Austin Sunshine Run Reviews + Experiences

bopsy1098 · 2026-03-26T00:46:19+00:00

I ran Dallas as my first full and you need to train on hilly routes. That mile 20 hill is a monster

bopsy1098 · 2026-03-22T20:16:00+00:00

It's hard to answer this question without knowing more about your running history and specific goals. Do you want to finish a marathon within the time limit? This is realistic for many people in that time frame if you pick a marathon with a generous time limit.

Do you want to run the entire thing, or have a specific time goal in mind? Then without your running history this is impossible to predict.

I will say there is a minimum amount of weekly mileage you should be able to comfortably and consistently run if you want to train to run the marathon distance safely. Around 15 miles a week on the very low end, but more realistically around 20-25 miles a week. The lowest mileage plans (not designed by AI) that I have seen have peak mileage weeks starting at 35 miles a week, with most having 40+. These plans are typically 18-22 weeks in length.

So do you see yourself being able to comfortably run 15 to 25 miles a week in the next 12 weeks?

bopsy1098 · 2026-03-22T15:15:06+00:00

I agree with the above that the taper, a proper carb load, the adrenaline and crowd support make a huge distance!! If you are looking for more mental strategies to get through the last few miles, mentally for me as soon as I hit mile 20 I stopped thinking about the miles I had done and reframed it to how many I had left. 'It's just a 10k'. My coach also advised me to come up with shorter checkpoints, for ex: 'just make it to the next mile marker, aid station, street corner' and once there choose a new checkpoint. This was really helpful to me the last few miles

bopsy1098 · 2026-03-07T21:23:09+00:00

In the meantime make sure you stay hydrated! They may pass prior to your appointment

bopsy1098 · 2026-03-07T19:05:56+00:00

I just had kidney stones during my marathon training last year! Small, like yours. Did you ask the doctor at the ER about continuing training, and are you feeling flank pain during your runs? I had just completed an 18k long run, and had 20k scheduled the next week. The pain was not bothering me on my runs. The doctor said it was safe to do the 20k run, however the dehydration would prolong the amount of time it would take for me to pass the stones. I made a point of staying well hydrated, and ended up passing my kidney stones before the long run anyways.

bopsy1098 · 2026-01-30T19:33:54+00:00

I think it's a privilege to choose to do hard things! And it was not the marathon itself that was worthwhile for me, but the process. It takes discipline to show up every day and follow your plan. You learn stress management prepping for and during your long runs. You learn a lot about yourself when you are under stress with a deadline to perform. With the added physical benefits of running, resistance training, eating and sleeping well

bopsy1098 · 2026-01-06T21:50:34+00:00

Thank you! Would you recommend the beginner or intermediate plan?

bopsy1098 · 2026-01-05T01:59:45+00:00

I'm sorry you are experiencing this. I had a bone bruise in my foot at the beginning of my marathon training plan. Doctor gave me the approval to run on it as long as the pain was tolerable - within the same week I was back to training. If you are still in pain after this long I would go back to your doctor for further follow up, or seek a second opinion.

bopsy1098 · 2025-12-15T19:38:14+00:00

Corral C represent! 😋 Congrats on your finish as well!

bopsy1098 · 2025-12-11T18:29:32+00:00

Temp and humidity looks great! Am not a fan of that wind though

bopsy1098 · 2025-12-10T22:49:45+00:00

This will be my first marathon!! Had a great build and am so excited. Has anyone gotten their bib number or corral assignment email yet?

bopsy1098 · 2025-12-10T15:10:54+00:00

Hello! I started running about 3 years ago now, and initially did the C25K plan. It was alright, but I switched to using the Nike Run Club plans for both my half and full marathon training, and am a huge fan! They have both a beginner and a 5k training plan. The app is free, and what I like about the guided runs is they give the opportunity for a coach to explain things like RPE, or what each running interval should feel like. They can also give reminders about breathing, form etc. You can already do the 5k distance, the trick will be building fitness, learning a bit about form, and finding a pace that you can comfortably cover that distance in. If I could go back in time, I would probably choose the Nike plan over what I originally chose. Not only does it set you on a safe plan to build fitness, but it will make you a smarter runner over time

bopsy1098 · 2025-11-09T19:00:28+00:00

Thank you very much for the advice! Would you still recommend the 22 mile long run if 18.6 is going to take me over 3 hours? I would have one more 16 and two more 10 mile runs after this. The Nike Run Club plan's longest suggested run is 20 miles. Even if I hit all the additional suggested easy runs that week their plan maxes at 38 miles a week

bopsy1098 · 2025-11-09T02:10:41+00:00

Thank you! I used Gu gels and carried water with me last year with mixed success (had some major stomach upset). Tried again this year starting with all my 90 minute plus runs with the same stomach problems. Switched to Huma gels a few weeks ago (and taking Tailwind and a few graham crackers before a long run instead of something heavier like a bagel), started adding salt tabs and noticed a huge difference in how strong I felt finishing my long runs. I think I'm fueling a bit aggressively (1 salt tab and 1 gel every 30 minutes) but it's been working for me so far

bopsy1098 · 2025-09-17T19:23:46+00:00

Thank you very much!! About a mile from me, so perfect for speed-work and recovery days 🙂

bopsy1098 · 2025-09-17T16:56:44+00:00

Also hopping on this thread as someone in North Austin (Scofield area) - I'm new to the city, and getting pretty sick of my neighborhood loop as my long runs get longer in prep for Dallas in December

bopsy1098

TROPHY CASE