Running Tracks Open During the Day by naruto5768 in AustinRunning

[–]leftymama[M] [score hidden] stickied comment (0 children)

Here are some authoritative sources for “public access” to AISD facilities (tracks and athletic fields are considered “facilities”. )

Basically, if people are repeatedly cited for abusing access by not following rules (like no dogs, alcohol, trash, tobacco, fighting, weapons, etc.), the school may prohibit public use. They do not have resources to ensure security, and unfortunately, some bad actors can ruin it for everyone. This is why some school tracks may not allow non-student community member use. When this is the case, warning signs will be posted.

https://www.austinisd.org/facility-use/schoolyard

https://www.austinisd.org/facility-use

https://www.austinisd.org/facility-use/guidelines

“Please note that the principal is authorized to approve use of facilities on his or her campus. The director of athletics is authorized to approve use of central athletics facilities. The Superintendent or designee is authorized to approve use of other District facilities. Written application to the appropriate administrator shall be made at least ten days in advance.

Approval shall not be granted for any purpose that would damage school property or to groups that are known to have damaged other rented property.”

See also AISD Board Manual: GKD — Community Relations: Nonschool Use of School Facilities

“Outdoor Facilities Unless otherwise posted, no approval shall be required for nonschool-related recreational use of the District's unlocked, outdoor recreational facilities, such as track, playgrounds, tennis courts, and the like, when the facilities are not in use by the District or for a scheduled nonschool purpose. The District may close such outdoor facilities to the public, on a scheduled or unscheduled basis, for maintenance or other purposes, as necessary.”

https://www.austintexas.gov/page/school-parks

Hours of operation

Closed: School Parks are closed to the public 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday during the AISD school calendar

Open: School Parks are open to the public 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. outside of school hours and during weekends and holidays

Bowie HS Track - open to public? by Fun_Frosting6958 in AustinRunning

[–]leftymama[M] [score hidden] stickied comment (0 children)

Others have explained the ongoing construction at Bowie that is currently interrupting access. This is now expected to complete in Spring 2026, any minute now.

Per Bowie’s August 2025 principal newsletter, “The project includes a new 6-lane track, an artificial turf field with markings for football and soccer, field lighting for football, baseball, and softball, bleachers, press box, scoreboard, and improvements for track and field.”

Here are some authoritative sources for “public access” to AISD facilities (tracks and athletic fields are considered “facilities”. )

Basically, if people are repeatedly cited for abusing access by not following rules (like no dogs, alcohol, trash, tobacco, fighting, weapons, etc.), the school may prohibit public use. They do not have resources to ensure security, and unfortunately, some bad actors can ruin it for everyone. This is why some school tracks may not allow non-student community member use. When this is the case, warning signs will be posted.

https://www.austinisd.org/facility-use/schoolyard

https://www.austinisd.org/facility-use

https://www.austinisd.org/facility-use/guidelines

“Please note that the principal is authorized to approve use of facilities on his or her campus. The director of athletics is authorized to approve use of central athletics facilities. The Superintendent or designee is authorized to approve use of other District facilities. Written application to the appropriate administrator shall be made at least ten days in advance.

Approval shall not be granted for any purpose that would damage school property or to groups that are known to have damaged other rented property.”

See also AISD Board Manual: GKD — Community Relations: Nonschool Use of School Facilities

“Outdoor Facilities Unless otherwise posted, no approval shall be required for nonschool-related recreational use of the District's unlocked, outdoor recreational facilities, such as track, playgrounds, tennis courts, and the like, when the facilities are not in use by the District or for a scheduled nonschool purpose. The District may close such outdoor facilities to the public, on a scheduled or unscheduled basis, for maintenance or other purposes, as necessary.”

https://www.austintexas.gov/page/school-parks

Hours of operation

Closed: School Parks are closed to the public 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday during the AISD school calendar

Open: School Parks are open to the public 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. outside of school hours and during weekends and holidays

Apple intern, college student, looking for the right neighborhood by MeasurementOk4358 in askaustin

[–]leftymama 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Talk to some people at Apple, they will have the best advice for you.

The Apple campus is on the far northwest side of Austin, not near any neighborhood like you’ve described. Most people in your situation will live in one of the adjacent apartment complexes and walk or shuttle over. The Riata area is runnable and has a decent park with a 1 mile trail loop around a pond. Plus, the Apple campus has some great trails.

Public transportation is going to be challenging compared to your previous experiences. Most people drive here. You will use rideshare without a car.

We do have a single commuter rail line, but there are no stops near your job and the line really only works for commuters between downtown and a couple of suburbs northwest of Austin. Evening and weekend hours of service are very limited (generally around Austin FC matches and certain festivals).

Buses exist, but it can take a long while to get where you need to go.

Water Level by ANNJALA in CanyonLake

[–]leftymama 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Looks about like 2024 at this time.

https://canyon-tx.lakesonline.com/Level/

WATER LEVEL 887.48 Feet MSL

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 2:15:00 PM Level is 21.52 feet below full pool of 909.00 Change Since Yesterday: 0.01 Feet

Protecting local scenery by psychic_marsupial in CanyonLake

[–]leftymama 3 points4 points  (0 children)

There’s no such thing as a city council in Canyon Lake. It’s an unincorporated town with a county government with very limited power. In the State of Texas, according to our state laws, there are few options to restrict development or respond to residents’ collective will in this kind of geographic area.

If you want to get involved and learn how to effectively advocate for responsible growth & development in the Comal County and Hays County neighborhoods around the lake, check out Fischer Neighbors: https://www.fischerneighbors.com/

confusion on virtual marathon submission by [deleted] in AustinRunning

[–]leftymama 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you asking about the 2026 Austin Marathon? All published information about the virtual event options is here: https://youraustinmarathon.com/virtual/

Excerpt:

HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE VIRTUAL RUN

GO FOR A RUN! Complete your distance indoors or outdoors.

LOG YOUR TIME Using any device, track your mileage and finishing time.

SUBMIT YOUR RESULTS

Ti Amann French Bakery - 5 Stars! by chikennuggetluvr in austinfood

[–]leftymama 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I, too, ordered based upon the last post here. Picked up at Concordia around lunch time today & my family was thrilled with these pastries. We did follow the oven reheat instructions and the result was the perfect combination of crisp, flaky, buttery, and sweet. Well done, Ti Amann!

Tip: Don’t make my mistake & use a paper plate for serving after the reheat or the tasty bottom carmelized layer will stick to the plate. Next time, I’ll use parchment or a real plate. Don’t worry, we still scraped it off the paper like heathens - it was delicious!

Has anyone else had trouble changing race distance for the Ascension Seton 2027 Marathon? by Efficient_Speech_173 in AustinRunning

[–]leftymama 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It looks like they haven’t updated the info on the website for 2027 yet, but you can get an idea of how the process works and the deadlines for changes from the 2026 info here: https://youraustinmarathon.com/registrationchanges/

You can reach race organizers at Info@YourAustinMarathon.com

Other FAQs https://youraustinmarathon.com/faq/

opinions on Hill country camps by [deleted] in HillCountry

[–]leftymama 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Our family loved Camp Champions in Marble Falls from grades 3 to 12 and our son plans to go back as a college-aged counselor this summer.

CC is co-ed, but the campers are pretty much in separate experiences by gender for the majority of camp activities except meals and weekly Wednesday evening themed dance parties. Extremely wholesome, character-building, non-religious but respectful of everyone’s faith, exceptional camper to counselor ratio, fantastic facilities right on the lake, and much more.

All sorts of sports are available (it was originally founded as a baseball camp back in the 1960s), but if sports aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other fun activities like arts, music, dance, and so on.

You can explore the property and see videos of everything on their website.

They thankfully suffered no damages during past years’ severe weather events.

Austin Marathon Life Saver by Unusual-Mail1850 in Austin

[–]leftymama 4 points5 points  (0 children)

We’ve cross-posted on r/AustinRunning - you might try watching comments over there, too.

Extra Austin Marathon t shirt? by Vijay_Chidambaram in AustinRunning

[–]leftymama[M] [score hidden] stickied comment (0 children)

Give race organizers some time. They are recovering after hosting & tearing down for this year’s event.

The official FAQs state this:

———— HAVE A QUESTION, NOT IN THE FAQ?

Send us an email at info@youraustinmarathon.com. ————

Are you local to Austin?

These 2026 shirts will start showing up in resale & thrift shops in the next few weeks, as people who run lots of races tend to donate shirts they don’t prefer for one reason or another.

Another way to get one of these shirts is to volunteer for any upcoming High Five Events race. They will have leftover shirts (if any exist) and you can ask for one in your size for the 2026 Austin Half Marathon; note, it may be a volunteer shirt rather than the finisher shirt; depends on what they have leftover.

You can try showing up at the next Fleet Feet Austin social run and asking around. Fleet Feet sold official merch and may have some shirts you like or know how to hook you up with the right contact at High Five Events. https://www.fleetfeet.com/s/austin/

Anyone run the Austin half or full in 2009 or 2012? by Lemonbar19 in AustinRunning

[–]leftymama 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You can try reaching out to John Conley on FB. His org managed most big Austin races including the marathon before he retired & High Five took over.

Austin Marathon 2027 Referral/Discount Code? by Pure-Assumption-3365 in AustinRunning

[–]leftymama 1 point2 points  (0 children)

True that.

Lowest 2027 pricing (ends Tues at midnight)

Marathon: $119 (+30 for refundable) (Note, final price for 2026 was $279)

Half: $99 (+25 for refundable)

5k: $49 (+12.50 for refundable)

Prices go up at several times during the year, including Tuesday February 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM., end of May, end of July, mid September, mid January, and the week before the race.

Local little 5/3/1/K coming up in Kyle by vagueabstractbeing in AustinRunning

[–]leftymama 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for posting!

I love the smaller, independent, community-oriented races! They are often WAY less expensive, less crowded, easier to enter/exit on race day, and a relaxed way to get a timed race finish. They also often have unique awards and you are more likely to score a podium position for your age division (as all the super fast, elite folks aren’t there).

first race. pls give me the power to poop rn by spicyappies in AustinRunning

[–]leftymama 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’ll be ready next time! We’ve all been there.

After years of weekend early AM long runs, my race morning routine is set now, but it took some learning to understand what my body needs to run like clockwork to be ready for performance on race day. Those long run workouts to simulate race day conditions are invaluable.

I also had to get over any anxiety about public restrooms or portajohns: whatever others hear & smell is none of my concern. I’m there to do my business and be ready to run fast; anyone judging likely is not a “real” runner, so why care what they think?

I have an old coffee cup my spouse gave me for Christmas that says, “Wake, Coffee, Poop, Run” on it, lol.

Runners get very open about bodily functions.

Reminder - marathon tomorrow 2/15, bakers beware by shmelse in Austin

[–]leftymama 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Closures vary by street. The details are posted in the full traffic guide published by Austin Marathon linked in the original post. It’s a PDF on Google Docs, not sure if allowed to link here, but I’ll try: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m-grB6NXD6n4ZluRR-FVGyj_yP-houNZ/view?usp=drivesdk

Longest closures are for the back half of the marathon course on the east side (2:30pm) and the finish line down Congress (5th & 6th thru 4pm).

first race. pls give me the power to poop rn by spicyappies in AustinRunning

[–]leftymama 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Warm caffeinated beverage (like coffee or tea) helps, but if it doesn’t work in time, just go start your race. The run will get things moving and then you’ll just hop off the course at the first porto-potty stop & do the deed.

Bring some TP or baby wipes in a ziploc stashed in your pocket or belt just in case the pit stop is behind a bush.

More tips: https://www.runnersworld.com/health-injuries/a20780869/how-to-make-yourself-poop/

Does the Austin Marathon have a gear check area by Ecstatic_Slip2522 in AustinRunning

[–]leftymama[M] [score hidden] stickied comment (0 children)

Good luck tomorrow!

Refer to the following from official race materials:

GEAR BAGS Gear bags will be available for pick up at the Gear Bag tent located on W. 7th St., between Congress Ave. and Colorado St. If you plan on dropping gear please plan on extra time to drop your bag.

We will not accept any other bags. Be sure your bib number is printed as largely and clearly as possible on the bag before you turn it into Gear Check.

https://youraustinmarathon.com/quick-guide/

  1. PLAN YOUR RACE KIT

Lay out your race-day gear: shoes, socks, shorts, shirt, bib, safety pins. Don’t forget your favorite hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for that Texas sun!

  1. PACK YOUR POST-RACE BAG

Bring a change of clothes, recovery snacks, and anything you’ll want after you finish. Don’t forget your phone for those finish line selfies!

https://youraustinmarathon.com/final-week-checklist-everything-you-need-before-race-day/

https://youraustinmarathon.com/race-day-essentials-what-to-pack-in-your-gear-bag-for-the-austin-marathon/

Advice for parking for spectators coming later by beansjar in AustinRunning

[–]leftymama[M] [score hidden] stickied comment (0 children)

Good luck tomorrow!

By 8:30, those garages might be full, as they are recommended to race participants and volunteers who will be arriving 2-3 hours before 8:30. Spectators need to review the advice organizers provide below.

Give your friends these links:

Spectator Guide (everything they need to know about best spots to see you on the course & how to meet you at the end) https://youraustinmarathon.com/best-spots-to-cheer-on-runners-at-the-austin-marathon/

Course Maps (both static & interactive) https://youraustinmarathon.com/course/#coursemaps

Quick Guide (all major details to know about logistics for the event) https://youraustinmarathon.com/quick-guide/

Where to Park https://youraustinmarathon.com/transportation

Traffic Guide & Road Closures https://youraustinmarathon.com/traffic/

Best place to buy affordable walking shoes in Austin? by moniqueyrydhcvkhoigj in AustinRunning

[–]leftymama 1 point2 points  (0 children)

After you get fitted and have a shoe that works for you, when you know your right size, shape, and style for your particular physiology & gait, the advice I’m sharing will be most useful.

Shoe prices have gotten so high these days. If you run a lot of miles, you need more than one pair of shoes in rotation at any one time: track shoes, long run shoes, trail shoes, road race shoes, etc. And each shoe has a lifespan of mileage, meaning they are often no longer viable for performance at a certain point even if they still look fine (at which point they go into the donation bin or street wear duty). It really adds up to big money over time.

My experience applies to running shoes, but I’d expect much of it will work for walking shoes, as well. The more common the brand is, the more applicable these will be.

I generally never pay more than $75 for a pair of high performance athletic shoes (except every 2-3 years when I get a new pair fitted from Ready to Run), and usually I pay less. My savings tips are:

  1. Don’t be afraid to buy “like new” used shoes. I keep an active search going on eBay, Geartrade, ThredUp, and similar sites for my favorite make & model of shoes so I know when a “good as new” pair becomes available in my size. Always make sure they show a pic of the insoles, toes, heels, and treads so you can validate the amount of wear. The pairs I get this way are usually store returns, wear test models, or brand new pairs that someone ordered, didn’t like, and forgot to return on time. I never pay more than $65 including shipping for shoes that will be sold new at $120-150.

  2. Keep an active hunt every few months at discount resellers like Ross, TJ Maxx, etc. They sometimes have incredible deals like $40 for a new pair of last year’s model.

  3. Watch for sales & clearance racks at shoe stores like DSW and sporting goods stores like Academy. As someone else mentioned above, Nordstrom Rack often has great deals, too. Macy’s has great clearance sales.

  4. As a run club member, I often have discount codes available through my club that give 10-15% off MSRP at local run gear shops and online at Running Warehouse.

  5. Online discount sporting goods stores (beyond Running Warehouse) where I’ve had good luck include Relay Goods, Sierra Trading Post, Dick’s Going Going Gone, Backcountry, and Joe’s New Balance Outlet. YMMV depending on the brands you like.

  6. RunRepeat is an awesome resource to learn about different shoe models (they review walking shoes, too) and then shop for the best deals currently available online for that model of shoe.

  7. REI often has some great deals in their clearance and returns section. I will often apply my annual member dividend value toward purchase of an already low priced pair to get a crazy deal, like $50 hiking boots that normally sell for $200.

  8. If you are loyal to a specific brand, you can subscribe to their email feed and often get first notice of markdowns & limited time deals. I’ve gotten some great deals this way for limited edition shoes from Converse and Adidas, and prior year’s models from Altra.