March 2018 - Lance Armstrong Issue by Austin Fit Magazine

Lance ARMSTRONG WHY HE STAYED & HOW HEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MOVING FORWARD PLUS SEVEN WAYS TO BEAT BURNOUT OUR SPRING EVENTS GUIDE WHY A MINIMALIST LIFESTYLE IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH MARCH 2018

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March 2018

THE GOOD STUFF

LANCE ARMSTRONG PAGE 44

LEADERSHIP THROUGH LOVE

SOLVING THE LIFESTYLE DISEASE EPIDEMIC

PAGE 52

PAGE 60

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cover & contents photos by Elizabeth Kreutz

LOEWY LAW FIRM

Content Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Letter 10 Contributors 11

#KeepAustinFit 14 Exposure 16

Ask Sam Now 18 The A-List 26

HIGHLIGHTS

New to Austin 36 Events 78

Rides + Races 80 Discover! 82

NUTRITION Asparagus Collard Wraps Recipe 20 How Women Can Eat With Inner Seasons 22 Unique Fitness Flavors 24

WELLNESS Health Coaches and LIfestyle Disease Epidemic 60 Medical FAQ: Prostate Health 64 Natural Cure for Allergies 67

LIFESTYLE Interview with Owners of New Running Store 31 Health Benefits of Minimalism 34 March Events Highlights 36

FITNESS How Exercise Improves Work Performance 68 The Texas Relays 70 Toughest Workouts in Austin 72

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top left photo by Kelly Nardo; bottom left photo by Weston Carls; right photo by Brian Fitzsimmons

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EDITOR’S LETTER Most of us have heard the quote from the motivational speaker John Rohn stating that we are the average of the five people we spend the most time with. However, do we really consider this fact when choose the friends and loved ones we surround ourselves with? Take a look at the relationships in your life. Do you want to be like those around you? Or, are you always working to counter the energy and habits of these people in order to maintain your best self? When it comes to our friends, partners, and colleagues, it’s easy to feel like we are responsible for maintaining these relationships—even when they are no longer serving us. We are encouraged to attend countless networking events, weddings, and stay in touch with friends from college. We might even feel guilt or fear when we know it’s best to end a relationship or decline an event. However, when we grow or change, it is our responsibility to surround ourselves with people who support our evolution. If not, we will stay stuck in the same patterns. Many believe that we don’t choose our families (even though the idea of karma would indicate otherwise). Either way, we can still place intention around how much time we spend with them. Some family members likely elicit the type of energy that lifts you up, whereas others might bring out certain qualities you are trying to release. Becoming aware of how certain people make you feel when around them is the first step; then, allocate your time accordingly. As I met and interviewed the people featured in this issue, I realized how intentional each of them are with their time. They surround themselves with supportive people who make them better. They share home-cooked meals and sacred space with these people. Just as importantly, they cultivate a healthy relationship with themselves. They block off time for self-care—whether that be a grueling run, a morning journaling session, metta meditation, or some juicy yoga. Taking time to better yourself pays off since, ultimately, you are the number one person you’ll spend the most time with in your lifetime. Also, you can then also show up for the people in your life that you care about and reciprocate the positive energy. This issue inspired me to consider the important relationships in my life—with both myself and the other people I spend the most time with. My hope is that it also encourages you to take a look at your relationships and make sure you’re spending time around people who reflect the type of person you want to be. When we put more intention into who we spend our time with, we will find growth and alignment with much more ease.

Here’s to health and freedom,

Liz Harroun, Editor

THINGS I’M LOVING: AT-HOME TESTING I often do my own lab testing so that I can come to my functional medicine doctor with results in hand. This way, I get the most out of the time and money it takes to see an “alternative” practitioner that insurance typically does not cover. I prefer at-home testing for the convenience of doing it on my own time and avoiding a gloomy lab. Here are my two favorites: EVERLYWELL A local Austin company, EverlyWell makes testing enjoyable from start to finish! Because I’ve never tested my hormones before, I decided to try the Women’s Health and Fertility Panel. It indicated a slight estrogen dominance and low thyroid (both very common in women). Testing also comes with admission into a private Facebook group,

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where you can discuss results and health topics with a likeminded community—including EverlyWell experts! VIOME Wow, the people at Viome are really changing the game! Based on a stool sample, they gave me a complete list of foods to indulge in, enjoy, minimize, and avoid. My list was pretty restrictive, but when I focus on the foods to indulge in and enjoy (including green tea, blueberries, bok choy, chicken, and eggs), I seem to feel much better! It confirmed that I don’t handle starches or cruciferous veggies very well right now—which I suspected but have had difficulty confirming with strict elimination. It also confirmed that my body responds best to a diet high in fat and protein, in order to maintain stable blood sugar.

photo by Brian Fitzsimmons

CONTRIBUTORS PUBLISHER/CEO Lynne Earle ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER/COO Alex Earle

THANK YOU TO AFM’S CONTRIBUTORS WHO MAKE THIS MAGAZINE A WORTHY SOURCE OF HEALTH AND FITNESS INFORMATION IN AUSTIN.

EDITOR Liz Harroun CREATIVE DIRECTOR Weston Carls STAFF WRITER Arielle Olfers DIRECTOR OF SALES Alex Ecenia ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Karen Dauskurdas, Betty Davis, Arielle Olfers WRITERS Carrie Barrett, Alex Masi, Dani Parsons, Travis Perkins, Jason Stude, Angela Vega, Stephanie Young PROOFREADER Danylle Salinas PHOTOGRAPHER Brian Fitzsimmons

GENERAL INQUIRIES info@austinfitmagazine.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES ads@austinfitmagazine.com 512.407.8383 EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS liz@austinfitmagazine.com fitfocus@austinfitmagazine.com EVENT LISTINGS austinfitmagazine.com/events SUBSCRIPTIONS austinfitmagazine.com/subscribe 411 W. Monroe Ave. Austin, TX 78704 p 512.407.8383

GRAY SKINNER

LYDIA JARJOURA

LACI MOSIER

CARRIE BARRETT

Gray Skinner

Gray Skinner is an elite triathlete and cyclist as well as the CEO of Droplr, a growing tech company with of a team of many high-performing athletes. He just hired their first Austin employee, Andy Jobin, a Cat 1 cyclist and winner of the season-opening Oatmeal Road rRace. Gray previously competed as a professional triathlete after working at Bazaarvoice (2010–2013) and Executive Stamina (2013–2015).

Lydia Jarjoura

Lydia Jarjoura is a women's health coach and the founder of Lunar Nourishment, a holistic health platform. Through online courses, workshops, and webinars, Lydia helps women remember ancient wisdom about their bodies and their cycles, so they can reconnect to themselves. You can follow her daily journey of nutrition, self-discovery, and moon love by finding her on instagram @lunarnourishment.

Laci Mosier

Laci Mosier is a Texas native, UT alumna and Senior Copywriter for a local, Austin ad agency. She is a regular contributor to a number of life and wellness publications. Her writing is inspired by her love of yoga, running, meditation, good books, and great jams. She lives in a tiny downtown apartment filled with books, art, records, succulents and her one-eyed Golden Retriever, Tess.

Carrie Barrett

Carrie is a USAT Level 1 Certified Coach, Director of Marketing at Austin Aquatics & Sports Academy, author of two books on triathlon, and a Specialized Women ambassador. Her mission? Break down those fears and motivate others to face and overcome your own fears, whether it’s buying your first pair of running shoes or finishing yet another Ironman distance race.

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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SPRING SHOPPING GUIDE

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Check out the online bonus article about our visit to Sonesta Hotel and rooftop restaurant Meridian 98.

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Ethan Nell competing at Red Bull Rampage.

T H E

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P E O P L E since 1999

ASK SAM Welcome to Sam’s hot sauna! Home of straight talk without the B.S. Open and frank advice on matters ranging from practical to taboo. Topics of discussion include fitness, nutrition, and sex—so ask Sam now!

Sam, I run road races for fun and would like to try trail racing this spring. Do I really need to buy trail shoes? Dear Hittin’-the-Trails, Initially, taking it to the trails for a couple of easy treks in your running shoes may be just fine. Truly, it depends on the terrain. It is worth the money to invest in a trail shoe if you’ll be venturing onto uneven trails, challenging surfaces, and steep climbs and descents. Know that a trail shoe will feel different from your running shoe. Head to one of Austin’s running stores like Rogue Running or Austin Trail Running Company to try on a few pairs to compare. Think stability, traction, protection, and comfort. Happy trails!

HAVE A QUESTION FOR SAM?

AS KSAM@AU STINFITMAGAZINE . C OM

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E / M A R C H 2 0 1 8

Sam, how do I know if she is faking? Dear Bare and Unaware,

Take a long, hard (punintended) look at your relationship. Knowing if her “O” is faux begins with communication. Talk before, during, and after sex. If you can’t communicate genuine intimacy and true desires, then maybe you shouldn’t be between the sheets.

YOUR WOMAN HAS A TRUE CLIMAX IF ONE OR MORE THINGS HAPPEN 1. SHE’S OUT OF BREATH. It might seem like she is speaking (or screaming) in tongues as broken words fall off her lips. She will lose focus, and her body may go limp. Her pupils can become dilated and she may even cry.

Sam, how much water do I need to drink daily? Does my coffee count? How about my Topo Chico? Dear H2O,

Good news! Coffee does count towards hydration. WebMD has debunked the myth that it is dehydrating. On top of that,

2. YOU CAN FEEL HER PULSATING QUICKLY OR SEE HER ABDOMEN SPASM. Even her anus will contract continuously. 3. HER CLITORIS WILL BE VERY SENSITIVE—TOO SENSITIVE TO TOUCH. She may push your hand or member away.

you can keep your tight relationship with your Topo, because it counts toward daily hydration as well. Definitely hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate! Water promotes cardiovascular goodness, supple skin, muscle and joint efficiency, and helps the body flush out toxins and fat byproducts. It’s been proven to balance your moods and emotions as well as enhance

4. SHE IS WET...AND NOT ONLY WHERE YOU’RE PROBABLY THINKING. The most intense, pleasurable orgasm leaves a lady sweaty and glistening in the creases of her elbows, knees, between her breasts, and at the small of her back. If none of this is happening, then we have a whole new question to address!

your brain function. The common recommendation by docs, nutritionists, personal trainers, and coaches is 64 ounces a day or to drink half your weight in ounces (i.e. 60 ounces if you weigh 120 pounds). However, you should likely increase this amount if you are active, sweat a lot, or are trying to lose weight.

QUICK TRICKS FOR THOSE WHO STRUGGLE TO HYDRATE 1. Drink about eight to 16 ounces of water with electrolytes or fresh lemon before your morning cup of java.

2. Add fresh-squeezed lemon or lime, mint leaves, tangerines, and/or cucumbers to your water.

3. Fill up a 40-ounce water bottle after breakfast and finish it before lunch. Do it again between lunch and dinner. Cheers!

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NUTRITION

BY KELLY NARDO

ASPARAGUS COLLARD WRAPS RECIPE GET YOUR GREENS IN WITH THIS LOWCARB VEGETARIAN WRAP! WE MOVE INTO SPRING IN MARCH—WHEN OUR ENERGY STARTS TO INCREASE AND OUR BODIES CRAVE FRESH PLANT FOODS. GRAB THESE VEGGIES AT THE FARMERS MARKET, AND GET WRAPPING! Prep time: 15 minutes Total time: 15 minutes Serves: 4–6

For the whipped feta: • 4 oz feta, crumbled • 1/2 cup greek yogurt • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • 1/2 cup parsley, roughly chopped • pinch of red pepper flakes • pepper, to taste

For the wraps: • 8–10 large collard green leaves, stems removed (the larger the leaves, the better) • 3/4 large cucumber, thinly sliced • 1 large carrot, shredded • 1/2 bunch asparagus, cut in half • microgreens • 1 small avocado, thinly sliced

Directions: 1. Make the whipped feta. In a food processor, add the feta and pulse until small crumbles remain. Add in greek yogurt and lemon juice and process until smooth. Add in parsley, red pepper flakes, and pepper, and pulse until combined. 2. Make the collard wraps. Lay one collard green leaf down on a flat surface lengthwise. It should look like a big tortilla. On the side closest to you, add a heaping tablespoon of whipped feta. On top of the feta, layer a little of each ingredient in the order listed, laying them on top of each other. Once everything is added, start to roll the collard green leaf like you would a burrito, folding in the outside ends and rolling away from yourself. Be careful to make sure nothing comes out. Pin with a few toothpicks to hold in place, and cut in half. 3. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Serve with the remaining whipped feta. Enjoy!

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photo by Kelly Nardo

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NUTRITION

BY LYDIA JARJOURA

HOW WOMEN CAN EAT WITH THEIR INNER SEASONS WOMEN HAVE PROBABLY HAVE NOTICED FLUCTUATIONS IN ENERGY, APPETITE, AND CRAVINGS THROUGHOUT THE MONTH. THIS IS TOTALLY NATURAL AND, IN FACT, TUNING INTO THESE CHANGES BE VERY USEFUL! SO INSTEAD OF BEATING YOURSELF UP WHEN YOU’RE CRAVING THAT EXTRA HELPING OF SWEET POTATOES OR DARK CHOCOLATE, LEARN HOW TO WORK WITH YOUR BODY BY EATING ACCORDING TO ITS DIFFERENT PHASES—MUCH LIKE YOU MIGHT DO DURING ROTATING SEASONS OF THE YEAR. 22

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We are cyclical beings. As women, our cycle is what allows us to release eggs, create life, or start the pattern over again—month after month. However, many of us aren’t aware that, within that cycle, we hold the energy of the four seasons. Just as the earth experiences cycles and changes throughout those seasons, so do we! When we understand the ebbs and flows of our inner seasons, we can plan our food choices around them to give us more energy, help us balance our hormones, and allow us more time to spend doing the things we love (since we won’t spend as much time thinking about what to eat). Before we can begin to eat according to the seasons in our body, it helps to have an understanding of those energetic shifts. You’ve probably noticed that your energy is different when the seasons change. When winter comes, you are more likely to stay indoors, cozy and safe. More than likely, you find yourself being a little less social than you are during the summer and are probably more introspective. When the new year comes around, you’re assessing your current situation and making goals or intentions for the coming year. You may also notice that at the end of summer, as autumn begins, you start to move a little slower, making your routines a priority (think: school’s starting back up, so it’s time to get more sleep and eat dinner at a reasonable hour). It’s no coincidence that you have these slight changes throughout the different seasons of the year. These seasons happen within a year, but, in a woman’s body, these changes happen every month! Our feminine cycle mirrors the moon’s cycle and starts over roughly every 29 days. Obviously, every woman’s body is different, and it’s totally normal for a cycle to last a little longer or shorter. When we are going through a healing process, our cycle can change

drastically—sometimes resulting in irregular periods or hormonal imbalances. However, for simplicity, let’s assume your cycle is 29 days. In that span of time, you experience—just like the earth—each of the four seasons. As women, we often have an imbalance (too much or too little) of both stress hormones and sex hormones. This can be understood by using the basic Chinese principles of yin and yang. We are always striving for balance. Living (and eating) in alignment with our bodies brings the equilibrium that is vital to a healthy life.

Here’s a basic rundown of how a woman’s cycle mirrors the four seasons: CYCLE PHASE 1: Winter / Menstrual phase CYCLE PHASE 2: Spring / Follicular phase CYCLE PHASE 3: Summer / Ovulatory phase CYCLE PHASE 4: Fall / Luteal phase

Again, each woman’s body is different. For instance, a menstrual phase may last two days for some and seven days for others. Often though, the longest phase is the Luteal, or premenstrual, phase. A huge reason for balancing hormones is so that the premenstrual phase and the symptoms that often accompany it (major mood swings, PMDD, cravings, acne, bloating, and more) can be reduced. In order to plan meals around your cycle, you’ll first want to track your cycle and understand which phase you’re in at any given time. Once you know the phase you’re in, you can incorporate different types of foods into your meals! Think of eating in alignment with the seasons—almost like you would by only getting ingredients that are at the farmer’s market.

HERE’S A GUIDE

WINTER (MENSTRUAL PHASE): Energy is low, and appetite is high. Warm the body with nourishing soups and stews with root veggies like beets and carrots. SPRING (FOLLICULAR PHASE): Energy begins to rise, so cool down the body with fresher foods incorporating lots of leafy greens.

SUMMER (OVULATORY PHASE): Energy is at its highest point, so stay light and cool with salads and lots of seasonable fresh vegetables.

FALL: (LUTEAL PHASE): Energy is low, and the body may feel tired. Warm back up with heavier foods cooked all the way through for easy digestion. Try to incorporate things like roasted veggies and lean red meat.

There are literally thousands of different diets out there. It’s up to us to find out what works for our bodies. When we have the seasons as our guide, it frees up the mind. We often intuitively know what’s best for our body, and this is a simple but impactful way for us to trust ourselves more than anyone else. If you’d like to take a deeper dive into your cycles and learn about each phase of your cycle including the physical, energetic, and emotional shifts of each phase, you can visit lunarnourishment.com. To get 15 percent off of my online course, Balanced Babes, just use code AUSTINFITLOVE at checkout! M A R C H 2 0 1 8 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

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NUTRITION

Chapul Matcha Green Tea & Banana Protein Bar

The Chapul cricket protein bar is high in Vitamin B12 and iron. The combination of sweetness (banana) and bitterness (matcha) will make you forget that the bar is made up of crickets.

Pickle Juice Electrolyte Sports Drink

This 100 percent natural sports drink has 10 times more electrolytes than most other sports drinks. Even better, it’s sugarand caffeine-free.

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Cor-Performance Whey Protein Powder (Peanut Butter Marshmallow)

An optimal source of protein for those who are looking to maintain lean muscle, replenish nutrients after a workout, and indulge your sweet tooth— guilt- and gluten-free! Every scoop of COR-Performance Whey is packed with 24 grams of fast-acting whey protein and enzymes so you can satisfy your protein needs any time of the day.

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CLIF Shot Bloks Energy Chews (Spearmint & Ginger Ale)

Look no further if you’re tired of the fruit punch flavors and want a palette cleanser. These energy chews come in 33 calorie cubes, with sleek and portable packaging, making it easy to customize and track caloric and electrolyte intake during long outings and races.

LIFESTYLE

THE LIST At Austin Fit, we pride ourselves on being original, well-researched, and above all, fun. The A-List is a curated list of our team's favorite products and tips based on personal experience or expert advice. This month features a list of our favorite gear for SXSW.

Douchebags™ The Scholar Backpack $139

douchebags.com Some of the best things really do come from Europe—including this incredible multipurpose backpack made by award winning Swedish gear brand, Douchebags. Founded by Olympic freeski legend, Jon Olsson, and Norwegian product designer, Truls Brataas, The Scholar is a great basic bag stripped of excessive ties and zippers, complete with a simplistic and smart style for the busy traveler. We recommend this bag for SXSW because it’s nicer looking than the average carryall, and its adjustable buckle straps allow you to carry more while looking like you’re carrying less. Great for simply taking from panel to panel, or for packing all your needs throughout the day—including workout gear when you decide to take a break from networking and interacting!

Outdoor Voices Weekender Hoodie for Men $100 or Outdoor Voices Catch Me If You Can Hoodie for Women $85 SPIbelt® Luxe $35

spibelt.com The Luxe is the perfect SPIbelt to take with you everywhere you go during SXSW—complete with a headphone port large enough to hold your phone, wallet, and all the business cards you’ll be collecting throughout the week. The best part? The high gloss metallic buckle creates a fashion-forward look and goes with anything from your gym gear to your evening wear.

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outdoorvoices.com and Outdoor Voices, West 6th Just as Outdoor Voices says on their website, these sweatshirts feel like you’re wearing a cloud. The monochrome color options make for a great staple item throughout SXSW. Pair with jeans and a nice jacket for a more dressed-up look, or go athleisure by pairing it with your full workout gear. Either way, know you’ll be comfortable and glad you brought it with you for those cold panel rooms and the unpredictable Austin weather!

Anker PowerCore II 20000 Portable Charger $50

Erin Condren Deluxe Monthly Planner (from $30) & Hardbound Notebooks (from $15)

ProSip™ Water Filter Bottle & Straw $30

erincondren.com and Erin Condren Flagship Store, Domain Northside It’s the perfect time of year to get organized, especially when it comes to planning out your SXSW week. We recommend searching through the online SXSW schedule and creating a custom schedule for yourself in the Deluxe Monthly Planner. You can also keep notes and tips that you learn throughout the event in one of her beautiful hardbound notebooks! They make organization fun and sleek.

By Lilla Accessories

bylilla.com Want to put your hair back after a long day at SXSW but you left your grungy hair ties at home so as not to ruin your style? Now, there’s no need because your hair ties can double as sexy accessories! By Lilla has an extensive line that will cover any look.

propurusa.com Staying hydrated during multi-day events like SXSW is a must for sustainable immunity and fun! This innovative water bottle filter transforms the nastiest bar or water fountain water into fresh and pure H20! Fill this up in between events (and cocktails) and keep it in your pack throughout the week.

anker.com At SXSW, you’ll likely want to stay connected. Keep your phone charged up with the Anker PowerCore portable charger. Rated number one on TechRadar.com, this portable charger has enough capacity to keep your iPhone running for a week!

BANGS Shoes

bangsshoes.com For shoes that are comfortable and stylish, it doesn’t get better than BANGS high tops. With plenty of options for men and women, you really can’t go wrong—especially since you’re feet won’t be screaming after days of walking around the festival.

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LIFESTYLE

BY LACI MOSIER

SEVEN WAYS TO BEAT BURNOUT

AS WE SLIDE DEEPER INTO 2018, THE GUSTO YOU HAD RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR MIGHT BE STARTING TO FEEL MORE LIKE A DISTANT MEMORY. WITH LINGERING COLD TEMPS AND LONG NIGHTS, BURNOUT CAN FEEL IMMINENT THIS TIME OF YEAR. THE GOOD NEWS IS THERE ARE WAYS TO MITIGATE BEFORE THE MATCH IS FULLY LIT. HERE ARE SOME IDEAS FOR FALLING BACK IN LOVE WITH LIFE AND REDISCOVERING THE ZEAL WITH WHICH YOU STARTED THE YEAR.

1. Begin the day mindfully.

It’s easy to set the day on autoplay and move through the motions. But if you’re waking up every day feeling like lead, consider shaking up your morning routine. Rise with intention. Instead of starting the day with a digital hit, take a minute to check in with yourself, sans phone. Inhale fully, let it out and take a full body yawn. Mindfully set an intention for the day—kindness, patience, sending love to a friend having a hard time, or whatever it is you want to focus on—and make a conscious effort to keep coming back to that throughout the day.

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2. End the day graciously.

Close the day with gratitude. Journaling shows significant improvements in mental outlook and can be a powerful way to get in touch with your own psyche. Chances are your gut knows what’s up and is ready for you to listen. Writing it out helps surface those thoughts. End the journal sesh by listing what you’re thankful for—whether it’s your partner, pup, or the dope sandwich you had for lunch.

4. Refresh your routine.

Know that fresh starts don’t come by the calendar year, they come each day. Every sunrise is a new chance to work on becoming the person you were always meant to be, so it’s never a wash if you slip up. Use these missteps as an opportunity for growth. Not sticking to your workout schedule? Consider joining a running group or getting a gym membership that charges you for missing class. Not making headway on your side hustle? Block off a “no-phone zone” for a couple of hours each day where you are heads-down on your project. At the same time, find ways to automate decisions that are sucking time so you can reserve brain power for what really matters. Whether it’s meal prepping, adopting a uniform, or hiring a maid, see what happens when you make space in your mind for the most critical tasks.

5. Let Mother Nature give you a hand.

photos by freepik.com

3. Just do good.

When you’re walking around feeling like an open nerve with fatigue on your heels, take a minute to do something kind. Whether it’s sending a postcard to your mom, holding the door open for someone, or signing up to volunteer around town—find an opportunity to give back. Be bursting with happiness for your friends and strangers walking into their dreams. Studies show that at your lowest moments, the greatest way to replenish your own tank is by giving to and celebrating others. Confusing, I know, but it works!

Although highly treatable, anxiety, stress, and depression are pervasive and often neglected issues that wreak havoc on energy levels and can lead to both adrenal fatigue and overall poor mental and physical health. The earth is budding with myriad tools to help combat this and pump up your creative and energetic juices. Holy basil, ashwagandha, lion’s mane, and rhodiola are just a few natural adaptogens that can help assuage these issues. Give 'em a try.

6. Release what no longer serves you.

Give yourself the best chance for success. Eliminate what does not serve you, whether it’s foods, thoughts, people, social media, or self-sabotaging habits. Let go of anything bringing you down. And be mindful of more insidious things to cut. If you always feel “too busy,” try eliminating something. For example, cut off Netflix or delete Instagram for a week and see what happens to your productivity and mood.

7. Finally, be here now.

Been wanting to skydive? Do it. Book the vacation. Take the PTO. Buy the shoes. Eat the burger. Wear sunscreen. Drink water. Write love letters. Have the conversation. Tell them you love them. Floss. Do what you loved when you were a kid. Find what moves your soul and allow it into your life. And remember to be selfish. If you need sleep, sleep. If you need to cancel plans, cancel. If you’re not well, take the sick day. Buy yourself flowers. Soak up what you need, unapologetically. You are growing and expanding and the universe wants to help you become the greatest version of yourself. Listen to it. M A R C H 2 0 1 8 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

LIFESTYLE

BY ANGELA VEGA

A SUSTAINAB

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E / M A R C H 2 0 1 8

BLE LOOP

RUNNING SERVES A PURPOSE. IN THE NEW YEAR, MANY SET GOALS TO LOSE WEIGHT OR COMPLETE A MARATHON. DURING THE YEAR, RUNNING CAN BE USED TO DESTRESS OR CATCH UP WITH FRIENDS ON LADY BIRD LAKE TRAIL. THERE ARE DOZENS OF REASONS TO RUN, BUT THEY ALL COME DOWN TO THE JOY THAT RUNNING PRODUCES IN EVERY ASPECT OF OUR LIFE. WHEN DONE RIGHT, IT IS EVERLASTING. AND FOR MARRIAGES, BUSINESS, AND RUNNING—SUSTAINABILITY IS WHAT YOU WANT. Pam and Ryan Hess preach and practice one word in every aspect of their life—sustainability. I had the pleasure to sit down with business owners of The Loop Running Supply Company, a new boutique running store looking to become the beacon of the running lifestyle. As talented runners, they have been a part of the Austin running community for years. Their passion for running started at different times in their lives. For Pam, she started running in college with a lofty goal to train for the Austin Marathon in 45 days. As rough as the training and race were, she completed it and was hooked on a path to a 3:03 personal record. Ryan started running as a child and walked on to a Division II at Adams State. Thanks to the guidance of his coach Gilbert Tuhabonye, Ryan holds personal best of 2:41. For eight years, Ryan picked up shifts at RunTex and learned from the great Paul Carrozza. This is where his passion for running exploded. In 2014, with 14 running stores in Austin area, Ryan opened Ready to Run. Slowly, running stores started to close; stores like Luke’s Locker left a gap in the running circle, but also an opportunity. Now, 10 weeks into the opening of The Loop Running Supply Company, Pam and Ryan are excited for a new chapter in their life together as they unite and grow the “Ring of Runners.” M A R C H 2 0 1 8 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

LIFESTYLE

Q&A How did you meet each other? What is the story?

Well, it was not love at first sight. We remained friends for a long time, and I would bring a friend along on all of our “dates.” We dated for a couple of years and at the end of a marathon, he proposed to me. Ryan was running his first marathon, and I was trying to Boston Qualify at the 2014 San Diego Marathon. It was not the most ideal race due to weather. Ryan planned to finish before me so he would have time to recover before

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dropping to one knee. He hit the wall at the halfway point, from depleted electrolytes, but still came in about 15 minutes before me. Needless to say, I am not in love with our engagement photos.

What was the biggest challenge in starting the business? Some of our biggest challenges have led to the most rewarding results, and we have been so thankful for the people and friends who have come into our lives that have

guided us throughout. From naming the shop and determining our brand elements to doing a gut renovation, we’ve thought about every little detail but not without the wisdom and consultation of others. Quitting both our jobs to be all-in was another obvious risk, but it was an easy decision to make—we couldn’t be more excited to lose this much sleep!

What is your favorite post-run meal? Pre-run meal?

We’re pretty similar in our post-run meal—

SOME OF OUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES HAVE LED TO THE MOST REWARDING RESULTS

experience, and we loved getting to know our neighbors in the Northwest Hills. At the end of the day though, we saw a hole in the market when Luke’s Locker closed last year, and we felt we could team up together to bring something fresh to the evolving downtown running culture. It felt like a no-brainer.

What is the most Austinite thing you will carry in your store?

we always go for tacos. Ryan prefers Torchy’s, but I’ve been hooked on the tacos from Lazarus Brewing. For pre-run [meals], I have to have a slice of peanut butter toast every morning as soon as I wake up—I always wake up starving! Ryan doesn’t have to eat first thing in the morning like I do, but when he does, it’s usually the same.

So what happened to Ready to Run in Far West?

Being a part of Ready to Run was a great

We actually have a greeting card that we collaborated with Tyler Guinn on. The front of the card has a bunch of Austin running scene doodles, and the inside is left blank. I had always wanted stationery that was run-specific without being goofy. I hope people will use them to encourage their friends before races or to ask someone to be their training partner. We’re kind of obsessed with them! We also have a matching bandana that is adorable and so Austin.

What is your inspiration? How do you hope to cultivate a community for runners?

love with. The running community is so tight that it can feel both inclusive and seclusive. But at the end of the day, no matter what you do—run, walk or jog—you can be in the ring of runners if you want to be.

What advice do you have for new runners?

Be consistent. You don’t have to run a lot, just a bit each day. Finding a group is the easiest way to get started. As a beginner, it's very important to start doing core workouts. It may not seem important, but you'll thank yourself when you don't get hit by the injury bug. Be smart and don't increase your mileage more than 10 percent week over week. Lastly, have fun with it and don't put massive expectations on yourself.

Growth with Smaller Footprint in Large Community Sustainability is not opposite to growth. Sustainability is continuous, much like a loop. From their business to the sport they love, they aim to shape one of the largest running communities in the U.S. through an inviting space, curated products and top notch customer service. In order to be impactful, you have to be around.

"Ring of Runners" was the phrase we fell in M A R C H 2 0 1 8 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

LIFESTYLE

BY CARRIE BARRETT

HEALTH BENEFITS OF ADOPTING A MINIMALIST MINDSET BECOMING A MINIMALIST THESE DAYS IS ABOUT AS TRENDY AS BEING VEGAN OR KETOGENIC. WE ARE OBSESSED WITH SIMPLIFYING OUR LIVES BECAUSE WE INHERENTLY KNOW THAT THE LESS BAGGAGE WE HAVE—INCLUDING MATERIAL DISTRACTIONS, SOCIAL NETWORKS, AND BURDENSOME OBLIGATIONS—THE MORE HAPPY WE BECOME.

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Savoring the Simple Life

a reason why fancy spas play soothing music SIMPLICITY and have little clutter. Chaotic distraction leads It’s January 1 in my house. We’ve just finished the DOESN’T to stress. Start to think of your home, or even a Rogue Running Black-Eyed Pea Run (Thanks, CHANGE WHO room in your home, as a sacred space. Might it be Rogue!) and have decided to hold off on the YOU ARE, IT your bedroom or bathroom? Create a clutter-free Barton Springs Polar Bear Plunge. Instead, we're BRINGS YOU and stress-free environment that can be your plunging into a different cold and deep water BACK TO WHO escape, even for just a few minutes each day. first—purging stuff in our house that no longer YOU ARE. As for the old books, newspapers, and magaserves us. It’s become our annual New Year’s Day zines? Purchase a box that all of those things go into. tradition. When the box is full, head to the recycle bin. As Carver Did we use this at all in the last year? If the answer is says, “We have to do things we don’t want to do to be who no, it gets put in the donation pile. Some items are easy to we want to be and feel how we want to feel.” part with. Why are we holding on to an electric knife that’s still in the original box from our wedding ten years ago? We don’t eat meat, and you sure as hell don’t need an electric knife to cut tofu. Gone. More Control However, I’m as guilty as everyone else of having extreme emoNot only is living with less a money-saver in the long run, but it tional attachment to something that has no practical value. Take, for also puts you in the driver’s seat of your day. How many of us are instance, my old guitar. I bought a new one this year that I absolutely involved with too much? I don’t know anyone who isn’t. When love. The old one has been parked in the back of a closet all year. I first moved to Austin, I started joining tons of groups to fill up Why, then, is it so difficult to part with it? That guitar moved with me to my time because that was supposed to make me happy. I volunAustin 20 years ago. It got me through long nights when I first moved teered at church, I joined a running group, I did stand-up comedy, to town and had no friends. I did, however, have Mary Chapin Carpenand I coached other athletes. Guess what? I was miserable doing ter CDs and that guitar. It may only be worth $10 at this point, but it’s everything I was supposed to love. What I didn’t realize was that I priceless to me. I think I’ll keep it another year. was creating distractions from doing real inside work on myself. I It’s all relative, right? There is no blueprint or distinctly remember a co-worker telling me to slow down and do rulebook for what constitutes living a simpler life. less. “You don’t have to do it all at once,” she told me. Of course, my However, as Courtney Carver writes in her new 24-year-old brain couldn’t process the idea of slowing down, but my book, Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less 45-year-old brain now embraces that philosophy. Be more selective Can Lead to So Much More, “Simplicity is about and empower yourself to say no. It’s the most powerful word in the more than making space in your home. It’s also English language. Now, when I choose my extra-curricular activities, about creating more time in your life and more I do so because I want to do them and not because I’m trying to fill love in your heart. What I learned is that you can space. I’m in the driver’s seat. actually be more with less.” When we think about minimalism, we immediately think of ditching More Mindfulness clothes or possessions, but it’s more than that. In the process, we’re How often do you shovel in breakfast or lunch in two seconds flat, also ridding ourselves of destructive patterns and exhausting routines without so much as a moment of gratitude or mindfulness about that no longer serve us. The health benefits of doing that may be what you’re putting in your body? Half the time, I’m not even finished intangible, but are so very powerful. chewing one bite before I’m already starting another one! I eat standing up, and I even eat lunch at my computer some days while I’m catching up on emails, Facebook, Instagram, and other timeMore Healthy Choices sucking outlets that don’t actually make me feel good. Less clutter and outside obligations lead to healthier choices. You Creating more simplicity often requires a change in routine—a painlive with more purpose and, ultimately, with more self-love. Exerful one. Carver recommends making a list of ten things you don’t cise becomes a priority and, as a result, you’ll make better eating want to do that you know will help you. Might this be time for mornchoices, you’ll sleep better, and you’ll prioritize your health over ing stretches or journaling? Creating an evening routine so that you other destructive decisions. get better sleep? What about actually reading a book? We’ve become fearful of idle time because society equates it with non-productivity More Freedom or even laziness. Rationally, we know that being more mindful and Carver writes about the truth of ownership in her new book: “When selective actually makes us more productive and happy. We know you own something, it owns you, too. It’s yours to take care of and that giving our minds a break from the noise (external and internal) is pay for in every way every day.” therapeutic and can literally change our lives. Yet, we are fearful. The more stuff you own, the more you have to exhaust your energy and reserves into taking care of it. Think about those things you own that seem to be weighing you down emotionally and financially In order to live a more simple life, hold tight to the “whys” and (kids not included). Are they depriving you from freedom or keeping the benefits you know you will gain. Carver sums it up so beautiyou from attaining something else? Can you minimize any of those fully: “Getting rid of everything that doesn’t matter allows you to things? If you can, do so! That extra time and money will give you remember who you are. Simplicity doesn’t change who you are, it more freedom to pursue things that your heart is craving. brings you back to who you are. Simplifying your life allows you to start peeling back the layers of excess, outside and in. Once you remove all of the things that have been covering you up and holdMore Space ing you back, you can step into yourself, back into your heart, and Wouldn’t it be great to come home and not have to look at piles of be you again.” books, magazines, clothing, or old toys that seem to box you into Here’s to more happiness, health, control, freedom, space, a corner like a prisoner in your own home? If you have a stressful mindfulness and, ultimately, love. job, the last thing you want to come home to is more stress. There’s M A R C H 2 0 1 8 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

LIFESTYLE

EVENTS WE ALL CAN ENJOY WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play

The worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s number one-ranked golfer Dustin Johnson will return to Austin Country Club later this month to defend his title. Expect great weather and gorgeous views of Lake Austin. (pictured: Bubba Watson)

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SXSW 2018

The Interactive Festival this year will be March 9–13. Last year’s keynote speaker was Senator Cory Booker (pictured here), who spoke on manifesting love. This year, keynotes include Melinda Gates and Esther Perel. Check out page 79 for more details on this year’s expos and panels!

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LIFESTYLE

Whole Lotta Yoga

This year, Whole Lotta Yoga will take place at the spacious and green Pease Park Conservancy on March 24! Bring your mat to enjoy community yoga classes, workshops, dance, and local vendors.

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Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ABC Kite Festival

The perfect familyfriendly event, this one never disappoints. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the 89th ABC Kite Fest on March 4!

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new to LIFESTYLE

AUSTIN

STUDIOS, SHOPS, AND ENTERTAINMENT FOR FITNESS-MINDED FOLKS

Doc B’s 3001 Palm Way Suite 120

New to Domain Northside, Doc B’s is known for its selection of house-made and mindfully-sourced dishes. It’s for the health-conscious looking for great food packed with flavor. The AFM team had a chance to try the new menu; some of our favorites included the oven roasted chicken wings, grilled artichokes, and the shaved brussel sprout pizza! A must-try if you’re spending the day shopping at the Domain, or if you’re looking for a casual dining spot to gather around the table with friends!

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Toothbar 211 Walter Seaholm Drive #160

Dr. Lauren Jacobsen and Dr. Kimberley Barclay have joined forces to open their new dental practice, Toothbar, at the Seaholm District. This modern practice provides everything from comprehensive family treatment to full-service cosmetic dentistry with a focus on comfort, expertise, and music you actually want to hear. Located centrally at the Seaholm district, Toothbar provides everything from family treatment to full service cosmetic dentistry. Their Toothbar Lounge will include services like express cleanings and teeth whitening on your own schedule. All new patients will receive one free teeth whitening session as well as a “toothbox” take-home goodie bag. Additionally, all patients seen in March are entered to win a Toothbar Happy Hour in the Lounge for themselves and three friends!

Nonproﬁt. Community. Rowing.

Patrick Dougherty’s Stickwork Project Yippee Ki Yay

Austin’s largest non-profit community rowing club

Pease Park Conservancy

With winter weather on its way out the door, it’s a great time to get outside. Head out to Pease Park to grab a photo at Patrick Dougherty’s Stickwork installation, Yippee Ki Yay. These whimsical hut formations are made entirely out of sticks and provide art for the whole community to enjoy.

Private Lessons, adult programs as well as middle and high school rowing programs Home of Nationally ranked Regattas

74 Trinity Street

Austinrowing.org 512.472.0726 M A R C H 2 0 1 8 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

LIFESTYLE

NEW TO AUSTIN

Cosmic Coffee 121 Pickle Road

Cosmic Coffee is situated just a few blocks north of Ben White on South Congress Avenue—in the same lot as Crux Climbing Center. Sip local coffee and beer, wine, and cocktails while taking in the certified wildlife habitat and chicken coop—and don’t forget to check out their large herb and vegetable garden!

Taco Ranch 5033 W US Hwy 290

P. Terry’s opened its first dedicated taco restaurant in Oak Hill, with the same focus on delicious, all-natural food for affordable prices. Taco Ranch offers everything from simple tacos to chalupas, tostadas, burritos, and quesadillas with sides like guacamole, queso, and ranch dip. Taco Ranch will open a second location near UT, so stay tuned!

Erin Condren 11601 Rock Rose Ste 128

La Orxateria 5555 N Lamar Blvd Suite L133

Satisfy your sweet tooth at La Orxateria, Austin’s newest horchata shop on North Lamar. With ingredients imported straight from Spain, it’s an authentic place to grab a gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free treat packed with nutrients and vitamins. La Orxateria also offers homemade agua frescas, hot drinks, and paletas.

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Get organized in style at the new Erin Condren flagship store at Domain Northside, where you can find customizable calendars, wellness journals, stationery, and more. Check out the vibrant and inspirational space where you can find exactly what you need to bring a little more organization to your busy life.

Never Needs Charging

Will Never Break

Won’t Burn Your Eyes

Recyclable

AUSTINFITMAGAZINE.COM • @AUSTINFIT #KEEPAUSTINFIT

L A N C E A R M S T R O N G

BY CARRIE BARRETT PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELIZABETH KREUTZ

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It’s the morning of my interview and photo shoot with Lance Armstrong. It feels reminiscent of a race morning complete with a Vitamix-blended combo of calm, nerves, fear, confidence, excitement, and trepidation. I’ve trained, I’ve researched, and I’ve certainly prepared for this one. Still, though, the nervous energy and “what ifs” make me feel like I’ve had one Red Bull too many...I could scream, pray, or meditate (which I do all of, pretty much simultaneously), but what I really need is to sweat. So, on the morning of my interview with Lance Armstrong, I do something that seems appropriate. I hop on my bike trainer and ride as hard and fast as I can for 20 minutes. In the cycling world, it’s called a functional threshold test. In the real world, it’s called, “stupid.” To everyone, though, it’s called suffering. I had to get those butterflies flying in formation. Instead, I wore them out. I suffered, and I was better for it.

n an inconspicuous studio on Austin’s East Side, Lance greets his friends and guests with friendly hellos and introductions. Fresh from a morning run and shower, he’s completely at ease sporting a WEDU t-shirt, the logo of his new multimedia endurance brand that encompasses cycling events, podcasts, merchandise, and charity work. When I ask for more details on WEDU, he takes his cell phone from his pocket. “Why don’t I just read you some of the mission statement I wrote just this morning during my run. It’s an exclusive!” How appropriate that the first answer to a question is a profound mission statement about his future. Talk about moving forward. “The mission of WEDU Sport,” he reads, “is to inspire and unite the entire endurance community through our content, our events, our people, and our belief that suffering isn’t always a bad thing and that, in fact, it enhances all of our lives.” “You just wrote my article,” I say as the mic pretty much drops. “I’m a high-energy person that needs things and goals to do and achieve,” he adds. “If the world would’ve kept going the way it was going pre-2012, I would’ve had plenty of stuff to do, but I would’ve been working for someone else. Those things and those people that would’ve kept me busy in the past are not coming back. Ever.” So, what’s a man who loves suffering to do? Create another new business, of course! Who likes suffering? Apparently, WEDU. In addition to the Texas Hundred Bike Ride on April 14, WEDU also produces the Aspen 50 Mountain Bike Race. While those events are paramount to the brand, he stresses that WEDU is not a full-fledged event production company. “It’s incredibly difficult to scale events because costs are so high and there’s so much manpower that goes into producing events.” These days, his unanticipated forte is being on the mic with his two extremely popular podcasts, The Forward and Stages. The Forward was initially an idea from his manager, Mark Higgins, or “Higs,” to build a support system. “We knew so many interesting people that wanted to be of help at some point, and one way of moving forward was to start a podcast and have a conversation with these people,” says Armstrong. The show, however, has ended up being far more compelling and impactful than simply to support Armstrong. A year-and-a-half in, The Forward remains one of the top sports and recreation podcasts on iTunes and spotlights some of the world’s most famous athletes, artists, politicians, actors, and musicians who often speak candidly, Armstrong says, about some moment in their life where they had to re-establish a foundation, decide what to do, make a plan, and then ultimately move forward. The Stages podcast, co-hosted by longtime Austin radio personality, JB Hager, shares a unique and unparalleled perspective of the Tour de France and other major cycling and triathlon events. That podcast was truly a last-minute impulsive move, Armstrong says, and the positive response was, frankly, surprising and humbling. In 2018, Stages will go bigger with at least 50 shows, including 20 on the Tour de France. Fan or not, his voice is clearly still relevant in the sport.

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PODCASTS

M A R C H 2 0 1 8 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

“Stages or The Forward are never going to be Howard Stern or 60 Minutes, but that’s okay,” he laughs. “But being in control of the message means we get to produce, direct, script, and distribute the content.” With the launch of WEDU and these podcasts, Armstrong has started to change the narrative of his legacy. Just like our beloved Austin, Armstrong has clearly changed a lot over the past six years but still chooses to make this city the primary home for his family and children. “My relationship with the city and the city’s relationship with me have been rocky, for sure,” he admits. “I understand that, and I can see why. I know the city was hugely invested in me and my story... and there was a lot of hurt and betrayal.” Still, though, it never changed him in the sense that he didn’t stop running at the lake, going out to eat, or going to school functions for his kids. Armstrong explains that he decided to stay in his lane and move along as he gave things time to settle down. His bike shop, Mellow Johnny’s, has weathered the tumultuous storm and remains successful despite a tough market. “Almost everyone in the world knows that Mellow Johnny’s equals me and I equal Mellow Johnny’s,” he says. “For whatever reason, they’re coming out again. The allure of the store is the combo of the The team he cares most about, though, is his close-knit blended shop and the cafe, which make it the coolest shop in the world.” family that includes his five children, his fiancée, Anna, and his You know what else is cool again? Surprisingly, Mellow Johnny’s ex-wife, Kristin. branded merchandise. “It’s crazy how this family has blended over the decade, and I’m “In the early years, we couldn’t make enough of it and when I retired, super proud of this team.” it tapered off. When I came back again, it went up and then, when 2012 It’s also one of the main reasons he has stayed here in Central happened, it virtually disappeared. It is now back with a vengeance.” Texas. He didn’t want to be the dad flying back and forth every few Does time heal wounds? For some, probably never, but if simple weeks to see his kids. Clearly, this family owns his heart, which is his t-shirt and merchandise sales are any barometer of forgiveness, primary gauge for decision-making. people are softening. “Wherever we are in the arc of my story, I’m going to do whatever Lance’s notorious competitive edge finally seems to be softening it is I want to do. If it doesn’t hit it here, in my heart, then I don’t want these days as well. Trying to keep up with the young guys in various to do it.” bike races was taking a huge toll. Two things that have stirred him recently are a revival of the “I cracked,” he freely admits. His last major sufferfest was at the popular local Bikes for Kids charity and The Last Mile nonprofit. Austin Rattler Bike Race. He recently spent a day at San Quentin prison and learned about “You have to train so hard, and your lifestyle has to be like you’re this innovative program that teaches prisoners how to write code. a 22-year-old professional athlete. I don’t mind the training, The experience was intense—a word he doesn’t use lightly. but I’m not going to eat like a rabbit, and I’m not goBecause of this program, these men can hopefully move ing to get on the scale every morning. I don’t care forward and become productive citizens. enough to do that. I’m 46 years old,” he says, “Some of these guys may have been given what almost as a reminder to his own mortality. they think is a life sentence, and I was given a life senThis new softer side of Armstrong doesn’t “I’M NOT tence. I didn’t kill anybody, but I got a life sentence. mean that he still doesn’t bring it hard, though. PROUD OF THE But, I’ve managed to reinvent myself somewhat.” Regular strength training sessions at Onnit WAY I ACTED It seems like he is called to help others use Academy Gym and hard runs certainly prove DURING THAT suffering as a tool for growth. Suffering, itself, can otherwise, and old habits die hard. These days, TIME.” mean something different for everyone. Armstrong he goes as hard as he can, but with a different has spent his life intentionally seeking it. goal in mind. “To me, it’s the reset. No matter what’s happening in “It goes back to suffering. My day isn’t complete my life, whether it’s emotional- or health- related, my daily if I don’t have a certain element of that.” suffering on a workout is my reset. After that, it’s like, ‘Okay, Armstrong has endured and inflicted a colossal now we go.’ If I don’t have it, it’s just bad.” amount of suffering, but he has also inspired and motivated millions. That’s what makes his story so complicated. In regret, there My reset may not compare to what Lance has endured, but I is also pride. In fact, he is still adamantly proud of his Tour de France know what he means. I think we all do. Every day we can use a performances from 1999–2005. reset. Whether that’s starting an innovative endurance company or “I’m not proud of the way I acted during that time. I’ve recognized jumping on your bike for 20 minutes, it releases the same mentality: that that’s not the way you act as a leader of a team, the leader of a “Okay, now we go.” movement, and as a world-wide leader of sports. Arguably, I was one of the biggest athletes in the world, and that’s not the way you act.” He does, however, stand firmly behind the work that he did, the sacrifices he made, and the efforts to build and lead his teams.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 8 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

LANCE’S FAVORITES

Taco – Tacodeli BBQ – EastSide Tavern Golf Course – Austin Country Club Bike Ride – Texas Hundred Best Margarita – Lancerita Best Workout – Onnit Mural – The Selena Mural was awesome, but on the other side is now a cancer mural with the words, “Faith, Hope and Love.” It’s just past the Longhorn Dam near Pleasant Valley on the trail. For all things related to WEDU Sport and Lance’s podcasts, visit: wedusport.com

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BRING A FRIEND - OR 2, 3, 4! EXPERIENCE THE 41ST

BENEFITING

PROFILES BY LIZ HARROUN

CLAIRE SIEGEL

LEADERSHIP THROUGH LOVE CLAIRE SIEGEL IS THE LEAD DIETICIAN OF SNAP KITCHEN, THE HEALTHY MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE, AND HALEY ROBISON IS THE CEO OF KAMMOK, AUSTINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BELOVED OUTDOOR GEAR COMPANY. EVEN WITH THEIR DEMANDING

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photo by Brian Fitzsimmons

HALEY ROBISON

PROFESSIONAL CAREERS, THESE TWO AUSTIN WOMEN ALSO MAKE TIME FOR RELATIONSHIPS, SELF-CARE, TRAVEL, AND FITNESS. HOW DO THEY MANAGE TO DO IT ALL? WE SAT DOWN WITH THEM TO FIND OUT. M A R C H 2 0 1 8 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

PROFILES Claire Siegel When Siegel isn’t working on new content and offerings for Snap Kitchen, you can find her on her personal blog (The Petite Professional) or teaching yoga around town. She promotes being gentle with yourself and self-love as keys to growth and healing.

What led you to study nutrition?

My understanding of food as it relates to health started at a very young age. I grew up as an overweight child, so that came with normal torements of youthhood. I experienced bullying and lack of self confidence. I felt like I did not fit in or look like the other girls. I was in middle school when I first started doing Weight Watchers. Eventually, I just grew into my body and became the average build. But, still, I always had this understanding of [dieting] that the average child does not think about on a day-to-day basis. At the same time, I formed a true love of cooking. I watched Food Network every day when I came home from school and was cooking meals for my family all the time. So, I always loved food in terms of flavors and things like that, and coming together for every meal was always very important for my family. And also understanding that all the things you eat affect the way your body looks, the way you feel about your body, and the way you feel about yourself. I ended up adding nutrition [to my studies in college], pursuing the dietetic track.

Why do you enjoy working at Snap Kitchen?

Working with Snap gives me this amazing tool to bring real food to real people. We are real about the things people want to eat. Our food is really satisfying and filling and also delicious. We make healthy versions of classic comfort food that you actually want to eat. And we also get that you’re not going to cook from a bunch of different ingredients in a box; that you want something super easy that you can just microwave and eat at and home or at work. Working with Snap really shaped my own food philosophy further. That and doing the Whole30 a couple times is how I got to this realfood focused place. I know in my body I do best with a Paleo-based diet that’s generally low in carbs with some room for fun, especially on the weekends. Because, like I said, I love food, and I love my friends, and we like to experience that together.

Why did you pursue yoga teacher training?

Almost six months ago, in the summer, I started going through some personal health issues and ended up getting diagnosed with an autoimmune condition. And in midst of all that, there was a lot of chaos in terms of going through testing to reach a diagnoses and a plan, and there were a ton of questions and a lot of stress. My sort of “picture perfect dietitian health” image that I had of myself was ripped out from under me. I feel like I lost my sense of autonomy with my health. I’ve always understood that food is something you have control over. You can put it in your body and have this amazing outcome of health through that. I felt as if I was doing all this stuff right, and look what happened to me. I felt like my world was over as I knew it, but I kept getting drawn to yoga. I always hated yoga; I thought it was hard, and I felt like I was crumpling over into all these positions. I didn't feel beautiful or elegant. But I was drawn to it going through this health journey and

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trying to figure out what is wrong with me. It was my way of not only grounding myself and finding this meditative experience, but also a great reminder that I’m still really healthy. I’m still able-bodied, and it has served me in so many ways.

What was the biggest habit or mindset shift that helped you learn to love yourself through this journey?

One, it’s realizing that life is really short; nothing is promised. And that these little things we worry about, in the grand scheme of things, don’t matter at all. Looking back at my relationship with food and my body, there is a time when I was counting calories and weighing my food and tracking everything in MyFitnessPal, down to the gram of carb. I was probably 10 pounds lighter, but I felt so miserable, and I hated my body. I felt so self-conscious and fat. Now I look back, five years later, and while I might be 10 pounds heavier, my relationship with food is so much better because I’ve realized that it doesn't matter that much. When I think about it, this diagnoses was a blessing in disguise because I started taking better care of myself and appreciating my body more. So I don’t love my thighs every single day, but they allow me to hold myself up in plank, for example. Everyone is fortunate enough to do that. So, I don’t care if I have cellulite, because I can do all this badass stuff. photo by Brian Fitzsimmons

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PROFILES Haley Robison Robisonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love for adventure has led her from leading backpacking trips for teenagers and family to her current role as CEO of Kammok. She now loves getting an early run on Lady Bird Lake in before heading into the office on East Seventh Street.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 8 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

PROFILES Is there anything you’re personally focusing on in 2018?

I read The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines and was really inspired by Joanna’s mental fortitude and how she chose not to fight her circumstances but embrace them. Presence is a discipline that requires mornings for you to process and reflect so that you can be clear-minded throughout the day. A lot of my 20s, I let my own baggage be a recording in my head that prevented me from being present with people because I always had this soundtrack of other thoughts. The times recently when I haven’t had that soundtrack because I’ve taken time to clear it out have been really rich. The first day of 2018 was really tough, but remembering Joanna’s embracing of circumstances—instead of fighting them—was really helpful.

What inspired you to be a CEO in the outdoor industry?

I was inspired by the opportunity to set an example for younger women as well as challenge my own assumption for what’s possible for myself. I realize that I am now a female CEO because I stand on the shoulders of radical feminists, but that doesn’t mean I have to be a radical feminist. I think there is an opportunity for a third way where my gaining of power doesn’t mean that men around me have less power, but how I, as a leader, can amplify both male and female leaders. That’s a new narrative that I’ve been afforded the opportunity to create because of some really radical feminists that took huge strides and risks to break glass ceilings. I think, by and large, the tides are changing slowly, and I get to be a part of that. Last year at Outdoor Retailer, there was a panel called “When Women Lead.” When asked what success looks like, I

responded that success is when the title of this panel is called “Brand Collaboration in Climate Change.” You almost have to have the conversation with the goal of eventually not having the conversation.

WHAT CLAIRE IS LOVING

Can you explain Kammok’s mission and core values?

Our expressed mission is equip and inspire for life-changing adventure. Our core values are adventure, community, and love. We carry out our mission and values by creating welldesigned gear that is versatile and durable. We also want to invite customers into a broader narrative to engage with community and try something new. Really simply, we want to be a force for good in the world. The outdoors is most transformative when it’s experienced in community with intention to serve others. The times that have shaped me the most are leading 16-year-olds in the wilderness or taking my mom and aunt backpacking. Because these were moments of self-discovery while also introducing something new to other people. When we take risks ourselves and invite the discomfort, we are being shaped to invite more people into that experience of life change.

Coffee with Vital Proteins Collagen and almond milk Vision boards Smoothie bowls

WHAT HALEY IS LOVING The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve (N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin) Post-morning run, eggs and avocado

Why is love the greatest adventure of them all? In American culture, the word ‘love’ is ubiquitous and can mean a lot of things. The highest form of love is complete self-sacrifice through the service of others. My personal understanding of love comes from my faith and belief in Jesus and how his life of love and sacrifice models what it really means to love somebody—to lay down your life for them. So, I think that love is the greatest adventure because it requires a giving of self for another, and within that we often find ourselves. I have found that when I’m serving others through love that I am the most changed and alive.

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WHAT THEY ARE BOTH LOVING

Journaling in the morning Cooking for loved ones

Dear Mr. Vernon, We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong. But we think you’re crazy to make us write an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us. In the simplest terms, the most convenient defitions. But we found out is that each one of us is ....a brain and an ahtlete and a basket case and a princess and a criminal. Does that answer your question? No? Okay, whatever. We’re going to get Loaded Bloody Marys at Kung Fu Saloon. -Sincerely yours, The Brunch Club

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WELLNESS

BY LIZ HARROUN

HOW HEALTH COACHES ARE HELPING SOLVE LIFESTYLE DISEASE EPIDEMIC SOME OF TRENDIEST CAREERS THESE DAYS ARE IN HEALTH AND LIFE COACHING FIELDS. OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, I HAVE SEEN MANY FRIENDS AND INFLUENCERS CLAIM THIS TITLE. SO, WHAT EXACTLY DOES THEIR COACHING ENTAIL? ARE THERE QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED TO CALL ONESELF A HEALTH/LIFE COACH? DO YOU NEED A LIFE COACH? I GOT THESE ANSWERS AND MORE WHEN I INTERVIEWED A LOCAL HEALTH COACH, JENNIFER TURNER AS WELL AS THE CO-FOUNDER OF THE FASTEST-GROWING ONLINE HEALTH EDUCATION PLATFORM, CAREY PETERS.

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When Austin health coach Jennifer Turner of Wild Acorn Wellness isn’t working with clients, you can find her teaching yoga at Black Swan Yoga or serving as the Austin Ambassador for Remote Year.

What exactly is a health coach?

“There is not an exact definition—a health coach’s role is dependent on the coach’s skills, trainings and passions. A health coach can be everything you wish your MD would be and works in a holistic way taking many aspects of health into consideration including diet, exercise, mindfulness, stress reduction and supplementation.”

Do you need credentials to be a health coach? What training did you complete prior to start coaching? Technically, you do not need any credentials to be called a health coach. However, credentials are needed to use the titles “nutritionist,” “dietitian” or in reference to any other specific accreditation. I completed the Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Program and thus can call myself an FDNP (Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner). Many health coaches blend a variety of health- and fitness-related certifications to better serve their clients. For example, I am also a registered Yoga Alliance RYT and hold other fitness-based certifications.

Why did you decide to become a health coach?

In childhood and early adulthood, I struggled with severe stomach pain, nausea, nervousness and bloating. I was extremely shy and scared of pretty much everything. The stomach pain and nausea was often debilitating keeping me in bed and away from enjoying life. Doctors dosed me with OTC drugs, but I still spent the first few days of school in the bathroom vomiting. It would subside for a while, but as soon as a new stressor (school, parental conflict, death of my mother, new step-family) was introduced, the stabbing pains would begin again. High school came with cystic acne and excessive sweating. Things continued to worsen in college, and symptoms would flare up when my roommate would belittle me or I had a big test coming up. It wasn't until I started to dive into nutrition and practice yoga that these symptoms began to subside. For the first time I was able to express myself without fear (that manifested in pain, vomit, sweat, and acne). This was a long journey and an ongoing process. Now, I hope to help others along their own healing journeys.

What do you help clients with?

When seeking to heal, we must assess your life on a WHOLE-istic macro level. Taking inventory of one’s diet, rest, exercise, and relationships is a a good place to start, but it must go deeper than that. Acknowledge the oneness and interconnectedness of your mind-body-spirit and seek the root causes of stress and disconnection from your truth. True healing comes from deep within, and not from the trendiest diet, perfect prescription drug cocktail or sexiest workout plan.

Carey Peters is the cofounder of Health Coach Institute, the fastest growing online education platform that teaches people how to turn their passion for healthy living into a career as a health coach. Carey is a Certified Health Coach, Marketing and Soul Business Coach, a Certified Money Breakthrough Coach, a Certified NLP Practitioner, and a Certified Intuitive Coach. She created her first sixfigure coaching business in under 10 months, and since partnering with fellow coach Stacey Morgenstern in 2010, built a multi-million dollar coaching business called Holistic MBA™ in under two years. Carey and Stacey have educated and inspired more than 8,000 health and personal development coaches from 27 countries create truly sustainable money-making businesses they LOVE while deeply serving themselves and the world.

What inspired you to co-found the Health Coach Institute?

Basically, I had terrible stomach problems myself. I was really struggling with horrible IBS. I went to a gastroenterologist when I was 28. The doctor was like, "Well, you have terrible IBS, and here's a prescription for Zelnorm and you're going to have to take it for the rest of your life." I was like, "Wait a minute. That doesn't sound right. Really? For the rest of my life?" Because I'm sort of rebellious by nature, I was like, "I don't know. Can that really be?" I started researching food. I thought this guy didn't even ask me what I eat. Is there something maybe that I eat that could be causing my stomach issues? I started to just get really obsessed with food and nutrition, and I read every book I could get my hands on. I realized that I was eating an enormous amount of sugar and a ton of gluten which, at the time, people weren't necessarily talking about. So I thought...I'll just start changing my diet. I'll start cooking, I'll start eating more vegetables. I got super into it. At the same time, I was feeling really disenchanted with my career. I was professional actress, and I did fairly well. There were times when between jobs where I had to do temp jobs here and there and I'd be sitting at an office and I'd be like, "What am I sitting here for? This is crazy." I'm doing that I don't love to do. To me, it's very hard to get up in the morning and do something that I don't love to do. If it doesn't feel meaningful, it's very hard to do it. As I was approaching 30, I realized that my career was not looking the way I wanted it to look. When I looked forward as an actress, I [wasn’t] seeing the kind of career that I want—financially and otherwise. I started to feel restless and that I was meant to go in a different direction I knew I wanted to help people because, as an actress, telling stories is meant to help people elicit emotion, feel, and learn more about themselves. That's the point. I [wanted] to translate that into a career—and here's this newfound passion for health. Wouldn't it be amazing if could put those two together? I was looking at becoming a nutritionist or a licensed clinical social worker. Finally, I found health coaching, which was very new M A R C H 2 0 1 8 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

WELLNESS

at the time, and I wanted to help people be able to transform their lives through the doorway of diet and lifestyle. I started my actual education in 2005 and really never looked back. I've been coaching professionally and successfully since 2008. For a couple of years, I struggled because I realized I didn't have the right training. I didn't know how to coach, which is a problem when you're a health coach. I had a little bit still to learn. My initial training fell a little short, which I didn't realize until it was too late. Once I finally figured out here's how you coach, here's the business of coaching, then my career took off. I had my first six figure year. Actually, it took me 10 months to get to that income. It's been six figures every year since then. I ended up partnering with Stacy, who's another successful health coach, and we ended up just having coaches come to us separately and say, “Tell me how you're doing what you're doing. How did you get clients? How did you create products online? How are you doing this in a way that's making money?” We started teaching people informally. Then I finally was like, “I should start interviewing coaches who are doing this for a living and doing a great job.” [Stacy and I] thought about it for many years, and we wanted to make sure that if we were to create a training [on health coaching] that we really were able to articulate our specific points of view about what that meant and how to do it. It took us a couple of years to develop Health Coach Institute.

Why is Health Coach Institute the fastest growing online health coach training available?

We're really happy with what it's become and just thrilled that, in two short years, it's becoming the fastest growing health coach education out there. One reason is because we are health coaches, and we've done what we're teaching people to do, so it's not theory—it's stuff that works in the real world. Also, we really understand what a health coach is, and I don't think a lot of health coach trainings do. A health coach is basically a personal trainer, but for what you eat and how you live. We're all very familiar with hiring a personal trainer. Part of the reason that's effective is because you're paying somebody, and because you're paying them, you're going to show up.

What is the difference between a personal trainer and a health coach?

Exercise is really just one component of wellness. There's exercise, there's diet, and there's lifestyle. Lifestyle—meaning, how are you living every day? What are the habits that you have every day that are health-promoting versus health-destroying? That actually is what determines your level of health and wellness and your experience of joy or satisfaction or contentment in life. When you're working with

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a health coach, [the] coach is working with your entire experience— not just fitness, but all those other components that are going to get you to a level of peak health and, really, peak happiness. When it comes to exercise or how you eat or what time you go to sleep, all of those things—these are about habits. I think part of the problem people have, and why health coaches are becoming so prominent and so needed, is that changing habits and behaviors is extremely difficult for most people to do because the main strategies we have to change habits and behavior is willpower. Willpower doesn't take us very far because, inevitably, we're going to hit bumps in the road or challenges in our lives where even if you have a trainer and you're paying the trainer, your kid gets sick, and it's hard to get to the gym. Things happen that get in the way of consistent habits over time that lead to health. The problem that I see with a lot of people is that they're looking at diets or they may get a book. They're trying to fit themselves into a dietary theory or a dietary system that really doesn't work for them, but they feel like they have to just keep pushing it to make it work because you've got to suffer or you won't get results. A coach can help you figure that out, because we need somebody outside of ourselves to draw us forward. It's too easy when you're alone to quit and believe that you can't do it or it isn't going to work or there isn't a way. A coach provides the right system, the right support, and the right accountability. Having a coach is not about getting a checklist of foods to eat to lose 30 pounds. A coach can do that, but more importantly, the coach is going to help you see and embody the version of you that has that result. What a health coach does is help you change habits and behaviors, and the way they do that is by actually helping you transform your beliefs about yourself and your life and what you're able to do, be, or have.

How do you see this new and growing health coach industry supplementing or supporting the current healthcare system?

As people get sicker and sicker and healthcare becomes more and more expensive, we're seeing a change that our current system is not sustainable. I don't think our current system is completely flawed and broken. It's just missing one key piece. In the current system right now, people have a problem, they go to a doctor's office, the doctor assesses their problem, gives them a diagnosis, says, "Hey, you need to lose 30 pounds and stop drinking coffee and you need to get your cholesterol numbers down." They may give you a checklist, right? Then the patient walks out the door and they're on their own to make all these changes. When they walk out the door, they're on their own and don't know what to do or how to follow through to get the results that the doctor asked them to get. The function of the health coach in the healthcare system or marketplace is to be the person that helps you work the plan that a doctor or nutritionist planned for you. People on their own, as they often are in the current model, have low chances for success. We all need guidance and we need support. We need accountability. I personally believe that in the coming years, having a health coach is going to be as prevalent as having a doctor. The diseases that are costing us the most money—whether it's heart disease or obesity or diabetes—are lifestyle diseases. When you change your lifestyle and your diet, those diseases either go away completely or become much more manageable, ultimately becoming way less expensive for the individual, for the community, and for the country.

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WELLNESS

BY ARIELLE OLFERS

MAKING PROSTATE HEALTH A PART OF YOUR ROUTINE WE SIT DOWN WITH DR. KOUSHIK SHAW OF AUSTIN UROLOGY INSTITUTE TO DISCUSS THE IMPORTANCE OF PROSTATE AND TESTICULAR EXAMS FOR MEN OF ALL AGES. DR. SHAW HAS OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN MEDICINE AND COMPLETED HIS UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE STUDIES AT BOSTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE. HE ALSO STUDIED UNDER AND WORKED WITH DR. IRWIN GOLDSTEIN, ONE OF THE ORIGINAL INVESTIGATORS OF VIAGRA®. MOST NOTABLY, DR. SHAW IS A MEMBER OF THE FIRST DA VINCI ROBOTIC SURGERY PROGRAM AND IS RECOGNIZED AS A LEADER IN THE UROLOGY FIELD AMONG HIS PEERS. What can go wrong with my prostate and how often should I get an exam?

The worst and most common thing we see is prostate cancer. Screening for prostate cancer begins at age 50–55. We recommend screenings at age 50 if prostate cancer runs in your family history. Generally, you should get an annual exam with a PSA blood test once a year if you’re age 55 and up. No routine is necessary for anyone under 50 unless you have a genetic history, but this is rarely seen in men between 40–45 years old.

Is there anything I can do at home (similar to athome breast exams) to help prevent issues in my prostate? To maintain positive urologic health, I’d recommend regular self testicular exams. Testicular cancer can begin in teens and peaks at age 25–30. The risk of testicular cancer drops off age 40 and

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beyond. With at-home checks, you should become comfortable with your own anatomy. The consistency of the testicles should feel like a firm hard boiled egg. If you feel a lump, you should see your primary care doctor or your urologist. The most common sign of testicular cancer is a hard painless mass within the testicle. Another common thing found is a little irregularity in the epididymis (a small tube behind the testis, along which sperm passes to the vas deferens). This is fairly normal and doesn’t present any concern. Again, I recommend you become comfortable with your own anatomy and do a once a year check up with your primary care physician as well.

What can I expect with my first prostate exam?

It’s important to do a prostate cancer screening and PSA blood test for your first exam. The prostate exam takes around 10 to 15 seconds with a finger in the prostate. We will be looking for a firm consistency with no hard masses. Not all prostate cancer is detectable by exam—sometimes PSA blood tests find it, so it’s important to do both.

Can you tell me about the PSA blood test?

The PSA blood test is a marker secreted by the prostate in all men. A normal PSA tracker will slowly rise over time, but we look to make sure it’s a slow, consistent rise versus a large jump over the span of a year. The PSA blood test is not 100 percent reliable on it’s own, but it is a great screening tool paired with a prostate exam.

What will I learn from a prostate exam?

Hopefully your exam comes back normal in size and consistency, but if you have an enlarged prostate, we may prescribe medication, surgery, or we will simply observe over the next

GENERALLY, YOU SHOULD GET AN ANNUAL EXAM WITH A PSA BLOOD TEST ONCE A YEAR IF YOU’RE AGE 55 AND UP.

year. Additionally, one in every seven men is diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. If found early, it is usually curable. This is why routine screening with your primary care doctor or urologist is so important. Even if you’re a generally healthy individual, you should still get your prostate examined regularly! It’s like taking your car for an oil change—you have to provide care and maintenance for the body as well. Screen early and detect early, and you'll live a healthy life. The key to a healthy, long life is preventative care!

What are three ways exercise can help the prostate?

Most people have sedentary jobs, which usually cause more issues. My advice? Stand and move more. Walk around the office two to three times an hour. This is ultimately good for your eyesight as well; we spend so much time in front of the computer it’s great to take a break. Don’t sit for prolonged periods of time. Also, staying hydrated can help with kidney, bladder, and prostate health. Being under-hydrated causes kidney issues, kidney stones, and concentrated urine.

Masturbation and the prostate—helpful or harmful? Any other helpful facts?

Mostly we see patients suffering from chronic masturbation as a substitute for intercourse. If you’re masturabating three to four times a day, take a break—it’s all about the happy medium. Ultimately, masturbation shouldn’t be a substitute for sex. Studies

show that most individuals in healthy relationships have intercourse six times a month, which is more than enough to maintain a healthy prostate. It’s not harmful to not masturbate, but it is harmful if you overdo it. Usual symptoms include prostate and penile pain.

What foods do you recommend for a healthy prostate?

I recommend a diet low in red meat and high in fruits, leafy greens, and vegetables (especially those high in lycopene, like red tomatoes). It’s not rocket science—just eat healthier! Research shows that diets lower in red meat consumption and low-carb diets reduce risk of cancer and are shown to be helpful for your overall health. At the end of the day, what’s good for your prostate is good for your body!

Any other advice you would like to share?

Treat your body like a well-oiled machine or car. Feed it well, give it good fuel and go in for a pit stop. Take a break for yourself to care for your body. Even if you feel healthy, still get checked! That’s the best way to stay out of trouble. When Dr. Koushik is not practicing medicine, you can find him running the trail at Lady Bird Lake, exploring Austin with his wife, or volunteering with the Breakthrough Organization—a program for low-income students aiming to become first-generation college graduates.

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WELLNESS

BY LAURYN LAX

Part 1

NATURAL CURE FOR ALLERGIES LOOKING FOR NATURAL REMEDIES TO HELP YOU GET THROUGH ALLERGY SEASON? HERE’S PART ONE IN A TWO-PART SERIES THAT EXPLAINS HOW TO PUT THE BENADRYL AWAY FOR GOOD! Allergies 101

Allergies affect one in five people in the U.S. They are the sixth most common “disease” amongst adults and the number one most common disease among kids, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation (includes all seasonal, food, and skin allergies). Defined as an “immune response, histamine response, or inflammatory reaction” of the immune system to a foreign substance, or allergen, allergies happen when you eat foods your body can’t digest or when you come into contact with environmental allergens that your personal body chemistry is sensitive to (i.e. mold, pollen, pesticides, vaccines/ medications, etc.).

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Allergic reactions manifest in a variety uncomfortable side effects like coughing, sneezing, hives, itchy eyes, runny nose, skin breakouts, rashes, shortness of breath, asthma, and a sore or hoarse throat.

What Causes Allergies?

What causes these allergic reactions to happen in the first place? Why do some people get runny noses and bloodshot eyes when the air is full pollen or cedar season while others feel fine? Why do some people have a histamine response when they eat certain foods while others can eat the same food all day long with no issue? Unfortunately, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation and other sources, “the exact causes of allergy symptoms are still being investigated.”

How Do You Cure Allergies?

In addition, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation also states that “there is no cure for allergies.” You can only “manage" them. The result? After visiting a doctor and finding out they have allergies or face countless allergy attacks every change of season, many people turn to Benadryl, Flonase, allergy shots, and Tylenol for short-term relief. For those suffering with allergies and not getting relief with standard

medications, this series about the real (underlying) cause of allergies, plus seven natural allergy remedies (most doctors or Google searches won’t tell you about), is for you!

The Real Cause of Allergies

The gut is the gateway to your health—including your immune system. In fact, 80 percent of your immune cells are produced in your gut. Hence, when you experience allergies, chances are your gut is unhealthy. “Leaky gut” or “intestinal permeability” is a common phenomenon driving allergies. Leaky gut happens in your gut when the intestinal wall becomes irritated and inflamed due to gut-irritating foods, environmental toxins, low stomach acid, medications, and more. Over time, with more irritation, the gut begins leaking undigested food particles and other unfiltered toxins into the bloodstream. In turn, the body signals an immune or autoimmune response to attack the foreign invader—resulting in inflammation for the host (you), like autoimmune disease, skin breakouts, horrible IBS, bloating, or allergies.

Allergies and Gut Bacteria

In addition to “leaky gut,” your gut bacteria health is also a key factor in the allergic response. In fact, research is now showing that the composition of gut bacteria during childhood can set the stage for your allergies and asthma for the rest of your life. Did you live off PopTarts and Cheetos as a kid, or did you ever take antibiotics? Too much processed food or antibiotic use can threaten gut health early on. Gut imbalance even dates back to the first month of life. Research in Nature Medicine, shows that certain (unhealthy) gut bacteria present in some one-month-old infants predict a three-fold higher risk of developing allergic reactions by age two and asthma by age four, concluding that microbial imbalance also reduces the number of immune cells necessary to help prevent allergies. Were you birthed by C-section? Formula-fed? Did your mom eat processed foods, lead a sedentary lifestyle, or have an unhealthy gut herself during her pregnancy? All of these also contribute to bacteria insufficiency and low immunity. In short: Allergies—and your tendency to get them—stem back to the health and balance of your gut.

“But I Eat Healthy!”

Even if you eat the healthiest foods in the world and take a probiotic supplement, if your body is under stress, your gut bacteria can be thrown off enough to suppress your immune system. Common stressors that wreak havoc on your gut health (and immune system) just as much as eating a non-nutrient dense diet include lifestyle factors like:

• Overtraining or sedentary lifestyle • Eating “healthy” diet foods (like bars, shakes, and packaged foods) with additives or soy protein • Low vegetable intake • NSAID use • Birth control and other prescription medications • Sleeping less than six to seven hours regularly • Low water intake (less than half your body weight in ounces) • High coffee consumption (more than one cup per day) • High consumption of hydrogenated vegetable oils • Not chewing your food well or eating while distracted • High screen and blue light exposure

An accumulation of too many stressors at once can cause a disruption in your gut microbiome and, subsequently, in your immune system—especially if you are genetically predisposed to allergies. However, genetics only make up 10 percent of our health conditions, while our environment, lifestyle, and diet make up the rest.

The #1 Allergy Cure

Although the Allergy & Asthma Foundation states there is currently no cure for allergies, when you optimize your gut health and reduce stressors in your lifestyle, you may very well find your allergies become a thing of the past. Goodbye, Claritin! It’s important to recognize that natural allergy remedies are not effective work unless the foundation of a real food diet is built. You can take all the essential oils in the world and use a neti pot every night, but unless you have a strong base foundation (i.e., a healthy gut), these remedies will only provide temporary relief.

Are You Eating Real Food?

Think back to your last allergy attack or flare—what was your diet like at the time? Had you recently been on vacation? Did you have a few too many glasses of wine that week? Eaten out more than in? Food matters—and what we put into the pipeline can either support immunity or inflame it. Couple this with the other big inflammatory factor—your stress levels—and you have the “perfect storm” for an allergy attack.

What is Real Food?

• Unprocessed foods (on the outer edge of the grocery store) • Sustainable meats and proteins (wild-caught, grass-fed, pastured) • Fresh fruits and veggies • Starchy tubers (potatoes and sweet potatoes, carrots, winter squash) • Healthy fats (coconut oil, avocado, olive oil, grass-fed butter, ghee, pastured bacon grease)

What Should I Eat Today for a Natural Allergy Remedy?

Ideally, an allergy sufferer’s diet would look something like this: Breakfast: Chicken apple sausage patties with mushrooms and zucchini stir-fried in coconut oil Lunch: Tuna salad with avocado mayo stuffed in a collard green wrap with a side of plantain chips and cucumbers Dinner: Herb-roasted chicken with sweet potato and chard sautéed in ghee Snack: Apple with one to two spoonfuls sunflower seed butter A diet composed of real food, prepared in a variety of ways with seasonings and herbs, is the first thing you should implement to address allergies. Once you have built a strong foundation in your gut through an anti-inflammatory diet, you can then explore remedies to help further soothe any remaining allergies. Check out part two in next month’s issue to learn about natural remedies that your doc probably hasn’t mentioned!

M A R C H 2 0 1 8 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

FITNESS

BY GRAY SKINNER

HOW HIGH-INTENSITY EXERCISE MAKES ME A BETTER CEO

If you needed any more reason to schedule in high-intensity As the CEO of a rapidly growing tech company, I prioritize and exercise, groups like Rogue Running or a cycling team provide schedule high intensity exercise four to five times per week. It is a community and networking benefits. The group setting also not a luxury—it is a requirement to do my best work. offers a competitive outlet. Finally, the purely physical aspect of Training and racing provide me with a low pressure crucible training offers a break from the relational and cognitive grind that where I can explore new parts of myself and hone my focus. I consumes most work days! find that intentionally setting performance goals, training, and Gray Skinner is an elite triathlete and cyclist as well as the CEO competing give me a distinct edge at work, in addition to the wellof Droplr, a growing tech company with of a team of many highdocumented health and wellness benefits of exercise. performing athletes. He just hired their first Austin employee, Andy Pursuing multiple challenging (high-intensity) workouts each Jobin, a Cat 1 cyclist and winner of the season-opening Oatmeal week has two primary benefits. The first is that I can stay in top Road rRace. Gray previously competed as a professional triathlete competitive shape very efficiently. This allows me to select three to after working at Bazaarvoice (2010–2013) and Executive Stamina four competitive events per year and set ambitious goals for each. (2013–2015). The second, and possibly more important, benefit is that these workouts provide several low-risk chances to “fail” each week. Many people go months or years in their careers without taking significant risks or experiencing a true opportunity to fail. Having a no risk arena to practice going beyond my comfort zone and seeing how I react is invaluable to begin building confidence and momentum towards my professional goals. Proving to myself that I can persevere and break through in training creates strength and confidence that I can do the same at work. Here is how I pull this off. I design my workouts to be 85 percent knowingly attainable with 15 percent representing a stretch goal. So there is a built-in guarantee to either not hit the workout as planned (fail) or to achieve more that I thought myself capable. The WHEN THE WORKOUTS value is in actually taking the risk, so there is no START TO GET downside to “failing” a workout. UNCOMFORTABLE, When the workouts start to get uncomfortable, I OFTEN VISUALIZE I often visualize accomplishing something really ACCOMPLISHING important at work. I connect it to the workout by SOMETHING REALLY IMPORTANT visualizing a potential investor or prospect there AT WORK. watching, and, if I hang on and push through, the deal will close. Conjuring up specific thoughts of professional success both distracts me briefly from the pain and screams from my body to stop and associates a positive sense of achievement with the work goal that I am pursuing. Associating a positive sense of achievement with a work goal is a technique I picked up from meditation (metta), and it works well for me. The next time I think about the professional goal, I have a physical experience imprinted in my body that is associated with success. Once I lock in a positive emotion and experience with something I want to do at work, I have effectively taken a very proactive step towards achieving that goal by starting my momentum in the right direction. I am using my training and racing to become a more confident risk-taker.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 8 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

FITNESS

BY DAVID LEFFLER

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E / M A R C H 2 0 1 8

TREY HARDEE photo by Brian Fitzsimmons

THE TEXAS RELAYS THE 91ST EDITION OF THE STORIED COMPETITION RETURNS TO AUSTIN MARCH 28–31, PACKED WITH PROMISE, STAR POWER, AND THE NEXT GENERATION OF OLYMPIC COMPETITORS. Every spring, thousands of athletes and tens of thousands of spectators descend upon Austin to attend the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays. Donned in school colors and bursting with bravado, their annual arrival signals the return of the greatest athletic competition this city is home to. In fact, the event is the second-largest track meet—behind only the Penn Relays—in the United States. It’s now the mecca for elite competitors in everything from pole vaulting to the 100m dash from across the high school, collegiate, and professional ranks.

Richard Thompson, Louisiana State University – 100m

Relay Roots

Trey Hardee, Texas – Decathlon

Like Lauryn Williams, Thompson’s performance at the 2008 Texas Relays established his name in the event’s record books and put him on a path to stardom. Shortly after dominating the Relays as a member of the LSU team, he medaled twice at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and again in London while representing his home country of Trinidad and Tobago.

Long before its warm climate and booming economy attracted A current resident of Austin, Hardee broke out in the 2006 meet. people from around the world, Austin’s winter (or lack thereof) After setting the Relays’ current Decathlon record as a member of brought the Relays to town. In 1925, uncharacteristically cold the UT track team, he went on to win a silver medal in the 2012 weather conditions compromised the Kansas Relays, leavOlympic games in London. ing the door open for a new venue for the games. In stepped Clyde Littlefield, the University of Texas’ Johnny “Lam” Jones, Texas – 100m, FUN FACT head track and field coach at the time, and Theo 4x100m relay Johnny “Lam” Jones’ 100m Bellmont, the school’s athletic director. Littlefield Jones stole the show at the 1977 Relays with dash in 1977 was originally and Bellmont jumped at the opportunity to host a dazzling 100m run. A multi-sport athlete (he recorded at 9.85 seconds, the Relays, laying claim to what would eventualso played football for UT), he won a gold which would have set the ally become a nationally-renowned athletic medal at the 1976 Montreal games in the world record at the time. spectacle. 4x100m relay and later played in the NFL. Unfortunately, officials deterBut the Relays was hardly an acclaimed mined the stadium’s newlyevent when first introduced. Its organizers Several Texas Relays record holdinstalled electronic system went to incredible lengths to drive ticket sales, ers represented the USA Track malfunctioned, nullifying his staging a number of off-the-wall publicity stunts & Field in the 2016 Rio Olympics, record-setting run. in hopes of drawing in spectators. By all accounts, including: the most successful of these attractions took place in 1927 when three Tarahumara—a Native American people Logan Cunningham - Pole Vault known for their long-distance running abilities—were invited to Ryan Crouser - Shot Put race from San Antonio to the stadium where the meet was being held. Trayvon Bromell - 100m, 4x100m relay According to historical records, the epic 90-mile race ended in a tie. Shelbi Vaughan - Discus At its inception, the Relays was a men’s-only competition. By Sandi Morris - Pole Vault 1963, though, women’s events were added. These days, the field of competitors represents countries, cultures, and ethnicities from across the globe. Lasting Legacy Fun fact: Although the first Texas Relays was held 93 years ago, Unfortunately, Austin’s recent relationship with the Relays has been this year’s competition is only the 91st. The reason behind this: marred by the questionable actions of several businesses. A number the meet was cancelled between 1932–1934 due to the economic of bars and restaurants—most of which are on Sixth Street—have strains of The Great Depression. shuttered their doors during Relays weekend the past few years, upsetting civil rights organizations who claim these moves were made to intentionally thwart the largely-black crowds of meet attendees. Previous Stars & Record-Holders Although those actions are alarming, they do not represent the As the Relays’ notoriety has grown over the years, so has its star overarching legacy of this incredible competition. Now nearing the power. Here are a few of the top athletes who have taken center 100-year mark, the Texas Relays are the crown jewel in the rich stage over the years, including several Longhorns and U.S. olympians: history of Austin’s athletic prowess. Indeed, no matter how many national championships UT’s sports programs win, the peak of this Lauryn Williams, Miami — 100m city’s competitive caliber resides in Mike A. Myers Stadium, the Williams’ displayed elite speed in 2004 when she set the current Relays’ home since 1999. record for the women’s 100m dash. She’s since medaled in three different Olympics, including earning a gold at the 2012 games in London and a silver in the two-woman bobsled event in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. M A R C H 2 0 1 8 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

FITNESS

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TOUGHEST WORKOUTS IN AUSTIN Downtown Blackout at Pure Austin This is an intense military exercises mixed with calisthenics, plyometrics/explosive exercises, running drills, sprints and more advanced technical movements. Boost your endurance training, fire off the fat, and increase caloric burn. The workout incorporates bodyweight exercises and challenges with weights (dumbbells, body bars, sandbells, and more). Never, never, never give up! This is not your starter workout.

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FITNESS

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Ashtanga at Yoga Yoga Ashtanga is a challenging lineage of Hatha Yoga focused on building strength and endurance that naturally leads to a relaxed mental state. This dynamic sequence of postures, known as the Primary Series, combines focus with continuous movement. Ashtanga is practiced in a warm room (78â&#x20AC;&#x201C;84 degrees) and there are three variations of Ashtanga classes offered at Yoga Yoga.

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FITNESS

Barefoot Cardio Burn at Tetra Fitness A 60-minute heated (85 degrees) indoor barefoot workout with light weights, medium weights, and tons of bodyweight exercisesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but without the impact. Get sweaty with stretching, balance work, toning for all the connective tissues, core strengthening, calorie-burning, and corrective exercises for the feet. All levels are welcome and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a no shoes requirement.

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Atomic Athlete Becoming stronger, faster, and harder to kill is Atomic Athleteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary mission. Their method of training is known as periodization, or the structuring of training into individual blocks that prepare the athlete for each subsequent block. Periodization is heavily used in powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, field sports, and endurance sports. Their path is not the easiest, but it is a very rewarding one.

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FEATURED THE NATURE CONSERVANCY OF TEXAS’ ANNUAL AUSTIN LUNCHEON

SPORTS & OUTDOORS MARCH 4

Austin’s ABC Kite Festival Zilker Park Let’s go fly a kite...at one of Austin’s most beloved traditions, the ABC Kite Festival! Thanks to ABC Home & Commercial Services, you can gather with friends or family, pick out the craziest kite you can find, and sign up for their traditional kite-flying contest. Enjoy live music and activities for kids, too! Learn more at abckitefestival.org. MARCH 10–24

Rodeo Austin Travis County Expo Cente Grab your boots and western gear, and head down to the Travis County Expo Center to experience live music, food, rodeo, and a stock show. With everything from mutton bustin’ to bull riding to fried Oreos, it’s bound to be a great Texas time! Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased at rodeoaustin.com.

MARCH 21–25

World Golf Championships Dell Technologies Match Play Austin Country Club Dell Match Play returns this month at Austin Country Club. The game is played by holes rather than strokes and will consist of 16 four-player groups. The world’s number one-ranked golfer, Dustin Johnson, will also return to defend his title. Most enjoy this event for the endless golf, great weather, and views of Lake Austin as well as the fun camaraderie of passionate golfers— professional and extracurricular alike. MARCH 24

Whole Lotta Yoga Pease Park Presented by AFM and Onnit, Whole Lotta Yoga proceeds go to Peace Park Conservancy. Check out some of Austin’s favorite yoga teachers leading back-toback classes, smaller workshops, local vendors, and more! APRIL 20–22

MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas is back this April at Circuit of the Americas. Single-day passes begin at $39,

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03.2018

Submit your event online at austinfitmagazine.com

general admission tickets are available for $89, and weekend premium grandstand tickets begin at $149.

FOOD & DRINKS MARCH 4

The Brunch Boat on Lady Bird Lake with Via313 Pizza Eat pizza on Lady Bird Lake with Via313, Capital Cruises, and Austin Tour Company. The boat will have great music, food, drinks, air conditioning, bathrooms, and a beautiful roof deck! MARCH 12

SXSW Panel: How Real Food Can Change Your Life and the World Austin Convention Center Join Instagram influencer, Lee Tilghman (Lee From America), Certified Sports Nutritionist, Melissa Hartwood (Whole30) and entrepreneur, Derek Flanzraich (Greatist) while they discuss the major shift taking place away from processed and packaged goods to real food.

March 9–17. Films include a range of genres with everything from independent films to Hollywood comedies. MARCH 20

The Nature Conservancy of Texas’ Annual Austin Luncheon JW Marriott The event will feature National Geographic’s project The Photo Ark: A World Worth Saving presented by photographer and avid conservationist Joel Sartore.

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LIFESTYLE MARCH 10

SXSW Panel: Here’s my Genome. Call me, Maybe? 500 E Cesar Chavez Learn about the intersection of data, people, and their experiences to see how companies like Johnson & Johnson, 23andMe, and IDEO are personalizing healthcare as a result of the connection between data and technology-driven health.

APRIL 27–29

Austin Food & Wine Festival Auditorium Shores and Fair Market Austin Food & Wine Festival returns in April with top chefs, sommeliers, and winemakers from across the country. Experience amazing food, riveting cooking demos, and wine and cocktail seminars along with the opportunity to meet some of the world’s top chef talent. Tickets sell out fast, so we recommend purchasing soon!

ARTS & CULTURE

MARCH 10–11

SXSW Wellness Expo Palmer Events Center For the first time ever, SXSW is hosting a wellness expo at the Palmer Events Center to showcase companies growing in the health and wellness industry. The wellness stage will host discussions, meditation, and demos for attendees looking to expand their health and wellness knowledge. If you need a break from the panels, workouts will be available presented by FabFitFun with yoga taught by Yoga with Adriene, boot camp style classes, and strength and circuit training.

MARCH 8

Texas Film Awards Austin Film Society Cinema Enjoy the Texas Film Awards in Austin Film Society’s newly-renovated cinema. The evening will include red carpet arrivals showcasing special guests and an after party in the AFS Cinema event hall. MARCH 9–17

SXSW Film Festival Various locations in Austin Experience the 25th anniversary of the SXSW Film Festival with screenings from

MARCH 30

Doctor Strange & a Live Magic Show from Dr. John “Madman” Maverick Community First! Village Soak up great Austin weather and check out Community First! Village for their Friday movie night. Take your movie night to the next level with a magic show by Dr. John “Madman” Maverick. Concessions will be open with burgers, milkshakes, s’mores and more.

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Maureen T O'Hara Teal There's a Cure 5k Walk/Run

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Manchaca/South Austin

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Cedar Park

MARCH 25

Austin

MARCH 4

Austin

APRIL 14

Austin

The Maze 10K/30K

Austin

Warrior Dash Texas

ACC Fairway 5K Cross Country

Head for the Cure 5K

Austin MARCH 9

Ragnar Lake Luckenbach Relay

Bastrop

MARCH 31

Austin State Hospital (ASH) Dash 5K

Statesman Capitol 10K

Longhorn Run 5K, 10K

APRIL 21

Foam Glow 5K

Austin

Austin MARCH 10

Zooma Texas Half Marathon

Austin

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APRIL 29

Rogue Trail Series, The Tangle 30K Relay

Johnson City

03.2018–05.2018

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MAY MAY 5 & 6

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MAY 19

Austin Runner’s Club Daisy 5K Austin Friends and Allies Beer Run Austin

MAY 6

The Color Run Austin

MAY 7

The Reebok Spartan Race Sprint & Super Race Burnet

Silicon Labs Sunshine Run 5K, 10K Austin Travis Country 5K Run Austin

MAY 19-20

MAY 12

Texas Switchback Full, Half, 10K Between Dripping Springs & Johnson City

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DISCOVER!

BY ARIELLE OLFERS

MOVIE NIGHTS AT THE COMMUNITY CINEMA & AMPHITHEATER WITH COMMUNITY FIRST! VILLAGE When Mobile Loaves & Fishes isn’t out in the streets of Austin serving up meals to the homeless, they’re cultivating community and dignity for the chronically homeless with Community First! Village. What began as a small food truck operation eventually scaled into a large RV park and is now a full-blown neighborhood in East Austin. Their plan? To give people the opportunity to really start over. With food and a place to live but, more importantly, with a dignified income and a true community to have an honest chance at a new life. Now with over 140 tiny homes, a working farm, a 400-seat cinema and amphitheater donated by Alamo Drafthouse, a bed and breakfast, an art house, and a market, Community First! Village is thriving. As co-founder and CEO Alan Graham says, “it was a mustard seed of an idea…” The Community Cinema has become a place where film and people can come together at Austin’s newest and most exciting outdoor venue. With room for hundreds, the cinema hosts weekly movie nights every Friday as well as private events. When you pack your blanket or chairs and head out to Community First! Village, you’re doing more than seeing a movie. You’re experiencing a movement that provides a new way of life to the residents at Community First! Village. You will see how the village operates with an opportunity to tour the grounds and visit with residents before the film. While the movie showing is free, the Community Grille is always up and running with burgers, milkshakes, and other concessions along with a fire to make

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s’mores. All concession funds and tips from this venture go back to the neighbors in the village—providing them with income and purpose day-in and day-out. Alan is working with his team at Mobile Loaves & Fishes and Community First! Village to create a paradigm shift—a movement to eradicate homelessness altogether. Curing homelessness is not fixed by simply providing food and shelter. The team at Mobile Loaves & Fishes fundamentally believes that by providing a place to belong, a purpose, and a community of people to love, those that have suffered a lifetime on the streets can come out of homelessness and into a sustainable fresh start. Each neighbor has their own remarkable story about finding hope and dignity in their new life—an opportunity that Alan, his team, volunteers, and donors have been able to provide. Neighbors in the village are finding purpose through working in the garden, blacksmithing, woodworking in the Community Cinema, and the Community Grille. Each of these opportunities puts neighbors on a path toward social contribution, financial stability, and a mastery of skills. Gather your group and head out to the village for one of their many upcoming movie nights all listed at www.mlf.org. Community First! Village is located at 9301 Hog Eye Road. You can get involved with Mobile Loaves & Fishes and Community First! Village by volunteering for truck runs, donating, visiting their outdoor cinema, and buying concessions or touring the property with your friends. Learn more at www.mlf.org

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