Tag Archive for: running

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.

November Running Playlist Additions – 10 Must-Add Songs

Refresh your tunes with these November running playlist additions

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 the most recent 10 songs and put them in this convenient blog. You can listen to our playlist (100+ songs and counting) or refresh your music with these November running playlist additions. Remember, keep the volume low enough or don’t use headphones so you can listen to your surroundings and stay safe while training.

I Like Dirt – Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Chili Peppers have been at it for years. This isn’t one of their major radio hits, but this jam will have you quickly pick up the pace. Pro tip: best listened to if going on a trail run!

Busted and Blue – Black Pistol Fire
Black Pistol Fire call Austin home, but that’s not the only reason they made this list. They have several albums and this song is just the tip of the iceberg for running playlist-approved songs.

Shake It Out – Manchester Orchestra
Not feeling motivated for your run? Sometimes a song just tells you what to do. Pro tip: make this the first song of your playlist and get ready to shake it out!

Good Times Roll – The Cars
You thought this list would be all newer songs? Don’t limit your playlist. The tempo for this song is slower than the others. Pro tip: set this song for your recovery run or cool down and let the good times roll.

Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees
We’ve often heard runners claim to use this song as their running mantra. Of course it’s on this November running playlist update! Pro tip: set this song towards the end of your long run.

Remember to Breathe – Sturgill Simpson
We’ve got some rock and some classics so of course we added some alt-country. We doubt you’ll forget to breathe, but play this song when you need to slow down the pace and catch your breath.

Southern Point – Grizzly Bear
Don’t let Southern Point’s slow start fool you. It picks up around the 1:05 mark. If you hear this song pop up, use those 65 seconds to recover before you pick up the pace again.

Currency – The Black Angels
Another Austin group that rocks out first and asks questions later. The song is slow and methodical, making it the perfect warm-up or cool-down song.

Keep the Wolves Away – Uncle Lucius
You hear the wolves howling? Those are the voices in your head telling you to cut your run short. They want you to end your workout early. Pro tip: put this song towards the end of your running playlist when you need a reminder to keep the wolves away.

Takin’ Care of Business – Bachman-Turner Overdrive
Put this song anywhere in your playlist and let it be a reminder of what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. You’ve, set goals, you’re working towards them, and you’re takin’ care of business!

Utilize this November running playlist update 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.

Free Half Marathon Training Plan for 3M Half Marathon

12-week half marathon training plan to get you ready for 3M Half Marathon

Professional triathlete and coach Paul “Barny” Matthews built a 12-week half marathon training plan to get you ready for the 2020 3M Half Marathon on January 19th! Whether you want to set a new PR or just cross the finish line, download this half marathon training plan and toe the start line with confidence. Training begins Sunday, Oct. 27th, and takes you all the way to the start line.

Register for 3M Half Marathon and start training today!

Train with a pro

Matthews is a world-class triathlete, winning or placing at numerous IRONMANs and 70.3s. He broke onto the triathlon scene at the 2014 IRONMAN Asia Pacific Championship in Melbourne. The native Australian finished second in his home country with a time of 8:02:14. He ran the marathon portion of the triathlon (final portion) in 2:44:09! During the marathon, he averaged 6:26 min/mile after swimming 2.4 miles and cycling 112 miles! His coaching style provides athletes with a blend of training knowledge he’s learned first-hand. Matthews also includes lessons he’s been taught from other world-class runners and triathletes.

This downloadable plan is geared for runners who want to complete their first half marathon or set a new PR. You can customize this training plan yourself by adjusting the specific workouts and their days to fit your busy life.

Pro tip: when you have a rest day, take it!

Take your training to the next level and contact Matthews today for personalized coaching. Make sure you ask for his special 3M Half Marathon coaching rate! Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to see where he’s training and join him for a workout.

Enter your email to download the half marathon training plan!

3M Half Marathon training plan for the month of October.

3M Half Marathon training plan for the month of November.

3M Half Marathon training plan for the month of December.

3M Half Marathon training plan for the month of January.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 Types of Runs to Add to Your Training Program

Prepare for a half marathon with these 7 types of runs

Whether this is your first half marathon or your 10th, make sure these 7 types of runs are a part of your training. This breakdown can explain to beginners what their workout might specifically call for. These descriptions are helpful for veterans because it reminds them of what they need to focus on during their next run. Whatever your next type of run is, make sure you foam roll afterward to speed up your recovery. 

Long

This is a run that is longer than any of the other types of runs. Long runs have many benefits: builds muscle/heart strength, improves endurance, and teaches the body to burn fat rather than glycogen as a fuel source. They differ based on your current fitness level and the overall distance that you’re trying to achieve (like 5K or a marathon). Most training plans call for no more than one long run per week. Follow this long run recovery timeline to feel better faster.

Wilke Rd. provides a great hill workout, one of 7 types of runs runners should use during their 3M Half Marathon training.

The Wilke Rd. hill workout will make you a stronger runner!

Hill repeats

Running hill repeats increases leg strength, improves fitness, and uses the muscles of the legs, arms, and core in ways that are different than running on flat surfaces. Hill repeats help improve running economy, which translates into less energy expended over the course of a long-distance race. Start from the bottom of the hill, choose a destination point at the top of the hill and sprint up the hill to get there as fast as you can. Jog back to your starting point and repeat. The distance will be much shorter than your usual run, but the high-intensity sprint, as well as the incline, will make this challenging. Check out these Austin locations and try the recommended workouts!

Progression

Progression run is a run with a structured pace that increases from beginning to end. The distance and pace will vary based on your specific training goals. This type of run is good for improving your running stamina, mental strength, and teaching the body to run increasingly faster at the end of a race. It’s also a way to get a run in that is more difficult than the base run but not as intense as other different types of running.

Tempo

Tempo run refers to a “comfortably hard” pace that you can maintain for a longer period of time. It is different than race pace, however. A tempo run (also known as an anaerobic threshold or lactate-threshold run) is a pace about 25 to 30 seconds per mile slower than your current 5K race pace.  Basically, when you run, your muscles build up lactic acid, a metabolic byproduct that causes them to fatigue. The intention of a tempo run is to increase your threshold so that your muscles don’t fatigue as fast. This allows you to keep running longer.

Recovery

A relatively short, easy-paced, run performed within 24 hours after a hard session; usually an interval workout or a long run. Easiest training day of the week after rest days. A recovery run is done at an easy pace, “easy” being relative to your fitness level.

[bctt tweet=”Recovery run – relatively short, easy-paced, run performed within 24 hours after a hard session; usually an interval workout or a long run. Easiest training day of the week after rest days.” username=”@3mhalfmarathon”]

Sprints

Sprint workouts mean to run shorter distances at a faster than normal pace with multiple repeats during the workout. Sprint training is essential if you want to increase your speed. It builds strength and power so that you can run faster. Even if you’re a long-distance runner, sprinting is beneficial. Sprints actually help you run longer. They condition your body to be able to handle the distance without fatiguing as quickly.

Interval

Interval training runs are a mixture of low-moderate and high-intensity runs. It incorporates shorter periods of fast, hard runs where you put in more effort, followed by longer periods of jogging or walking. Interval training means that you will alternate between the two. For instance, you’ll run high intensity for one minute, followed by jogging for two minutes, one minute hard, two minutes easy (for a specified amount of time). Pro tip: the intense interval is key and you really need to push yourself to deliver the benefits, which include improving your running efficiency and your ability to maintain higher speeds for longer. It also burns a lot of calories very quickly.

Knowing about these 7 types of runs and their differences is great. But don’t forget you have to add them to your training and complete them too! When you begin training for the 3M Half Marathon, include these 9 tips runners use to see improvements. Reach out on Facebook or Twitter and let us know your favorite run.

4 Reasons Every Runner Should Foam Roll

What is foam rolling and why should runners do it?

According to Wikipedia, foam rolling is: a lightweight, cylindrical tube of compressed foam. It may be used for many reasons, including increasing flexibility, reducing soreness, and eliminating muscle knots. Foam rolling is a method of self-myofascial release.  Studies show that the best results occur when the foam roller is used for 30 to 90 seconds on each muscle and combined with static stretching.  Rollers come in different sizes and degrees of firmness. The firmness (often identified by the color) can range from soft to firm, soft being best for beginners.

Runner is taking advantage of foam rolling and its benefits.

Top 4 reasons runners should foam roll.

Top 4 Reasons Runners Should Foam Roll

Increases Range of Motion and Relaxation

1.) Increase range of motion – It can help break the knots in our muscles, which restrict our range of motion. Foam rolling can help use our full range of motion. Range of motion is important for flexibility and performance. Regular use of foam rollers for myofascial release can alleviate muscle tightness, ensure optimal joint range of motion, and enhance overall movement.

2.) Increase feelings of relaxation – Part of the reason people love getting massages is because it helps them unwind and feel better. Foam rolling is like giving yourself a massage that takes only a few minutes each time but leaves you feeling much more relaxed.

Decreases Injury Risk and Recovery Time

3.) Decrease injury risk – It can help prevent common injuries. Tight muscles can be more prone to injury, so self-release of muscles and fascia can help loosen everything up and increase your overall performance.

4.) Decrease recovery time – Helps speed up recovery because it promotes better circulation of blood throughout the body. This helps in the natural healing process. No one wants to feel sore for long periods of time. Using a foam roller will help make the uncomfortable feeling go away faster so you can start training again with less soreness.

We at 3M Half Marathon prefer TriggerPoint foam rollers since it started in Austin, where this awesome race takes place. They were also a past partner of the race. There are now numerous creators of similar products you can explore and test out.

Grab one soon, if you don’t already own one, and get to foam rolling ASAP!

4 reasons runners should foam roll.

Infographic on benefits of foam rolling.