Tag Archive for: Camp Gladiator

Summertime Running Advice Every Runner Should Know

Our summertime running advice will keep you moving during the summer months

With Texas already experiencing some summer-like days, it’s important to take advantage of the remaining cool days and mornings while you can! While the humidity and soaring heat may make it challenging to run, it doesn’t mean you have to stop altogether. Instead, consider using this season as an opportunity to become a better runner while staying safe. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with valuable advice on how to beat the heat and continue running during the summertime. Embrace the challenge to make yourself a better runner and stay safe with our advice. Implement this summertime running advice to beat the heat. 

Protect yourself

Image of two women running on a shaded trail. They're following the 3M Half Marathon's summertime running advice to beat the heat while they run.

Trail running is a great way to beat the heat!

If you run when the sun is out, protect yourself from its rays.

  • apply sweat-proof sunscreen 15-20 minutes before your run or workout
  • wear a hat or visor to protect your face
  • rock the shades (protect your eyes from the sun’s rays and glares from other objects)
  • wear light-colored clothes (dark colors absorb more heat) and sweat-wicking material

Hit the trails

Get off the roads and hit the trails! Austin is crawling with amazing trails that you can run on. Running with nature gets you away from the asphalt (absorbs heat), away from cars and their exhaust, and closer to the trees (that provide shade) and creeks (where you can cool off if needed). Pro tip: if you run with your dog on the trails, obey all city ordinances and make sure you pack water and a bowl (or that the creeks have running water).

Adjust schedule

It’s no secret that the mornings and evenings are cooler than the afternoon. Running/working out when it’s 15-20 degrees cooler can make all the difference. The last thing you want to do is overheat your body. Pro tip: these six tips will help ensure you make your morning run.

Hydrate

Oftentimes the most overlooked tip. Not because people don’t hydrate, but because people don’t hydrate enough. 60-80 fluid ounces is recommended daily depending on body weight. If you’re more active you’ll need to increase the amount. Make sure to incorporate a nice balance of water and a liquid with electrolytes. Adequately hydrating on a daily basis ensures your body has what it needs when you begin sweating during your run/workout.

Cross-train

Yes, cross-training can help you improve as a runner!  You don’t have to stop running, but your mileage will decrease when you implement cross-training. This can be as simple as riding your bike on these shaded trails. You could try online yoga, bootcamp workouts, or rock climbing. Remember to apply sunscreen if you’re outdoors. Benefits: increase lung capacity, recovery from a hard run, strengthen muscles, and increase flexibility.

The summer heat doesn’t have to be a barrier to your running routine. With careful planning and incorporating the tips mentioned in this blog post, you can stay safe and still enjoy the benefits of running during the summer months. Whether you’re an experienced runner or just starting out, it’s essential to listen to your body and adjust your routine accordingly. By staying hydrated, wearing breathable clothing, running in shaded areas, and taking breaks when needed, you can continue to challenge yourself and improve your fitness level while beating the heat.

7 Valuable Tips You Need to Know to Run Your Best

These 7 valuable tips will help you run your best and get the most out of training

Run your best when you follow these 7 tips! There are some things that are out of our control, like the weather. But when you execute the things you can control, you truly run your best. These tips are as easy as relaxing while you run and as technical as checking your cadence. Keep these tips in mind when you’re training during the summer months. Need a reminder? Click the infographic below to download for yourself. Take your training to the next level when you take care of yourself with this vital advice!

Relax

Downloadable infographic highlighting 7 tips you should follow to run your best.Sounds simple, but we can unknowingly put a strain on our body in an effort to produce mileage or a certain pace. Really focus on relaxing your body. Unclench your fists and loosen your shoulders and jaw. You can even begin your run or workout at a slightly slower than normal pace to really dial in your breathing. Slowly increasing your heart rate at the beginning will help with relaxation.

Check your cadence

The average runner’s cadence should be 160-170 steps per minute. You don’t have to count this in your head! Every runner is different, especially if you’re just starting out or have been running all your life. Under Armour makes knowing your cadence seamless. Their Bluetooth connected shoes, like Under Armour’s HOVR Velociti 2, send the information from your run directly to their MapMyRun app. The app even provides personalized coaching tips! Tracking your cadence, mileage, pace, and other running-related data will help you see improvement.

Focus on your stride

This coincides with the first tip to relax. Your stride improves when you relax. Don’t overstride or run on your tippy-toes. You want your stride to be smooth and comfortable. This better optimizes the energy your body uses and helps avoid injury.

Take time off

Listen to your body, whether you suspect an injury or just don’t feel good. The last thing you want is to have something minor become a major issue. If you have to take more than a day or two off, visit a specialist at the Ascension Seton Sports Performance and get checked out. If you think something is wrong get it diagnosed so you can build a plan to get back to running. 

Get more sleep

Feeling a little sluggish since you’ve increased your mileage? Add one extra minute of sleep per night for every mile you run that week. If you run 30 miles per week, add 30 minutes of sleep. Your body repairs itself when you sleep. Make sure you give your body enough time to recover when you begin asking more of it.

Hydrate

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s extremely vital. At a minimum, you should drink 60-80 ounces every day. The more active you are, the more you should increase that amount. Make sure you have a good balance of water and an electrolyte-infused fluid, like nuun hydration.

Cross-train

Don’t run every day, mix it up. Cross-training is important to prevent overuse injuries. Try swimming, cycling, yoga, lifting weights, or online workouts. You’ll work different muscles and build strength. When lifting weights, focus on a lighter weight with more reps. Here are 8 reasons to include cross-training with Camp Gladiator!

You will ask more of your body as you increase your mileage. It’s important that you take care of your body. Incorporate these tips so that you can run your best. Do you have a tip that helps you run your best? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

3M Half Marathon Enjoys Picture-Perfect Weather and Plenty of PRs

Thousands of participants, friends, and family celebrate plenty of PRs at the finish line festival in downtown Austin

Start time temperature in the mid-30s quickly gave way to a cloudless sky and slight tailwind at the 26th annual 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour on Sunday, January 19th. Nearly 7000 participants, the second most in event history, traveled to Austin from 47 states and 22 countries. They ran Austin’s streets on one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the country. The unforgettable day was highlighted by plenty of PRs and the event’s first 3-time female champion. Everyone celebrated the day at the massive finish line festival that showcased live music, a beer garden, and local food trucks.

Jess Harper became the 3M Half Marathon female champ for the third year in a row. The 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour provided plenty of PRs!

Jess Harper is the back-to-back-to-back 3M Half Marathon female champ!

“3M Half Marathon is my favorite race to start the year and shake off the holiday cobwebs,” said Austinite Jess Harper, 2020 3M Half Marathon female champ (1:13:41) and back-to-back-to-back (2018 – ‘20) female champ. “I love the race-day support from the running community and am ecstatic to win for the third consecutive year!”

Elites complete final Olympic Marathon Trials tune-up

Austinite David Fuentes (1:06:31) won the 2020 3M Half Marathon in his final tune-up before the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials. Ryan Normand of Pflugerville, Texas, finished in second place (1:08:23). Wrapping up the men’s podium with the third-place finish was Nicholas Sterghos of Boulder, Colorado (1:09:47). Phillippe Rolly of McLean, Virginia, was the male Master’s champion (1:10:33).

David Fuentes is the 2020 3M Half Marathon champ. The 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour provided plenty of PRs!

Fuentes cruises to victory in his final tune-up before the Olympic Marathon Trials.

“The goal of today was to feel confident, to feel in control, and to make this a great dress rehearsal for the Olympic Marathon Trials (Feb. 29th),” said Fuentes, who is also a 3-time Austin Half Marathon champ (2010, ‘11, ‘15). “I love racing in Austin because I love racing in my city and winning is very important. I’m proud of today’s victory!”

Harper (1:13:41) was the female champion for the third time in as many years. Bolivia’s Tania Chavez Moser, (1:14:32) and Elizabeth Northern of Fort Worth, Texas, (1:15:42) finished second and third respectively. Austin’s Michelle Cleveland (1:24:29) was the top female Master’s finisher.

Carlos Jaramillo earned his half marathon PR at the 3M Half Marathon. The 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour provided plenty of PRs!

Jaramillo is pumped for his half marathon PR!

“I’ve been trying for years to run sub-90 minutes for 13.1 miles and it finally came together today at 3M Half Marathon,” said Carlos Jaramillo, who crossed the finish line in 1:27:59. “I’ll never forget what I accomplished at my favorite race in Texas!”

Despite chillier than normal temperatures, thousands of spectators lined the Austin streets. They cheered thousands on the point-to-point half marathon course. Their energy carried participants from north Austin and to the finish near the Texas State Capitol. Spectators hosted parties, played musical instruments, and handed out additional nutrition and hydration. The festival atmosphere stretched from the start line to the finish thanks to the on-course support of Austinites.

2021 3M Half Marathon

For those planning ahead to January 17, 2021, next year’s registration is open and set at the low price of $79. This amazing deal will be available until Wednesday, January 22nd. Don’t miss out on one of the faster half marathon courses in the country. Participants receive 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.

Members of Rogue Running pose for a picture at the 2020 3M Half Marathon. The 2020 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour provided plenty of PRs!

Tell your teammates to join you and register for the 2021 3M Half Marathon!

The 3M Half Marathon would like to thank the volunteers, spectators, and participants who made the race so special. In conjunction with the 2020 3M Half Marathon, 3Mgives will donate $68,000 to this year’s beneficiary, Austin Youth River Watch. The following sponsors and partners made this successful race day possible: Under Armour, Fleet Feet Austin, Ascension Seton, SPIbelt, GU Energy Labs, Austin Sports Commission, H-E-B, nuun hydration, Heavenly Care Moving, Dole, Oskar Blues Brewery, Goodwill Austin, Hilton, Camp Gladiator, Austin Massage Company, Chameleon Cold Brew, City of Austin, Austin Police Department, Department of Public Safety, CapMetro, and Travis County EMS.