Tag Archive for: Texas half marathon

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.

13.1 Reasons to Love 3M Half Marathon

Here are 13 of the many reasons runners love 3M Half Marathon

We hear from runners all the time about why they love 3M Half Marathon. We think it’s pretty awesome too! Everyone loves Downhill to Downtown for various reasons. Check out the list below; we’ve compiled the most frequent answers. Join us on January 19, 2020, to experience all we have to offer for yourself. 

1. Austin, Texas – shall we continue? You got it!

Runner runs in her Under Armour participant shirt, the shirt is just one reason you'll love 3M Half Marathon.

Participants love 3M Half Marathon because of the sweet Under Armour participant shirts!

2. Under Armour shirts – be the envy of your running friends who didn’t join you

3. The industry’s best gear bag – you’ll love all the useful 3M products

4. Commemorative, spinner finisher medal – slow-motion videos, boomerang GIFs, photos with the Texas State Capitol in the background, so many ways to show off your medal

5. 300+ ft. elevation drop – run our point-to-point course and see why hundreds set their half marathon PR every year; soak in all the on-course live music

6. Finish line festival – post-race massage, food trucks, hydration, live music, and so much more

7. Free finish line transportation – park at the start line, run to the finish line. We’ll take you back to the start line

Halfway there!

8. Amazing on-course support – hundreds of volunteers get up early and they stay late, helping you have the best experience possible

Participants celebrate their accomplishment in the beer garden, one reason people love 3M Half Marathon.

Participants (21+)celebrate their 3M Half Marathon accomplishments at the beer garden!

9. Expanded beer garden – because you and your friends need another place to celebrate

10. Pacers – the Twenty-Six Two pacers will keep you on track to finish when you want, helping you reach your goals

11. Two-day packet pick up and expo – purchase official 3M Half Marathon gear, check out the latest running products, and grab any last-minute needs

12. USATF-certified course – you won’t run anymore or less than you have to, we double-checked

13. Eight fully-stocked aid stations featuring Nuun Endurance – grab hydration, make a pitstop, or both (don’t forget to thank the volunteers)

13.1. Benefits Austin Youth River Watch – 3mgives selected this Austin nonprofit as the beneficiary for the second year in a row, helping this organization continue to positively impact Austin’s youth and our environment.

You just read 13.1 reasons runners love 3M Half Marathon. Your friends rave about it. Your running partners can’t stop talking about their experience. Now it’s your turn! Reserve your spot at the 2020 3M Half Marathon start line and experience all that we have to offer. And if 2020 won’t be your first time, you’re now on a mission to set your half marathon PR! Why do you love 3M Half Marathon? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!

10 Inspirational Running Quotes for 3M Half Marathon Training

Keep your fire burning bright with these inspirational running quotes

You’ve got big 3M Half Marathon goals and you have to train for them. They’re not going achieve themselves! From beginners to elites, half marathon training can last months. There will be highs and lows during that timeframe. If you need some inspiration or an extra boost of energy, read one of these inspirational running quotes. Remember why you’re training and keep pushing forward! Follow us on Instagram for a weekly inspirational running quote.

“In the midst of an ordinary training day, I try to remind myself that I am preparing for the extraordinary.” – Shalane Flanagan

“Do not let what you can not do interfere with what you can do.” – John Wooden

“There may be people who have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.” – Derek Jeter

“If you can believe it, the mind can achieve it.” – Ronnie Lott

“There is an expression among even the most advanced runners that getting your shoes on is the hardest part of any workout.” – Kathrine Switzer

“When you have the enthusiasm and the passion, you end up figuring how to excel.” – Deena Kastor

“It is better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret.” – Jackie Joyner-Kersee

“You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.” – Michael Jordan

“Life (and running) is not all about time, but about our experiences along the way.” – Jen Rhines

“The strength within yourself is what you gotta have – find it, and you will succeed.” – Johnny Pesky

2020 3M Half Marathon Opens Registration on May 1st

Register for 2020 3M Half Marathon on May 1st and receive a free personalized nameplate

Registration for the 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour will open, Wednesday, May 1st. Registration will begin at $89 for those who take advantage of the Early Pricing. Participants who register on May 1st will receive a free nameplate to personalize their 2020 spinning finisher medal. The 26th annual 3M Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, January 19, 2020, in Austin, Texas.

Register for 2020 3M Half Marathon on May 1st and you'll get a free personalized nameplate!

Register for 2020 3M Half Marathon on May 1st and you’ll get a free personalized nameplate!

“I’m excited to run the 2020 3M Half Marathon with my daughter, Kayleigh, for a second time,” said Austinite Sandy Williamson, who has completed 3M Half Marathon six times. “I look forward to watching her crush her 2019 time with a sub-4 hour finish!”

Nearly 7500 participants registered for the 2019 3M Half Marathon. That represented the largest field in the event’s 25 years running the streets of Austin. The standalone half marathon, also known as Downhill to Downtown, is excited to see its registration numbers continue to grow. Planning began months ago for one of Austin’s favorite running events.

2019 recap

The 2019 3M Half Marathon showcased a competitive elite field. Michael “Slim” Morris (1:07:19) and Jessica Harper (1:14:23) were the male and female champions. $50,000 was donated to Austin Youth River Watch in conjunction with 3Mgives. The energetic finish line festival provided participants an opportunity to meet up with family and friend to celebrate their accomplishments. Participants enjoyed the Oskar Blues beer garden, a live DJ, and food trucks. Participants enjoyed a fully supported course, complete with eight aid stations stocked with nuun and water, a Gatorade Endurance Zone, and thousands of cheering spectators with hilarious signs. The 2019 commemorative finisher medals featured a new, fresh look, complete with a spinning number 25 in the center.

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. Runners enjoy a point-to-point course with mostly downhill running that showcases some of Austin’s finest locations. Starting in north Austin and finishing near the Texas State Capitol, runners will appreciate a 306’ net elevation drop. Participants can register on the website starting May 1st.

8 Reasons to Include Cross-Training This Summer

Increase strength and get leaner when you include cross-training this summer with Camp Gladiator

There are some days where it feels like summer is already here. That means the constant heat and humidity is right around the corner! Most runners reduce the number of long runs from their training because of these conditions. As we know (because we’re runners too!), runners want to consistently better. Add Camp Gladiator workouts to your running schedule and include cross-training to your summer workouts. The benefits will be numerous when fall arrives. Check out the following 8 reasons you should include their 4-week training cycles.

CG trainers cheer on runners at the 2019 3M Half Marathon. Expand your summer training with Camp Gladiator trainers!

Expand your summer training with Camp Gladiator trainers!

Don’t forget! The Camp Gladiator crew warmed you up before the 2019 3M Half Marathon and cheered for you as you charged to the finish line.

Camp Gladiator Benefits

  • 4-week training cycle provides variety and proper progression to keep your body able to do what you love
  • Increase and maintain strength in your upper body, lower body, and core
  • Full-body workouts make you a more well-rounded athlete
  • Improve posture and strength for your long races and those final miles
  • Train in ALL planes of motion, not just the repetitive linear motion (like swimming, biking, running)
  • Reduced chance of injury by training different muscles and foundational movement patterns
  • Build speed and endurance with the training volume and intensity provided at camp
  • Increased agility, balance, and coordination will help you move better and more efficiently

Visit Camp Gladiator to get started and find an Austin location near you! Not in Austin? Find a workout near you.