Race day is almost here—and all the early mornings, long runs, and miles logged are about to pay off. Whether this is your first Spurs Austin International Half Marathon or you’re chasing a new PR, having a solid race-day strategy can make all the difference. From pacing smart to staying fueled and knowing what to expect on course, here’s how to navigate race day and make the most of every mile.

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1. Start Smart: Pacing Is Everything

One of the biggest race-day mistakes? Going out too fast. With race-day energy, music, spectators, and adrenaline, the first few miles can feel effortless—but restraint early sets you up for success later.

Pacing tips:

• Run the first 2–3 miles slightly slower than goal pace. Let your body warm up.
• Lock into your goal pace by miles 4–9. This is where patience pays off.
• Save energy for the final miles. If you’re feeling strong after mile 10, that’s your cue to push.

Remember: a controlled start often leads to a stronger, faster finish.

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2. Hydration & Fueling: Small Sips, Big Impact

Staying hydrated and fueled is critical—especially on a rolling, energetic course like Austin’s.

Hydration strategy:

• Begin hydrating early and consistently—don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
• Take small sips at aid stations, not full cups.
• If you’ve trained with sports drink or gels, stick with what you know on race day.

Fueling isn’t just for later miles—taking in calories early helps prevent fatigue and keeps energy levels steady.

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3. Know the Course: Break It Into Sections

Understanding the course helps mentally—and physically—prepare for race day. Instead of thinking about all 13.1 miles at once, break the course into manageable segments.

Course mindset tips:

• Early miles: Stay relaxed, find your rhythm, and ignore the urge to surge.
• Middle miles: Focus on form, fueling, and steady pacing.
• Final miles: Use landmarks, crowd energy, and the finish line excitement to stay motivated.

Knowing where to expect turns, crowds, or quieter stretches can help you stay calm and confident throughout the race.

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4. Use the Energy Around You

The Spurs Austin International Half Marathon is known for its electric atmosphere. Spectators, volunteers, music, and fellow runners all play a role in lifting you when things get tough.

How to maximize the experience:

• Make eye contact with volunteers and say thank you—it boosts morale.
• Let the crowd energy carry you through challenging moments.
• Run your race, but enjoy the shared experience with thousands of other runners.

You trained hard for this—don’t forget to soak it all in.

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5. Finish Strong (and Celebrate!)

As you approach the final stretch, trust your training. Focus on good posture, quick turnover, and controlled breathing. When you see the finish line, give it everything you have—you’ve earned it.

After crossing the line:

• Keep moving to help recovery.
• Rehydrate and refuel.
• Celebrate the accomplishment—PR or not, finishing a half marathon is a huge win.

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Final Thoughts

Race day is the celebration of all your hard work. Pace smart, fuel consistently, stay present, and enjoy every mile of the Spurs Austin International Half Marathon. We can’t wait to cheer you on as you take on 13.1 miles through Austin.

See you at the start line—and at the finish! ‍♂️‍♀️

Training for a half marathon is an exciting challenge, but more miles don’t always mean better results. One of the most common mistakes runners make, especially during peak training, is overtraining. Pushing too hard without enough recovery can lead to burnout, injury, and stalled progress.

As you prepare for the Spurs Austin International Half, learning how to listen to your body and adjust your training plan when needed is just as important as logging those long runs.

Why Rest Is a Key Part of Training

Rest isn’t time off—it’s when your body actually gets stronger. Every run creates small amounts of stress on your muscles, joints, and nervous system. Recovery days allow your body to repair, adapt, and come back stronger for the next workout.

Skipping rest days or constantly training at high intensity can prevent that recovery process. Over time, this can lead to lingering fatigue, decreased performance, or injury. Scheduling at least one full rest day per week—and honoring it—can make a huge difference in how you feel and how well you perform.

Sleep is also a major part of recovery. Aim for consistent, quality sleep throughout training, especially after long runs and hard workouts.

Common Signs of Overtraining to Watch For

Your body usually sends warning signals before overtraining becomes a serious issue. Paying attention early can help you avoid setbacks later.

Some common signs include:

• Persistent soreness or aches that don’t improve after rest

• Feeling unusually tired or sluggish during easy runs

• Decreased performance or struggling with workouts that once felt manageable

• Trouble sleeping or feeling restless at night

• Loss of motivation or enjoyment for running

• Increased irritability, stress, or mood changes

• Frequent minor illnesses or feeling run down

If you notice several of these signs at once, it’s a good indicator that your body needs more recovery.

How to Adjust Your Training Plan (Without Losing Progress)

Adjusting your plan doesn’t mean you’re falling behind—it means you’re training smarter. Flexibility is one of the most important tools for long-term success.

Here’s how to make smart adjustments:

• Reduce mileage or intensity for a week: A short “cutback” week can help your body reset without derailing your progress.

• Swap a run for cross-training: Low-impact options like cycling, swimming, or yoga can maintain fitness while giving your joints a break.

• Slow your easy runs down: Easy runs should feel truly easy. If you’re constantly pushing the pace, your body may never fully recover.

• Take an extra rest day if needed: One missed run is far better than weeks off due to injury.

Remember, training plans are guides—not rigid rules. Life stress, weather, sleep, and overall health all affect how your body responds to training.

Avoiding Burnout as Race Day Approaches

Mental fatigue can be just as challenging as physical fatigue. Mixing up routes, running with friends, or reminding yourself why you signed up for the Spurs Austin International Half can help keep training fun and motivating.

Trust the work you’ve done, prioritize recovery, and give yourself permission to adjust when needed. Showing up to race day healthy, energized, and excited is far more important than hitting every single workout perfectly.

Listening to your body now sets you up for a stronger, more enjoyable race—and many more miles ahead. We can’t wait to cheer you on as you toe the start line!