Maudie’s Moonlight Margarita Run and Party

It might be the only gala in town that favors sweat over sequins, tank tops instead of ties. Since its beginning in 2004, the Maudie’s Moonlight Margarita Run and Party (June 12) is the Trail Foundation’s annual fundraising event. 

After an 8 p.m. shotgun start, runners travel an out-and-back 5K course that hugs Lady Bird Lake. The race finishes on Veterans Drive, immediately followed by a post-race party under the live oaks on the American Legion Hall grounds featuring a Maudie’s dinner and, of course, plenty of margaritas and live music. 

It’ll be a good time not to be missed. Just make sure the unusual nighttime start and temperatures don’t hinder your racing focus. Here are five tips for successfully running at night, in Austin in June. 

1. Pay attention to your pacing.

Running at night not only changes your sense of how your body is moving but also can throw off visual perception. It might be difficult to distinguish objects at a distance or make you feel like you’re running faster than you actually are.  

2. Plan your eating schedule.

Breakfast should be your biggest meal of the day. Have a smaller meal in the afternoon, about four to six hours before the race. Your pre-race meal should be eaten 90 minutes to two hours before the run. Choose foods wisely—something light that will sit well on your stomach.  

3. Keep yourself active the day of the race.

Even though it defies logic, a lazy day on the couch only makes us more tired. Don’t use race day as your day to lounge poolside, as sun can zap energy as well as dehydrate. Instead, do something that will keep your brain active. Read a book, play some sudoko, or visualize and plan your race to ensure you won’t be feeling sluggish come start time.  

4. Drink lots of water.

It is extremely important to hydrate in the days leading up to the race.  Make sure your diet includes natural electrolytes, especially since you’ll be losing so much through perspiration with the temperatures and humidity. Consider that the average temperature during the race is 89 degrees. 

5. Make sure you’re seen.

Wear your reflective gear so that other runners and drivers can see you on the roads.