February 2017 - Dynamic Duo Issue by Austin Fit Magazine

DYNAMIC DUOS Labor of love takes on a whole new meaning in these 5 partnerships

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H i p p o H y d r at e . c o m

FEB. 2017

THE GOOD STUFF

Pg. 28

Dynamic Duos

Run This Town

You Can Do an IRONMAN

Pg. 48

Pg. 68

S IO t UD ear ST h C n I e N re IC

G P US lly RC Ke I C & fe Je

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photography by Brian Fitzsimmons

FEB. 2017 Editor’s Letter 10 Contributors 12 #KeepAustinFit 14 Exposure 16

HIGHLIGHTS

Events 78 Rides + Races 80 Discover! 82

Nutrition

Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken and Waffles 18

Perfect Pairings 20

Culture Profound in Prosthetics 24

How to Coach Your Kids 26

Style

Be Finish Line PhotoReady 46

Wellness

Success is Just a Thought Away 56 Medical FAQ: Sex Therapy 64

Fitness

FML Workout: Fartlek 66

Soar Through Your Pregnancy 72 The Right Cardio for Your Goals 74

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72 top & right photos by Weston Carls; left & bottom photos by Brian Fitzsimmons

EDITOR’S LETTER

THE LIST Humans are creatures of habit, so I vowed that in 2017, I’d fill my days with new experiences, products, and even foods that are different from my norm.

Melody DanceFit

I’ve been going to this hip-hop class once a week in hopes that I’ll develop some semblance of rhythm.

Aura

With this new app, there’s no way I can skip out on daily meditation. It’s condensed into three-minute sessions!

Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is upon us. What better way to celebrate the holiday of love than with an issue focusing on successful partnerships? Don’t worry—it’s not all about mushy-gushy romance. In fact, of the five dynamic duos featured, only two of them are husband-wife couples. Last year’s Power Couples Issue was so much fun to put together, I couldn’t wait to do it again. (It’s my favorite!) Health and fitness topics can be monotonous, but there is always a lesson to be learned from two people who work together harmoniously. Here were my takeaways from these pairs, best described in popular expressions: • Jake and Tod of Atomic Athlete: Live your life with intention. • Taylor and Katie of EPIC: Trust your gut. • Rey and Struan of Practice Yoga: It’s never too late to be who you want to be. • Jefe and Kelly of Circus Picnic: Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. • Erin and Kara of Blenders & Bowls: Don't overthink it.

Although you may finish this issue feeling a little lovesick, there are other motifs happening here. If you have ever thought about co-founding a business, this may give you added insight about it. You might also gain a newfound appreciation for your bestie and have the urge to hug them a little bit tighter next time you see them. We also included quite a few running-related articles in honor of the 26th annual Austin Marathon and Half Marathon happening on Feb. 19. If running isn’t your thing, check out Jessica Clark’s piece, “The Right Cardio for Your Goals” for a few other options to get your heart pumping. After all, that’s what we’re all looking for, isn’t it? Whether it’s from a satisfying workout or a special connection with someone, we seek out what makes our heart beat faster. Keep Austin Fit,

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Chinmi (exotics & rarities)

If you haven’t tried the food at Kemuri Tastu-ya, I highly suggest you eat there ASAP. They have a special menu that lists their most bizarre offerings. Get the monk fish liver!

Correction:

In our Anniversary Issue, January 2017, it was printed that Leah Fisher Nyfeler was editor from May 2012 through Nov. 2014. She actually was an editor at Austin Fit Magazine from Nov. 2011 through Dec. 2014. We regret the error.

Gretchen Goswitz, Editor

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E / F E B 2 0 1 7

photo by Brian Fitzsimmons

Contributors

Thank you to AFM’s contributors who make this magazine a worthy source of health and fitness information in Austin.

PUBLISHER/CEO Louis M. Earle COO/ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Alex Earle EDITOR Gretchen Goswitz CREATIVE DIRECTOR Weston Carls ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Betty Davis, Kristin Nelson, Andrea Rayner EDITORIAL ASSISTANT David Leffler

Tim Zeddies

Jessica Clark

Mike O’Hara

Margo Reitz

Tim Zeddies

Tim Zeddies, Ph.D., maintains a full-time private practice in clinical and sports psychology. He has written numerous articles and given public presentations on how to most effectively utilize mental skills to enhance success and personal satisfaction in athletic competitions. Dr. Zeddies' sports psychology practice currently focuses on preparing world-class athletes for olympic-level competitions and preparing high school athletes for success at the collegiate level—an area he knows well considering he was the chief consulting psychologist for the University of Texas football program for ten years during the Mack Brown era.

Jessica Clark

Jessica Clark is a wellness professional who has called Austin home for over 15 years. Jessica has a genuine passion for all things health and wellness-related and offers a unique perspective on the business of fitness—a reflection of her extensive coaching experience, diverse fitness management education including a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Texas State University, and corporate marketing background. Spending many years as a client, coach, and business operator has also given her insight on the best fitness experiences for all types of exercisers and helped her formulate her "Lean Living" protocol. She's constantly looking for new experiences and educational opportunities, and is always scouring the city for the best healthy restaurants and happy hours! You can find her at RIDE Indoor Cycling, Wild Heart Yoga, and Fuerte Fitness in Austin.

Mike O’Hara

A husband and father of two, Mike has worked hard to establish himself as a staple in the Austin fitness community. His gym, Bigger Faster Stronger Training, located down south, was the 2016 winner of Austin's best strength and conditioning gym! Mike, himself, was voted by AFM readers as Austin's best trainer in 2012 and 2016; he received the same honors in 2014 by Austin A-List and was just nominated for the Austin Under 40 Awards under the sports, wellness and fitness categories. A former collegiate athlete, he started his coaching career over ten years ago as a Fitness Manager and Master Trainer at 24 hour Fitness. He also helped launch the Team Red White and Blue Austin chapter and hosts an annual commemorative Sept. 11 event at Mount Bonnell that honors the people who lost their lives on 9/11. When he's not coaching or training, Mike spends his free time with his family, continuing his education, or volunteering.

Margo Reitz

Double-majoring in psychology and English at the University of Texas at Austin, Margo is passionate about using her writing to promote wellness both inside and out. Originally from New England, and having spent time working in places like Uganda and Alaska, Margo loves to explore and connect with people from all walks of life. When she's not whipping fresh and healthy concoctions at JuiceLand, she's diving into her true love: music. In addition to writing reviews and managing bands around town, she has also served as an intern for VIP relations at C3 Presents—even if her own rockstar capabilities have yet to expand outside of shower singing performances and the occasional guitar jam session with her dad. Once an avid long distance runner and a yoga instructor at Texas State University, Margo now considers her dog, Charlie, her greatest adult life fitness partner and hiking buddy.

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PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Anna Wanzek WRITERS Carrie Barrett, Jarod Carter, Jessica Clark, Erin Downing, David Leffler, Chris McClung, Laci Mosier, Abby Nagler, Mike O'Hara, Darryl Payne, Jr., Margo Reitz, Ben Shook, Tim Zeddies PROOFREADER Justine Harrington PHOTOGRAPHER Brian Fitzsimmons DESIGN INTERN Eleanor Grisebaum

GENERAL INQUIRIES info@austinfitmagazine.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES ads@austinfitmagazine.com 512.407.8383 EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS gretchen@austinfitmagazine.com fitfocus@austinfitmagazine.com EVENT LISTINGS austinfitmagazine.com/events SUBSCRIPTIONS austinfitmagazine.com/subscribe 2499 S Capital of Texas HWY., B200 Austin, TX 78746 p 512.407.8383 Austin Fit Magazine assumes no responsibility for the content of articles or advertisements, in that the views expressed therein may not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or any magazine employee or contributor. This publication and all of its contents are copyrighted. Austin Fit Magazine is the assumed name of its publisher, Louis M. Earle, who has no interest in the business of Denis Calabrese who operates an exercise program under the assumed name of Austin Fit, which trains individuals to improve their jogging or running skills to participate in marathons. The views, opinions and other representations published in Austin Fit Magazine are not those of Austin Fit or any of its directors, officers, employees or agents.

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Monthly Mantra: Loving Kindness

AFM FITTEST Registration

Registration for the 2017 AFM FITTEST is officially open! Sign up now to see how you fare against other active Austinites in your age group. Check out afmfittest.com for more information.

Ahhh...Hearts. Candy. Cupid. Rather than allowing the pink and red sparkles to creep picturesque romantic escapades into your mind, redirect your attention to sending out some good vibes. Loving kindness meditation—or metta—is the practice of sending out wellwishes toward others and yourself. Your thoughts become things...so, what will you create? Follow @mindfulish_ for more fresh content!

Bonus Video

What’s the most common cause of running injuries? You might be doing it without even realizing it! Don’t sabotage your stride—head to austinfitmagazine.com to watch the test video and see if you’re at risk. 14

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E / F E B 2 0 1 7

AFM FITTEST photo by Jason Lehecka

exposure BY ANDREW WOLFE PHOTOGRAPHY

Fit at Fifty Ride of the Americas at COTA was an open ride to see how many miles Steven Regalado could log in a time limit.

Send us hi-res, healthy lifestyle photos to FitFocus@AustinFitMagazine.com for a chance to be published.

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E / F E B 2 0 1 7

NUTRITION

GENERAL TSO’S CHICKEN AND WAFFLES This Valentine’s Day, make a dish that says, “We go together like chicken and waffles.” by DARRYL PAYNE, JR.

GENERAL TSO’S CHICKEN

1 lb chicken breasts, cut into 1.5 inch strips 1/2 cup Wheat Germ 1/4 cup Flax 2 egg whites 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper General Tso’s Sauce (recipe follows)

HOW TO MAKE IT

1) Heat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. 2) Set up a breading station by combining wheat germ and flax seed in a bowl and whisking egg whites in another. 3) Mix all of the spices together and generously season the chicken strips. 4) Dip the chicken into the egg whites first, then into the wheat germ/flax seed mixture. 5) Place the breaded strips onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes. 6) Toss cooked chicken in the sauce once it is cool enough to handle.

CAJUN WAFFLE

3/4 cup milk 1 tsp apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup maple syrup 3/4 cup flour 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal 1/2 cup green onion, sliced 1 tsp nutritional yeast 1 tsp cajun spice 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt

HOW TO MAKE IT

1) Set a waffle iron to high. 2) Combine the wet ingredients (milk, vinegar, oil and syrup) in one bowl and the dry ingredients (flour, cornmeal, green onion, nutritional yeast, spices and baking powder) in another. Add the wet mixture to the dry and stir until just combined. 3) Add a 1/2 cup of the waffle batter to the waffle iron and cook until it is golden brown and delicious.

GENERAL TSO’S SAUCE 1 tbsp sesame oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp of ginger, grated 1/2 cup chicken broth 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/3 cup rice vinegar 1/4 cup honey 1 tbsp tomato paste 1 tbsp cornstarch

HOW TO MAKE IT

1) On medium high heat, sauté the garlic and ginger for about a minute. 2) Add the remaining ingredients and simmer until the sauce thickens; about 10 minutes.

HY EALT ORE H LINE! M D FIN OM/ S ON RECIP AGA Z IN E .C

AU S T

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E / F E B 2 0 1 7

M / IN F IT IT IO N NUTR

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NUTRITION

PERFECT PAIRINGS by ERIN DOWNING

Finding the right flavor pairing is the perfect way to eat or drink your vegetables without tasting them. You can add cups of kale to a smoothie and barely taste the leafy green veggie—the trick is loading up the blender with ingredients that will complement each other.

THE KALE KREATION This is a great smoothie packed with healthy fats, carbs, and protein. Apples and almond butter are known to be a great pair but adding kale and banana creates a nice creamy texture. 8 oz. vanilla almond milk (Substitute unsweetened almond milk for less sugar) 1 scoop almond butter 2 cups of kale ½ of a frozen apple 1 frozen banana To prepare, load your blender with the liquid, nut butter, and kale, then add your frozen fruit. Frozen Fruit Pro Tip Unpeel your ripe banana and break it up into 3 pieces and put in a plastic bag to freeze. You can also do this with the apple— smaller pieces tend to blend easier.

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E / F E B 2 0 1 7

photography by Weston Carls

THE CHOCOLATE ALMOND This is a great protein shake and meal replacement. You can’t taste the spinach, so why not throw in a couple of cups to get a serving of vegetables? We like to use almond butter for this protein smoothie, but peanut butter is delicious, too. Chocolate almond milk pairs really well with banana and blueberries to give it a dessert-like taste. 8 oz. chocolate almond milk 1 scoop nut butter 1 scoop chocolate protein 2 cups spinach 1 frozen banana ½ cup frozen blueberries

THE HEALTHY HULK This is a great smoothie/juice to kickstart your morning. We like to use water to cut the sugar in half, but you can always use a juice of your liking. When using water in your smoothies, it’s great to add something with a kick, like ginger. The ginger pairs really well with the orange juice to create a nice tangy punch. 5 oz orange juice 4 oz water ½ banana ½ cup frozen strawberries 2 cups spinach 1 piece of fresh ginger

To prepare, load the blender with liquid, nut butter, spinach, then frozen fruit.

To prepare, load the blender with liquid, spinach, ginger, and then the frozen fruit

Protein Pro Tip When picking out protein powders, try to pick a clean protein with no added sugar. (Vega Sport is an in-house favorite.) Certain dairy-based proteins, like whey protein, will double the volume when adding it—you might want to have an extra cup handy, or use less of the ingredients from the recipe.

Ginger Root Pro Tip When you are shopping for ginger, break apart a piece in the store to see if it is good—look for a yellowish color. When you peel ginger, it is easiest to use the thin edge of a spoon.

F E B 2 0 1 7 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

CULTURE

New to Austin Studios and stores for fitness-minded folks Flywheel Sports

220 Amy Donovan Plaza, Suite 128, Austin, TX 78758 The future of cycling has officially come to town. Flywheel Sports, the indoor fitness company that is quickly becoming an international cycling juggernaut, recently opened its first Austin location in The Domain and has been drawing rave reviews. Over the past six years, the Manhattan-based group has made a name for itself by melding competition, exercise, and cutting-edge performance metrics together to form a highly effective workout that keeps riders accountable with their proprietary tracking technology. Flywheel Domain features the brand’s new look and enhanced, personalized in-stadium technology aimed at elevating and accommodating each rider’s individual experience needs. The studio includes Flywheel’s signature tech pack—a small computer affixed to each bike that accurately showcases each rider’s Torq (resistance), RPM (speed), and Power throughout the ride. Features like personalized advanced metrics and voluntary performance displays allow for casual riders and seasoned cyclists alike to engage in friendly competitions, or keep tabs on their individual progress.

Soup Peddler

1112 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703 One of Austin’s most beloved eateries is expanding into the heart of the downtown area. Known for its healthy and convenient food options, The Soup Peddler’s fifth Austin location will serve homemade soups, hot pressed sandwiches, grab-andgo salads, fresh juices and smoothies with local and organic ingredients—all while sharing a roof with Castle Hill Fitness. The daily soup menu features primarily gluten-free items, including tomato basil (vegan), chicken soup with rice (dairy-free), chicken tortilla soup (dairy-free with no cheese), green goddess soup (vegan), mulligatawny (vegan), and rotating special soups. And while founder David Ansel won’t be delivering every cup of delicious soup on his bicycle like he once did, their talented and friendly staff will be sure to make you feel right at home.

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JUGO

603 Brazos Street, Austin, TX 78701 The mastermind behind renowned Austin farm-to-table bistros Parkside and Bullfight and Italian must-haves The Backspace and Olive & June has done it again. The latest venture from chef and Parkside Projects’ founder Shawn Cirkiel, JUGO offers a wide selection of freshpressed juices and smoothies as well as a variety of crisp snacks, salads and hot items from its Sixth Street location. The fast and casual spot offers drinks like the Apple, Fennel, Celery, Romaine and Grapefruit Juice, and fresh smoothies made with a broad array of local, organic, and seasonal ingredients. JUGO also offers a selection of freshly-made and packaged to-go items like Coconut Lentil Curry and Beef Bone Broth, in addition to salads, protein packs, and light snacks. Whether you’re looking to detox with a fresh-pressed juice or need a quality meal on-the-go, JUGO has it all.

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Kemuri Tatsu-ya

2713 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78702 The team behind Ramen Tatsu-Ya has brought its talents to the east side with their newest project, Kemuri Tatsu-Ya, inspired by the word “smoke” in Japanese. A full service, full bar restaurant serving smoked meats, yakitori, ramen and izakaya classics, the restaurant is a reflection of owner and acclaimed chef Tatsu Aikawa’s upbringing as a Japanese native who moved to central Texas at a young age. Kemuri Tatsu-Ya offers a menu of small sharable dishes, smoked offerings like duck, mackerel and brisket, unique creations like Texas chili cheese takoyaki—a riff on frito pie—and, of course, two ramens: Texas Ramen with barbeque brisket and Tsukemen aka “Texas Butter,” a Kotteri dipping ramen. The restaurant also proudly showcases a thoughtfully selected sake and shochu menu alongside a variety of local and Japanese beer and whiskey options. And with its interior’s carefully cultivated blend of Old Austin charm and reverence for Japanese tradition, you’ll have no problem getting comfortable in this warm, casual atmosphere.

F E B 2 0 1 7 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

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CULTURE

Few can fathom racing against the highest echelon of athletes in the world. And even fewer can fathom doing so as a below-the-knee amputee. When Brian Frasure lost his leg in a train accident at just 19 years old, the young track MVP found himself on an inconceivable path thinking he would never run again. Four Paralympic Games and eight medals later, Brian has deftly earned the ranks of world-class athlete. From learning to walk again to eventually destroying world records, this is his story.

Q + A

Profound in Prosthetics

From losing a leg to becoming a legend— Brian Frasure races to the top. by LACI MOSIER

How did you lose your leg? My accident was the result of a foolish competition in college. The idea was to run alongside trains passing through campus, pull yourself onto the train, ride for a bit and then exit the same way. Most trains would slow down coming through campus, so there wasn’t a lot of perceived danger (hindsight obviously being it was very dangerous). The night of the accident was different in that this train was moving very fast. None of my other train-hopping brethren would attempt it, but I was feeling confident. Keeping up with the train wasn’t a problem, but when I grabbed onto the ladder of the freight cart, I slipped on the rocks and was pulled off my feet. I tumbled back and both feet were struck by the train. What was going through your mind when you realized your foot would have to be amputated?

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E / F E B 2 0 1 7

photography by Brian Fitzsimmons

I was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery. The attending physician explained that the toes on my right foot had been amputated by the train, and that my left foot was so severely damaged that it would have to be amputated as well. I couldn’t register the word “amputate” in my mind. The finality buried in that word was devastating. As a 19-year-old athlete, life, as I knew it, was over. How did life change after the accident? I had always been very athletic and excelled in many sports, gravitating toward track in particular. But everything changed after the amputation. I’ve heard losing a limb is like losing a loved one; you go through similar stages of grieving. What depressed me the most early on was thinking that I would never be an athlete again. The lack of knowledge around the technology and assumptions you make about how the rest of your life is going to be made the first year the hardest. Do you feel that losing your leg ultimately made you become a more serious runner/ athlete? I most definitely think so. Once I realized I would be able to run again on a high level, my desire to take advantage of it was intense.

for other amputees and athletes. Since retiring from running, has your work in the prosthetics industry helped you stay in the game without actually competing? Absolutely, I’m now the clinical director for a medical technology company called BionX. We currently have the only commercially available bionic ankle/foot prosthesis for lower limb amputees. I continue to do running and fitness clinics for amputees looking to become active again. And having worked on the manufacturing side of the field for the past 12 years has allowed me to work closely with R&D and help improve the technology that we can offer amputees. It’s extremely rewarding— I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

Legend has it you fitted your greatest competitor, Oscar Pistorius, with the very pair of prosthetic legs that he later used to outrun you. How did that feel? Bittersweet. As a competitor, I hated it. As a prosthetist and an advocate of the sport, it was great. It was my involvement with Paralympic Sport that Medal Count inspired me to want to make a career in prosFrasure has competed in thetics and help indifour Paralympic Games (Atlanta, Sydney, Athens viduals with amputation and Beijing). regain their lives. 3 gold 3 silver 2 bronze

At what point did you realize you were becoming a world-class athlete? My prosthetist convinced me to go to an amputee running clinic in Texas led by Dennis Oehler, a former world record holder in all the sprints for below-knee amputees. During the clinic he watched me run and come out of starting blocks. He pulled me aside and said, “If you want it, you’ll be the next world record holder in all the sprints.” That was the encouragement I needed to eventually become the fastest amputee in the world. What was the process like for making the U.S. Paralympics Team? After the accident, I learned to segment my life into individual goals. First I wanted to walk, then I wanted to work out again, then I wanted to run. Once I began training, I wanted to make the Paralympic team, and succeeded for my first in 1996. The following year I quickly became the No. 1 ranked 100-meter sprinter in the world. You’ve made a career as a prosthetist

How have prosthetics, especially those made for athletes, changed and improved since you were first fitted for one? Actually, not a lot; the blades introduced in 1996 are not too dissimilar to those being used today. I happened to come into the sport just before they introduced the first running specific blade. What has changed is determining the proper alignment, shape and thickness of the blades, and then customizing those for the individual athlete. The next frontier will be using motor-driven running prosthetics—once that happens, amputees will likely be the fastest humans on the planet. To that end, what’s next in terms of technology and enhancements for prosthetics? There is a lot of interest in the field right now in the area of neurologically controlled prosthetics. By using nerve innovation that would capture the signals from the brain, the user would be able to control a bionic prosthetic device. This is still some time away from being perfected, but once it is, the term ‘cyborg’ gets a lot more interesting. The Six Million Dollar Man isn’t just science fiction anymore. afm F E B 2 0 1 7 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

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CULTURE

How to Coach Your Kids

Have you ever…wait, scratch that. How often do you look in the mirror and criticize your appearance? We all do it. Now, the real question: How many times have you looked in the mirror and made self-deprecating comments, all while your littles ones sat, watched, and listened? As a fairly motivated husband, father, and gym owner, I find myself in a constant state of observation. I study people in their everyday lives from a distance, especially how they interact with others. I’ve used this tactic for years to dissect and better understand people, in an effort to steadily improve myself: how I communicate, how I coach, and most importantly, how I parent. I’ve especially enjoyed examining parents since I became a father. I’ve witnessed an alarming number of parents—good ones, too—who unknowingly cast their own insecurities onto their young children, oftentimes indirectly. Whether it’s in front of the mirror or on the phone with a friend, we forget how much our kids watch, listen, and absorb. While we absentmindedly talk, they learn and duplicate. I have two boys—soon to be 5 and 6 years old—who will confidently tell an adult offering them soda, “No thank you, that won’t help my muscles grow!” That didn’t happen overnight, but it wasn’t difficult—especially since my wife, Leslie, and I never introduced them to soda. We aren’t doctors and we don’t specialize in child development, but, together, Leslie and I have created a school of thought that has worked wonders for our boys and the many childparent teams we've been entrusted with. We want our boys to grow into men that make everyday healthy decisions the same way they bathe and brush their teeth daily—without even thinking about it! But for that to happen, you have to plant positive seeds early and often.

by MIKE O’HARA

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E / F E B 2 0 1 7

photography by Weston Carls

THE COOLEST WAY TO GET FIT IN AUSTIN!

THANK YOU

AUSTIN FOR

20 GREAT YE

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Below are a few of the steps we put into place to promote fitness as a way of life: The words ‘fat’ and ‘skinny’ do not exist in our vocabulary; alternatively we employ words such as fit, healthy, and strong. If we shed a positive light on the subject, that's all they'll ever know!

Karen Knight D.D.S.

Rather than saying, “Don’t eat that or you’ll be fat like Mommy,” or “Daddy has to go workout so he’s not fat,” we say, “If you eat this, your muscles will grow strong and you'll be fast like mommy!” or “Daddy loves working out; it’s what helps make him strong and healthy!” Despite the resounding scientific research proving how much physical activity stimulates the body and the mind, so many adults still view working out as a chore. If we wish to put an end to that way of thinking, we as parents must take extra steps to remain proactive and motivate through positive reinforcement.

We bring our sons to our workouts at every opportunity we get. We’ve even designed our workouts around their playtime—at the park, at indoor facilities (like Altitude, Hoppin’ House, My Gym, and Mount Playmore), or at our gym! Thanks to these consistent efforts and our desire to make these enjoyable experiences, our boys have developed their own love for health and fitness.

Although consistency and amusement are key pillars for this to work, it all starts with word association and distribution. The more deliberate parents are with their language, the quicker we'll be able to turn our boys and girls into strong, happy, healthy men and women. Through relentless positive reinforcement we can develop the first generation that sincerely relishes the idea of fitness as a way of life! afm F E B 2 0 1 7 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

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AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E / F E B 2 0 1 7

// Atomic Athlete //

JAKE SAENZ & TOD MOORE

BY DAVID LEFFLER

close my eyes and exhale, buying a final moment of solitude before walking into the coach’s office at Atomic Athlete. I rehearse my talking points in my head, running through the preparation I’d done for an hour-plus of intense conversation on training techniques and mental strength. You’d be stalling, too, if

you were about to spend time alone with the men behind the slogan “Stronger. Faster. Harder to kill.” Tod Moore, one of Atomic’s co-founders and lead coaches, greets me at the door with a warm handshake and a big smile, slapping me on the back like we’re old friends. Bald-headed and red-bearded, Tod is wearing a black sweatshirt, black shorts, and flip-flops as he leans against his desk, a cool figure of relaxed authority—nothing like the austere, hulking guy I’d expected. Make no mistake about it, though: the guy could crush me in an instant. Tod wasn’t your typical gym rat growing up. Sure, he liked to lift weights as a high schooler in La Porte, a small town in East Texas, but that was about it. “I was just a fat kid growing up, wasn’t very athletic,” he says. “I pretty much just liked to work out because I enjoyed the suffer component of it.” All of that changed when he met Jake Saenz a few years later at a mutual friend’s surprise birthday party in Austin. “Jake showed up and I immediately thought to myself, ‘I like that guy!’” Moore smiles, his hearty laugh filling the room. They began working out and running together, and their friendship took off from there. Eventually, they moved into a house with a few other buddies and became virtually inseparable. “We’d have these ‘man dates’ where we’d get up and ride our bikes down to our run group with Paul Carozza (formerly of RunTex), come back, do another workout, and then get back on our bikes,” he says. “We were nonstop.” Seconds later, Jake bursts through the office door, smiling as if he’d been waiting for the perfect time to enter. A former Army Special Operations soldier, he’s clean-shaven and bald, and is wearing a red T-shirt and beige pants. Like Tod, he has an air of unassuming confidence and is quick to crack a joke. It’s obvious how at ease they are together— more brothers than friends. Jake grabs a seat as he and Tod lead me through the progression of their personal and professional relationship. When they first met, F E B 2 0 1 7 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

they were in their midlate 20’s and bartending to make a living. Both felt like there was something missing and wanted more concrete direction. “That was the genesis of all this,” says Tod, gesturing around the room. “We were both looking to evolve out of juvenile life habits and were in an openminded, pliable place in our lives.” Jake laughs for a second and shakes his head, gathering his thoughts. “It’s so funny to look back 10 years ago—bartending, a bunch of dudes living in a house, training together,” he says reflectively. “So much has changed since then but we still carry the training habits and the relationships we’ve forged with us every day.” I step back from our conversation for a moment, processing their contemplative statements. These guys aren’t meatheads, they’re pioneers—and Atomic Athlete’s staggering success speaks for it. Over the past eight years, Tod and Jake have grown their business from a ragtag outfit leading parkside workouts (well before the proliferation of Camp Gladiator’s outdoor workout model) to a close-knit community of athletes and competitors chasing one common, elusive goal: to sharpen and prepare their bodies and minds for anything that comes their way. This may sound grandiose, but Tod and Jake aren’t selling gimmicks. They’re advancing science. By combining the methodologies behind

Nicknames Jake: Tod: Tod’s favorite thing to listen to during workouts:

How Jake describes Tod:

What’s your favorite thing to do together when you’re not training or coaching? Jake: Tod:

Role Models Jake: Tod:

How Tod describes Jake: Jake’s guilty pleasure food:

strength training and endurance conditioning—two schools of thought that have been traditionally kept separate—Atomic has become a nationwide leader in online workout programming and evaluation. They also lead a variety of multi-week sessions and lectureheavy seminars for Army Special Forces soldiers. Combined, these two efforts represent Atomic’s push to be as influential and scalable as possible. If this sounds a bit dense or confusing, it is. “It’s like drinking out of a fire hose,” Tod admits. “Most people don’t understand until they’re several sessions in.” Though their curriculum is intricate, there aren’t any hidden secrets to what they do. Their training model is based on a deliberate and calculated approach stemming from a simple question: Why? “So many gyms rationalize unnecessary and dangerous workouts by arguing that they’ll make you mentally tougher, which is ridiculous,” Jake says. “Everything we do is intentional. We don’t waste our athletes’ time or endanger them; we empower them to expand their aptitude in whatever field they’re in—whether they’re a collegiate athlete, a hunter, a soldier, or outdoorsman.”

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E / F E B 2 0 1 7

Thanks to their expansion into the online realm, Tod and Jake haven’t felt the need to grow Atomic Athlete through marketing campaigns or opening multiple locations. As a result, they’ve been able to keep their membership to roughly 250 people a month, preserving Atomic’s casual environment. This consistency and predictability—a rarity in the gym business—has given them the freedom to explore areas of interest beyond the confines of traditional fitness regiments, like shooting, hunting, and jiu-jitsu. “This is really just the beginning,” Tod says. As I walk into the parking lot, I can’t help but laugh at how drastically my perception of Jake and Tod changed from our brief time together. With one final look at the front door, I step into my car with Jake’s words still ringing in my ears: “This isn’t just about the gym—it’s about building a skillset focused around discipline, endurance, strength, and awareness. We’re helping people become greater assets to their companies, families, and communities.”

// EPIC Provisions //

TAYLOR COLLINS & KATIE FORREST BY DAVID LEFFLER

he word ‘epic’ isn’t reserved for the ordinary. It’s the rallying cry for the adventures that are too good to describe, those you-had-to-be-there experiences that still give you goosebumps years later. It’s for the people who’d rather live by doing than watching. To truly understand what EPIC means, though, you’ll need to meet Taylor Collins and Katie Forrest, the spousal combo behind the meat-based product line that’s challenging mainstream food trends and infiltrating supermarkets across the country. It’s an unusually cold January morning in Austin, Texas (below 40 degrees, if you can believe it) and Taylor’s pacing in front of his South Austin home. But he’s not nervous, he’s trying to help his five-week-old daughter, Emory Scout Bear-Forrest Collins—‘Scout’ for short—fall asleep. “The best way to get her to fall asleep is walking her outside,” Katie explains. “It’s the only thing that calms her down.” Considering her parents are triathletes and avid nature junkies, Scout’s going to fit in just fine here. The waters around the Forrest-Collins household are calm, but they weren’t always. Six years ago, Katie and Taylor’s lives were in flux as they tried to navigate their early-mid 20’s and find their callings. Taylor was working as a physical therapist in Austin, while Katie was in school for counseling psychology in Dallas. Both were miserable. But rather than standing pat and settling for more conventional—and more predictable—life paths, they decided it was time to

shake things up. Katie dropped the doctoral program she’d spent years working toward and moved back to Austin to be with Taylor, who eventually followed in her footsteps and quit his job, too. “It was terrifying, but we never doubted we were making the right decision,” Katie says as we sit at their kitchen table, their chocolate lab, Lakota, by her side. She’s wearing a white sweater and a black coat, her hair neatly pulled back. She’s only five weeks removed from pregnancy but somehow looks more put together than I have in years. “Happiness comes from being able to evolve and find what brings you joy in any given moment.” Taylor’s standing close by, donned in a blue t-shirt and an EPIC snapback while gently rocking Scout in his arms. “We’ve always believed there’s no pathway or repeatable playbook to living a happy, prosperous life—whether that’s regarding a business or a relationship,” he adds, never taking his eyes off his daughter. “We’ve always followed our instincts and listened to our guts.” Shortly after Katie moved back to Austin, they did just that. Stricken by crippling gastrointestinal pain and the anxiety that ensued when doctors couldn’t identify the cause of her ailments, she and Taylor—longtime vegetarians and raw food vegans at the time—decided to make their most drastic life change yet: eating meat. Almost immediately after adopting what is commonly known as the ‘paleo diet,’ Katie’s symptoms disappeared. They felt stronger and more energetic than they ever had. F E B 2 0 1 7 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

Taylor’s favorite meal:

How Taylor describes Katie:

How Katie describes Taylor:

Katie’s dream job as a child:

“Changing our diets and tackling that together taught us so many lessons about teamwork and open-mindedness,” Taylor smiles. “That was a huge challenge, but it was well worth the reward. Katie’s the healthiest she’s ever been since we made that change.” This switch was an existential shift for both. Soon after, in 2013, Katie and Taylor founded EPIC Provisions with hopes of altering the landscape of food consumption, and placing grassland restoration at the forefront of conscious, healthy living. “We’re challenging the narrative that raising livestock is degenerating the earth,” Taylor explains. “We want to empower people to make better purchasing decisions while supporting ranchers who care for their animals, employ practices that sequester carbon through grasslands, and mitigate climate change.” People have answered EPIC’s call for a food revolution. Over the past four years, their product line has grown from their staple meat bars to include a variety of trail mixes, beef jerkies, bacon bits, animal oils (like duck fat and pork lard), bone broths, and much more. This enables them to use every part of their animals—a key company value. But this belief isn’t isolated to Katie and Taylor, nor is EPIC part of a niche market. In fact, it was acquired by General Mills for an undisclosed sum early last year. Despite the big news, their company roles and worldviews alike haven’t been impacted by the acquisition. They’ve made it a point to live like they always have— modestly and without excess. “We still want Scout to grow up like we did,” Taylor explains. “We want her to struggle and have to overcome challenges.” EPIC’s success hasn’t changed him and Katie, but parenthood certainly has. For much of their relationship, Katie wasn’t interested in getting married, let alone having kids. But as time passed, she realized if she were going to do those things with anyone, it’d be

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with Taylor—the boy she used to lock eyes with in the halls of Austin High School, before dating at Texas State University. She’s still getting used to the whole motherhood thing, but she loves it. “Scout has turned our worklife balance perspective on its head,” she grins. It’s obvious their daughter’s presence has changed them—a process they’re more than accustomed to. But this is different. It’s bigger. This summer, they’re hitting the road for a trip through Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and the Dakotas. Taylor and Katie owe it to themselves after years of tireless work, but it seems more like a trip for Scout—a type of family initiation process. Beyond that, though, there’s still plenty of uncertainty in their world, which is just the way they like it. “We’d be really boring if we already knew what was coming,” Katie laughs. “Life should be unpredictable. All we know is she’s [Scout] getting bigger by the day.” My prediction: Taylor’s going to be a hell of a lot stronger when he’s rocking Scout back and forth this time next year.

Favorite way to unwind:

What’s your spirit animal (and why)? Taylor:

Katie:

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// Practice Yoga //

REY CARDENAS & STRUAN VAZ BY MARGO REITZ

t’s my first time interviewing anyone in this kind of setting, and I’m nervously awaiting their arrival at a classy local dinner spot. Two men approach the hostess, and just by the looks of Struan, I’m confident they’re the yogi dinner dates I’m set to meet. Rey goes in for the handshake, almost as if for a hug. He’s gentle, clean cut, and tall—like someone I've seen around town but have never formally met. Struan greets me next with distinct energy and warmth. He has billowing, long, dark hair, a groovy patterned shirt, and a smile like Buddha. They immediately make me feel comfortable as we sit, more interested in my life story than sharing theirs. The manager of the restaurant comes to say hello, and it’s evident they’re known and beloved here. Everywhere, really. Rey and Struan tell me how they met while attending yoga classes around the city, occasionally running into each other serendipitously at Whole Foods between workouts. This feeling of destiny seems to ooze out of these men, their life stories, and their interactions. After only a few minutes with them, I’m convinced they’ve been duly rewarded in business and life for their kind, thoughtful nature. Well, that, and a lot of hard work. Rey is a born and raised Austinite. His interest in yoga originally began with playing Wii Fit, helping him transition out of an online poker phase that left him feeling out of shape and unsatisfied. He recognized the ways in which practicing yoga enhanced so many aspects of his life, especially his mental health, spirituality, and interpersonal relationship skills. “Like yoga,” he explains, “you have to be able to put yourself in an uncomfortable position and still relax and be present through it. My practice expanded my capacity to be present in any given moment.” This is the moment in our conversation when I become aware that Rey is actually the yoga extraordinaire of the two. I turn to Struan, now even more curious about his life story considering my business role misjudgment. He also loves yoga, but spends a great deal of time as an active microchip engineer (with an impressive background in science and mathematics). He proceeds to praise Rey for his strong people skills and emotional intelligence, which starkly contrasts his analytical nature. “We think completely differently, which is hard sometimes because it causes friction,” he says. “But that’s the secret sauce. Those differences really are our strength.” Just like that, these unlikely friends conceived an idea to take their passion, mutual appreciation of yoga, and way with numbers to the next level. With Struan’s experience in startups and some calculations far beyond my own comprehension, they were able to ensure that all of the pieces would be in place to make this dream a reality. In less than three months, Practice Yoga was born. This is when the sauce becomes a four course meal. “Group effort” is reiterated adamantly as we discuss the rollout of their new business, in regards to both themselves and their teachers. They’re quick to deflect any praise for their successes, instead making the conversation about Practice Yoga’s energetic and spirited teachers. Struan admits that keeping a mentality on community and passion for the practice is essential, but it was particularly important in the early stages of the business. That, and having a good time. Having fun when starting the studio was crucial, to our spirit and to business.” Struan relays. This sort of openness and connection is incredibly defining of the Austin community as a whole, including the idea that the pursuit of wellness should be accessible to anyone. “You walk into our studio and it feels like a safe place, a community. Accessibility means you can afford this, and feel comfortable here; that was our game plan.”

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It’s clear Struan and Rey are approachable and care for their clients, but I’m more curious about the less conventional side of their work. Other than being two men operating in a female-dominated industry, I inquire about what sets their studio apart in our increasingly saturated city. They preface their answer by emphasizing the need to grow Austin’s yoga community as a whole, explaining that competition isn’t their goal. As a result, they aren’t brand or subscription-centric— which allows them to honor and fund exceptional teachers instead. “Every day the yoga has to stand on its own, otherwise people don’t come back,” Rey says. “That’s where our slogan, ‘absurdly high quality donation yoga’ comes from. As the conversation progresses, I’m increasingly stirred by their passion and ask what advice they have for people

who are intimidated to jump into yoga. Given his story, Rey believes there’s no shame in testing the waters through online video tutorials. Struan agrees, humbly bragging how one of Practice Yoga’s teachers, Adriene Mishler, is one of the most popular online instructors worldwide. While YouTube channels like Adriene’s and other yoga gatherings can certainly be a stepping stone, Struan encourages potential yogis to venture into a studio for the full experience. “Energy evolves by practicing in a studio because the nature and consciousness of yoga is absolutely contagious and powerful.” In just an hour together, I’m inspired and enlightened on a personal level—and we didn’t even set foot in the yoga studio. If this is how I feel leaving dinner, I think it’s about time to give a class at Practice Yoga a shot.

What’s his spirit animal? Rey: How Rey describes Struan: Struan: How Struan describes Rey:

Rey’s book recommendation:

Pump up song:

photography by Dylan O’Connor

F E B 2 0 1 7 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

// Circus Picnic Studios //

JEFE & KELLY GREENHEART BY GRETCHEN GOSWITZ

s a small group of Lycra-laden men crowd around posted results from The Rookie Triathlon, I can’t help but think of how similar they look to a group of giddy and anxious students waiting to find out who got the lead in the school play. The weather was iffy for a sprint tri—gloomy and drizzling, far too cold for May in Austin—but first-timers and veterans alike showed up in good spirits prepared to swim, bike, and run. “Dude! Jefe won. No way—Jefe, you won your age group!” exclaims one of the team members. This group of thirty-something year-old men, who made up the majority of the JuiceLand triathlon team (with the exception of Jefe’s wife, Kelly), swarm

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E / F E B 2 0 1 7

Jefe Greenheart with embraces of love and support. It was his first triathlon and he had won his highly competitive men’s 35–39 division. He breaks through the crowd to find Kelly. She’s not hard to spot; her toothy smile is genuine and inviting, and her red lustrous hair would make a mermaid jealous. Jefe beams with pride as he informs her that she also did exceptionally well—placing fourth in the women’s 30–34 division. He stops abruptly, stricken by an idea, shifting from the celebratory huddle. “I’m going to juggle on the podium! I need to find some fruit.” After rummaging through JuiceLand's tent for a moment, he picks up an orange. “Hmm, this could work,” he says, grabbing two more items that don’t seem to be standard juggling material: a banana and a pineapple. And yet, when the race emcee calls his name, Jefe’s fruit selection goes airborne nonetheless. Although it was Jefe and Kelly’s first triathlon, they are no strangers to the spotlight. In fact, juggling is what brought them together. Kelly had co-founded a circus gathering that regularly met in Zilker Park, and in just two summers it grew from four to 400 people, becoming a sanctuary for playful locals wanting to learn and skillshare circus arts. “One day, I juggled at Barton Springs and this guy said I should go to this circus gathering. I was always the weird kid who juggled and did flips but never had community around it,” said Jefe. After a miscommunication about the location, Jefe finally stumbled upon the circus jam. “It was like I had found my long lost family,” he recalls. And then, he found Kelly. As I pull up to their house for this interview, there's no doubt I'm at the right place. There’s a slackline in the front yard and a vibrant art car, painted like a psychedelic rainbow and adorned with the mantras “Real magic exists” and “Awaken your imagination.” The hood sports a portrait of Kelly’s grandmother, Joy—the previous owner of the car and inspiration behind its name, The Joy Ride. When Jefe and Kelly greet me at the door, I take notice of the purple vertical stripes painted on the entryway walls and feel like I’m stepping foot inside a funhouse. We settle on the couch, where I have a clear view of their trampoline in the backyard. (Of course.) As a kid, this was the kind of place I'd dreamt of living in. There's more to these two than juggling and carny culture, though. Shortly after their meeting, they spent a week connecting with each other at Burning Man—where multiple strangers asked how long they’d been married. Rather than resuming his cushy corporate television job, Jefe quit to travel around South America for seven months making documentaries with Kelly. “I said, ‘Look, I’m leaving for South America in two weeks. Now is your chance. Come with me or not—but I may never come back,” Kelly says. The Amazon was as challenging as you’d imagine; but sharing a small cot, running out of money and living barefoot (all while spending every minute, every hour, every day together) enhanced their relationship. This environment forced them to work through their issues rather than run from them.When they finally touched down onto U.S. soil, Jefe and Kelly headed straight to where it all began:

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Burning Man. This time, they formed a new love. “We decided to combine everything we love into this company. And that’s how Circus Picnic Studios started. It was the platform for our video production company, as well as our performance entertainment company,” says Jefe. The company has two sides: for-hire interactive talent and video production. The first side features everything from jugglers and stilt walkers to acrobats and fire hoopers, making it the perfect attraction for festivals, parades, and corporative parties. The experiential entertainment troupe of Circus Picnic is the go-to source for performance needs. The video production side of the company has afforded the couple some unbelievable opportunities to travel around the world. Clients and collaborators include Wanderlust Yoga Festival, Lance Armstrong and Rip Esselstyn, Jim Carrey, National Geographic, Travel Channel, Discovery Channel, and MTV, to name a few. Jefe is also the director of photography for Austin City Limits Festival and Lollapalooza. There is one project, however, that’s been about five years in the making—and it’s picking up some serious momentum. As the ultimate integration of everything the Greenhearts do, Jefe and Kelly conceived the idea to produce a children’s television show. Inspired by PeeWee’s Playhouse, Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, Captain Planet, Hook, The Goonies, and even Cirque du Soleil, the result was Mr. Greenheart’s Treehouse. Not only does it aim to provide quality programming to children, but it’s also intended to bring families closer together. “I believe we have a responsibility to feed our families nourishing media that helps us all grow and thrive together.” Jefe says in their Kickstarter campaign video, which surpassed its fundraising goal with $35,000. Jefe and Kelly play Mr. Greenheart and Violet, respectively, in roles that aren’t too far off from their true selves.

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The pilot, which will be pitched to networks in early 2017, was shot at Cypress Valley Canopy Tours, a treehouse haven in Spicewood Springs. Uncertainty lies ahead for Jefe and Kelly, but that’s never stopped them before. Emboldened by their adventures in the Amazon and beyond, the Greenhearts hope to make their mark on the current media paradigm—an especially impressive feat considering they don't own a television.

Favorite thing to do separately? Kelly:

Jefe:

Past lives Kelly:

Jefe:

Jefe’s business advice:

Favorite Date Night Spot?

Kelly’s relationship advice:

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// Blenders and Bowls //

ERIN DOWNING & KARA JORDAN BY GRETCHEN GOSWITZ

f anyone knows what a fantastic blend is, it’s Erin Downing and Kara Jordan. They’ve perfected the Blenders and Bowls menu with a diverse offering of hearty smoothies and bowls—but beyond that, they’ve mastered the challenges of running a business as best friends. Chances are, you’ve crossed paths with Erin and Kara. Maybe you’ve caught them behind the counter at their cafe in Wanderlust Yoga, or perhaps you’ve dropped into the Westlake store and noticed one of them catching up on e-mails. You wouldn’t know it though, because this best friend duo plays it low-key—staying humble in the face of their growing success. In spite of multiple encounters and introductions, I still have to do a double-take to spot Erin, who often sports a hat. We're sitting at their spacious Westlake store, surrounded by natural light and buzzing high school girls who have claimed it as their hang-out spot. As I inquire further about their friendship, I come to find out that this is a different kind of love story—a platonic love story. Erin and Kara met in the 7th grade and hit it off immediately. They've had an unmatched bond ever since. Despite putting the Pacific Ocean between them during college years—with Erin at California State University in Chico and Kara at Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu—nothing could interpose their friendship. Erin and Kara would only stay apart for so long, though. Once they finished school, Erin moved out to Hawaii to reunite with her BFF. The two women shared a cozy apartment in Oahu until they were ready for another move: Austin. “I don’t remember who brought it up first, but a year later we made the decision to do it. I don’t remember talking too much about it, but just agreeing on it,” says Kara. Surprisingly, this is how they handle most decisions—and it works. They reveal that most business conversations happened on their couch over a glass or two of wine. And when asked about divvying the responsibilities, Erin says, “It’s weird, we never had a full conversation where we decided ‘you do this, and I do that.’

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The tasks have just been naturally divided.” The Santa Barbara natives attribute the strength of their brand to this attitude and their casual Californian confidence. “Good vibes, laid back. If, behind the scenes, it wasn’t like that, it’d be harder to translate that into what we’re trying to do,” Kara says. The idea to start a business based around acai bowls—a thick smoothielike Hawaiian staple that's typically topped with fruit, granola, or peanut butter—came to Erin and Kara shortly after they settled in Austin in their mid-twenties. What started as a simple craving turned into a search for a remedy unfound, and ultimately led to what they considered a no-brainer. The fact that Austin is hot and its residents are active was a bonus; it’s as close to being a beach town a landlocked city could be. The duo spent an entire month perfecting the menu—a tedious task for people who had no experience making acai bowls. They knew the three most important qualities in an acai bowl were the thickness of the blend, quality of the granola, and freshness of the ingredients. With that in mind, it took plenty of trial and error before they perfected the three bowls that would go on their flagship menu. In July 2011, the Blenders and Bowls food truck was born. “The hardest part about the business to date has been trying to figure out how to open up a food truck. We had to jump through so many hoops with permitting,” Erin says. “Plus, we were working in such a tight space together, all the time. It made us close as business partners, but it set us up to be able to work in any situation.” Incredibly, the women swear there's never been

a blowout fight between them—even after so many years spent in close quarters together. They finally cleared every clerical hurdle, and set their sights on what they believed was a strong niche for acai bowls: fitness events. Their first venture, The Rookie Triathlon, was indicative of their success to come. As time went on, Blenders and Bowls picked up a breakfast route where they’d deliver breakfast to start-ups and agencies around town. One cold November day, Erin and Kara had an odd encounter with some customers. Kara still remembers it vividly. “They came with their car, bought a bowl, ate it and then came right back. They said, ‘We’re opening a yoga studio and we want to have a café in it. We love your products and we love that it’s run by two girls.’” The customers, turned out to be the driving force behind Wanderlust Yoga Austin. In true Erin-and-Kara form, they briefly discussed the offer, confirmed they were in agree-

What do you do together for fun?

Nicknames for each other Kara:

Erin:

ment, and signed a lease at the Fourth Street location in 2012. Fast-forward five years, when everything on the business side has undergone major changes—including a rebrand and the sale of their original food truck—but the dynamic between Erin and Kara remains unchanged. (Up until last November, they were still roommates.) They opened their own brickand-mortar last April, just a stone’s throw away from Westlake High School, and now they’re on track to open a store on the East side of town in early 2017. “Our No. 1 priority is still making sure the bowls are delicious. But we also care about making sure everyone else sticks to the processes we started so long ago,” Erin says. “We are both still cc'd on every email. We're in the loop on everything so there are no surprises.” It’s safe to say—to no surprise, of course—that this platonic love story will end happily ever after.

Favorite bowl?

Business advice for anyone who wants to start something with their best friend? Erin:

Kara:

What’s your song?

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Chelsea Double Dutch Braid Updo 1. Part hair down the middle of your head. 2. Create a tight dutch braid on both sides, using all hair. 3. Grab both ends of the braids and twist into a bun. Pin with bobby pins until updo feels secure. For long hair, it may feel more secure to be tie the bun back with a hair-tie.

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photography by Weston Carls; modeled by Chelsea Bucklew hair style by Kate Allen, SALON by Milk + Honey; Gold Key Educator for Kevin Murphy

Kelly Side Braid with Ponytail 1. Create a side part in your hair. 2. Start braid and keep as close to the forehead as possible. As you continue the braid, gradually bring it further from your forehead and more toward the back of your head until the braid is finished. Then, secure with an elastic band. 3. Pull all hair back into a ponytail. modeled by Kelly Satterlee

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STYLE

Kristin Fauxhawk Ponytail 1. Part your hair down the top sides of your head to section off the hair in the top-middle of your head. It should look like a rectangle section of hair ending at the crown of the head. Tie off the rest of your hair. 2. Braid the top section of hair all the way to the end. 3. Secure braid with elastic. 4. Pull up the rest of the hair into a tight ponytail. 5. Take elastic out of braid, wrap around the ponytail holder and then secure underneath with bobby pins.

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photography by Weston Carls; modeled by Kristin Nelson hair style by Kate Allen, SALON by Milk + Honey; Gold Key Educator for Kevin Murphy

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Run This Town photography by WESTON CARLS

Texas Running Company 1 / Saucony Breakthru 3 Feel the road and take your run to the next level with the Breakthru 3. Built for both speed and comfort, this nononsense running shoe is a versatile, lightweight ride that maximizes speed and responds to every stride. Thanks to its newly-engineered mesh design, the Breakthru 3 blends the durability of an everyday trainer and the explosiveness of a raceday shoe, making it softer and more cushioned than previous versions. Due to its neutrally-cushioned design, this shoe is highly flexible and is best for runners who have a high, stable arch. $100

2 / On Cloudflow Swiss-engineering does it again—this time, with shoes. Constructed with 18 ‘clouds’ (cushions on the outsole), the impact is absorbed in every footfall. The Cloudflow is revered for its lightness and responsiveness, which simulates the feelings of running on—you guessed it—clouds. Plus, a breathable mesh on the upper combined with an antimicrobial treatment means your feet will stay fresh with every stride. $140 3 / Brooks Launch 4 Released in January 2017, the beloved running brand Brooks made some tweaks to the latest iteration of the Launch. It’s always been a very stable shoe and locks the heel in with a snug foot hold. Not only does it have adaptive cushioning, but it also has plenty of toe

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Our top 10 shoe picks of the season. Whether you're a brand new runner buying your first serious shoe or a veteran who's looking for a post-marathon pick-me-up, this list will help you find the perfect fit.

height volume, making it a great fit for many different kinds of feet. Further updates to this version include a softened forefoot rubber, more lightweight (which may result in decreased durability). The Launch 4 gives a greater rebound when you run—whether it’s long or short distances—but serves as a reliable gym shoe, too. $100 4 / Hoka One One Bondi 5 The size of most Hoka shoes can be intimidating for runners, but keep in mind that looks can be deceiving. Even though the Bondi 5 looks super high, it’s only a 4mm drop. Additionally, it’s got a flat, but comfortable feel and your foot sits down inside the cushion. Due to the rocker platform, the take-off is smooth and nearly effortless. This shoe is ideal for runners who are looking for a low impact on the joints and highly recommended for new runners and also older runners who have lost fat on the bottom of their feet with age. $150

3 4 / Hoka One One Bondi 5

4 special thanks to Texas Running Company

“When I first saw them, because they’re so big, I thought they’d be heavy. But they’re incredibly light.” — Leo Manzano The New York Times F E B 2 0 1 7 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

Run This Town Q / What is a heel-toe drop?

The heel-toe drop refers to the difference between the heel height and the forefoot height in a shoe. For example, if a shoe has a 6mm drop, it would mean that the heel sits 6mm higher off the ground than the forefoot. If it’s has a zero drop, the heel and ball of your foot rests at the exact same height. There are countless studies examining the effect of lower versus higher heeltoe drops, ultimately revealing that it’s good to change up the height to allow variation in impact to your body. The average running shoe has a 10mm drop.

Austin Trail Running Company

1 50

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special thanks to Austin Trail Running Company

1 / La Sportiva Bushido The Bushido is known as the ‘safety blanket shoe’—you can put it on and not think about where you're running. This firm-feeling shoe cradles the arch of your foot and blends the best qualities of a traditional trail shoe with that of a barefootstyle shoe to give you a dependable but flexible fit. With a ripstop upper, aggressive toe bumper and a firm rock plate, the Bushido can tackle anything you throw at it. The Bushido really excels on any Hill Country trail— particularly at technical downhills—but can also perform on obstacle courses. $130

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2 / Salomon S-LAB Sense 5 Ultra SG The S-LAB shoes produced by Salomon are inspired by elite athletes who put them to the test. As one of the more minimalist shoes offered to trail runners, the Salomon is a no-fuss, slip-onand-go option. The Quicklace requires one pull for tightening and then stores away easily. A low drop of 4mm keeps you stable and close to the ground, while the outsole has an aggressive lug design that can handle tricky terrain. It’s equipped with an internal fit sleeve designed to hug the foot in exactly the right places, but can feel a little too snug for those who have a wider foot. $180

3 / Inov8 Trail Talon 250 Many trail shoes are designed to keep your foot safe and your toes unbruised, but this one is built for what you really want: speed! Although it is also built with comfort and protection in mind, the Trail Talon 250 is perfect for routes that require agility. The patented midsole technology improves shock absorption and delivers better energy return than standard midsoles. Recommended for runners who desire a shoe with a wider toebox. $110

3 Q / How many miles should you put on a shoe before retiring them?

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300-350 miles for a lightweight trainer. For a meatier shoe, it can last up to 450 miles. So, if you’re running about 15 miles per week, you’ll want to replace your shoes every 6-8 months. Another indicator it’s time to get new shoes is if the outsole is wiped clean or flat and there’s no traction. Knee pain, or if something feels off—like there’s no giveback—is a possible sign you need to retire your shoes.

Run This Town Q / If you’re using a new shoe for race day, how many miles should you put on it prior?

I would recommend putting them on about a week before your race and trying to get two runs in. Shoes don’t need as much breaking in as they used to.

Rogue Running 1 / New Balance Vazee Pace v2 If you’re looking for a durable, firm daily trainer that can double as a raceday shoe, look no further. The Vazee Pace v2, like its predecessor, is one of the best-looking shoes on the market, and is equally as poppy—the kind of shoe that makes you feel faster as soon as you put it on. Whether you’re distance training or in need of a tempo shoe, the v2’s got you covered. One thing to note: it gets pretty narrow in the midfoot. If you have a high arch or an arch that collapses, this may not be the shoe for you. $110

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special thanks to Rogue Running

2 / Mizuno Wave Rider 20 The latest model in Mizuno’s long line of Wave Riders, the 20 boasts a softer-feeling underfoot and is livelier than more recent versions. Equipped with a new midsole foam and a new wave plate, this shoe is great for people who overpronate (due to flatter feet) and need shock-reduction support. Its softer, cushier makeup also helps ease its hallmark heel-toe drop, which pairs well with its slightly wider footprint, more breathable upper, and more accommodating fit. Although the 20 is not has snappy as previous Wave Riders, it’s no softy either—in fact, its rugged and sticky outsole even make it trail-worthy. If you need for a comfortable, do-everything shoe that

2 can log a lot of miles but doesn’t carry an outrageous price tag, look no further. $120 3 / Brooks Cascadia 12 The Brooks Cascadia been around for a long time, grown to be a trusted shoe with a large following in the running community. For some people, the toe box might feel a little bit narrow, but it maintains that traditional trail feel with a rugged outsole,

rock plate, and an overall very sturdy build. This is a great starting point when shopping for a new trail shoeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;you might put it on and think you want something lighter or wider. $130

3 F E B 2 0 1 7 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

WELLNESS

Success is Just a Thought Away

A sports psychologist explains how powerful your words are. by TIM ZEDDIES, PH.D. Many years ago, as a full-time professor teaching sports psychology, I found that one of the most effective demonstrations of the connection between self-talk and physical performance involved inviting a strong-looking male student and two diminutive female students to the front of the class. I had the male student look deeply into the eyes of his fellow classmates while saying 10 times, “I’m a winner” as boldly and confidently as he could. I then had him hold his arms out to his sides, parallel to the ground, and resist the efforts of his two female classmates to pull his arms down. Almost every time I conducted this demo, the male students’ arms barely moved. For several minutes, I would make some lecture points while the male student rested from his efforts. Then, I’d have him gaze deeply into the eyes of his classmates, but this time he stated “I’m a loser” 10 times just as loudly as he’d done previously. In 100 percent of the demonstrations, the female volunteers pulled down his arms with ease. I often think of this demonstration in the initial stages of a sports psychology consultation with an athlete who has come to my office in hopes of elevating their performance. It turns out that words matter a great deal—especially the ones we direct toward ourselves. The words that we say to ourselves often serve as psychological bricks and mortar in the construction of our beliefs about the world. These beliefs, in turn, go a long way in shaping what we imagine we can

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achieve. To my way of thinking, beliefs about both what we view as possible and what we assume is likely to occur are just as important as any factor in determining the outcome. To paraphrase Aristotle, we are what we repeatedly think. Within the context of improving performance—for professional and amateur athletes alike—if you haven’t practiced thinking and believing like a winner in the weeks or months before an important competition, don’t expect motivational phrases and visual imagery to make a big difference on game day. However, if you train your mind just as diligently and intently as you train your body, success is truly only a thought away. Setting New Records Take the example of the sub-four minute mile in men’s track. Before 1954, the vast majority of track and field experts flatly asserted that a sub-four minute mile was humanly impossible. Most fans, coaches, and observers accepted the experts’ disbelief in this feat as unquestionable fact—except, of course, for Roger Bannister. This brazen rebel routinely utilized visualization techniques to convince himself that the feat was not only possible, but that it would be he who would accomplish it. After Bannister proved the impossible possible, a number of

professional runners duplicated the feat. Nowadays, sub-four minute milers are common among the professional ranks, fairly routine for top college runners, and a measure to identify elite male high school runners. The concerted and indefatigable belief (which might also be thought of as conviction) of one man apparently went a very long way.

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Conquering Fears I recall working several years ago with a young but very promising female gymnast I will call June. Her parents brought her into my office to overcome paralyzing fears of falling that were preventing her from demonstrating various skills on the beam and the uneven bars necessary for her to advance to the next level. In talking to June, it became clear that her mindset with respect to these events was consumed by memories of watching others fall, and especially by the visuals of a serious neck injury sustained by one of her friends and training partners. We talked about the importance of choice, mostly in terms of the thoughts and images she entertained. I explained that her thoughts about falling were actually the only thing that kept her from performing skills she already possessed. In place of negativity (i.e., thoughts of falling or of getting hurt), I taught her to visualize the exquisite details of successful performance and to view herself as a strong and graceful engine of gymnastic force. Finally, I had her look up and then write out by hand the definition of “poise,” and then spend one minute at the beginning of the day and again at the end of the day visualizing herself as the embodiment of this performance-related virtue.

I was delighted to learn that after three sports psychology sessions, June was not only able to perform the skills necessary to advance her level as a gymnast, but her newfound confidence emboldened her to practice with more vigor and focus. June learned to believe in herself through nothing more than a shift in cognitive focus away from failure, toward mental images of competence, excellence, and fearlessness. If there’s any take-away I would recommend for you from this short article, it would be this: fight as vigorously as you can against the psychological riptide of cognitive dissonance.* In other words, do not ever allow failure, disappointment, or loss define you or what you assume you are capable of. Instead, cleave to a belief in and a commitment to excellence with all the tenacity and stubbornness you can muster. In this way, you put yourself in the best position to elevate the level of your performance in any walk of life. afm *Defined in this context as the tendency to change what we believe to conform with what we do or how we perform.

F E B 2 0 1 7 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

Healthy

Helpings

We asked three couples in the fitness industry:

What is your advice for maintaining a healthy relationship? Jessica Kurtz + Brandon Thomas Instructors, CRUSH Fitness Never. Stop. Dating. After being together for four years, having one beautiful baby boy, and juggling two hectic fitness careers, we’ve learned that it’s so easy to take each other for granted. No matter how old or new a relationship is, it requires hard work and you can’t get lazy. We make it a point to send cute texts throughout the day and build new memories together, whether it’s seeing a concert or taking a trip somewhere we've never been. And pizza. Pizza makes a healthy relationship.

Did you know…

Brittaney + Pat Cook Co-founders, Athletic Outcomes First, remember that it's important to actually like this person. It's okay if they’re your best friend! They should at least be on your list of top five favorite people to spend your time with. Second, remember that deep down, they do love surprises and attention. Venturing out of your normal routine to do something simple and special will always keep your partner interested. Lastly, remember to appreciate downtime with each other more than anything. After all, someday you’ll laugh at how much spaghetti you ate while laying on the couch in your matching sweatpants.

You can die of a broken heart. Broken Heart Syndrome, also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, can strike even if you’re healthy. It’s often triggered by an emotionally stressful event, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or romantic betrayal. The primary symptoms are sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, which is why it’s often misdiagnosed as a heart attack. However, rather than the cause being linked to blocked arteries, it’s due to a part of your heart temporarily enlarging, making it difficult to pump well. Source: American Heart Association

If you’re beginning to slump on that New Year’s resolution to get fit, here’s a reason to stick with it: Exercising regularly will boost your libido. When you exercise, the brain produces endorphins that stimulate the release of sex hormones. Pick up a barbell: Strength training increases levels of growth hormone, which contributes to spikes in testosterone—the hormone of arousal. Go for a run: Cardio workouts rev up beta-endorphins, which will cause your heart to race and your blood to flow to all the right places. Hit the mat: Yoga leads to lower stress levels and increases relaxation, which primes you for intimacy. And the flexibility component only adds to the benefits! Source: http://fxn.ws/2iXmrXX

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Over $1 billion worth of chocolate is purchased for Valentine's Day in the U.S. Source: http://bit.ly/2ia36OY

illustrations courtesy of freepik

Cami + Michael Kirschner Co-owners, The Barre Code Austin 2017 marks 10 years of marriage for us! Beyond the physical attraction, we came together as a couple because we have so many shared interests. We maintain a healthy relationship by continuing to cultivate those interests as a couple. A love for food; sports— snow skiing (our favorite), water sports, tennis and golf to name a few; cards and games. Make sure to find time to check in with each other and the status of your relationship. It is easy to get bogged down with the day to day—find ways to let your partner know how important they are to you!

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WELLNESS

The Most Common Cause of Running Injury Find out if you have it and what you can do about it. by JAROD CARTER, PT, DPT, MTC & BEN SHOOK, PT, DPT, COMT, CIDN

Fig. 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; One-legged squat test showing hip muscle weakness and significant risk for running injury.

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Have you ever been sidelined by a running injury and unable to get in the precious miles that keep you fit and sane? You are not alone. Some experts estimate that over 80 percent of runners will sustain an injury at some point. Luckily, most running injuries are completely preventable if you know how to identify the predisposing factors, and today you will learn how to do so with the most common one. We help a great deal of injured runners at our clinic and well over a half of those injuries are at least partially caused by a very specific type of hip muscle weakness. In this article, we will teach you how to quickly figure out if you have this weakness, and show you three simple exercises to resolve it before it causes an injury that takes you off the roads and trails. So, how do you know if you are dealing with this particular cause of running injury? A single-leg squat will tell you.

One-Legged Quarter Squat Test Standing on one leg, slowly do a few repetitions of quarter squat and observe how your knee moves. Does your knee stay directly in line with your middle toe, or does it drop inward, toward or past the big toe and inside edge of the foot? If you can do this test in front of a mirror, also watch what your unweighted hip does during the squat. Though the movement of the knee is certainly influenced by the foot, hip muscle weakness is a primary culprit when the knee drops inward and/ or the un-weighted hip drops lower than the hip of your stance leg. [See Fig. 1] When either of these movements occurs, it puts abnormal strain through a number of areas of the leg and low back. If it happens to you during a slow quarter squat, it is definitely happening with every step you take on your runs. These repetitive strains can lead to a wide variety of running injuries and pain, including low back pain, hip bursitis, IT band syndrome, patellofemoral syndrome, shin splints, and plantar fasciitis. So if your squat test reveals these common precursors to injury, here are a few exercises to resolve them before they become a big problem.

Exercise # 1: Bridges for Runners Though most of the exercises we give to runners are performed standing up, there are also some great running performance exercises that are not performed on your feet. This is a variation of a classic “bridge” exercise, in which we add resisted hip abduction and external rotation photography by Weston Carls

Fig. 2 – Maintain a flat low back with the thighs, hips, and torso in one line.

Fig. 3 – Knees move slowly apart and back together repeatedly.

using a stretch band loop. First, place the stretch loop right below or right above the knees. Lay on your back with your knees bent at least 90 degrees and your feet flat on the ground about hip-width apart. Start by rolling the hips/pelvis backward to flatten out the low back against the ground. Then you will lift the hips up till the upper legs and torso are in one line. [See Fig. 2] It’s very important that you continually work to maintain a flat low back by tucking the pelvis posteriorly and keeping the abdominals firm. Holding this position, you slowly and repeatedly move the knees out and in against the resistance of the band. [See Fig. 3] As you get tired make sure that your hips are not dropping as your knees move apart, and especially make sure that you’re not allowing the low back to arch. Complete 3–4 sets until you feel a really good fatigue or can no longer hold good form (allow at least 1 minute rest between sets).

Exercise # 2: Lateral Walking Against Resistance The stretch band can stay in the same position around your knees. Stand in a quarter squat position with your back flat and your abdominals drawn in. Against the resistance band, take a few side steps to the right and then to the left. As you do so, try not to lean your shoulders away from the direction you are stepping. Also, keep your knees over your toes and avoid leading the movement with the foot such that the knee is dropping inward like it did in the 1/4 squat test. A quick pause between each step will help you hold good form. [See Fig. 4 for proper form] Perform 3–4 sets till you feel a good fatigue in the hips or you can no longer maintain proper form.

Fig. 4 – Try to maintain the shoulders directly over the hips, and the feet directly below the knees.

Fig. 5 – Incorrect form! Avoid leaning to the side and extending the foot to the side while leaving the knee behind.

F E B 2 0 1 7 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

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WELLNESS

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Exercise # 3: “Running Arms” with Single-Leg Balance and Toe Touches

If possible, watch yourself in a mirror during this last exercise. Balance on one leg with a slight bend in the stance-leg knee. Make sure your abs are firm and your hips are level (the unweighted hip should not drop when you lift your foot and balance on the other leg). First, make sure you can maintain this position in good balance without your knee dropping inward. Until you can do that, do not progress to the rest of this exercise. Next, start moving your arms as if you are running while maintaining balance on one leg with the hips level. Once this is stable and easy to maintain, you can slowly move the unweighted leg to touch your toes/heel to the ground in front of you, out to the side, and behind you.

Fig. 7

Fig. 8

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photography by Weston Carls

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Medical

FAQ

by GRETCHEN GOSWITZ

Let’s talk about sex. In an intimate interview with sex therapist, Claudia Thompson, Austinites can learn when and how to address common issues that occur between partners.

How long do you tend to take care of your patients? At what age do they stop seeing a pediatrician? How do you know when it’s time to seek professional help? When you’ve tried to improve a problem on your own—either as an individual or as a couple. Mostly, they’re dealt with more thoroughly as a couple. It’s very common for people to try to improve their situation on their own, whether it’s through Google or approaching their partner about the matter to talk about things. When people aren’t seeing progress or it’s getting worse, I’d say it’s time to see a sex therapist. Also, sometimes couples are referred by a general therapist or couples therapist, because sex therapy is a specialty. It’s very rare for me to solely treat a sexual problem without also looking at psychologi-

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E / F E B 2 0 1 7

cal or emotional history. Don’t wait to see a sex therapist—I know people who have been in unsatisfactory, sometimes distressing, relationships for thirty years. What kind of issues do you commonly treat? There’s two categories that are most common. 1. Low-sex/no-sex relationships. Sexual desire discrepancy—one person wants to have sex more than the other partner. If both people were okay with that, they wouldn’t come in. 2. Some kind of sexual acting out, that’s usually been going on without the other partner knowing. There’s secrets, and with the discovery of that there’s a lot of betrayal. This includes infidelity, affairs,

HEALTH + LIFESTYLE COACHING

having sex with strangers or prostitutes, and Internet sexual interactions. Do men and women have different levels of desire? Stereotypically, men are thought to have a higher sexual libido. I’d say in general, that’s true. But, when you start looking at specific people and different relationships, it’s definitely not true. In the patients I see, it’s split half and half. That’s an important thing to speak to because people tend to get stuck in gender stereotypes and societal expectations that put a lot of shame on the individual when they don’t match up to that. For example, a man who isn’t as interested in having sex with his wife might think, ‘Something is wrong with me—men aren’t like this’ and then experiences a feeling of shame as a result. In the case of a couple working through different levels of desire (low sex/no sex), what kind of homework do you assign? I will first do a complete assessment. Families of origin, what it was like growing up, what messages did they get from their parents about sex, early messages they got from their communities about sex, sexual development throughout their lifespan, the relationship history, trauma in their life, alcohol or drug abuse, and so on. I will find out things that I think relates to the problem. I make sure not to go too fast because that can cause anxiety. To be clear, in the therapy room, there’s no touching by the therapist nor are clothes taken off. Common assignments include: • structured communication time with daily check-ins focused on listening and hearing each other • eye gazing—a tantric technique and a way to connect. • deliberate physical affection/touching • other more sexually explicit homework assignments if they are a match for the couple I also think kissing is very important. Testosterone is transferred through the saliva from the person to has more testosterone to the person who has less. What exactly is intimacy? I define intimacy as closeness and connection. In order to be close, you have to reveal things about yourself to the other person. You’re being vulnerable and trusting the other person to hold your heart with care. Dr. Gina Ogden’s four-dimensional wheel of sexuality—it’s a

way to think about ourselves and our relationships through body, mind, heart, and spirit. All of those dimensions are part of our sexuality. People will get stuck in one, and I try to help them get out of that place.

Radically Upgraded

Would you consider emotional intimacy and sexual intimacy something of a chicken-and-egg paradox? That’s really common. Gender-wise (in heterosexual relationships), this is what I hear usually: the man might say, ‘I feel close to her after we have sex,’ while the woman will say, ‘I don’t want to have sex until I feel close to him.’ In those cases, we figure out how to meet in the middle.

What is a healthy sex life? We are sexual beings all the time. We’ve been taught in the American culture that we have to cut it off, or save it for a certain time. And how we express that has been misguided. We’ve been taught that sexuality has to be expressed in certain ways—which may be appropriate or inappropriate depending on the situation. Some people have learned that they have to suppress their sexuality, and that can be problematic. In a healthy sex life, there is acceptance of being a sexual being as well as understanding how you or your partner chooses to express sexuality without impeding on other people’s rights. And when they are in a relationship, how can you share it in a way to be satisfied? You should expect some of your needs to be met by your partner some of the time. Everything else you need to learn how to meet by yourself. That’s why I like to focus on boundaries. Know where your partner ends and you begin and have space between the two of you. That’s important for eroticism to develop; if you’re so connected, you don’t have a chance to miss each other. afm Claudia Thompson is a Sex Therapist, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Counselor. Claudia manages a full private practice in Westlake where she works with couples and individuals who seek help with a variety of sexual concerns. She provides clinical supervision to 6 post grad LPC Interns and LMFT Associates, three of whom work in her practice. She is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and an IITAP Certified Sex Addiction Therapist.

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FITNESS

FML WORKOUT

Fartlek Make no mistake about it, this training regiment is no laughing matter. by CHRIS MCCLUNG

There’s no way around it: Fartlek’s name isn’t doing it any favors. Swedish for “speed play,” fartlek is designed to keep your body guessing by alternating moderate-to-hard exercises with easy efforts. By running fast for short periods of time and then slowing down for easy-effort recovery running, you can “play with speed” to challenge your endurance and mental strength. 66

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Whether you’re in a group—great for mixing up pace and time and pushing your running mates—or training as a tandem (like Chris and Amy McClung, CEO of Rogue Running and Dermatologist, respectively), this free-flowing workout will liberate you from repetitive running routines and ensure you never run out of gas.

SEE T TO N ? A UW OUTS DO YO FM WORK/FITNESS/ A OM ZINE.C MORE MAGA INFIT AUST

photography by Brian Fitzsimmons

For each of these I recommend a warmup of 1–2 miles at easy efforts before beginning the fartlek.

1. Develop Speed If you’re just looking to develop speed or add variety to you daily run: 30/90 fartlek. Alternate between 30 seconds at hard efforts and 90 seconds easy for 8-10 cycles in the middle of a run.

2. Train for a 5K

If you’re training for a 5K: 1/1 fartlek. Alternate between 1 minute "on" at your target 5K pace and 1 minute "off" at easy paces. Repeat for 10-15 cycles.

3. Train for a Half Marathon or Marthon

If you’re training for a half marathon or marathon: 3/2/1 fartlek (or 3/3/2/2/1/1). Run 3 minutes at target marathon pace followed by 3 minutes easy rolling straight into 2 minutes at target half marathon pace followed by 2 minutes easy, then 1 minute hard (~10K effort) followed by 1 minute easy. Repeat for 3-4 cycles.

performed by Chris and Amy McClung at Rogue Running

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FITNESS

Kim Mathers

Holly Thompson

You Can Do an IRONMAN

If a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride, and a marathon 26.2-mile run sounds like a race meant only for top tier athletes, you're wrong. As grueling as it may be, you can definitely do it. by Carrie Barrett “Oh I could NEVER do that,” I often hear when I mention that I’m getting ready to do an IRONMAN triathlon. “You are cray-cray! There is no way!” Well, in the infamous words attributed to Henry Ford, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can't—you're right.” The question is, do you really want to do an IRONMAN? Because, believe me, if you want it bad enough, you can make it happen. Physically, there are very few barriers to completing an IRONMAN— a 140.6 mile triathlon that includes a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, followed by a full 26.2 mile marathon. There are people with Stage 4 cancer who cross the finish line under the allotted 17-hour time limit. There are 80-year-old nuns and paratriathlete war veterans who complete the distances. There really are few limitations, so when people say, “I can’t,” my response is always, “You absolutely can if you have the desire, budget, time, and organization to make it happen.” As a coach, it’s easy for me to spout off wisdom and cliches about how anything is possible, so I went to the front lines and spoke with several recent first time IRONMAN finishers—many of whom

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started off the year saying, “There’s no way.” After many months, miles, tears and smiles, they all successfully crossed the finish line and joined the IRONMAN family. Now, they share their advice, wisdom, and memories in hopes of inspiring others to go from “I could never,” to “Let’s do it again!”

The WHY: Inspiration

Local triathlete and father of two (soon to be three!), Mark Roberton, cites his children as his main inspiration for wanting to complete an IRONMAN. “One night, as I was putting our children to sleep, I caught myself telling them to do the very thing or things I wasn't. No, I wasn't telling my children to go do an IRONMAN,” he jokes, “but I was telling them to chase their dreams, never give up, and that they could do or be anything they wanted to as long as they committed with all of their heart.” His own advice hit him like a ton of bricks. The next day, he started researching triathlon groups and less than a year later, he was crossing the finish line at IRONMAN Arizona. Local teacher, Holly Thompson, credits her kids, too. Her school photography by Weston Carls

The HOW: Consistency Breeds Confidence

Mark Roberton

Luke Martinez

kids, that is—as her inspiration to follow her dreams. She told them about her IRON-journey from day one, which made her accountable. Kids need mentors, and she wanted to be that for them. “I knew I couldn’t face them if I had quit or given up even during a training day,” she said, and this was her drive to succeed. Kim Mathers had a more personal reason—her... dad died of heart disease at age 55. “Doing triathlon and completing an IRONMAN was my way of giving genetics the finger and not giving into the fear!” Coach Advice: Make sure you know your “Why” before you commit, because you will draw on this inspiration many times during your journey.

“One step at a time” was the simple key to Todd LaCoste’s successful journey at the 2016 IRONMAN Texas. He actually wrote the initials JKM on his arms, which stood for “Just Keep Moving.” In addition to the obvious personal drive, consistency, patience and a supportive team, this truly was the winning formula for all of these first-time finishers. No shortcuts. No hacks. No magic secret to make it easier. Just plenty of hard work, perseverance, an organized training plan, and trusted coaches. When challenges or injuries arose, every one of these athletes turned to their teammates, coaches, and family members for support. Trust me, there will be plenty of setbacks, and sometimes life gets in the way. Remember, though, most of us are doing this as a hobby to make our personal lives better! Training should enhance your life, not inhibit it, and as Mark Roberton mentioned, “Once you believe that life supplements your training and vice versa there isn't really anything getting in the way.” Coach Advice: Whether you train solo or with a group, find a coach that “gets you” and understands your schedule, challenges and goals. It’s equally important to have a support system that will be there for you. Just make sure you return the favor! ” Can’t in “I d their k c u a St e? Re ge 70. mod ce on pa advi

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FITNESS

What advice would you give to someone who wants to do an IRONMAN, but is stuck in “I Can’t” mode? Runner and first-time IRONMAN Canada finisher, Luke Martinez “If it’s something you want badly enough and are willing to put in the work and make the trade-offs that it will take to get you there, you can make it happen. Three years ago, I’d have described my swimming skill as ‘the ability to not drown.’ Eight years ago, I’d be worn out after a 10 mile bike ride. Back in my middle school P.E. class, I had a personal best of an 11 minute mile and getting under 10 minutes per mile seemed impossible. We all have to start somewhere and with patience, commitment and desire, you can accomplish so much more than what you think is possible today. IRONMAN Florida Finisher, Holly Thompson “Do it. Your mind is the only thing holding you back. If you're scared, that's good! After crossing that finish line, I feel like I can do anything. It's made me a stronger person. It's made me a more confident person. It's made me truly grateful and for the ability to even start training.” IRONMAN Texas Finisher, Kim Mathers “The journey is a mental one and takes your soul on an adventure of a lifetime!” IRONMAN Arizona Finisher, Mark Roberton “If you are even remotely thinking about it, stop, join your local tri club, and start enjoying your journey. The friendships and experiences you'll make along the way are things you will remember and look back on for the rest of your life. It has truly been a blessing for me and my family.” Coach Advice: What are you waiting for? Your journey begins with the first step. If you’ve been thinking about it, make 2017 your year to become an IRONMAN!

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photography by Weston Carls

2017

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FITNESS

Soar Through Your Pregnancy Â by ABBY NAGLER, CO-FOUNDER OF THE LITTLE YOGA HOUSE

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photography by Brian Fitzsimmons

he nine-month journey of pregnancy creates an unforgettable experience. The physical changes to a woman’s body coupled with new hormones can offer a sense of calm, and sometimes a side of discomfort. While many women with a consistent yoga practice stick to their normal yoga regimen during pregnancy (with a few modifications here and there), classes specifically geared towards mommies-to-be are a great option as the focus turns toward making space for baby, birth preparation, and connecting with other women. Many of the core elements of traditional yoga practice directly align with the conditioning your body needs to thrive during all trimesters, and during the labor and delivery process. Yoga focuses on pranayama, or breath practice, which involves conscious, intentional focus on regulating your breath in times of increased stress, whether caused by a vigorous yoga pose or the intensity of labor. The attention to steady breath has been shown to regulate heart rate and body temperature, both of which prove to be incredibly vital for expecting mothers. Another core element of yoga practice involves strengthening of the bandhas, or body locks. For mommies-to-be, prenatal yoga can be the best way to strengthen the mula bandha, or pelvic floor, which involves many of the muscles integral to a smooth delivery. Additionally, strengthening the pelvic floor through any yoga practice helps expectant mothers carry their child with less pain, less injury, and more safety for both mother and baby. A consistent yoga practice has also historically been associated with proper hormone regulation. For pregnant women, yoga can help regulate mood swings,

reduce stress and anxiety, and improve sleep—all of which can lead to a happier, healthier mommy! For expectant mothers who are looking to add another level of benefits to prenatal yoga (as well as an element of whimsy), there’s an alternative option: prenatal aerial yoga. By incorporating aerial silks, these women can experience a sense of lightness and relief that soon-to-be moms can often find unattainable. The hammocks offer a womb-like sensation during relaxation, which encourages a connection to the baby’s experience and a deeper understanding of what’s happening inside. For those expectant mothers worried about the intensity of prenatal exercise and its effects, the aerial silks provide additional assistance that allows practitioners to adjust the intensity of the movements to safe and tolerable levels. Core strength is a primary emphasis in yoga, however, strengthening these muscles during pregnancy involves a delicate balance. While this can help decrease lower back pain, nausea, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, and shortness of breath, balancing strengthening with stretching is essential in preventing painful abdominal muscle tearing that is common during pregnancy. We developed a program that delivers the benefits of yoga with the additional assistance of aerial silks to provide a safe, healthy workout in a community of mommies seeking the best for their babies and their bodies! afm

Want to Try? The Little Yoga House offers FlyMama, a prenatal aerial yoga class taught by Stacey Wooster. The class combines traditional yoga benefits with aerial yoga to help expecting mothers move through the transformations of the pregnant body with peace and ease.

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FITNESS

The Right Cardio for Your Goals

by JESSICA CLARK

t seems like there’s a new gym offering some type of cardio workout opening up on every corner of Austin these days. And why shouldn’t there be? Everybody benefits from cardiovascular exercise. From a health and general fitness standpoint alone, some cardio should always be done. The difference in the program design will be in duration, frequency, and intensity levels to suit your goals. When it comes to cardio workouts, most people are doing them for the purpose of losing weight (specifically shedding body fat) and getting in better physical shape. Most people are not using cardio to train for an endurance sport and are not endurance athletes—so for the sake of brevity, I’ll assume that you, AFM reader, are like most people looking for the best way to use cardio to get the results you want. For cardio, I urge clients to join a group fitness program since there is an added element of accountability and community. Too many gym memberships go unused once motivation starts to wane. If you have a support system in place, you’re more likely to stick with it for the long haul. Looking at what Keep in mind that cardio Austin currently is only one piece of the has to offer, fitness puzzle, no matter here are some of what your goals may be. the best cardio Your nutrition, resistance group classes for training, flexibility, and overall fat loss rest and recovery are and improved also equally important fitness in my regardless of your specific goals. So, make sure opinion as a fat your fitness regimen is loss expert. balanced.

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If your goal is to improve endurance and overall fitness, try…. Moderate Intensity Cardio 2-3 Times/ Week Indoor cycling, indoor rowing, Pilates/yoga/ barre boot camps, traditional aerobics, dance workouts, and kickboxing are all moderately intense cardio. These classes are basically 30–40 minutes of work where your heart rate stays elevated at a fairly constant level after the warm-up and before the cool-down. You typically don’t need much rest or recovery in between these workouts. Check out Austin originals RIDE Indoor Cycling, Ro Fitness, MOD Fitness, Ballet Austin, Tetra Fitness, Pure Austin Fitness, Castle Hill, and Love Cycling for plenty of these cardio options and check the schedules at your favorite yoga, barre, or Pilates studio for “boot camp” style classes. photography by Weston Carls; shot on location at Wild Heart Yoga

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FITNESS

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photography by Weston Carls; shot on location at RĹ? Fitness

If your goal is to hit maximum calorie burn in minimal time and you only have a few days a week to exercise, try... Higher Intensity Cardio Many outdoor boot camps, “express format” interval classes, and classes that combine traditional cardio with resistance training in one session would fall into this category. These programs are a little more intense and are designed to spike and lower the heart rate to increase post workout calorie burn through EPOC (Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption, which is simply continued energy burned after the workout). The only downside to this type of cardio is that if you’re doing it correctly as designed, you will need to let your central nervous system recover a bit between workouts, just like you do from weight training or HIIT. One to two sessions a week is great for most people. If you’re doing this type of cardio 3–5 times a week and don’t find it to be challenging, that’s a sign that you need to increase your output—maybe perform those burpees a little faster, eh? Check out Austin originals FIT Austin, Crush Fitness, Level Interval Training, Heat Boot Camp, Fuerte Fitness, Relentless Boot Camp, and Stronghorn Fitness.

If your goal is to shed body fat while maintaining muscle mass, or if building strength is your primary fitness goal, try... HIIT HIIT or high-intensity interval training, is so challenging by nature that it can’t last more than 10–20 minutes. A good example of HIIT is running sprint repeats. The interval should be intense, but repeatable with consistent effort. Your rest should based on the time it takes for your heart rate to come back down. These nuances make HIIT a very difficult type of cardio to offer in a group setting. Some classes claim “HIIT” benefits when they really are high intensity cardio instead. The best way to get your HIIT training in, is to take it on solo or with a partner whose effort you’re not trying to match. It’s you versus you here. Hit your local high school track. Jog once around the track (400m); then, starting at the top of a straightaway, run as fast as you can until the track curves (100m). Walk slowly back to the starting point and wait until you are rested and your heart rate has come back down before you repeat the sprint interval (it helps to wear a heart rate monitor, but you can use the old school pulse point method). Start with 3–5 of these intervals, trying to match your effort each time. As you progress, you can shorten the rest time between intervals (it won’t take you as long to recover), add repetitions, shorten the distance and increase speed, and increase the distance. If you’re doing this on a treadmill or the road, you can also progress by adding incline or finding a hill. Best tools for HIIT: If you’re not a runner, you can do HIIT with your body weight or on cardio machines at the gym like rowers, airdynes, spin bikes, treadmills, and Jacob’s Ladders—or use tools like battle ropes, kettlebells, and jump ropes. The idea is to use these tools to help you reach maximum output. You’re likely to never reach maximum output on the elliptical or recumbent bike for example. Most folks will only need to do 1–2 HIIT sessions a week to reap the cardiovascular benefits from this type of exercise. Plan to do HIIT on a non-strength training day if you want to incorporate this into a strength building routine. afm F E B 2 0 1 7 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

Events BlackbirdFitnessAndNutrition.com

FEATURED 5TH ANNUAL AUSTIN OYSTER FESTIVAL

FOOD AND DRINKS FEBRUARY 4

Spice for Life Chili Cook-Off & Afterburn Concert

SPORTS AND OUTDOORS FEBRUARY 4

Austin Boxing Babes Open House

Austin Boxing Babes ABB is hosting a free open house event celebrating their first year at their Manchaca location. The event will feature local vendors and free 30 minute classes in Boxing, Kids Martial Arts, Kids Boxing, and Self Defense for women. FEBRUARY 5

Cupid’s Chase 5K

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Brushy Lake Creek Park Whether you’re a runner, walker, or roller (baby strollers and wheelchairs), this event’s for you. The Austin area’s annual Cupid’s Chase 5K benefits Community Options, Inc., an organization that works to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Come break a sweat and feel good doing it! FEBRUARY 19

Austin Marathon & Half Marathon

Downtown Austin Austin’s premier running event celebrates its 26th anniversary of attracting runners from all 50 states

and 20+ countries around the world. With a downtown finish and within proximity of many downtown hotels and restaurants, the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon is the perfect running weekend destination. Come run the roads of The Live Music Capital of the World and enjoy live music while you do it. Whether you run 26.2 or 13.1, the finish line festival will be one to remember! FEBRUARY 26

Austin CROP Hunger Walk

Camp Mabry Come out and help feed those in need! CROP Hunger Walks provide food, medical care, disaster relief, and self-help development for needy people throughout the world. They keep it local, too, providing 25 percent of all money raised to local service organizations. There will also be music, refreshments, and fun educational activities. Held feed the hungry locally, nationally, and throughout the world by joining CROP’s 2.5 mile jaunt through Camp Mabry!

Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater Feel the burn at Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater for the 7th Annual Spice for Life Chili Cook-off! This event aids the Austin community’s fight against cancer, with a day filled with great chili and great music for a great cause. The Afterburn Concert includes shows by Austin favorites Max Frost and Sweet Spirit. All proceeds from the day will go to support the local 2017 beneficiaries of Young Texans Against Cancer—Austin Chapter. FEBRUARY 11

2nd Annual Love Yourself; Love Your Food Singles Dinner & Cooking Demo

Platinum at Lakeline Hoping to avoid the Valentine’s Day hubbub? Tye Cooks Austin is hosting an exclusive event for fun-loving singles who enjoy food and new experience. Regardless of your culinary skills, treat yourself and friends to a night of cooking and laughter as Tye demonstrates how to make a delightful Cubaninspired dinner. FEBRUARY 25

5th Annual Austin Oyster Festival

French Legation Museum Beer, wine, music and oysters—it doesn’t get any better than that! Now in its fifth year, the Oyster Festival is an annual hit among locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re a seafood fanatic or new to the scene, come on out for delicious food and drinks while enjoying live cajun and “newgrass” music on the lawn.

GreaterTexasWater.com

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photo courtesy of livesur512.com

FEB. 2017

WINTER TUNE UP SPECIAL

Submit your event online at austinfitmagazine.com

ARTS FEBRUARY 10–12

Belle Redux / A Tale of Beauty & The Beast

The Long Center Following its critically acclaimed debut to sell-out audiences in 2015, Stephen Mills brings his popular contemporary ballet back to The Long Center in time for Valentine’s Day. A dark, sleek and sexy retelling of the centuries-old story, Beauty & the Beast, this innovative work draws inspiration from film noir and haute couture—all while set against a visually stunning backdrop. Austin composer Graham Reynolds blends classical instruments with industrial sounds to create an original score that is both commanding and hopelessly romantic. Don’t miss this incredible performance and the chance to explore your inner beauty and beast. FEBRUARY 18–19

ONCE

The Long Center Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards include BEST MUSICAL, ONCE is an original and unforgettable Broadway experience. Featuring an impressive ensemble of actors/ musicians who play their own instruments onstage, ONCE shares the story of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes an interest in his haunting love songs. As their chemistry grows, his powerful music rises to new heights… but, like his music, their unlikely connection is far deeper and complex than your everyday romance. Emotionally captivating and theatrically breathtaking, this unforgettable story about chasing your dreams and the power of music will draw you in from the first note—and never let you go.

FEBRUARY 23

Prohibition: A Musical Comedy about the War on Booze

The Dougherty Arts Center Theater 100 years ago, Prohibition divided America. Set in Texas, this one-hour musical comedy tells the true story of the fight between the "Drys" and the "Wets." This show explores the epic struggle that dragged in temperancers, doughboys, suffragettes and gangsters, culminating in an era of notorious for criminality and vice. This performance is the latest by Texas Comedies and Crank Collective, the masterminds behind Murders & Moontowers and the True Story of Bonnie & Clyde. FEBRUARY 26

The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

Paramount Theatre Straight out of the Banff Mountain Film Festival, Whole Earth Provision Co. presents the 2017 edition of the Radical Reels Tour. Grab your ticket and hang on to your seat for the best jaw-dropping mountain sport films on snowboarding, skiing, climbing, kayaking, biking and more. Proceeds from your ticket will support our Texas State Parks!

LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY 3

Austin Live Music Crawl

Java Jive Nothing says Austin like live music and a few cold ones. Spanning three hours and visits of between 6-9 venues, the crawl is led by a local musician who will chat about Austin’s live music history, share the latest on its local music scene, and take you to both iconic venues and new clubs. The tour will also feature a variety of genres & tickets and cover charges are included in the price. All participants must be 21 or older.

FEBRUARY 10–11

The Basics & Beyond: A Weekend Workshop with Randy Just

Castle Hill Fitness Regardless of the method of yoga you study, the precision, intelligence, and dynamism of Iyengar can help you bring your practice to the next level. Join guest instructor, Randy Just, Director of the BKS Iyengar Studio of Dallas and Senior Intermediate I Certified Iyengar Yoga teacher for a weekend of Iyengar themed workshops. Randy has studied many years with the Iyengars in Pune, India as well as with many senior Iyengar teachers around the world. Students and teachers of all Yoga traditions are welcome to attend. Some yoga experience is recommended, but this will be an all-levels workshop. This is Randy's first workshop in Austin—don't miss it! FEBRUARY 25

Hemp Life Festival

Palm Park The Hemp Life Festival (HLF) is a hemp and music event founded in Austin, TX. The festival will feature numerous food trucks and prominent local bands, while celebrating and promoting hemp. During the festival, visitors will have a chance to experience the power and benefits of hemp by trying out unique products, interacting with hemp brands, participating in hemp workshops, enjoying free samples, and more. FEBRUARY 25

Carnaval Brasileiro

Palmer Events Center One of the biggest Brazilian Carnaval celebrations outside of Brazil, Carnaval in Austin isn’t an event you’ll want to miss. Featuring Brasileiro-style samba and costumes, there will be plenty of wild abandon and fun to go around!

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Race Calendar FEBRUARY

FEATURED ROGUE TRAIL SERIES—THE MAZE

FEBRUARY 4

Cupid’s Chase 5K

Georgetown

Dirty Dozen Mountain Bike Race

Warda

FEBRUARY 5

Game Day 5K New Braunfels

Cupid’s Chase 5K

Cedar Park

FEBRUARY 11

Creepy Crawlies & Critters Trail Races Buda

Cupid’s Chase 5K

Austin

Run For The Love Of It

Austin

Jail Break Run Salado

FEBRUARY 18

EGE Eagle Run

Buda

Love Your Heart 5K photo by Azulox Visuals

New Braunfels

No Ego Perfect Love 5K

Cedar Park

Master’s School Dash-4Victory San Marcos

Run for the Bluebonnets 5K/1K Bastrop

FEBRUARY 19

Austin Marathon/Half Marathon

Austin

Noah’s Wings 5K

Pflugerville

Paramount Break-A-Leg 5K

Austin

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FEBRUARY 25

Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Run/Walk

Austin

Run Feed Love

New Braunfels

RunDead Zombie Run

Dripping Springs

MARCH MARCH 4

Illuminations Night Time Half Austin

Austin

NBU Kinderschuhe 5K

New Braunfels

SuperHero Run to Cure Diabetes 5K Elgin

Warrior Dash Texas

Smithville

Wicked Wine Run

Spicewood MARCH 5

Moe’s Better Half Marathon

San Marcos MARCH 11

St. Paddy’s 5K & 1K Leprechaun Kids Run New Braunfels

FEB. 2017 – APR. 2017

Submit your event online at austinfitmagazine.com

MARCH 18

Super 5K

H-E-B Alamo Half & Run Fest

Rollingwood Life is Good in the Wood 5K

Austin

San Antonio

Rollingwood

Vern’s No Frills 5K

APRIL 8

APRIL 23

MARCH 25

Austin

New Braunfels

Dell’s Children’s Medical Center 5K

Austin

Hays Rebel Run 5K

Austin

Pump Run

Austin

The Longhorn Run

Water Trotter Urban Challenge

Georgetown

Amazing Grace 5K ColorMy5K Color Run Dripping Springs

St. James Missions 5K

Austin

Thin Mint Sprint Cedar Park MARCH 26

Rogue Trail Series—The Maze

Austin

Texas Wine Series at Flat Creek Estate Marble Falls MARCH 31

Glo 4 Gold

New Braunfels

Lost Pines Trail Runs

Cedar Creek

Run For a Purpose 5K

Austin

Twisted 5K Brewery Run

Austin

Ragnar Relay Race

Fredericksburg

APRIL APRIL 1

Spring Feat 5K & Kids’ Dash Manchaca

APRIL 2

BNI Business Voices 5K

5KColorBlast Color Run

Austin

Statesman Cap10K

Akins Community 5K PTLS 5K

Mountain City

The Beer Relay!

Austin Austin

Austin

APRIL 9

APRIL 24

Austin 10/20

Doggie Dash 5K

Austin

Buda

Downtown Dash

FoxCat Events 5K & 10K

Austin

Roy Family 5K

APRIL 29

APRIL 15

Austin

Pflugerville

Bonefrog Austin

Speedster Relays

Leander Lions 5K

Austin

Leander

APRIL 16 APRIL 30

Cardinal Run

Epilepsy IM OK SuperHero 5K

Buda

Not Your Ordinary Run

Round Rock

Pflugerville

Hops and Grain Brewery 5K Tour

Pleasant Hill Elementary RUN PHE 5K

Austin

Run For The Kids Race

Rogue Trail Series—The Tangle

Cedar Park Austin

Johnson City

Run For Your Life 5K

Austin

APRIL 22

Pace High School Pfun Run

Austin

Athlos Color Fun Run

Pflugerville

F E B 2 0 1 7 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

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PEACE BOX

THE MOBILE MEDITATION CENTER THAT’S TURNING AUSTIN’S YOGA SCENE ON ITS HEAD.

It’s official: the next evolution of Austin’s conveniencebased and on-the-go lifestyle has arrived—except this time, there isn’t a good or consumable item to purchase. Instead, people are lining up at Peace Box’s pop-up mobile yoga site on South 8th Street for a few minutes of meditation and a taste of the city’s latest flavor of innovation. Described as a mobile venue for on-site education, training, and guided practice in mindfulness and meditation, Peace Box offers a myriad of options to potential renters or attendees. Their rental options (which can span for a month or more) allow for the on-thego yoga box to be placed at corporate buildings, schools, or within community impact efforts—whatever setting will allow them to share their passion for on-site instructed stress-reduction and selfreflection with as large an audience as possible. They even allow organizations or donors to “share peace” by adopting a school or nonprofit through their yoga beneficiary program. Up to this point, their biggest success was their January 7th grand opening, which offered a full day of complimentary activities including: massages, outdoor yoga, mindful eating, meditation classes, and a create-your-own vision board workshop. Considering this is only a preview of what’s to come from Peace Box, we’re excited to see what they unveil next.

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E / F E B 2 0 1 7

There’s no doubt about it: the future is bright for pop-up yoga studios in a city that’s already head-over-heels for food trucks, portable salons, and mobile delivery apps. And although tranquility and mindfulness can’t be packaged or itemized, this proves it can be boxed.afm

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