H-E-B Named Official Grocery Store Partner for Spurs Austin International Half

 Texas retailer to provide premium finish line fuel.

The Spurs Austin International Half, formerly named 3M Half Marathon, announced a key partnership, naming regional retailer H-E-B as the official Grocery Store Partner for the 2026 running event. This collaboration will significantly enhance the participant experience by ensuring high-quality items are provided in post-race snack bags. The half marathon and 2-person relay are scheduled to take place in Austin on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The agreement highlights the race’s commitment to athlete recovery and leveraging local institutions.

As the official grocery store partner, H-E-B will provide contents for the official participant snack bags distributed to every runner crossing the finish line. This effort is focused on immediately replenishing energy for thousands of athletes following the completion of the 13.1-mile course. This support from H-E-B underscores the shared dedication of both organizations to supporting the health and wellness of the Central Texas community.

“Our goal is to create an unforgettable race day, and that extends beyond the finish line. H-E-B’s reputation for quality is unmatched, and having them power our post-race snack bags ensures every participant finishes their journey on a high note. It is a privilege to work with a partner that cares as much about community wellness as we do.”– Megan Frausto, Partnership Manager for the Spurs Austin International Half. 

The Spurs Austin International Half continues to grow its presence, offering participants a scenic route through the heart of Austin, attracting both international and local competitors. The collaboration with H-E-B reflects a strategic goal of promoting active, healthy lifestyles and further supporting the local Texas economy. Participant registration for the January 2026 event is available on the official race website AustinInternationalHalf.com 

 

About Spurs Austin International Half 

The Spurs Austin International Half, formerly the 3M Half Marathon, is one of Texas’ fastest and most exciting 13.1-mile events. Established in 1995, it features a net-downhill course that winds through Austin’s most iconic neighborhoods and finishes downtown. Runners enjoy a high-energy experience with live music, enthusiastic spectators, and top-tier course support. With PR potential, great swag, and an unbeatable Austin spirit, this event welcomes runners of all levels. Learn more at AustinInternationalHalf.com. 

 

About H-E-B

H-E-B, with sales of more than $50 billion, operates over 455 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 120th anniversary this year. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 175,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit heb.com and the H-E-B Newsroom.

Understanding the Importance of Tapering Before Race Day

You’ve logged the miles, tackled the long runs, and built a strong base—now it’s time for one of the most crucial (and often overlooked) phases of training: the taper.

Tapering is the period leading up to race day when you intentionally reduce your mileage and intensity. It’s not about doing less for the sake of it—it’s about giving your body the time it needs to rest, adapt, and arrive at the start line fresh, strong, and ready to perform.

What Is Tapering?

For most half marathoners, tapering begins 10–14 days before race day. During this time, you gradually decrease your training volume—typically cutting weekly mileage by 20–40%—while maintaining a few shorter workouts at race pace to keep your legs feeling sharp.

The goal: recover without losing fitness.

Your body uses this period to rebuild muscle tissue, replenish glycogen stores, and repair any small strains from peak training. Mentally, it’s also a chance to recharge and refocus your energy toward race day.

Why Tapering Works

Think of tapering as your body’s “download” period—it processes all the hard work you’ve put in and converts it into performance gains.

Here’s what happens when you taper properly:

  • Increased energy: Reduced mileage allows glycogen stores to replenish, so you start the race fully fueled.
  • Stronger muscles: Recovery time lets muscles heal and rebuild, reducing fatigue and soreness.
  • Sharper focus: A lighter training load can help ease mental burnout and improve confidence before the big day.

Skipping the taper might leave you tired or overtrained—neither of which sets you up for a PR.

How to Taper for a Half Marathon

  1. Cut Back Gradually: Reduce mileage each week leading into race day (about 20–30% less each week).
  2. Maintain Intensity: Keep some race-pace runs or light workouts to stay sharp, but shorten the duration.
  3. Prioritize Sleep & Nutrition: Rest and balanced meals will help your body fully recover and refuel.
  4. Trust the Process: It’s normal to feel restless or worry you’re “losing fitness.” Remember—you’ve already done the hard work!

The Week Before the Race

  • Run easy: Keep runs short and comfortable.
  • Stay hydrated: Start hydrating early and keep your electrolytes in check.
  • Don’t overdo it: Resist the urge to “cram” in one last hard workout.
  • Visualize success: Use this extra time to mentally prepare for race day.

Sample 2-Week Taper Schedule

Here’s a simple example you can follow or adapt to your training plan:

Week 1 (10–7 Days Out)

  • Monday: Rest or easy cross-training
  • Tuesday: 4–5 miles easy with 3 x 3-minute pick-ups at race pace
  • Wednesday: 3–4 miles easy
  • Thursday: 5 miles steady with short strides
  • Friday: Rest or light yoga/stretch
  • Saturday: 6–8 miles easy (last long-ish run)
  • Sunday: 2–3 miles recovery jog

Week 2 (Race Week)

  • Monday: Rest
  • Tuesday: 3–4 miles with a few strides
  • Wednesday: 2–3 miles easy
  • Thursday: Rest or short shakeout (2 miles)
  • Friday: Rest
  • Saturday: Race Day!
  • Sunday: Rest, recover, and celebrate

Rest, Recover, Race Strong

Tapering isn’t a sign of slacking—it’s a strategic step toward peak performance. By giving your body time to rest and rebuild, you’ll toe the line feeling energized, confident, and ready to run your best race.

Trust your training, enjoy the taper, and we’ll see you at the start line!

Running with Purpose: How to Set Achievable Goals for Race Day

Every runner lines up on race morning with a mix of excitement, nerves, and hope. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply aiming to finish strong, having clear and realistic goals can make your Spurs Austin International Half experience feel more intentional and rewarding. Setting goals isn’t just about picking a number—it’s about understanding where you are in your training and choosing targets that set you up for success.

 

Start with Your Training Progress
 Before you decide on any race day goal, take a look at your training journey so far. Ask yourself: Have I consistently hit my weekly mileage? Am I completing my long runs comfortably? How do I feel during tempo or speed workouts? Your training holds the clues to what your body is currently capable of. If your long runs have felt smooth and manageable, that’s a sign you can aim for a steady, confident pace. But if you’ve had a few inconsistent weeks, plan for a more flexible goal that prioritizes finishing strong over pushing too hard.

Also pay attention to how your body recovers. Quick recovery after long or intense runs often means you’re building good fitness. But if you feel heavy, sore, or fatigued for multiple days, it’s a sign you may need to focus on an achievable, consistent pace for race day instead of a big time jump.

 

Use Past Race Times as Your Guide
 If you’ve run races before—whether it’s a 5K, 10K, or half marathon—your previous times are incredibly helpful. They show where your fitness has been and can help predict where it might be now. For example, if your last half marathon was around 2:30 but your training pace has improved since then, it’s reasonable to shoot for something slightly faster. On the other hand, if this is your first half, focus on a goal based on training pace instead of speed expectations. A great starting point is aiming to run at the pace you’ve practiced comfortably during long runs.

You can also use online race calculators to estimate half marathon times based on recent 5K or 10K results—just remember that these tools assume ideal conditions. Always use them as guidance, not pressure. Race day weather, nerves, elevation, and even crowd energy can all affect your pace.

 

Set Tiered Goals You Can Celebrate
 One of the best strategies is creating three layers of goals. A “stretch goal” pushes you a little past your comfort zone, like a new PR. A “realistic goal” matches what your training indicates you can do. And a “backup goal” ensures you still feel accomplished if race day conditions—weather, nerves, or fatigue—don’t go as planned. This approach keeps you motivated without adding pressure, and it guarantees you’ll finish feeling proud of your effort.

Tiered goals also help you stay focused when race day doesn’t go perfectly. Maybe it gets hotter than expected. Maybe your legs feel heavier than they did in your best training run. With layered goals, you still have something achievable to celebrate, keeping your mindset strong from start to finish.

 

Practice Your Goal Pace Before Race Day
 Once you have an idea of what your target pace might be, practice it during your training runs—especially on tempo days or the final miles of your long run. Getting familiar with the rhythm of your goal pace builds confidence and reduces guesswork on race day.

This is also a great time to test out your fueling plan. Practicing gels, electrolytes, and hydration breaks at race pace helps you avoid surprises and keeps your energy steady throughout the course.

 

Adjust Based on Race Week Conditions
 The week leading up to race day can sometimes change your goals. If you’re feeling unusually tired, dealing with tightness, or starting to feel a cold coming on, it’s okay to shift your expectations. On the other hand, if you feel fresh, rested, and confident, you may be able to challenge yourself a bit more.

Always check the weather forecast, too. Hot or humid conditions require a more conservative pace, while cool and dry weather can help you aim a little higher.

 

Remember: Purpose Creates Progress
 Setting achievable race goals isn’t about limiting yourself—it’s about giving yourself direction. With solid training, honest self-reflection, and a smart plan, you’re setting yourself up for a strong, confident finish at the Spurs Austin International Half. Trust the work you’ve done, show up ready, and let purpose guide every step toward that finish line.

Meanwhile Brewing Co. as Official Brewery Partner for 2026 Spurs Austin International Half

The popular South Austin brewery will host the Finish Festival beer garden

The Spurs Austin International Half, formerly named 3M Half Marathon, announced today that Meanwhile Brewing Co. has been named the official Brewery Partner for the 2026 race. This collaboration ensures that runners and spectators can celebrate their achievements at the finish festival beer garden with local, high-quality craft beverages provided by the Austin-based brewery. The partnership aims to elevate the race day experience on Sunday, January 18, 2026, combining elite athletics with celebrated local culture.

“We strive to create an event that truly captures the spirit and vibrancy of Austin, and partnering with Meanwhile Brewing achieves exactly that. There is nothing quite like celebrating a major athletic achievement with friends, family, and a cold, locally brewed beer. We are thrilled that Meanwhile will provide that perfect celebratory moment for our runners.” – Megan Frausto, Partnership Manager, Spurs Austin International Half

Meanwhile Brewing will be the exclusive provider of beer within the official finish line beer garden. This area serves as a central point for runners to relax and recover after completing the challenging 13.1-mile course through the city. The activation reinforces the Half Marathon’s commitment to supporting local Austin businesses while offering participants a premium post-race experience.

“The Spurs Austin International Half is one of those events that captures the energy and spirit of Austin, and we’re proud to help bring that to life on race day. We can’t wait to raise a can with runners as they celebrate their accomplishment.” – William Jaquiss, Founder, Meanwhile Brewing Co. 

The Spurs Austin International Half is set to take place on January 18, 2026, featuring a scenic course that highlights many of Austin’s iconic landmarks. Registration for the event, which includes the half marathon and 2-Person Relay, is currently open. Organizers emphasize the finish festival as a key component of the overall experience. Participant registration for the January 2026 event is available on the official race website AustinInternationalHalf.com 

 

 

About Spurs Austin International Half: The Spurs Austin International Half, formerly the 3M Half Marathon, is one of Texas’ fastest and most exciting 13.1-mile events. Established in 1995, it features a net-downhill course that winds through Austin’s most iconic neighborhoods and finishes downtown. Runners enjoy a high-energy experience with live music, enthusiastic spectators, and top-tier course support. With PR potential, great swag, and an unbeatable Austin spirit, this event welcomes runners of all levels. Learn more at AustinInternationalHalf.com. 

About Meanwhile Brewing Co.:  Founded in 2020, Meanwhile Brewing Co. is a community hub for specialty beer, food and entertainment on 3.7 acres in southeast Austin. The passion project of founder and brewmaster Will Jaquiss, Meanwhile operates a 15-barrel, three-vessel brewhouse, producing a lineup of highly drinkable beers, including year-round canned offerings — the widely celebrated Meanwhile Pilsner, Meanwhile Secret Beach San Diego Style IPA and Tender Robot Hazy IPA — as well as a rotating selection of lagers, IPAs, seasonal brews and collaborations. More than just a brewery, Meanwhile is a gathering place. The grounds feature a thoughtfully designed taproom, a spacious beer garden, a stage and screen for live music and events, a regulation soccer pitch, sand volleyball courts, and a playground. A rotating selection of celebrated food trucks completes the experience, making Meanwhile a go-to destination for craft beer and community. Meanwhile Brewing Co. is one of Austin’s largest independent craft breweries. Its beers are distributed throughout Central Texas, from Georgetown to Buda, with expansion into San Antonio underway. For more information, visit www.meanwhilebeer.com or follow @meanwhilebeer on Instagram and Facebook.

Getting Ready for Race Day: How to Stay on Track During the Fall Months

As the leaves change and the air turns cooler, fall is the perfect season to keep building momentum toward your January race. The comfortable weather makes it easier to train, but busy schedules and shorter days can make it tempting to skip a run. Staying consistent through the fall is what will set you up for a confident and strong race day at the Spurs Austin International Half.

Stay Consistent with Your Training

The fall months often bring new routines and responsibilities, but consistency is the key to success. Schedule your runs at the same time each week so they become a habit. If your motivation fades, remind yourself why you started and what finishing strong in January will feel like. You can also run with a group or a friend to make it easier to stay accountable and enjoy the process.

Adjust to the Cooler Weather

Fall mornings can be chilly, so be prepared with comfortable, breathable layers that you can easily remove as you warm up. Lightweight gloves or a running hat can make early runs more enjoyable. As the days get shorter, remember to wear reflective gear and stay visible. Feeling prepared for the weather helps you stick to your plan without hesitation.

Prioritize Recovery and Health

Training consistency also means giving your body the rest and care it needs. Stretch after every run, stay hydrated even when it’s cool outside, and get enough sleep to recover well. Seasonal fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, apples, and spinach are great options to keep your energy levels high. Taking care of your body now ensures you stay strong through winter training and beyond.

Keep Your Goal in Sight

It can be easy to lose focus when race day still feels far away, but every step you take this fall brings you closer to your goal. Visualize yourself crossing the finish line and use that image to fuel your motivation. Remember that the effort you put in now will pay off when you line up in January feeling ready and confident.

Celebrate Your Progress

Fall training is not just about distance or pace. It’s about showing up, staying consistent, and enjoying the journey. Celebrate your small victories, whether it’s completing a long run or pushing through a day you didn’t feel like running. Every run counts and brings you one step closer to race day success.

Keep moving forward, stay healthy, and trust the process. Your hard work this fall will help you shine at the Spurs Austin International Half this January.