Austin running advice

General advice for runners in Austin


Upon arriving to campus, many of my friends at the University of Texas at Austin have mentioned their confusion about about a number of running-specific interests, like where to find the best sport shops, which food trucks serve a top-notch protein smoothie, or what running clubs are open for new members. Fear no more, my jogging friends! As an Austin native and running enthusiast, I thought it would be selfish of me to not share a few of the insider tricks I've learned during my time here in the capitol city.


If you are looking for a shop to service all of your running needs, look no farther than Texas Running Company (TRC) at the intersection of 5th Street and Lamar Blvd. Reflecting the personality of

At the 2014 Marble Falls Triathlon, I was decked out in gear from
the Texas Running Company - my personal favorite running
store in Austin. Photo courtesy of Heather Rovner.

Austin itself, TRC has a very unique, free-spirit attitude and all customers are treated like family.


When I first wandered into their store in 2011, I was simply looking to buy a cheap new pair of running shoes. However, the staff insisted on analyzing my running form, testing my ankle and knee movements, and personally prescribing an array of shoes to match my price goals, body type, and running style. TRC's staff goes above and beyond what I expect of them every time I return to their store.


In addition, their gear selection is unrivaled in Austin. With hundreds of shoe models and aisles upon aisles of specialized running apparel, you'll feel like a professional athlete yourself, picking from the highest quality gear in the city. Whenever you find yourself in need, head on down to the Texas Running Company.


After most of my runs, I seem to find myself instinctively cruising over to The Juicebox and Soup Peddler on South Lamar. This food-truck-turned-smoothie-stand is a South Austin staple and I can't

The Juicebox and Soup Peddler on South Lamar Blvd. stands out as the finest
post-excercise food stand in Austin. Photo courtesy of 365 Things Austin.

imagine passing by without stopping to grab an infamous "Rip Torn" - a blueberry/banana smoothie with peanut butter, hemp and whey protein blended together with a splash of apple juice.


If you are training for a competition or just finishing up a jog around Town Lake, no other food joint in town will satisfy like the Juicebox. The shop offers a myriad of smoothie and soup options, ranging from muscle-building protein shakes to light, healthy soups.


In addition, it's a great place to meet uubp with friends before a night downtown or a group project. With a free wifi hotspot and close proximity to the South Congress social scene, it's hard for a college kid to pass up this Austin gem.

Lastly, if you are a serious runner looking for a group to compete with, I highly recommend the Austin Runners Club.

A racing team from the Austin Runners Club: an organization
that many of my friends are a part of. Photo courtesy of Chris Delgado.

Although I have not personally trained with this organization, I have had several friends compete on the team and rave about its positive environment and focus on personal improvement.


As runners living in Austin, we simply have too many incredible opportunities open to us to not take advantage of them. There are countless ways for you to make the most of your time here, whether that is by becoming a regular at the Juicebox and Soup Peddler or hitting up the Texas Running Company whenever you need a fresh new set of jogging gear.


I hope you are able to value the little bit of insider Austin advice I have left here! Be sure to order a Rip Torn next time you're in South Austin...tell them that Cole sent you.