Training
Put your best foot forward with Runna
As the Official Training Partner of the Houston Marathon, Runna is here to take your running to the next level. Check out their top tips for a successful race day with the articles below.
Participants can also enjoy a free 2-week trial of the Runna app using the code HOUSTONMARATHON. Find your perfect training plan, whether it’s your first-ever 5K or you’re looking to nail that all-important PR.
Blog Articles
The only 10K training guide you’ll need – Link to https://support.runna.com/en/articles/6186788-the-ultimate-10k-training-guide
The ultimate first 5K training guide – Link to https://support.runna.com/en/articles/6636429-the-ultimate-first-5k-training-guide
How to train for a half marathon – Link to https://support.runna.com/en/articles/6186865-the-ultimate-half-marathon-training-guide
Ben Parker – Head Coach
Ben has spent 7+ years as a professional running coach, helping everyone from beginner runners to elite athletes. Ben is also a certified England Athletics Coach, IRONMAN Coach, Personal Trainer and Pilates Instructor – and one of the founders of Runna.
In his spare time, Ben is a keen athlete himself and competes within his age group at IRONMAN events having finished the distance 7 times! He also enjoys running ultramarathons while holding a Marathon PB of 2.34. Ben also recently competed at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships.
Anya Culling – Lead Coach
Anya is a Lululemon sponsored athlete and has represented England over the marathon distance. Her sharp rise to running success during the covid lockdown saw her go from a marathon time of 4hrs 34 mins in 2019, to a current PB of 2hrs 34 mins knocking off 2hrs.
Anya is a qualified LiRF running coach, passionate about showing anything is possible and it’s never too late to start! She is a lover of all sports particularly hockey and cricket which she has also competed in at a county level.
Beth Potter – Coach
Beth is the current triathlon world champion and gained two Olympic Bronze Medals in the individual and Mixed Relay Triathlon in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her Olympic journey began at the Rio 2016 Olympics in the 10,000m before relocating to Leeds to pursue a career in Triathlon. Her Triathlon career has seen her earn a Gold medal at the European Championships and a Bronze in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham 2022. Beth has also won five World Triathlon Series Championship races.
Beth is also a fully qualified Physics Teacher and taught in London for 3 years before going full time with sport. She has a degree in Physics from Loughborough University. As well as sport Beth enjoys cooking and long walks with her very energetic cocker spaniel Charlie.
Colleen Quigley – Lead Coach
Colleen represented Team USA at Rio Olympic games in 2016, and finished 8th in the steeplechase. Since then, she has become a US National Champion in the indoor mile, and is World Record Holder of the 4x1500m relay. In 2023, Colleen competed in her first sprint triathlon and earned her pro card in draft legal triathlon.
Colleen is from St. Louis, Missouri and grew up playing soccer and dancing until falling in love with running in high school. She attended Florida State University from 2011-2015 where she learned how to steeplechase and became a National Champion and 9x All-American. Although Colleen is still competing professionally within running on the track, you may still catch her in a road race or triathlon here and there.
Nutrition
Gatorade Endurance Formula (Orange), the Official Sports Fuel Provider of the Chevron Houston Marathon, are available every 1.5 miles beginning at mile 2. The specialized Gatorade sports drink contains approximately twice the sodium of Gatorade Thirst Quencher (200 mg per 8 ounces), along with chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium to help sustain hydration by more fully replacing what is lost in sweat.
Gatorade Endurance Formula will be available in the George R. Brown Convention Center before and after the race.
Running Clubs
Many Houston-area running clubs offer offline training programs or running groups that can help participants get ready for the Chevron Houston Marathon, Aramco Houston Half Marathon or We Are Houston 5K. A short list of some Houston-area running clubs along with addition information can be found at www.harra.org.
RunHou Ambassadors
RunHou Race Ambassadors are selected each spring, after the winter races. Applications are announced through newsletters, social media, and local events. The program is designed to support you throughout training and racing season by connecting HOU with resources, race info, and community events. Follow us on social media to meet the ambassadors, and stay tuned for the upcoming webpage!