Tag Archive for: running

Runners of Austin: Part IV

A special series featuring four Austin runners and their journey as they train for the upcoming 3M Half Marathon and the Austin Marathon. Brought to you by CLIF Bar & Company, the Official Sports Nutrition of #downhilltodowntown17.

Name – Jason

Club – Rogue Running

1. What got you into running?

I ran a couple 10K events several years ago, but didn’t stick with it. Then I thought it would be good idea to run a marathon before I turned 40. I joined a training program and got hooked, running became my routine and I’ve met some great friends along the way.

2. How long have you been a runner?

I’ve been a “consistent” runner since December 2012. It started with a social 5K run “Jingle Run” at Rogue Cedar Park. Then I joined one of their intro programs. It’s been almost four years now and I’m still going strong.

3. What continues to motivate you to run?

Being part of a running group is essential for me. The team environment really motivates me, even on days I don’t want to roll out of bed at 4 a.m., knowing my teammates will be there makes me accountable. Training with Team Rogue constantly pushes me outside my comfort zone. I keep breaking my PRs, with no limits in sight. Oh, and the races, the energy and excitement of running with so many people is the greatest feeling! Finishing strong and celebrating that moment with friends and strangers, you feel on top of the world.

4. What does a typical long run Saturday look like in your world?

Typical Saturday long runs are with Rogue Cedar Park location. We typically run the neighborhoods of CP or Brushy Creek Trail. Generally running anywhere from 12-20 miles with a variety of people, typically a group of three or four of us will settle into a conversational pace. Stories are all over the place, amazing what you learn about people when running for three to four hours together. We typically stretch, roll, and have coffee back at Rogue after the run and spend time socializing. Generally done by 9:30 and get my weekend moving.

Runners of Austin: Part III

A special series featuring four Austin runners and their journey as they train for the upcoming 3M Half Marathon and the Austin Marathon. Brought to you by CLIF Bar & Company, the Official Sports Nutrition of #downhilltodowntown17.

Name – Cressida

Club – Gilbert’s Gazelles

1. How long have you been a runner?

The demands of graduate school got me into running consistently. I found that running helped me in so many ways – physically and mentally. I also had two rescue dogs at the time in a one-bedroom apartment, so they (one in particular) needed to run as much as I did! It was also in graduate school that I met two important people- my husband and Gilbert! My husband inspired me to run my first marathon in 2007 and Gilbert was actually my neighbor in graduate school. It took a few years, but I started training with Gilbert to get ready for the 2008 Boston Marathon.

2. How long have you been a runner?

I would say for 15 years, although as a kid even I loved running!

3. What continues to motivate you to run?

I have lots of motivations to run, which is why it’s easy for me get up so early most mornings! First, my family. Along with my husband, my two boys ages – three and five – are my biggest cheerleaders. Then, of course my other family – Gilbert’s Gazelles. Gilbert is truly an amazing person. Days that start with his workouts are certainly brighter. He brings joy to all of us who run with him. The friends I have made through the Gazelles are like family and we all support each other. Being a runner in the Gazelle community makes me a better mother, wife, and psychologist. It’s definitely been a balancing act with work and family, but so worth it.

4. What does a typical long run Saturday look like in your world?

Meet up with friends at Luke’s Locker and then head out on whatever course Gilbert has mapped out for us. Then, go home and spend the rest of the day with my boys!

Runners of Austin: Part II

A special series featuring four Austin runners and their journey as they train for the upcoming 3M Half Marathon and the Austin Marathon. Brought to you by CLIF Bar & Company, the Official Sports Nutrition of #downhilltodowntown17.

Name – Jillian

Club – Twenty-Six Two

1. What got you into running?

I ran on and off throughout middle school and high school for fun. I found out that I enjoyed running when I was a cheerleader in 8th grade. We had to run a mile before practice every day and it was my goal to be the fastest to run my mile. I never joined cross country or track, but I continued to run occasionally during college and I picked it up more after I graduated. I really began running again in 2013 after I started the South Beach Diet. After four years of teaching, I was at my heaviest, 198 pounds, and didn’t feel good, so I decided to do something about it. After I lost the initial 25 pounds, I started running more and signed up for my first 5K. I ended up losing 72 pounds and have kept it off for three years now.

2. How long have you been a runner?

I would say an avid runner for three years.

3. What continues to motivate you to run?

My motivation comes from how running makes me feel. I feel accomplished as well as relaxed after I run. I also enjoy the time to think and escape from reality for a little while during a run. I also keep running to stay in shape and maintain the new lifestyle that I started.

4. What does a typical long run Saturday look like?

We start running at 7 a.m., usually from Cover-3 off of West 5th Street. I’m usually finished between 8:35-8:45 a.m. It really depends on the route we take and how far we have to run. Then I rest up a bit at Cover-3 and head home. Sometimes I stop at Starbucks on my way to get coffee and a second breakfast. Then after that I relax for the rest of the day.

Runners of Austin: Part I

A special series featuring four Austin runners and their journey as they train for the upcoming 3M Half Marathon and the Austin Marathon. Brought to you by CLIF Bar & Company, the Official Sports Nutrition of #downhilltodowntown17.

Name – Abi

Club – Austin Runners Club

Area to run – South Austin (St. Edward’s University)


1. What got you into running?

I started running as a way to cope with difficulties in my life. Running has been an outlet for me, a way to de-stress. It has improved my self-confidence, reduced my negative thought processes, and brought stability and peace. Time spent running is time for me to reflect on myself and how far I have come.

2. How long have you been a runner?

I ran cross country and track in high school. I quit when some mental and physical difficulties took over my life. As an adult, I began to run again in early 2015 and I don’t foresee that ending any time soon!

3. What continues to motivate you to run?

I am motivated to continue to run because of the dedication that it takes when it gets hard – both mentally and physically. I am motivated by that “special” feeling I get after I finish a run. I am also motivated by my fellow ARC runners, the multiple health benefits that result from running, and the ability to explore the city that I live in by using my feet.

4. What does a typical long run Saturday look like?

I live near the St. Ed’s campus in South Austin and find myself training through those neighborhoods, around the downtown trail, and when my schedule permits, with ARC.

Austin Distance Challenge to Culminate with Austin’s Two Premier Running Events

Austin Marathon and Half Marathon and 3M Half Marathon set to be final two events

 

High Five Events is excited to continue their ongoing partnership with the Austin Runners Club (ARC) and their Austin Distance Challenge (ADC). The Austin Marathon and Half Marathon presented by NXP and the 3M Half Marathon are confirmed to be the final two events of the Austin Distance Challenge.

The Austin Distance Challenge, organized by the Austin Runners Club, is a competitive running series that allows runners to compete across five different events. Each race’s distance increases as the series progresses. Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Austin Distance Challenge is a perfect fit with many Austin runners’ marathon training programs. Other events include Run Free Texas 8K, Run for the Water 10 Mile, and the 38th Annual Decker Challenge Half Marathon.

“The Austin Distance Challenge has become an Austin tradition and we’re glad to be involved during its 20th year,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “The 3M Half Marathon and the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon presented by NXP will close out the ADC’s 20th year in style.”

The Austin Marathon and Half Marathon will be the culminating event for the Austin Distance Challenge. Runners participating in the Distance Challenge have the option to run the full marathon or the half marathon to complete their specific track. Whether you run 26.2 or 13.1 miles, this year’s finish line festival will be one to remember.

“The Austin Distance Challenge is a unique event series that provides participants a great way to prepare themselves for the big stage on race day,” said Austin Distance Challenge Coordinator Megan Baker, referring to the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon.

The 3M Half Marathon will be the fourth out of the five Austin Distance Challenge events. This is your event if you’re looking to run a good time and have a good time. Runners have been PRing at this Austin favorite for years. Starting in north Austin and finishing in front of the Texas State Capitol, runners will enjoy a 306’ net elevation drop.

“We’re excited to celebrate the ADC’s 20th Anniversary with two of Austin’s premier running events,” said Elaine Chung, Vice President of the Austin Runners Club. “From tackling longer distances to flying down the 3M Half Marathon’s famously fast course, participants are united by one goal – to join the ranks of Distance Challenge Finishers.”

Austin Distance Challenge participants will receive a tech shirt, free ARC membership (first time participants only), access to the famous ADC Hospitality Tent, specialized goodies, and an invitation to the End-of-Season party. The Austin Distance Challenge beneficiary will be The Trail Foundation. Registration is open for the Austin Distance Challenge.