Here’s Your Half Marathon Race Plan

The new year kicks off with one of the most popular Central Texas races at probably the most popular distance: The Austin International Half Marathon. The event is set for Sunday, January 19. Don’t let the new name throw you — it’s the 3M Half with a new name — same great event and course!

Here are some race-day tips for running your best race on this lightning-fast downhill course.

Get there early and warm up. It’s always a good idea to get to the race site way ahead of time. Even though waiting around can be a bit nerve-wracking, it’s worth it. Use the time to take care of bathroom needs and to warm up. Ideally, the warm-up should be fairly close to the start time. In this case, with a start time of 7:30 a.m., you should do your warm-up around 7:10 or so. You’ll see plenty of runners hopping around and stretching, and if you always stretch, go ahead. But studies have shown that the ideal warm-up for running is guess what? Running. So go for around 10–15 minutes of easy running followed by some stride-outs. The warm-up is actually a very important piece of your race plan!

Go out at your planned race pace, but NOT faster. You’ve heard it a million times, but it’s still holds true. Going out to fast can ruin the best race plans. Instead, ease into things and hook up with other runners running at your pace. Relax by exchanging greetings, etc. Overall, an even-paced effort or negative splits are the best way to run your fastest time.

Early miles. The first three miles from the start at Stonelake Boulevard have a gentle descent, so it’s a good idea to find your rhythm here and get comfortable.

Make the mid-miles count. As you head onto Shoal Creek and Great Northern for miles three through eight, you can open up your stride on the downhills. Taking advantage of the course is imperative if you want to PR!

Final 5K to the finish. Once you hit the University of Texas campus on Duval Street and then Speedway at around mile 10, hold on to your race pace. Even though it’s a downhill course, you’ve got 10 miles under your belt, so you’re going to feel somewhat fatigued. But the steady decline in the last three miles should help spur you on. There’s a bit of an uphill on MLK just before you hit San Jacinto but know that the finish is just around the corner!

Upcoming Races: Saturday, January 11, at 8:00 a.m., the Go for Good 5K at Jack C Hays High School in Buda. Saturday, January 18 at 8:00 a.m., the Taylor Garden Club Run for the Roses 5K/10K at Murphy Park in Taylor. Sunday, January 19 at 7:30 a.m., the Austin International Half Marathon. Starts at Stonelake Blvd. by the Gateway shopping center.

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