What to Feel Confident About Right Now and What to Focus On Heading Into the New Year
Training for the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon is a journey, and if you’re reading this, you’re already well on your way. As the calendar flips toward a new year, it’s the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and reset—not just physically, but mentally too.
Whether you’re training for the full marathon, half marathon, or 5K, this check-in is here to help you recognize what you’ve already accomplished and fine-tune your focus for the weeks ahead.
What You Should Feel Confident About Right Now
You’ve Built a Solid Foundation
By this point in your training, you’ve logged meaningful miles and established consistency. Long runs are becoming familiar, weekday workouts are part of your routine, and your body is adapting to the demands of training. That base is the hardest part—and you’ve already done it.
You Know Your Rhythm
You’ve learned how your body responds to early mornings, long runs, fueling, and recovery. You’re starting to recognize what works for you, what pace feels sustainable, which shoes feel best, and how much rest you need. This self-awareness will pay off on race day.
You’re Stronger Than You Think
Training through busy schedules, travel, colder mornings, and holiday commitments isn’t easy. Every run you completed, even when motivation was low, has built both physical and mental strength. That resilience matters just as much as mileage.
What to Focus on as the New Year Approaches
Consistency Over Perfection
The new year often brings pressure to “do it all,” but marathon success is built on steady, consistent effort. Missed a run? Shortened a workout? That’s okay. Focus on getting back into your routine rather than trying to make up for lost miles.
Dialing in Fuel and Hydration
Now is the time to practice your race-day nutrition strategy. Test gels, hydration timing, and pre-run meals during long runs. Race day should never be the first time you try something new.
Recovery Is Part of Training
Rest days, sleep, stretching, and mobility work are not optional, they’re essential. As mileage increases, prioritizing recovery will help you stay healthy and avoid burnout or injury heading into peak training.
Mental Preparation
Start visualizing race day. Think about how you’ll handle tough moments, how you’ll break the course into manageable segments, and how you’ll celebrate crossing the finish line. Confidence grows when your mind is just as prepared as your legs.
Heading Into the New Year With Purpose
You don’t need a complete reset—just a refocus. Carry the momentum you’ve already built into the new year with intention, patience, and trust in your training. Every mile from here on out is another step closer to the start line in Austin.
Remember: you don’t need to feel perfect to be prepared. You just need to keep showing up.
We can’t wait to cheer you on at the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K. Stay consistent, stay healthy, and enjoy the journey, race day will be here before you know it.