Tag Archive for: running

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!

Fun Relay Team Names: Spice Up Your 3M Half Marathon!

Are you ready to lace up your running shoes, hit the pavement, and conquer the 3M Half Marathon? If you want to add an extra dose of fun and camaraderie to this exciting event, then running as a two-person relay team is just what you need! In this blog post, we’ll share some creative and entertaining relay team name ideas that will make your experience even more memorable. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect name for your dynamic duo!

Why a Fun Relay Team Name Matters

While participating in the 3M Half Marathon is already an exhilarating experience, having a quirky and entertaining team name adds an extra layer of excitement. A fun team name not only brings a smile to your face but also helps foster team spirit and camaraderie among other participants. It gives you a unique identity, making it easier for fellow runners to recognize and cheer you on during the race. Plus, who doesn’t love a clever pun or witty play on words to brighten up their day?

Relay Team Name Ideas

 

Using Running Terminology:

  1. Fast and Furious Feet:
  2. Twisted Treadmills:
  3. Sole Mates:
  4. The Sprinting Sprites
  5. Pace Pals:
  6. The Dynamic Duo:
  7. Blazing Blazers
  8. Race Avengers
  9. The Speedy Tortoises:
  10. The Lightning Bolts:

Using Austin monikers:

  • Keepin’ It Weird Racers
  • Hill Country Hustlers
  • Barton Springs Blazers
  • Live Music Loopers
  • Bat City Bolt Buddies
  • Lady Bird Lope Legends
  • Zilker Zip Zappers
  • BBQ Brisket Burners
  • Capital City Cheetahs
  • Lone Star Lightning
  • SoCo Speedsters
  • Guadalupe Glide Duo
  • Barton Creek Blazers
  • Stevie Ray Sprinters
  • Hipster Haven Hurdlers
  • South Congress Stompers
  • Barton Springs Bolt
  • Keep Austin Racing
  • Violet Crown Velocity
  • Longhorn Leap Legends
  • Live Music Milemasters
  • SoCo Speedsters
  • Lady Bird Lightning
  • BBQ Trail Blazers
  • Zilker Zephyrs
  • Lone Star Loop Legends
  • Capitol City Pacers
  • Steady Eddy Eastsiders
  • Keep Austin Racing
  • Hipster Haven Hares
  • Austin Adventure Racers
  • Trailblazing Troopers
  • South Congress Swifties
  • Riverside Rockets
  • Capital City Circuit
  • Batty Pace Partners
  • Funky Town Flyers

 

Remember, these names are meant to add a touch of Austin flair to your relay team. Enjoy the run and embrace the Austin spirit!

Q&A

Q: Can we change our team name if we don’t like it anymore?

A: Absolutely! Your team name is not set in stone. Feel free to change it as many times as you want until you find the perfect fit.

Q: Is there a deadline to add or change a team name?

A: To have your team name printed on your race bib, it must be confirmed by November 14. After that deadline, no changes to the name can take place.

Q: Do we need a team name or can we just participate without one?

A: While having a team name is not mandatory, it adds an extra element of fun and excitement to the race. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter!

Q: How do we come up with our own unique team name?

A: Get together with your teammate and brainstorm ideas. Consider your running style, personalities, or even inside jokes that make you laugh. Let your imagination run wild!

So, gather your teammate, put on your thinking caps, and unleash your creativity to choose a fun relay team name for the 3M Half Marathon. Remember, this event is all about pushing your limits, having a blast, and creating unforgettable memories. Good luck, and may the best team win!

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!

Join the 3M Half Marathon Volunteer Team

Volunteer at the 29th anniversary of the 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour! Individuals, groups, and companies can be part of this beloved Austin event. 

Read more

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.Image of female runner setting her running playlist while a male runner stretches. This 3M Half Marathon blog showcases 10 new songs for a running playlist update.

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!