy will have to be made up for with an uphill. 3M Half Marathon participants can take advantage of a net elevation drop of almost 300 feet. There’s enough climbing to keep you honest, but the inclusion of several long, steady downhills gives a well-trained runner the opportunity to crush their personal best. And, let’s face it, there is a certain thrill in running 13.1 miles and actually getting somewhere as opposed to just finishing where you started. Pro tip – incorporate these downhill running tips to save your legs!

When asked to list their favorite thing about the 3M Half Marathon most runners immediately mention the world-famous 3M swag bag. But coming in a close second is the amazing course.

A survey of some of our running friends yielded these opinions of point-to-point racing and the 3M Half Marathon:

  • I like any course that doesn’t take you within the line of sight of the finish line until you are actually finishing. – Holly
  • I loved the run down Shoal Creek. It was a beautiful winding street with lots of spectators. Gave me that extra wind to finish. – Melanie
  • It’s fun to finish somewhere different than you started and know that there’s little to no overlap. – Iram

There are many reasons to love a point-to-point course. What makes 3M Half Marathon a favorite is the net elevation drop and finish near downtown Austin. Is there a specific reason you love 3M Half Marathon’s point-to-point course? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

2020 May Running Playlist: Your PR-Chasing Soundtrack

The 2020 May running playlist is the anthem you need to chase your 13.1-mile PR

We’ve got more tunes for you because Austin is The Live Music Capital of the World. We’re sharing our favorite tunes with you every month so you can train for and chase your half marathon PR. Often times one song (or several!) can power you through a tough time during an intense workout or a long run. Trust us, we speak from experience! Jam out to the entire May running playlist or take your favorites and make your own list. The 2020 May running playlist has the music you need, from the guitar-shredding Tash Sultana to Austin’s next big music act, Black Pumas. We share every song on the massive #WeLiketheSoundofThat playlist and Twitter. Follow us so you know what’s next!

Playlist pro tips:

1) drag the 2020 May Running Playlist to your ‘Playlists’ section for quick access

2) click the download button so you can listen even if you’re offline

Utilize the May running playlist and these 5 self-care tips to maximize your training. Keep the volume at a level where you can pay attention to your surroundings. It’s important to know what’s going on around you! Is there something you like that we didn’t list? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.

,

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.

Image of female running listening to Aftershokz headphones while running. She can listen to music and her surroundings, an important self-care tip in this 3M Half Marathon blog.

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.

27th Annual 3M Half Marathon Will Open Registration for 2021

Planning is underway for the 27th annual 3M Half Marathon

Registration for the 2021 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour is open. Every year, thousands of participants take on one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country in search of their half marathon PR. Participants receive a custom Under Armour shirt and the world-famous swag bag filled with 3M products. Pricing begins at $89 for those who take advantage of Early Pricing. Those who register by Monday, May 11th, will receive a free personalized nameplate with their name and finishing time so they can personalize their 2021 spinning finisher medal. The 27th annual 3M Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, January 17, 2021, in Austin, Texas.

“I’m excited to run the 2021 3M Half Marathon and can’t wait to cross the finish line of this well-known half marathon,” said Austinite Collin Findlay, who will run his first 3M Half Marathon on January 17th. “I’ve run parts of the course and love how fast it is! Can I start training yet?!”

Register for the 2021 3M Half Marathon

Run fast, then celebrate with friends and family

Participants will earn their commemorative spinner finish medal after crossing the finish line. They can then celebrate with their friends and family at the finish line festival complete with live music, beer garden, and local food trucks. The standalone half marathon will once again feature Austin pacers and professional race-day photography from FinisherFix.

3M Half Marathon, also known as Downhill to Downtown, provides a fully-supported course. The 13.1-mile course features eight aid stations featuring Nuun, a GU Energy Labs Nutrition Station, and thousands of cheering spectators with hilarious signs. Live music acts are placed strategically throughout the course. Both participants and spectators enjoy their experience with The Live Music Capital of the World.

Good times and a good time

The 2020 3M Half Marathon saw nearly 7000 participants travel from 47 states and 22 countries. It showcased a competitive elite field, hundreds of PRs, and continued community support. David Fuentes (1:06:31) and Jessica Harper (1:13:41) were the male and female champions. In conjunction with 3Mgives, $68,000 was donated to the event beneficiary, Austin Youth River Watch.

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 27th year running in 2021. Runners will enjoy a point-to-point course with mostly downhill running that showcases some of Austin’s finest locations. The course starts in north Austin and finishes near the Texas State Capitol. Runners will appreciate a 300’ net elevation drop. Participants can register on the website.

What High Five Events Staff Would Listen to Forever

If they had to choose, here’s what the staff at High Five Events would listen to forever

Imagine you can listen to one thing through your speakers/headphones from now on. What would you choose? It could be podcasts, audiobooks, music, or whatever else the kids are listening to these days. The staff at High Five Events break down what they would listen to forever. Music seems to be the main choice, but there are some good podcasts listed as well as an audiobook series. They just might come in handy if you’re training for 3M Half Marathon!

William

Image of Alabama Shakes' album Sound & Color on clear vinyl. This is one of three albums William Dyson would listen to forever.Give me these three albums on vinyl on rotation!

Pink Floyd – The Dark Side of the Moon
ZZ Top – Tres Hombres
Alabama Shakes – Sound & Color

Laura

I’d listen to the following podcasts:

Bobby Bones Show
4 Things With Amy Brown
Work, Play, Love

Emily

The following music makes my top three.

Danny Malone – We the Tigress, They the Wildebeast
Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova – Once
Les Miserables

Stacy

This is pretty much an impossible question for me since I love so many albums. Because of that I will select the album I could listen to forever from the last full year of music creation (2019).

The National – I am Easy to Find

Scott

I’m jamming to the following three albums and sneaking in these three podcasts…

Albums
311 – The Blue Album
Kings of Leon – Only by the Night
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Stadium Arcadium
Podcasts
Joe Rogan Experience
The Pat McAfee Show
2 Bears, 1 Cave

John

Depends on what mood I’m in. I start off with 1 or 2 and let Spotify recommendations take over.

Thievery Corporation
Jazz – Miles Davis, earlier stuff, before the 80s

Joey

When I’m coding I like to listen to bubble gum pop because it helps me get into a flow and doesn’t require much thought. My next two are kind of cheats because I want a variety of artists so I picked out soundtracks.

Ting Tings – We Started Nothing
Pretty in Pink soundtrack (chosen because there was no official soundtrack released for Ferris Bueller’s Day Off)
Lost Body soundtrack

Dan

These three albums are all I’d listen to.

Tom Petty – Wildflowers
U2 – Josua Tree
Rolling Stones – Gimme Shelter

Jack

Just give me these two albums and I’m set.

Metallica – The Black Album
Michael Jackson – Thriller

Megan

As you can see these are very random lol. 1 and 2 are rather chill, but when I need to feel extra I must bring out the Houston Diva!

All The Band Camino Songs
Ben Rector
This is Beyonce Spotify Station

Tina

I’m pretty sure these two items would have me covered forever!

My personal “All the Jams” playlist on Spotify
Harry Potter audiobooks read by Stephen Fry

Caroline

Click play on these three albums and I’m good to go!

Frank Ocean – Channel Orange
Queen – Greatest Hits
Sublime – Sublime

If you had to choose one thing to listen to from now on what would you choose? And what would make your top three? Let us know what you would listen to forever on Facebook or Twitter.