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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!

1. Plan a Scenic Route to Motivate You

One of the biggest perks of living in Austin is the abundance of scenic running spots. Plan your morning run to include some of the city’s most beautiful locations. Nothing gets you moving like the promise of a sunrise over Lady Bird Lake or the cool, shaded paths of the Barton Creek Greenbelt.

Pro Tip: Kickstart your morning with a loop around the Lady Bird Lake Trail. You’ll get to see rowers gliding across the water as the city wakes up, which will fuel your motivation. Plus, how can you say no to those postcard-worthy skyline views?

2. Run Fuel at a Local Coffee Shop

Plan to stop by one of Austin’s many runner-friendly coffee shops after your run for a little post-workout treat. Whether it’s a cold brew from Mozart’s Coffee Roasters or an iced matcha latte from Houndstooth Coffee, having a post-run ritual tied to a local favorite can help get you excited to lace up. You’ve earned it!

Pro Tip: Tell yourself, “If I get this run in, I’m stopping by Bennu Coffee for a lavender latte.” Boom! Motivation and reward all in one.

3. Join a Local Running Group

Austin has an awesome running community, and nothing helps you stick to your morning run schedule like knowing someone is counting on you. Groups like The Morning Jo’s, RAW Running, and the Rise & Run have regular meetups around the city, often in the early morning hours. Not only will you have someone to run with, but you’ll also be a part of Austin’s vibrant running scene. Accountability = consistency.

Pro Tip: Check out WeRunAustin.com to find run groups to fit your schedule. Some running groups meet at iconic spots like the Texas Capitol or Zilker Park. Make friends and explore the city’s best running routes together!

4. Set Everything Out the Night Before

Take the guesswork out of your morning by laying out your gear the night before. Shoes, socks, watch, and hydration—have it all ready to go. When your gear is staring you in the face, it’s a lot harder to justify staying in bed. Plus, you’ll save valuable time in the morning. You know what they say: “Don’t think, just run!”

Pro Tip: Put your phone with your alarm across the room, next to your running gear. Now you have to get up!

5. Pair Your Run with a Recovery Session at a Local Spot

Once your morning run is complete, treat yourself to some active recovery! Austin has plenty of great places to help you recover in style. Swing by Deep Eddy Pool for a post-run swim or stop by Black Swan Yoga for a quick restorative session. Knowing you have a relaxing recovery plan lined up can help push you out the door in the morning.

Pro Tip: If you’re running on the Shoal Creek Trail, plan a cool-down stretch on the beautiful lawns at Pease Park afterward. You’ll get to relax while soaking in some nature.

6. Set a Race-Day Goal to Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

Whether you’re training for the Austin International Half Marathon or aiming for a personal best at a local 10K, keeping race day in mind is a powerful motivator. Austin’s race scene is electric, and nothing feels better than crossing the finish line knowing those early mornings paid off. Keep your registration confirmation or bib from a past race visible as a daily reminder of why you’re putting in the work.

Pro Tip: The Austin International Half Marathon is known for its amazing crowd support and lively atmosphere, so picture yourself running through downtown with the cheers of the city pushing you to the finish line. That’s something worth waking up for!

With Austin’s stunning running spots, cool local hangouts, and strong running community, there’s no reason you can’t conquer your morning run. Sure, the bed is comfy—but the feeling of a morning well spent on the trails is even better. Stick to these tips, and you’ll be cruising through those training miles and ready to dominate race day at the Austin International Half!

Let’s rise, run, and crush it together, Austin!

Running Tips

How to Return to Running After Taking Time Off

Make the most of your return to running with our advice

Lace-up your shoes and let’s go! Now is the right time to return to running. Whether you’ve been out for six weeks or two years, start today! Remember: once a runner, always a runner.

Eventually, during everyone’s running journey there comes a time when a hiatus from running happens. It might be from an injury, work, school, burn out, etc. Life happens to all of us and that’s okay. It doesn’t matter if you took a short or long break from running, what matters is you are ready to return to running! We are here to encourage you to take the first steps back in confidence both physically and mentally. Take one small step for your running journey and one giant leap for YOURSELF. Utilize our summertime running advice if you’re making your return when the temps are higher.

In the beginning, avoid the following

doing too much
going too fast
returning too soon

These are the three most common mistakes that lead to injury during one’s return to running. Too much volume, too fast of a pace, too early in the training program. As runners, we have a tendency to want to jump back in where we left off.

We must remember that our bodies are highly adaptive to how we train. They need time to build back up when we take off. All the energy systems, muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons need to adapt to the increased stress that running requires of them to stay healthy. Consider the amount of time you have taken off and where you want to go. This will help you find a training program that is right for you.

Change it up during your return to running

Stay healthy during your return to running by switching it up. Include cross-training, strength training, and training with friends. Cross-training is anything other than running you can do for cardio. For example, biking, swimming, cardio circuit, hiking, elliptical, versa climber, rowing, etc. Cross-training uses different muscles and adjusts impact to avoid overuse injuries. Adding in strength training can help your body adapt and prepare for running’s impact. Proper strength training helps the body stay resilient.

The running community provides endless benefits! Including training sessions with friends can be good for the soul and push you further. Solo workouts are important too, but training with friends provides undeniable accountability. Switching up your training can keep you healthy, help you get stronger, and keep you on track with your plan.

One foot in front of the other

As much as running is physical, almost every runner will admit there’s a mental component too. The first few runs back can feel frustrating and daunting. During your return to running, tell your ego to be quiet. It is easy to get distracted by thinking

“I used to run this time and now I am running this”
“Will I ever be able to run that pace again”
“This feels uncomfortable how did I do this”

Take a deep breath and remember, “YES!” You can run those times again, you will return to running longer distances, you will feel more and more comfortable. After you have built up a running base once the next times are easier. Half the battle is showing up. So show up, blast some tunes, and put one foot in front of the other during your return to running!

Returning to running after a hiatus or injury can be both challenging and rewarding. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can gradually rebuild your fitness, prevent injuries, and reignite your passion for running. Remember to start slowly, listen to your body, and prioritize rest and recovery. Consistency, patience, and perseverance are key to a successful comeback. Celebrate small milestones along the way and enjoy the journey of getting back into the rhythm of running. Whether you’re aiming to complete a race or simply run for your own well-being, this guide has provided you with the tools and knowledge to make a triumphant return to the sport you love. Lace up your shoes, hit the pavement, and embrace the joy of running once again. Happy running!

Blog

How to Make Running More Fun

What you count as fun while running can be subjective. Maybe you need to leave the GPS behind and just enjoy the scenery, or maybe you need to try running in a group.

If you’re a runner, you know that sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated. Especially when the weather is bad or you’re just not feeling it. But don’t give up! There are plenty of ways to make running more fun, so you’ll be more likely to stick with it. Here are a few tips:

1. Run Together With Friends

Maybe a friend or a neighbor also goes running regularly, and wouldn’t mind joining you on your runs. You can join a training program as well, where you can find new running buddies. Running together with people that have similar goals and being a part of a larger running community can be fun.

Consider developing a hangout for your running buddies. You can decide to meet at a local area after your runs, so you can relax and hang out. You may also decide to meet for breakfast. Turning your daily run into a social event can help you enjoy it even more.

2. Sign Up for A Running Event

Running events like the 3M Half Marathon or the Austin Marathon are a fantastic way to bring some joy to running. Not only can you meet new people with a shared hobby, but you’ll also get to experience your own city (or destination cities all over the world) in a brand new way.

3. Change Your Routine Running the same route every day can get tedious. Instead, why not change up your routine, to make running more fun? Maybe you’re more interested in social runs, or you may prefer running alone. From time to time, switch up how you go running.

Run in different places, maybe even in the woods when you have time. Eventually, running the same route can start to feel stale. But consider also that you can explore new places while you run, which can make your daily runs a lot more fun.

Another way to change up your routine is to go running at different times of the day. If you usually go running in the mornings, then try going for a run after work.

4. Help Others Through Running

Some people need the help of a goal to start running regularly. This provides them with a sense of purpose. Consider running for charity or to raise funds. You can align yourself with your favorite organization, and the proceeds you raise from running will go to your chosen organization.

A fun way to dip your toe into this is by volunteering at a local running event. These events run on help from those in the community, and you’ll be doing a great service to your fellow runners which always feels good.

5. Gamify Your Run

You can download and have fun using running apps, and there are plenty to choose from. You can use apps to measure the number of miles you’ve run. You can also build a training log for yourself, and even keep track of your friends. Running apps can provide you with motivation and also turn running into a social event.

6. Pay Attention to Your Body

The most important thing while running is to listen to what your body is trying to say to you. Don’t compare yourself to others who run more than you, or those who train hard every day. You need to run in a way that suits you. When you nurture your needs and take care of yourself, all your runs will turn out to be more fun for you.

So, get out there and have some fun! Sign up for a race or two with your friends. Join a running club. Listen to your body and back off when you need to. And most importantly, remember that running is supposed to be enjoyable – so enjoy it!

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How Half Marathon Training Can Lead to a Healthier Lifestyle

7 different ways your training can create the healthier lifestyle you want

Half marathons are extremely popular within the running community. Every day, more people start running as a way to create a healthier lifestyle. Consistency is key if half marathon training is to become a factor in reaching your goal of having a healthier lifestyle. Even if you spend 12-18 weeks training, the consistency of your training plan will naturally lead you to a healthier lifestyle. Yes, you have to hydrate, get enough sleep, and eat right. That’s what will fuel your body during training. Doing that effectively will provide you with what you need during your half marathon training and factor into your healthier lifestyle. Below are 7 different ways training for 13.1 miles can create the healthier lifestyle you want.

Improve cardiovascular capacity

Your stamina will improve as your mileage increases.

Your cardiovascular capacity will become more efficient as your miles increase during your training. Cardiovascular capacity is basically your body’s ability to deliver oxygen to your muscles. This is vital to your growth as a runner! As your body gets better at this, you’ll be able to cover longer distances. During your build-up, that tough 6-mile run will become just another number during your longer runs down the road. Building up your stamina coincides with your increase in mileage, which will help on race day.

Burn calories

Once you get into the groove and start covering long distances regularly, your body’s metabolism rate will improve. New runners also burn more calories than veteran runners because they’re working harder. Don’t forget to fuel your body with a well-balanced diet and regularly hydrate. Burning calories is directly linked to the next benefit, weight loss. But you have to burn more than you take in! That’s why eating healthy foods and hydrating effectively is the foundation to a healthier lifestyle.

Lose weight

You’ll lose weight during your training if you follow your plan and eat healthily.

If you eat properly, hydrate effectively, and stick to your training plan, weight loss will occur. This could also help you become a better and more efficient runner. The less weight you run with, the easier it will be for your body to run. Some runners actually do the opposite and wear weighted vests. This makes their run or workout more difficult, helping them become stronger. Your metabolism, a balanced diet, and consistent routine are all crucial to losing weight and establishing a healthier lifestyle.

Create structure

Finding the right balance in one’s life isn’t simple these days, especially with work, family, friends, travel, and leading a healthier lifestyle. Once you decide to train for a half marathon, you’ll need to fit that into your busy schedule. Figure out what works best for you, build your routine, and you’ll develop a natural schedule. All you need to do is be smart and tweak your lifestyle around this schedule. If you’re a morning person, knock out your run before work. Skip that happy hour and fast food and eat a healthy meal and go to bed early instead. If you have kids, take them with you. All of these little changes will create your training structure.

Better your mental health

Running can reduce your stress and anxiety levels.

Life, work, kids, unnecessary drama, and uncontrollable external factors can all increase stress and anxiety. This could lead to poor eating, drinking too much, and a lack of sleep. Running helps reduce stress and anxiety which in turn helps you stay on track. Solidifying your routine, strengthening your body, and eating well can make you fit and improve your mental health. Think of it as a cycle

you build a routine, eat right, and sleep well so you can train
your training can help reduce stress and anxiety
you reduce stress and anxiety so you can stay on track
repeat!

Join the running community

There are running groups and clubs just about everywhere. Some are free, some charge a monthly fee for coaching and training. Give them a try until you find the one(s) that work best for you. They could help dictate your schedule, introduce you to new people, and get advice from veteran runners. As you get more comfortable, you’ll meet new people and slowly become a part of your running community.

Boost immunity

Better metabolism, improved stamina, and increased lung capacity are health benefits that can lead to an improved immune system. This could help your body recover from runs faster, make you less susceptible to illness, and further your healthier lifestyle. If you’re sick you won’t be able to run or workout until you’re better. Having an immune system that’s in tip-top shape will keep you on track and in your healthier lifestyle routine.

Running has many benefits that can lead to a healthier lifestyle. Settle on your routine and stick with it. Eat right, hydrate effectively, and get enough sleep. All of these actions are connected to your training and can lead to a healthier lifestyle. All of this can benefit your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Blog, Running Tips

Helpful Advice for Beginner Half Marathoners

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and sign up for a half marathon. Congratulations!

You’re in for an amazing experience. But before you toe the starting line, there are a few things you should know.

We collected advice for beginner half marathoners that are beneficial, thoughtful, insightful, and worth a read! If you’re feeling apprehensive about your first 13.1-mile race, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Tackling a half marathon is a big goal, but with the right training plan and mindset, it’s completely possible to accomplish. Check out this advice from seasoned runners to make your transition to half-marathoner status as smooth as possible.

Pro tip: if some terms below are unfamiliar then check out our helpful running terminology blog.

Nutrition and hydration

Make sure your nutrition/hydration plan accounts for race-day temperatures.
Stop drinking about an hour before the start.
Stop at the aid stations before you think you need to. Some experienced runners will talk about how getting a little dehydrated is totally fine – and it is. But for your first half marathon, you risk more by letting yourself get behind on hydration than overdoing it.
Practice eating nutrition and drinking hydration during training. Experiment to find what works best for you. Make sure your stomach tolerates it. You might deal with some things better than others!

Training

Consistency in training.
If you trained well, then you’ve done everything that’s within your control.
When running up and down hills, shorten your stride. Study the maps. Run the tangents.

Mentality

Start now ignoring that voice in your head that will tell you, this is hard, you can’t do it, you’re too old, it hurts, you can try again another race. You have to push through believing in your training and your determination and perseverance!
Bad patches will pass if you just distract yourself for a bit.
Don’t get stressed if you are a little boxed in early on.
Smile at all the cameras, thank as many volunteers as you can, high five all the people that put their hand out, take in all the scenery and enjoy every bit of it – YOU’RE RUNNING A HALF MARATHON!

Logistics

Body-glide, don’t forget it.
Cotton is not your friend.
However long you anticipate your half marathon will take to finish, multiply it by 2.5. Then make sure your playlist is that long, especially if you want warm-up tunes at the start line. There’s something weirdly demoralizing about your playlist starting over again when you thought it was long enough.
If you feel a blister forming look for an aid station and add some vaseline or moleskin (if available).

Pacing

If you feel like you need to walk you need to slow down.
Run at your target pace, do not get sucked into running faster because of the rush you get from the other runners/crowd.
Don’t go out too fast! The secret to a fast half marathon is a negative split (meaning you run the second half of your race faster than the first half). Patience!
Go slow, start slow, and ignore the pressure to pick up your pace just because you’re doing well.
Do not set a time goal for your first half marathon.
If you don’t think you’re going too slow, you’re going too fast.

And the most important advice of all

Nothing. New. On. Race. Day!

Now that you’re armed with all this great advice, it’s time to put it into practice and run your best half marathon yet. We hope these tips help you achieve your goals and cross the finish line feeling strong and accomplished.

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