Our Favorite Hill Workout Locations

Build strength and stamina at these four hill workout locations

“Hills are speedwork in disguise.” – Frank Shorter (gold medalist in the marathon at the 1972 Summer Olympics, silver medalist in the marathon at the 1976 Summer Olympics)

It’s no secret, Austin is located in the Texas Hill Country. The 3M Half Marathon course might have a -300 ft. drop in elevation from start to finish, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore hill workouts! Incorporating a weekly hill workout into any training plan will build stamina, strengthen your lower body, and increase your lung capacity. There are many Austin options for a great hill workout, but the four locations below are our favorite. If your favorite didn’t make our list, let us know on Facebook and Twitter.

  1. Wilke – Let’s kick this off with a well-known Austin classic in the Barton Hills neighborhood, Wilke. The entire road itself is about .3 miles, but you can push that to nearly half a mile (and >100 ft. elevation change) with this workout: begin at Barton Parkway and Wilke Dr. and run to the top of the Wilke, you’ll end at Rabb Road; turn around and head back down Wilke (make sure to control yourself!); take a left on Barton Parkway; make a U-turn at the footbridge and return to your starting point. Rest for 60 seconds, repeat as desired.
  2. Ladera Norte – To visit Ladera Norte head to northwest Austin, past Far West Blvd. Many different routes can be created from this hill, but this workout is a ~1.3-mile lollipop route that has >330 ft. elevation change. Park at Ladera Norte and Valburn Dr. Head south on Ladera Norte and control your stride. Take a right on Backtrail Dr., it’ll end at Ladera Norte. Take a left on Ladera Norte and begin your ascent. Tip: keep your head low, lean forward, and keep your feet moving. Rest for 2:30 minutes, repeat as desired.

    The Hill of Life ascent.

  3. Hill of Life – Get off the roads and conquer the Hill of Life on the Greenbelt! Pay attention on this route, especially as you descend the Hill of Life. What starts at the top with great views ends nearly half a mile downhill, with nearly 300 ft. of elevation change. There are no turns to know, unless you want to run on the trail for a 5-minute recovery. Repeat as desired. Get to the Hill of Life on foot (several Greenbelt access points) or by car (take Scottish Woods Trial off 360).
  4. Pease Park – This double-roller near Shoal Creek doesn’t have the elevation gain of the other three on this list, but it’s a great workout nonetheless. Start near the picnic tables at Pease Park and run west on Kingsbury St. The climbs aren’t gnarly, but there is a flat part before the second hill. Use this section to briefly recover before attacking the second hill. It’s slightly more than a quarter mile before you turn around, use the downhill to recover. Recover at Pease Park for 60 seconds, repeat as desired.

When you visit these hill workout locations it’s important to bring fluids with you, especially during the Texas summers. Pease Park has water fountains, but if you prefer your own hydration plan accordingly. As for all workouts on the road, be visible/reflective, run against traffic, be predictable and keep an eye out for cars. If you’re running as a group, don’t hog the road and run no more than side-by-side.

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2018 3M Half

3M Half Marathon Provides Good Times and a Good Time

Goals were achieved and hundreds of PRs were earned at the 2018 3M Half Marathon on Sunday, January 21st. More than 7000 participants registered, the most in event’s 24-year history, for the standalone half marathon, coming to Austin from 47 states and 19 countries. Thousands of spectators lined the streets of Austin, cheering on runners and ensuring this special day will be remembered by all, including Laurie Allen, 9-time IRONMAN finisher, who finished her first half marathon on a hand cycle in 2:29:59 (after an accident in 2015 rendered her a quadriplegic).

Laurie Allen and Kent Snead.

“Another spectacular race day made possible by the folks at High Five Events and my amazing group of friends,” said Allen. “I love being back out on the race course with my fellow runners. It was a perfect day!”

Allen started at 7:10 a.m. while the rest of the field began their race to the heart of Austin at 7:30 a.m. Navigating their way downtown, 5626 runners enjoyed a fully supported course, complete with eight aid stations with water and nuun, a CLIF Bar CLIF Zone handing out CLIF SHOTS near Mile 7, thousands of cheering spectators with cowbells and hilarious signs, and nine bands performing live music on course.

“I had two goals coming into the 3M Half Marathon: to PR by one minute and to stick with the 1:55 pacers, then pick up my pace the last couple of miles,” said Jillian Baaklini, who set her half marathon PR (1:53:19) at the 2018 3M Half Marathon. “About a mile out I realized I would beat my previous PR by three minutes. I had this unexpected burst of energy and sprinted to the finish!”

Austinite Jessica Harper (1:15:45) was the overall female winner; with Jennifer Hall (1:17:51) and Anita Perez (1:19:35) finishing second and third respectively. The top three female Master’s finishers were  Tammy Bogle (1:33:08), Rochelle McClanahan (1:33:39), and Anne Hughes (1:34:08).

Jessica Harper, 2018 3M Half Marathon female champion (1:15:45).

Syracuse alumnus Joey Whelan (1:09:06) crossed the finish line first. Bryan Morton (1:10:13) and Mike Kurvach (1:12:24) completed the overall men’s field, respectively. The male Master’s finishing in the top three consisted of Matt McCurdy (1:14:19), Adam Reiser (1:16:49), Kevin Kimbell (1:16:55).

“2018 3M Half Marathon was a great opportunity to test my fitness and get myself into a race environment,” said Whelan, who used this as a tune-up race before the Austin Marathon on Feb. 18th. “It was nice to work with Byran Morton while being cheered on by the Austin running community. I look forward to running these streets again in a month at the Austin Marathon.”

For those planning ahead to January 20, 2019, next year’s registration is open and set at the low price of $65. This amazing deal will be available until Wednesday, January 24th. Don’t miss out on one of the faster half marathon courses in the country and the best packet in the industry, full of useful 3M products. Participants can see their results on the 3M Half Marathon website and continue to share their memorable experiences on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Runners can expect their FinisherPix race day photos to be ready in 24-48 hours after the race.

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will open registration for 2019 on Monday, January, 22nd. Runners will enjoy a point-to-point course with mostly downhill running that showcases some of Austin’s finest locations. Starting in north Austin and finishing in near the Texas State Capitol, runners will appreciate a 300+’ net elevation drop.

The 2018 3M Half Marathon would like to thank the volunteers, spectators, and participants who made the race so special. They would also like to thank 3M and Director Mark Holmstrom, Girlstart and Deputy Director Julie Shannan, H-E-B, Under Armour, Clif Bar, nuun, Heavenly Care Moving, Dole, Medicine in Motion, Oskar Blues Brewery, Ben Phillips – Engel & Völkers Austin, and Austin Massage Company.

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presenting sponsor

2018 3M Half Marathon Introduces Under Armour as Presenting Sponsor

High Five Events is thrilled to announce Under Armour® as the presenting sponsor of the 3M Half Marathon, which takes place in Austin on January 21, 2018. The partnership will feature Under Armour’s innovative performance products and highlight their brand’s continued community involvement.

“The opportunity to make our mark on the renowned 3M Half Marathon is an exciting one,” said Topher Gaylord, GM of Run at Under Armour. “Austin is one of the most active and vibrant running markets in the U.S. and we look forward to amplifying the experience for runners in 2018.”

Under Armour, the originator of performance footwear, apparel, and equipment, will outfit participants and race volunteers with their HeatGear® running shirts, provide participants with sack packs, and provide pacers with the footwear and apparel they need to ensure participants hit their goal times. Additionally, Under Armour will outfit the 3M Half Marathon pace team with race kits and the newly-designed UA HOVR performance running footwear.

“Having Under Armour as presenting sponsor is a great fit because thousands of participants push themselves at the 3M Half Marathon in pursuit of a PR,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Under Armour’s commitment to runners and the sport of running will shine through on race day.”

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 24th year running in 2018. Runners will 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.

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Oskar Blues Brewery Returns as Official Beer for 3M Half Marathon

High Five Events introduces Oskar Blues Brewery as the Official Beer Sponsor for the 2018 3M Half Marathon. The 3M Half Marathon will feature Oskar Blues signature Austin-brewed beers at the finish line festival’s beer garden for finishers 21+.

“The 3M Half Marathon is an Austin institution that fits with our get-up and go attitude of mixing great outdoor efforts with music, beer and good times,” said Oskar Blues’ marketing director, Chad Melis.

Oskar Blues Brewery Austin, the original craft beer in a can, will offer 21+ finishers and spectators their award-winning, Austin-brewed beers on race day. The 3M Half Marathon’s beer garden will provide runners and their friends and family a place to gather, relax, and enjoy any one of Oskar Blues’ signature craft brews post-race. Available beers include Austin’s own Dale’s Pale Ale, Mama’s Little Yella Pils, and Oskar Blues IPA.

“Last year’s finish line festival was a huge celebration of great accomplishments highlighted by Oskar Blues Austin’s beers in the beer garden,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Runners could connect with friend and family, enjoy themselves post-race, and commemorate the moment with photos.”

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 24th year running in 2018. 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 300’+ net elevation drop. Participants can register on the website.

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2018 3M Half Marathon Anticipates Largest Field in 24-Year History

High Five Events is making final preparations for the 24th annual 3M Half Marathon on January 21st. With registration numbers nearing 7000 participants, this is expected to be the largest field in the race’s history. The race will begin at 7:30 a.m., feature a competitive elite field, benefit Girlstart, and highlight thousands of runners racing for their half marathon PR.

“I started running on a treadmill three years ago in cardiac rehab after a heart attack at 57,” said Renee Myrick, who will complete her first half marathon at the 3M Half Marathon. “I’ve done 5Ks and 10Ks, but on Sunday, Jan. 18th, I’ll run/walk my first half marathon at the 3M Half Marathon!”

Beginning near The Domain, thousands will run the predominantly downhill course in search of their PR, cruising through beautiful Shoal Creek Blvd., historic Hyde Park neighborhood, the world-renowned University of Texas at Austin, before finishing near the Texas State Capitol. The 3M Half Marathon’s finish line festival will celebrate finishers and their efforts. In addition to their Under Armour participant shirt, spinning finisher medal, bottle of water, and snack bag, participants (21+) can enjoy Oskar Blues Austin brews and devour delicious food from several food trucks. Sponsors, vendors, and partners will populate the finish line festival, celebrating runners and their achievements.

“We’re thrilled to host a record-breaking number of runners at 3M Half Marathon, especially those running towards a half marathon PR on the streets of Austin,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “Couple the excitement of race week in Austin with great sponsors like 3M, Under Armour, nuun, and Clif Bar and you have the makings of a memorable event for participants, spectators, and volunteers alike.”

Girlstart is once again the beneficiary of the event. 3Mgives will contribute $50,000 to support Girlstart’s educational programs in conjunction with the race. Through its comprehensive programming, Girlstart provides a year-round, intensive suite of STEM education programs for K-12 girls. Girlstart’s core programs foster STEM skills development, an understanding of the importance of STEM as a way to solve the world’s major problems, as well as an interest in STEM electives, majors, and careers.

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 24th year running in 2018. Runners will 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 306’+ net elevation drop. Participants can register on the website.

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3M Half Marathon Lands Sponsorship with Ben Phillips

Partnership makes Ben Phillips – Engel & Völkers Austin the Official Realtor

High Five Events introduces Ben Phillips – Engel & Völkers Austin as the Official Realtor of the 2018 3M Half Marathon. As the Official Realtor, Phillips is currently giving away two 3M Half Marathon entries and will have a space at the expo, complete with photo booth, to talk to athletes about their housing needs.

“As a longtime member of the Austin endurance and fitness community it is exciting to be the Official Realtor of the 3M Half Marathon,” said Ben Phillips, Real Estate Advisor Engel & Völkers. “3M Half Marathon is one of the marquee running events in this city and we are proud to play a role in enhancing the event experience for thousands of participants and spectators.”

Ben Phillips – Engel & Völkers Austin knows Austin extensively and is a mainstay in the endurance athlete community. Not only does he sponsor various endurance events around town, he often participates in them as well. Phillips uses his real estate experience and knowledge of Austin to help athletes find homes that are within proximity of where they need to train.

“Ben understands the value of living close to where you train and he combines his knowledge of Austin and real estate experience to serve all of his clients,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “We’re glad to have Ben, an endurance athlete who knows the City of Austin inside and out, as a sponsor for the 3M Half Marathon.”

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 24th year running in 2018. 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 300’+ net elevation drop. Participants can register on the website.

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3M Half Marathon Designates Medicine in Motion Official Medical Provider

High Five Events, one of the largest privately owned event production companies in the United States, introduces Medicine in Motion as the Official Medical Provider for the 2018 3M Half Marathon. Medicine in Motion and their experienced team will have an on-course presence throughout the race and at the finish line medical tent.

“We are so happy to be involved in this great event again this year,” said Dr. Martha Pyron, owner of Medicine in Motion. “You can trust Dr. Pyron and Medicine In Motion to take great care of the athletes!”

Based in Austin, Texas, Medicine in Motion is a facility for all sports-related injuries, sports evaluations, nutrition and fitness, and performance-based care. They specialize in providing top quality sports medicine healthcare for active individuals of all ages and believe active bodies are healthy bodies. Their mission is to keep you active and healthy.

“Participant safety is a primary focus of ours and we know Medicine in Motion, who has some of Austin’s top sports medicine professionals, shares that same vision,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “They will keep a watchful eye on all participants and act quickly should the need arise.”

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 24th year running in 2018. 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 300’+ net elevation drop. Participants can register on the website.

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Dole Packaged Foods Added as Sponsor for 3M Half Marathon

High Five Events introduces Dole Packaged Foods LLC as a sponsor for the 3M Half Marathon and the Austin Marathon. DOLE® will provide a variety of their Dole Fruit Bowls in Coconut Water for finishers of both events. The 3M Half Marathon will take place on Jan. 21st and the Austin Marathon® will take place on Feb. 18th.

“We are thrilled to be a sponsor of these prestigious events and know the participants will enjoy our healthy products when they cross the finish line”, said Stan Stuka, Senior Marketing Director, Dole Packaged Foods. “At DOLE we are committed to providing nutritious, convenient products that fit in to today’s healthy lifestyles.”

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 27th year running in the capital of Texas on February 18, 2018. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 20+ countries around the world. Having start and finish locations just a few blocks apart, being within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants, and finishing in front of the picturesque Texas State Capitol makes the Austin Marathon the perfect running weekend destination. Participants can register for the marathon, half marathon, or 5K.

“Having Dole and their reputation as a world leader in the healthy eating space return as sponsor is a huge addition for the 3M Half Marathon and the Austin Marathon,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Their support of runners around the world will be on full display when more than 25,000 participants take to the streets of Austin.”

The 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country and will celebrate its 24th year running in 2018. Runners will 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.

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3 Tips for Growing Your Team

Having a large team running together is really fun! But motivating everyone to sign up on time can be challenging. Here are 3 Tips to help you grow your team and have everyone registered in time before the team deadline.

sending team reminder emails

1. Emails

The most important part of this is the -s. One email inviting everyone to the team is not enough. You may feel pushy but trust us, your not. Reminding people of the deadline and the perks is important. We suggest at least 3 emails between now and the team deadline to remind everyone you want on your team to register.

 

3M Team Shirts with Custom Names

2. Add Perks

Some need a little something extra. If you are able, you may want to offer something special to everyone who joins the team before a certain date. This can be something like having their name on their shirt, if you are doing a group shirt or maybe a hat or special pin.

 

create facebook event

3. Share it on Social

If you are a public team, share it everywhere. 🙂 A great way to do this is a Facebook Event where the event date is the team registration deadline. You can then invite all your friends and then ask them to invite everyone they know who might be interested. In no time you may find yourself with 100’s of people who are interested in joining your team. Post in the event or private message these people to make sure they are reminded of the deadline.

 

Remember, whether it is 5 or 500 having a team is about having fun! See you and your team members at the start line on 01.21.2018!

 

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Get to Know Your 2018 Pace Team

You’re registered. You’re training. You have a goal time in mind. This is your first half marathon. You want to PR. You want to beat last year’s time. Whatever your race day goals, the Twenty-Six Two Marathon Club pacing group will help guide you. Meet your 2018 3M Half Marathon pace team, learn where to find them on race day, and read a few do’s and don’ts of running with a pace team.

Find your pacing group: look for the Twenty-Six Two Pacers in the starting corrals holding pace signs that correspond to the paces designated by signs in the corrals. There will be two pacers per each pace group (finish times of 1:30, 1:35, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 1:55, 2:00, 2:05, 2:10, 2:15, 2:20, 2:25, 2:30). The pacers will also be wearing matching running outfits that say “PACER” or otherwise designated them as official 3M Half-Marathon pacers.

1:30 Anthony Jacobs Brandon Ostrander
1:35 Joe Terracina Steve Chase
1:40 John Golden Leland Mangrum
1:45 Karim Elmrabet Talaya Frazier
1:50 Jennifer Goetz Laura O’Connor
1:55 Paul Carmona Kara Levy
2:00 Eric Johnson Stephanie Swanzy
2:05 Steve Pina Summer Smith
2:10 Katie Carmona Eva Oleksy
2:15 Ted Kvapil Claire McGuinness
2:20 Jenny Yee Maria Hermon
2:25 Juanita Bowling Corina Felan
2:30 Shannon Arriaga Molly Stapleton

A few do’s and don’ts: 

  • DO ask questions before the start about your pace group’s race plan. Most will run slightly slower at first, and then pick up speed in the middle miles of the race. However, each pace group is slightly different, so make sure to ask any questions before the race begins.
  • DO drink at water stations along the way if you normally take water or sports drink during the race. The pacers will slow down slightly to allow runners to catch up after water stops.
  • DO ask questions or introduce yourself during the race if you are inclined. The pacers are all accustomed to racing at paces faster than what they are pacing, so they should be able to answer your questions.

    pace team

    Summer (4256) and Steve (4530) will lead the 2:05 group for 2018. Claire (5241) will lead the 2:15 group for 2018.

  • DO ask what your splits should be at each mile marker, and compare the pacers’ times with your watch or GPS device. You want to make sure that you are “in sync” with the pacers’ official times.
  • DO relax and let the pacers guide you! They are trained to finish at (or slightly faster than) their designated finish times.
  • DON’T struggle to stay right next to or behind the pacers, especially at the beginning when it is crowded. As long as you are near them along the way, you will have plenty of time to stick with them after a few miles.
  • DON’T try to start out with a pace group that is significantly faster than you are accustomed to running. Find the pace group that is right for you, and enjoy the race as the pacers lead you to the finish line.
  • DON’T forget that the pacers are targeting a finish that corresponds to their own chip time, not the official “gun time.” If your pace group crosses the start line several minutes after the race begins, the pacers will be following their own chip time, not the “clock” time at the finish. Make sure to ask along the way what the pacers’ time is, and compare it to your own time. If you are unsure whether you are “ahead of” or “behind” the pacers’ time, ask them! They will answer your questions.

Twenty-Six Two Marathon Club (TST) is an Austin-based nonprofit group that provides low-cost training to men and women marathoners and half marathoners throughout the year. Since 2005, TST has trained hundreds of runners for races in Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York, San Antonio, and many other cities (and countries). TST’s Pace Team provides pacers for races year-round and is comprised of club members who have run multiple marathons and half-marathons.

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