Annual Fittest Dogs Issue
10 Top Dogs in Austin
HOW TO PLUS REVAMP YOUR RELATIONSHIP HOW TOPET’S YOUR REVAMP YOUR DERM HEALTH RELATIONSHIP SXSW YOUR PET’S INTERACTIVE RECAP DERM HEALTH BEST 2018 PLACES SXSW TO WORK OUT INTERACTIVE WITH YOUR FAVORITES DOG BEST PLACES TO WORK OUT WITH YOUR DOG APRIL 2018
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Who’s a good boy?
Who’s got two dog-friendly patios in Austin?
ROCK ROSE: 11501 ROCK ROSE AVE • DOWNTOWN: 716 WEST 6TH ST
April 2018
THE GOOD STUFF
Fittest Dogs PAGE 42
2018 PET GUIDE PAGE 54
8 THINGS HOLDING YOU BACK IN YOUR CAREER PAGE 58
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cover & contents photos by Brian Fitzsimmons; career illustration by Edgar Vega; dog illustration by freepik.com
LOEWY LAW FIRM
Content Editor’s Letter 10 Contributors 11
#KeepAustinFit 14 Exposure 16
Ask Sam Now 18 The A-List 28
HIGHLIGHTS
New to Austin 38 Events 78
Rides + Races 80 Discover! 82
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36 NUTRITION Recipes from Local Nutritionists 20 LIFESTYLE The Art of Routine 30 SXSW Recap 32 Running Through Cancer 36
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68 WELLNESS Relationship Health 62 Natural Cure for Allergies: Part 2 64 Medical FAQ: Your Dog and Derm Health 66 FITNESS Austin’s Former MotoGP Champ 68 CrossFit is Simple 70 Work Out With Your Pup 72 Don’t Skip Grip Day 74 photos by Brian Fitzsimmons
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EDITOR’S LETTER Spring just started, and I’m in need of some serious spring cleaning. My apartment is still disorganized from a hectic month with SXSW; my inbox hasn’t been zeroed out in weeks; and my diet has defaulted to mostly snacks and caffeine with the occasional meal—often eaten mindlessly in front of a screen. Every time this happens (which is often), I wonder how I got here. Despite my good intentions and seemingly mindful lifestyle, I still get too lost in the daily grind to realize I’m neglecting the seemingly minor things that accumulate into how I’m living my life. I’ve tried so many techniques for staying organized and living a more minimalist lifestyle, but I still end up accumulating more stuff. I try to stick to a simple and routine diet, but I still overeat treats and sometimes end up eating late at night. Inevitably, I end up blaming myself for getting messy with my space or inconsistent with diet and exercise. Well, I think I’ve been trying to harness a willpower that we as humans have not evolved yet. I’m trying to put strict rules on myself even though I’ve always been a rebel. I have a new approach this spring: I’m creating a life and environment that cultivate the behaviors I’ve been trying to push onto myself. Our lease is up in a month, and my boyfriend and I are going to find an apartment with more space to organize our things. I’m setting more boundaries in my personal and professional lives so that I don’t find myself rushing through meals or leaving the space a wreck. I’m only purchasing items and food that I really want so I’m not crowded or tempted by distractions. I’m blocking time off on my calendar to clean or reflect instead of wishing it would happen organically. Many of the panelists and interviewees I met at SXSW inspired this new mindset. If it resonates with you, think of a way you can setup your schedule and space to encourage less mental and material clutter. With a little more intention, maybe this time next year we won’t be so eager to purge and reset but rather find ourselves flowing through the flux of the seasons with a bit more ease.
S
Keep Austin Fit,
Liz Harroun, Editor
WHAT I’M INTO: NATURAL CLEAN use the Pure Oxygen boost when I need extra grease- or stainfighting power. Seriously, my cleaning supplies stash just got reduced to two non-toxic products—talk about minimalism! Twila True I’m pretty careful about what I put on my skin since we absorb it into our bodies the same way we do food and water. It’s hard to find washes and serums that don’t include toxins and fragrance, so I usually avoid them. However, Twila True has an awesome fragrance-free True Renewal Oil made primarily of rejuvenating oils like grapeseed, avocado, and argan. I love this stuff because I can rub it into my body and then through the ends of my hair for all-over moisture and shine! Branch Basics Starter Kit + Oxygen Boost I’m all about using only natural cleaners, but some of them leave my counters and laundry with a bit more grime than shine. A local Austin company, Branch Basics, has answered all of my cleaning needs! The concentrate can be used to clean the kitchen, bathroom, windows, mirrors, laundry, stains, dishes, and wood floors. The bottles have simple instructions for how to fill with the concentrate depending on use (including a hand soap dispenser!). I
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Purequosa Shower On-the-go The summer months are approaching quickly, and this means sweaty commutes and lunchtime runs in the sun. Even though my coworkers are pretty forgiving, sometimes I find myself needing to freshen up midday with no time to shower. Purequosa has made this easier with their organic cleaning spray with only a few simple ingredients like colloidal silver to kill bacteria and essential oils for natural scent. It’s my new backpack necessity!
photo by Brian Fitzsimmons
CONTRIBUTORS CEO Lou Earle PUBLISHER 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 DIRECTOR OF SALES Alex Ecenia STAFF WRITER Arielle Olfers
TAYLOR DUTCH
LACI MOSIER
ANGELA VEGA
DAVID LEFFLER
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
Taylor Dutch
Taylor Dutch is an Austin-based sports writer who has written for Runner’s World, FloTrack, Competitor Magazine, and Bleacher Report. As a video producer for FloTrack, Dutch produced several documentary series on Olympic champions in track and field. She graduated from UC Berkeley as a student-athlete with a degree in communications. When she’s not running around Town Lake, Dutch enjoys exploring Austin’s unique food scene.
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.
Angela Vega
Angela Vega is a competitive athlete living in the Austin area with her husband, Edgar, and greyhound, Banner. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2013 with a B.B.A. in Marketing and B.S. in Advertising. In college, she found a passion for fitness that led her to a personal trainer’s certification and competitive racing in a wide range of events, from the Texas Tri Series to the Boston Marathon. She believes anyone can be an athlete with grit and purpose, which is why she challenged herself in over 100 events the past six years. When she isn’t hitting the gym or the trails in the Austin area, she works as senior marketing manager for Blueprint for Athletes and writes for GetSumRun, a running and triathlon resource.
David Leffler
A native Austinite and the youngest of four boys, David has long had a passion for writing, exercise, and travel. Since graduating from the University of Texas, he has expanded his fitness horizons while writing professionally for a variety of publications and companies on topics ranging from outdoor adventure to environmental and social issues. When David's not working, you can find him camping, hiking, swimming, or hanging out with his family.
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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MORE SXSW!
The Austin Fit team has compiled more exclusive fest coverage on austinfitmagazine.com.
BONUS SMOOTHIE BOWL RECIPE Head to our site for a refreshing way to jumpstart your spring—courtesy of Austin’s newest juice bar!
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FASTEST DOG IN AUSTIN 5K
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When Kyra is not at the park doing what she does best, you can find her kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, or hiking in places like Mount Bonnell and Red Bud Isle. In the summer, she enjoys swimming at Barton Springs to cool off.
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!
Please help me shrink my muffin top! Dear AB-solutely, For quick results, commit to these six SHRINK-my-muffin-top tips for one month: SLEEP–Sleep the belly fat away! Studies have proven that people who sleep seven hours or more lose twice as much fat and are less hungry those who snooze for less than seven hours. H20–Guzzle your water. Add fresh lemon, lime, or cucumbers. RIGHT food and drink–Muffin top in, muffin top out. Remove anything from your diet that resembles the crap in a muffin: high-sugar and high-trans fats foods must go. Stick to healthy and unprocessed food. Don’t drink soda and limit juice— remember that smoothies can be a load of unnecessary calories, too! INTENSE interval training–HIIT workouts are a part of many workout classes. Your gym is probably loaded with these calorieburning, core-toning workouts. NO boozin’–Abstain from alcohol—it’s just a month! You’ll notice a difference in mind...and muffin top. KICK this up a level for real results! Get serious. Commit to a personal trainer, health coach, or nutritionist for these four weeks (one to four times a week). When you have someone supporting you, you score and WIN!
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HAVE A QUESTION FOR SAM?
AS KSAM@AU STINFITMAGAZINE . C OM
My wife had a baby six months ago and has been cleared to have sex....but she doesn't have a desire. Is this normal? What can I do for her? Dear Romeo,
Yes, it’s perfectly normal. It’s not you. Let’s put her lack of desire in perspective: • A tiny human just came out of her body. • Her breasts have an entirely different purpose. • Baby weight may not yet be lost, and she may not be feeling like her sexy self. • Sleep issues, low energy, and hormone imbalances are common postpartum. I’m proud of you for your intentions. Yes, you can help! Make the mother of your child, best friend, and lover feel like the sexiest,
most beautiful woman in the world. Take small steps with patience and understanding: • Give her a massage, serve her breakfast in bed, and run errands for her. • Plan a romantic date, and bring her flowers. Compliment her often to reassure her how attractive and sexy she is to you. • Take a walk together, while baby naps in the stroller. Hold hands, talk, and reconnect. • Show your affection spontaneously. Send her a love note text or write it a post-it note and place on her mirror or in her car. • Give her a day off to get pampered; then pick her up and take her to dinner. Reaffirm your love. Be intimate. Share intimacy. May I remind you, sex is not the only expression to heighten all pleasures. Explore. Enjoy. Hang in there, it will come.
I’m really not hungry in the morning— do I have to eat breakfast? Does bulletproof coffee count as breakfast?
photos by freepik.com
Dear Hangry,
This is a hot, controversial topic in the nutrition world! I’ll keep it quite simple. Every “body” is different. Some do and some do not need to eat breakfast. Not being
hungry does not mean you do not need nutrients. Skipping breakfast can have a negative impact on people with certain health factors including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and inflammation. While coffee blended with butter and coconut oil has the same amount of calories of a nutritious breakfast and the fats may keep you full, it does not have all the
nutritional value you need day in and day out. What are your goals for health and happiness? Do a self-scan. Assess your mind, body, and soul. Do you need more clarity or less stress? Do you have pains, fatigue, or inability to achieve fitness goals? Are you moody or lacking passion? Just think on that—then feed what you need.
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NUTRITION
BY LAURYN LAX
FAVORITE RECIPES FROM EIGHT LOCAL NUTRITIONISTS EVER WONDERED WHAT NUTRITIONISTS EAT? SO DO WE! AFTER ALL, THEY ARE IN THE BUSINESS OF HEALTHY EATING AND KEEPING FIT. FOR A LITTLE EXTRA INSPIRATION TO FILL YOUR OWN PLATE WITH SOME HEALTHY EATS, HERE’S WHAT THESE NUTRITIONISTS ARE INTO AT THE MOMENT.
1. Colleen Flynn, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner Nutritional Zest
Favorite Meal: My NZ Nourish Bowl It’s got it all: protein, healthy fats, loads of veggies, a variety of textures, and lots of color. Recipe: Chicken (or protein of choice), roasted veggies, sautéed greens, raw beet sauerkraut, and fresh sliced avocado arranged on a bed of cauli-rice and drizzled with a sweet tahini-lemon dressing. Nutrition Nugget: Raw beet kraut is amazing for gut health and—since 90 percent of our immune power is in our guts—this is the perfect food for immunity and flu season!
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TEX-MEX, MADE WITH ALL NATURAL PROTEINS. @MaudiesTXMex WWW.MAUDIES.COM
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2. Brenda Gregory, Nutritionist
Energized Wellness Favorite Meal: Tacos You simply can’t be Texan and not love tacos—especially the breakfast kind! So, you can imagine the heartbreak I felt when my food sensitivity results came back positive for eggs. After a very real meltdown/ tantrum, I got to work in the kitchen to create a void-filling taco that I could eat in the morning. My go-to is this detoxifying, proteinpacked, and gluten- and egg-free taco. Recipe: Ground turkey, bacon, and kale—all sautéed in olive oil with sea salt, chili powder, ground garlic, cumin, and a touch of smoked paprika. The toppings vary dependent upon what’s in my fridge, but my favorites are red onion, microgreens, fresh cilantro, avocado, and—because dairy is personally not an issue—raw, sharp cheddar. Wrap it all up in Siete grain-free tortillas! Nutrition Nugget: Not only are these tacos a yummy, filling way to get the day started, but the protein and fats help to stabilize blood sugar throughout the morning, curbing carb cravings. The kale, microgreens, and onion are wonderful detoxifiers as well!
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4. Kristen Files, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner Hearts for Health
Favorite Meal: Baked Salmon I prepare the salmon with simple seasonings and a side of soaked quinoa and balsamic asparagus, roasted cabbage and cauliflower rice, or with a fried egg for breakfast. Not only does it taste great and feel fancy, it also boasts healthy fatty acids which are vital for regulating our inflammatory response.
3. Dr. Lauryn Lax, Functional Medicine Practitioner, Occupational Therapist, Nutritionist Thrive Wellness & Recovery
Favorite Meal: Avocado Chicken Salad I love how simple chicken salad is! It makes the perfect refreshing protein lunch and goes with everything—stuffed into a sweet potato, atop a salad, or wrapped into a collard green or coconut flour tortilla. If you add nutritional yeast on top, you can also give it a “cheesy” taste. Recipe: Mix together shredded chicken and avocado oil mayo (homemade or Primal Kitchen brand) with add-ins of choice (plantain chips, diced apples or grapes, sliced cashews or pecans, dried cranberries, chopped cucumbers or celery, cilantro, dill, etc.).
Recipe: Baked salmon is super easy but most recipes result in dry over cooked fish. The trick to a fabulous fillet is to start with a cold oven. Season your salmon with your favorite spice blend, drizzle with butter or olive oil, place on a cookie sheet, and place in a cold oven. Set oven to 400 degrees, remove salmon after 12-15 minutes (or when it perfectly flakes). Sometimes it will look almost raw, but this is when it tastes the best. Nutrition Nugget: Buyer beware: Make sure you are sourcing that salmon well. What is by nature a super food has become a toxin at the hands of big industry. Always purchase wild-caught and fresh. Look for a deep orange-red flesh color. Never buy farm-raised.
Nutrition Nugget: When choosing your meats, remember not all meats are created equal! The words “natural” and “no antibiotics” means nothing (all meats are “natural” to some degree). Opt for “pastured” or “organic” as much as possible for birds that were raised humanely and healthfully. Lazy chef tip: Buy a pre-made organic rotisserie chicken from Whole Foods. You WILL taste and digest the difference. And one more: Nutritional yeast is a “cheese-like” seasoning packed with B vitamins (essential for energy and metabolism). It is also a great addition for vegan and vegetarians to add to their diets, since they are often deficient in vitamin B12. You can add it to soups, stews, bowls, or veggies.
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NUTRITION
5. Eleni Ottalangana, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist The Healing Roots
Favorite Meal: Basil Cassava Pizza It is so delicious and replaces any processed pizza option but still offers the same great taste! It is also free of all the main allergens, making it easy to serve everyone! After creating the cassava "crust,” I roast cauliflower, then mix it with nutritional yeast and garlic. This serves as the white sauce. Topped with fresh basil and a drizzle of Con' Olio olive oil. Recipe: Topping: 1 head cauliflower, chopped into florets 1 clove garlic 2 T. nutritional yeast 2 tsp. avocado oil 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped Sea salt and pepper Steps: 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 2. In a baking dish, mix cauliflower with oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes. 3. In a blender, mix cauliflower with garlic, nutritional yeast, and more oil if needed. 4. Transfer ingredients to a small bowl and combine with basil. Set to the side. Pizza Crust: 1 cup of cassava flour 1 tsp. sea salt 2 T. olive oil 2 T. avocado oil 1/2 cup of water (add more if mixture is dry and crumbling) Steps: 1. Mix all pizza crust ingredients together, except for avocado oil. 2. Use a rolling pin to smooth out into a thin crust. 3. Heat skillet to medium high heat, then add 2 T. of avocado oil. 4. Transfer dough into hot skillet, cook for about two minutes on each side or until it starts to bubble, then flip. 5. Remove from heat onto a baking sheet. 6. Spread cauliflower and basil topping on the crust. Broil for 2–3 minutes in the oven. Remove from oven, then drizzle with olive oil and cut into pizza slices and serve. Nutrition Nugget Cassava is a root vegetable and also known as a resistant starch. It is rich in fiber, which is beneficial to the balance of a healthy microbiota.
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6. Jessica Pearson, Certified Food Coach and Beth Barnett-Boebel, Registered Functional Dietician Path Nutrition
Favorite Recipe: Garden Hand Rolls You can make them at home or try them at Koriente. The base of this meal is a rainbow of shredded veggies which provide an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and phytonutrients. We also add protein like salmon, fat from avocado, and steamed rice for added energy. Recipe: Pick a protein like salmon, chop avocado, and steam some rice. Enjoy this dish by rolling it all up like a taco in a nori sheet, which is loaded with minerals. We love to dip our rolls in spicy gochujang and sip on nourishing miso soup on the side. Nutrition Nugget: One powerhouse vegetable in this dish is the purple cabbage. Purple cabbage has sulfur-containing compounds that are used to neutralize free-radicals that cause damage to our tissues and is a heavy hitter in our liver for our natural detoxification cycles. It also contains a phytonutrient called anthocyanin, which is what makes up the purple color. Anthocyanins have a role in reducing inflammation in the body and in supporting eye health.
7. Shannon Pickering, Autoimmune Coach Autoimmune Foodie
Favorite Recipe: Nightshade-Free Chili This meal is paleo- and autoimmunefriendly, plus low in mycotoxins. I love one pot meals that are simple, healthy, fast, and delicious. My Nightshade Free Chili also uses fresh herbs and white pepper to minimize mold toxins. Recipe: Ingredients: 1 pound grass-fed ground beef 2 T. beef tallow 1/4 cup oconut aminos 2 T. turmeric powder Fresh thyme Fresh oregano Ground white pepper* Sea salt 2 bay leaves 2 cups shredded carrots 2 large or 4 small red beets 2 cups water or beef stock Brown grass-fed ground beef in 2 T. tallow. Sprinkle meat with 1/4 cup coconut aminos and 2 T. dried turmeric. Add fresh thyme and oregano plus two bay leaves. Stir. Sprinkle with sea salt and white pepper*. Stir again. Add carrots and beets and stir. Add water or broth. Cover and simmer on low up to one hour. *Omit white pepper to be completely nightshade free. Nutrition Nugget: Approximately 28 percent of people have genetic susceptibility to mold toxins. Mold toxins are higher in some foods that others. For example, black pepper is high in mold toxins, but ground white pepper is low in mycotoxins. So making this simple switch from black to white pepper will make many people feel better.
8. Carly Pollack, Certified Clinical Nutritionist Nutritional Wisdom
Favorite Meal: Sesame Noodles Ingredients: 1 package brown rice or buckwheat noodles 2 T. sesame oil, plus a splash 3½ T. tamari 2 T. Chinese rice vinegar 2 T. Chinese sesame paste 1 T. smooth peanut butter (optional) 1 T. finely grated ginger 2 tsp. minced garlic 2 tsp. chili-garlic paste, or to taste Half a cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into two-inch sticks 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (optional) Directions: 1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add noodles and cook until barely tender, about five minutes; they should retain a hint of chewiness. Drain, rinse with cold water, drain again, and toss with a splash of sesame oil. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining two tablespoons of sesame oil, the tamari, rice vinegar, sesame paste, peanut butter, ginger, garlic, and chiligarlic paste. 3. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss. Transfer to a serving bowl, and garnish with cucumber and peanuts. Nutrition Nugget: I love the Eden Select Buckwheat noodles, since they are 100 percent buckwheat and gluten-free. Another trick I often suggest is using half gluten-free noodles, and half veggie noodles (like spiralized zucchini) to get in an extra serving of veggies.
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It’s Time to Give Your Tarnished Relationship with Cauliflower Another Shot
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o you remember the first time you tried cauliflower when you were a kid? You know, that imposing corner of the plate piled with a boiled colorless vegetable that stood between you and dessert? Thankfully, today’s chefs have a completely new approach to cauliflower and it’s time to revisit your old adversary and become friends now. Take the pictured “Fried Riced Cauliflower” from Mama Fu’s, for example. They’ve replaced the calorie-heavy white rice in your favorite Asian comfort food dish and switched it with cauliflower. One cup of white rice is 360 calories, where cauliflower is only 25! Watching your carbs? White rice has
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about 88g of carbs per cup, compared to 5g for a cup of cauliflower. Not to mention the dish tastes remarkably similar to actual fried rice. Asian food can be tough to reconcile with a healthy diet (not all of us can avoid a crispy Crab Rangoon… okay, stop judging!), but by utilizing the versatility of cauliflower, several cuisines are jumping on the trend. Cauliflower pizza crust, cauliflower mac and cheese… meals that would normally have you riddled with guilt could now be a lot more approachable. So, let’s all cast aside our childhood trauma and embrace those white florets once more!
Medicine In Motion Care for your active body Dr. Martha Pyron, MD and her team offer care for sports-related injuries, nutrition and fitness, and performance-based medical care. They specialize in Urgent Care but at regular office prices as well as discounts for high deductible insurance plans, and cash pay patients. Need an appointment today?
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LIFESTYLE
BY ARIELLE OLFERS
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 and expert advice. This month, we’re featuring our pet product faves!
SPIbelt Leash $20
Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Vest $60
spibelt.com Austinites are always on the go. One moment we’re walking our dogs on Lady Bird Lake, and the next we’re running errands or meeting friends for brunch with the dog still in tow. Austin is a pet-friendly city, so why not have a leash that holds your cell phone, keys, cash, ID, and doggie bags all in one pocket? The SPIleash is perfect for all fast-paced pet lovers.
ruffwear.com We all know the discomfort that comes with the Texas heat. Like our human dry-fit clothing, our dogs deserve options that keep them cool, too. We love this vest because it not only protects our furry friends from the sun, but it also provides cooling through evaporation. To activate, simply soak the vest in water, wring out, and place on your dog. The fabric reflects solar radiation while evaporation pulls heat from the dog.
The FURminator Deshedding Tool $38–$73
furminator.com Grooming is made easy with the FURminator Deshedding tool. It works to push through the topcoat of your pet’s coat, removing the undercoat and loose hair without affecting the dog’s delicate skin. A great product with the warm Texas weather just around the corner!
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Barkin’ Creek Chicken Bark $9–$30
barkincreek.com Barkin’ Creek Kitchen’s brick and mortar will open on South Lamar later this summer. Until then, you can purchase their Chicken Bark, a thinly sliced chicken breast selected from local farms. All Barkin’ Creek Chicken Bark is free of hormones and antibiotics and is simply dehydrated and sliced— an all-natural treat your furry friends are sure to love!
Roomba $299–$900
irobot.com Keep your home clean and free of fur and dander with the help of an iRobot Roomba. These vacuuming robots are powered by smart sensors that guide the vacuum around your home, navigating under furniture and around clutter to thoroughly clean your floors.
LIFESTYLE
BY LACI MOSIER
THE ART OF THE R While I very much value having a routine, I also struggle with the concept. There’s something about a self-inflicted schedule that feels so stringent. But in a world of busy and bloated schedules, it’s all too easy to lose sight of time, and the “busier” we get, the faster the days slip through our fingertips. Have you ever had a moment where you realize a week, a month or—god forbid—years have passed and you still haven’t done the thing you said you wanted to do? Yes. I don’t even know you and I know the answer is yes. We all have them. Why? Jack Kornfield says,
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“The trouble is, you think you have time.” In reality, time is the most finite resource there is. Crafting a routine isn’t about rigidly confining your day, but rather about optimizing it. It’s about carving out time in the quiet crevices of the day that are all too easily wasted. It is in these abandoned hours that major transformation can happen. Think of your routine as a gift to your present and future self. Here are a few ways to approach making and integrating your own.
ROUTINE
WHY ROUTINES WORK, AND HOW TO IMPLEMENT LASTING ONES INTO YOUR LIFE 1. Automate decisions.
You would never debate yourself on whether or not to brush your teeth, or say, put on pants, before going to work. When you remove the question of whether or not something will get done and how you will execute it, tasks just get done. Automating them in this way preserves brain power for bigger, more important decisions. From meals to wardrobe to setting aside a specified amount of time for journaling or meditating, try automating a few habits and see what happens.
2. Small wins turn into big wins.
Productivity gurus argue that routines are a game-changer. This is true because success begets success. Starting the day with a series of small wins sets in motion a day of bigger, more important ones. The first and easiest win of the day? Making your bed. This is not a novel concept. Your mom said it. Tim Ferriss said it. Admiral McRaven said it. That initial, tiny victory is the positive inertia you need to set the tone and win the day.
3. Get granular with it.
A successful morning routine does not have to start at 5 a.m., unless, of course, that’s your jam and what you
prefer. The best routine is one that you can stick to and works seamlessly into your life to optimize the way you’re already spending time. If you’re a night owl and find your most creative and productive hours are spent under the moonlight, set a morning routine that reflects that. Designer Debbie Millman talks about the power of manifestation through visualization. The more specific you get with what you want, the more likely you are to achieve it. So, get very, very specific with your routine. Instead of just saying, "I want to meditate, journal, and walk the dog every morning,"—slot and allot each activity. For example: 6:00 a.m. Meditate 6:20 a.m. Journal (free write) 6:25 a.m. Make the bed 6:30 a.m. Walk the dog 7:00 a.m. Make breakfast
4. Set yourself up for tomorrow’s success, tonight. Routines are often associated with the morning, but the reality is, a successful morning routine hinges on a mindful evening one. Each night is a chance to reflect, reset, and wipe a clean slate for tomorrow. Give yourself a bedtime and stick to it. If it helps, set an evening “snooze” 30 minutes or an hour beforehand to let you
know it’s getting close to bedtime and to start powering down.
5. Craft an alternative routine.
Where routines get thrown out the window is when variables change. Make a schedule that accommodates different types of mornings you regularly have and follow accordingly. Say you have weekly carpool duty or an early morning workout class twice a week—those mornings will probably look a little different than the others. Create a special routine for those days, so you don’t find yourself derailing just because one factor has changed.
6. Accessorize your routine with playlists, candles, baths, essential oils, etc.
Like all things, the more appealing they are, the more likely you are to do them. The same goes for a sticking to a routine. Create sunrise and sunset playlists that help you both ramp up for the day and then wind down later. And whether it’s lighting Palo Santo in the morning or having a cup or herbal tea before bed, “accessorize” your routine with things that will help you look forward to them. And above all, have immense gratitude for your routine—it may be one of the greatest gifts you give yourself.
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AFM’S SXSW RECAP
LIFESTYLE
WE CHECKED OUT THE BEST OF THE FEST, INCLUDING FITNESS, NETWORKING, AND MUSIC EVENTS. HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITES.
Under Armour HOVR House and Run
Under Armour launched an innovative shoe line, HOVR, back in February. With HOVR’s sensor technology, detailed data including stride length, cadence, distance, pace, and shoe life syncs directly from the shoes to MapMyRun. The cushioning technology also delivers strong responsiveness with energy return. To celebrate the new footwear, they brought their HOVR House activation to SXSW (this was its third stop, after Shanghai and LA). The immersive
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experience allowed visitors to touch the product and chat with the experts behind the new shoes. The following morning, we got to try out the shoes ourselves on a three- to six-mile run (depending on the route you chose) around Lady Bird Lake. The Austin Fit team loved both styles but recommend the Sonic for serious runners and the Phantom more as a stylish shoe for walking and lower-impact activities. The run was followed by a boozy brunch in the sun back at the HOVR House.
CaringCrowd
CaringCrowd is the only crowdfunding platform completely dedicated to public health projects that does not charge a fee to use. Project owners can find donors who want to support public health projects around the world. One project that stood out to us was that of Lindsey Hagen, where she raised funds to make a film that benefited underserved amputees in Ecuador. Learn more about CaringCrowd and watch Hagen’s video at caringcrowd. org/make-film-benefit-underservedamputees-ecuador/
Headspace and Nike
Nike and Headspace are adding-audio guided mindful runs—the first of their kind—to the Nike Run Club app's (NRC) arsenal of audio guided runs (AGRs). This is the first time Nike has added co-branded partner content into the NRC app. The first three are in the app now and feature Coach Bennett, Headspace co-founder (and voice of the app) Andy Puddicombe, and Olympic steeplechaser and Nike athlete Colleen Quigley. What sets these apart from Nike’s other guided runs is that in addition to getting effort-based running instruction, you’ll also learn how to unlock strength and peace from within.
Headspace-Andy Puddicombe & Nike-Coach Bennett
The Power.Plant. by Vega
Vega kept the calories churning and burning throughout SXSW at their Power Plant activation at Clive Bar in the Rainey Street bar district. Local instructors from Heat Bootcamp, Wanderlust Yoga, Sphere, and Rō Fitness provided free classes all week long. Vega provided premium giveaways including protein snacks and workout tanks. The activities went late into the night with parties and performances by Biz Markie and Son Little along with DJ sets by Lowly Worm and Kesey O’Doherty. The AFM team especially loved the living walls and greenery hanging from the pergola—the space felt like an oasis away from the chaos of SXSW, and we were grateful for it all week long!
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LIFESTYLE
Capital One House
SXSW always provides great opportunities for networking, casual gatherings, and live music. With its exclusive music lineup including
Warpaint, Matt and Kim, Benjamin Booker and Shakey Graves, the Capital One House at Antone’s was one of our favorite spots for late night fun during SXSW Interactive.
Luck Reunion presented by Southwest
SXSW festivities concluded for the Austin Fit team with a more intimate, Americana experience at Luck Reunion. We took refuge from downtown SXSW and drove out to Willie Nelson’s private home and ranch in Luck, Texas. We relaxed over good food, libations, and music. The Austin Food & Wine Alliance brought a stellar lineup of culinary favorites to the festival, including fried hot chicken sandwiches and mac and cheese from Milo, beer garden artisan sausages from Salt & Time, pomme frites from Second Bar & Kitchen, BBQ from Leroy & Lewis, wild boar frito pies from Mixtli, vegan bites from Puli Ra, paletas from Cold Ones, and so much more. We made handcrafted leather luggage tags by Odin Leather Goods, courtesy of Southwest, and enjoyed checking out local vendors like Limbo Jewelry, Triple Z Threadz, High Class Hillbilly, Worth & Worth, and Ft. Lonesome. Festival acts included Devon Gilfillian, Nikki Lane, Josh Ritter, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, and dozens more—led, of course, by WIllie Nelson & the Family Band.
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photography by Chris Olfers
The Experience presented by Dell Technologies
Panel: Social Good ARTivists: Using Craft to Power Cause Computers, conservation, and creativity came together on March 11 when Dell held a "Social Good ARTivists" panel with renowned artist Benjamin Von Wong. They
showcased Von Wong's newest work and featured other local young entrepreneurs. Fashion entrepreneurs Sloan Lenz and Najai McKenzie-Robinson, producer Ben Mirin, and photographer Colby Brown joined Dell's Chief Responsibility Officer, Trisa Thompson, on stage to talk about how their art helps inspire social good. Also on
display was the latest in VR, gaming, and Dell's powerful (and gorgeous) XPS 13 rose gold notebook—but Dell clearly used their SXSW presence this year to elevate small businesses and young entrepreneurs.
Create + Cultivate ATX Pop-Up
This LA-based media company hosted a conference at the Refinery in downtown Austin on March 11. The day kicked off with morning meditation and a mentor power hour with Sarah Kunst, Ashley Rose (Sugar & Cloth), Simone de la Rue (Body By Simone), Brandy Pham, Jen Pinkston, Maxie McCoy, and Sanetra Longno (Unravel Co.). Fossil provided a pop-up shop at Frankie Jean and a headshot photo op, Chillhouse provided a nail bar, and R+Co did hair touchups. Panels took place all day on career and life blance. Notable panelists included Brooklyn Decker, Camila Alves, Mary Lawless-Lee (happilygrey.com), and actress/director, Gina Rodriguez. Biggest takeaways? Stay humble, be consistent, work hard, collaborate, ask for help, and be kind. photo by Becki Smith, Smith House Photo
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LIFESTYLE
BY TAYLOR DUTCH
BROOKE TORRES THIS RUNNER ISN'T LETTING ANYTHING SLOW HER DOWN—INCLUDING A CANCER DIAGNOSIS
The scar on Brooke Torres’ stomach tells a story. The origin of the mark dates back to a surgery where a team of doctors determined the severity of her cancer diagnosis. Before the procedure, a suspicious mole resided on Torres’ skin. The growth caused her to bleed underneath the bulletproof vest that she wore while on patrol as a West Lake Hills police officer. Two years later, the scar is a reminder of her ongoing battle with stage III melanoma. It’s also a symbol of her determination to beat the disease and someday qualify for the Boston Marathon. "I try to use running as my escape," Torres tells Austin Fit. "It gives me a goal and something to focus on and take my mind off of the melanoma. When I got the diagnosis, I knew I didn't want to suffer. I didn't want to be that person in a hospice. I was 30...too young to die. Running has helped me through this more than anything." Torres was diagnosed with melanoma in January 2016. In the
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year prior to her diagnosis, she joined the West Lake Hills police department and made her debut in the marathon. By all appearances, Torres was in the prime of her life as a healthy, active individual, but the mole on her stomach started to be a cause for concern to the self-described "sun worshipper," who grew up using tanning beds and oils. Eventually, the spot started to grow and bleed. Torres went to her dermatologist who removed the mole and ran a test to determine if the growth was cancerous. Torres received the dreaded phone call on New Year's Eve 2015 while she was on patrol. Cancer cells were found in the mole, and a surgical oncologist later determined that she needed surgery so the doctors could figure out how far the cancer had spread. In January 2016, Torres had surgery to remove a mass that had formed inside her stomach. She received the official diagnosis a few weeks after the procedure: Torres had stage III melanoma, which had already spread to one of her lymph nodes and was living in her bloodstream. photography by Brian Fitzsimmons
“I HAVE BIG GOALS, AND I TRY NOT TO LET MY MELANOMA GET IN THE WAY OF IT.”
As terrifying as the diagnosis has been, she hasn't let the disease slow her down in the slightest. In May 2016, Torres was promoted to detective in the West Lake Hills Police Department. After the surgery, her doctor recommended that she take at least two days off from running to let the stitches on her stomach heal. In the middle of training for the 2016 Austin Half Marathon, Torres admitted that she could only sit still for one day before she tried to go for a jog. "I didn't tell anybody that I tried to run because I was going nuts! He [the doctor] did these stitches that dissolve, and it looked like glue holding it back together," she says. Torres has run nearly every day since and doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon despite the difficult side effects of her treatment. For three years she will be on an immunotherapy treatment plan. When treatment began in March 2016, she had to receive infusions every three weeks, but now she is down to every 12 weeks. She schedules her treatments around her racing schedule and often suffers from flu-like symptoms and gastrointestinal issues, but she doesn't let anything prevent her from living her life to the fullest. Running is a crucial part of that balance. “I got over being sad about it and chose to look at life differently because you just don't know with melanoma or with any type of cancer, it could come back at any time....but everything has been good so far," Torres says. When I was diagnosed, I was already really into my running, but I think that diagnosis was the extra nudge for me to go out and see what I could do.” Torres has enjoyed the escape that running provides ever since she joined her high school cross country team in College Station. She walked onto the track team at the University of Texas, but numerous injuries forced her to leave. A few years after graduating, Torres made a comeback in the half marathon and marathon distances under the guidance of Colorado-based coach Jason Fitzgerald. Her 26.2-mile debut at the 2015 Austin Marathon didn't go as
planned—a lack of specific workout preparation led to the dreaded "wall" at mile 16—and Torres swore she wouldn't run another marathon. But a few hours later, she changed her mind and decided that she wanted redemption. "I always go by the never-give-up mentality. I'm really stubborn. I always try to find a way to get it done, and I think that came back to me after the emotions of doing so poorly in the marathon. That went away after a few hours." Torres says. "I believed I could run the marathon and get my time, but I would have to be smart about it. I think I wanted to challenge myself and prove that I could do it." A source of inspiration for Torres has been a fellow cancer survivor and professional runner, Gabe Grunewald. Grunewald has battled four bouts of adenoid cystic carcinoma while competing against the best middle distance runners in the world, and she continues to share her story with a large following. After reading Grunewald's story last summer, Torres was even more motivated to run through her treatment. “For her to go out there and do what she does while receiving treatment is so inspiring,” she recalls. At the 3M Half Marathon in January, Torres ran 1:25:22 and finished 11th among the female finishers. She recently completed her second marathon in Austin with a finishing time of 3:46—all while battling gastrointestinal issues. Torres' ultimate goal is to qualify for the Boston Marathon, but she will need to run under the qualifying time of 3:35:00 for her age group. Eventually, she would like to run under the three-hour barrier. The future is looking bright as her latest PET scan showed that the treatment is working in the battle against the disease. But no matter the outcome, Torres says she will always find a way keep running and reaching for her goals. “I have big goals, and I try not to let my melanoma get in the way of it. I told myself that I wasn't going to,” she says. A P R I L 2 0 1 8 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E
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new to LIFESTYLE
BY ARIELLE OLFERS
AUSTIN
Cute Nails 1211 E. 7th St
Cute Nails is now open in east Austin. Services range from traditional manicure and pedicures to 2-D and 3-D designs. Sugaring and waxing services are also available. They carry a variety of independent beauty lines including Floss Gloss and Winky Lux. What really makes Austin’s latest nail salon stand apart is its dazzling decor filled with custom pink walls and furniture topped with sparkle-infused ceilings.
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TLC 1100 S. Lamar
A Southern comfort restaurant with a seafood twist recently opened in Lamar Union. TLC is a perfect spot to gather with friends and enjoy the game room, jukebox, large tables, and full seafood boils. A must-try the next time you’re looking for a fun spot to hang out and relax over the weekend!
CUTE Nails photo by Ashleigh Amoroso; TLC phtoo by Dine With Shayda, Shayda Torabi
STUDIOS, SHOPS, AND ENTERTAINMENT FOR FITNESS-MINDED FOLKS
CALL FOR THE
AFM SPECIAL 512-975-CRYO #KEEPAUSTINCHILL
Wanderlust Domain 11010 Domain Drive, Suite 102
Wanderlust Yoga Austin is curating a new yoga community at The Domain. With the same great teachers from the downtown location, a new 3,500 square-foot space to gather along with new-to-Austin juice spot, Southern Pressed Juicery. Hailing from Greenville, South Carolina, the new juice bar will specialize in organic and cold-pressed juices, superfood smoothies, plant-based foods, and cleanse options. All juices will be made locally at an off-site facility. While yogis can place orders ahead to be ready after class, any visitors can enjoy the healthy bites and inviting space as well. With classes like Power Vinyasa and YoStrong, Wanderlust is the perfect spot to workout and unwind after a long day at the office!
Nonprofit. Community. Rowing.
Austin’s largest non-profit community rowing club
North Italia 500 W. 2nd St.
Handmade pasta has made its way to downtown Austin in the 2nd St. North Italia is now open, and they’re serving up some of the best Italian cuisine in Austin. The made-fromscratch seasonal menu, robust wine list, and delightful shareable punches and cocktails will be the perfect place to escape to, especially with summer just around the corner. We especially loved the refreshing I.G.T. cocktail, complete with mediterranean tonic, basil, and lemon zest! The Austin Fit team can’t wait to dine al fresco on the patio again soon! Pro tip: All of North Italia’s handmade pasta dough (with the exception of their Tortelloni and Squid Ink Mafaldine) are vegan. A P R I L 2 0 1 8 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E
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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
LIFESTYLE
NEW TO AUSTIN
The Art of Shoes 1002 S. 1st St.
Try on new shoes surrounded in an art gallery in Austin’s newest shoe boutique. With a space split between retail and design, The Art of Shoes showcases the design process from start to finish. With a variety brands like Katy Perry, Frye, Dolce Vita, vintage Chanel, and Reebok—you’re sure to find a good fit!
Texas 46 BBQ Spring Branch, TX
Just southwest of Austin and North of San Antonio, this one’s worth the drive. With Chef Austin Fry behind the pit, guests can expect a slieu of meats with everything from brisket and pork butts to housemade sausage and ribs. In addition to incredible barbeque, Texas 46 BBQ is also serving up draft beers, wines, frozen drinks (including a frosé!), and cocktails.
Alpaca Market 507 Calles St., Suite 100
Alpaca Market is a new, salad-forward company focused on food as fuel! The new market is serving up chef-made provisions via their vending dispensaries. Fresh and local salads, snacks, and sweets are available with gluten- and dairyfree, vegan, raw, and paleo options.
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AFM’S FITTEST DOGS photography by Brian Fitzsimmons
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FITTEST DOGS HAUS PITBULL SHAR PEI MIX, 5 Five years ago, David Gallaher was working a construction site in Houston when he spotted a homeless puppy that was covered in mange and hanging around dumpsters, scavenging for any scraps he could find. The owners of the property called Animal Control to pick the dog up, but David scooped him up that night and brought him back to Austin with the intent of dropping him off at Austin Pets Alive! However, David and the pup bonded almost immediately, and the rest is history. Haus was diagnosed with Generalized Demodex Mange and a secondary staph infection which took three months of treatment to eradicate. He is David’s training partner and loves running. Since David is a competitive obstacle course racer, they log many hours training and running together. Haus motivates David to keep moving and to get the most out of training sessions. He also soaks up all the attention he can get at Brodie Park CrossFit, where David works, and is known as Coach Haus.
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NAMA CHINESE SHAR PEI, 7 Katy Gassaway is a yoga teacher and owner of the studio Body and Shine Wellness, so she named her pup Nama so that she could say “Nama, stay!” all day long. After losing his companion two years ago, Nama became less active without someone to romp around with and chase. Plus, his mom spoiled him even more with treats and people food after the loss of her other fur baby. Katy was shocked to take Nama to the vet and realize he gained over 10 pounds in six months—and he had already been on the heavy side. Determined to get back in shape, Nama began his weight loss journey by walking a mile and a half every day. He then joined agility classes at K9 Workingmind and really came to life! He was a natural at the weave poles, quickly mastered the see-saw, and even managed to conquer his biggest fear, the tunnel. Now, Nama is back down to the weight of his younger days! He's a body-positive pup who knows you can still be fuller figured and keep up with the rest of the pack.
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FITTEST DOGS CHUCK GOLDENDOODLE, 2 Chuck, a two-year-old Goldendoodle and his owner, Dr. Kim Davis, run every type of race—from 5Ks to adventure races. Chuck logs about 50 miles per week, and he and Kim recently posted their first 19:00 5K during a rainy December race! He also loves mountain biking, paddling, swimming, and trekking around in the woods. Kim owns company RunLab Austin, a facility that helps patients with running technique and gait evaluation, and Chuck always accompanies her to the clinic. He is great with patient interaction and giving them some extra love—especially the children. Chuck is also a dependable travel companion and happily joins Kim in car or on a plane to get to their next race! In Kim’s words, Chuck is the “running buddy that never complains during long runs, short runs, rainy runs, snowy runs, windy runs, or 4 a.m. gotta-get-arun-in-before-I-sit-onan-airplane runs. He never gets mad at me for wanting to walk during a run or wanting to run during a walk. Sometimes he pulls me and sometimes I pull him, but that's just what friends do.”
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SKYY DOBERMANN, 7 This month, Aaron Gonzales is embarking on the first solo and unsupported paddle boarding trip across the entire coast of Texas (400–450 miles). All proceeds will go to Patriot Paws, an organization that helps train service dogs for veterans. His beloved dog, Skyy, is the perfect partner for sharing love and adventures. Skyy has traveled all over the U.S. with Aaron. Last year, they traveled 25,000 miles together, including to 15 national parks and 24 national forests! When in town, Skyy is always down for hikes and paddle-boarding with Aaron. Their favorite times, though, are spent around a campfire after a day of exploration and travel.
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FITTEST DOGS OAKLEY BOXER. 3 Oakley has always been a runner. She was found running the streets of Austin as a stray before being brought into the Austin Animal Shelter. When Nicole Gartside adopted her from the shelter, running helped her cope with transitioning to a new home. Being home alone or confined in a crate gave her intense anxiety—often resulting in the destruction of things around her—and running with Nicole each day was the one thing that always left her happy, calm, and out of trouble while Nicole was away from the house. Oakley and Nicole started off with running three miles or so, but soon enough, Oakley was helping Nicole train for half and full marathons— never missing a step. Nicole always knew Oakley needed her daily runs, but it wasn't until this summer that Nicole realized she needed Oakley's companionship on runs just as much. After losing a family member to traumatic incident, Nicole found herself suffering from trauma-related symptoms. As a runner, hitting the trail before sunrise was the best way to cope with the trauma, but she'd been left with an unfortunate side effect: she was terrified of the dark. However, Oakley became Nicole’s protector on runs and, thanks to Oakley’s companionship and protection, Nicole continued running and overcame a difficult time in her life.
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HUNTER BELGIAN MALINOIS, 4 Hunter started his career as an explosives detection dog in Afghanistan. When his contract term ended, he was set to be euthanized even though he was still young and healthy. Luckily, Scott Rhoads from the Austin Police Department bomb squad heard about Hunter. He was donated to APD and is currently working with Scott as a bomb dog for the Central Texas area. Hunter takes the job seriously, but is a part of the family when he’s off duty. “He lives to work; he lives for finding that explosive odor. His reward for finding it is his Kong ball,” Scott says.
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FITTEST DOGS LAYLA LEONGERGER, 13 Layla is one of the oldest living Leonbergers on record, thanks to her fit lifestyle and healthy diet. Her owner, Claire, is very proud of her and continues to support Layla's lifestyle with walks, cuddles, interactive games, and exciting Austin adventures. If they keep it up, Layla likely has many happy years to come!
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KALVIN & HOBBS CHARCOAL LAB, 3 BEAGLE, 2 Kalvin and Hobbs are inseparable, so it only seemed right to include the fit duo together. Kalvin is a 3-year-old charcoal lab that thinks he’s a human, and Hobbs is a Beagle who—despite her shorter legs—has no problem keeping up with Kalvin at the park. When they’re not running around Zilker with their owner, Jack Conner, you can find them cliff diving at Bull Creek or at a pool parties, where Kalvin loves to show off his swimming skills. He dives up to 10 feet underwater while Hobbs swims in circles until he comes back up.
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FITTEST DOGS
PRESTON CARTER DAVIS DACHSHUND, 4 Leg day? Oh, Preston definitely never forgets leg day. He is a two-time, reigning champion of the Buda Wiener Dog festival, competing against over 250 other lowriders. He is as fast as he is long. Don't let his short legs trick you—a loop around Lady Bird Lake for him is just a warm-up. He regularly goes on four to five mile laps with his owner, Sam Davis, while carrying a stick or his favorite tennis ball in his mouth. He loves to hike the Greenbelt with sporadic swim breaks. When he’s recovering from his long runs and hikes, you can find him snuggling underneath the covers at home. On cheat day, Sam gets him Puppuccinos from Starbucks (an espressoshot cup filled with whipped cream).
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
AFM’s Fittest Dogs Launch Party SUNDAY, APRIL 8TH 4–6PM AT YARD BAR
illustration by freepik.com
on’t miss out!
THE FIRST 50 FOLKS WILL RECEIVE A FREE PAZ TOTE FILLED WITH: 1 FREE Pup Entry & Beer at Yard Bar, FREE Jerky from Nulo Pet Food, $5 OFF Grooming Coupons from Austin Pet Stylist, 1 FREE Bag of Origins Canine Supplement A U S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E . C O M • @ A U S T I N F I T • # K E E PA U S T I N F I T
SPECIAL PROMOTION
2018 PET GUIDE illustration by freepik.com
CHECK OUT OUR SPECIAL GUIDE FOR YOUR FURRY FRIENDS. WE'VE COMPILED THE BEST PLACES FOR YOU AND YOUR FOUR-LEGGED BUD TO PLAY OUTSIDE, GET A TRIM, OR CHECK IN WITH THE VET. PLUS, SHOP THESE LOCAL FOOD BRANDS TO KEEP YOUR PET HEALTHY!
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
AUSTIN VETERINARY EMERGENCY & SPECIALTY CENTER 7300 RANCH ROAD 2222, BLDG. 5, AUSTIN, TX 78730 • (512) 343-2837 • AUSTINVETS.COM
Do you know where you’d take your pet in a medical emergency? Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center (AVES) offers state-of-the-art veterinary care if the unexpected happens—any time, day or night. You can always count on their highly-trained staff to treat your beloved pet with the most advanced, compassionate emergency care. They utilize advanced diagnostic procedures, cutting-edge technology, and innovative thinking to ensure that your pet receives the treatment they deserve. In the event that your pet needs to see a board-certified specialist, AVES is also equipped to provide outstanding comprehensive specialty care in the following areas: • Surgery & Orthopedics • Neurology & Neurosurgery • Internal Medicine • Critical Care • Oncology • Dentistry • Rehabilitation & Fitness • Radiology They're committed to treating your pet as their own, working hard to provide you with answers and the most effective treatments available. Find them on FM 2222, just west of Loop 360, 24/7/365.
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
PHYDEAUX AND FRIENDS AUSTIN PET STYLIST AUSTINPETSTYLIST.COM • (512) 200-4229 500 W WILLIAM CANNON #414, AUSTIN, TX 78745 APS is owned by Nationally Certified Master Groomer Jade Joy and truly has some of the best groomers in Austin. Their experienced staff do walk-in nails, baths, deshedding, toothbrushing, shave-downs, and customized haircuts of your choice for all dog breeds under 65 lbs. The calm atmosphere makes it a great place to bring your dog in for a relaxing bath and spa treatment. They stay busy so pre-booking is a must! Call or text 512-200-4229 for an appointment or quote.
PHYDEAUXANDFRIENDS.COM • (512) 956-9000 7816 BURNET RD., AUSTIN, TX 78757 Mr. & Mrs. S fell in love with Austin and the love of all things animal! After a time, they began to notice that they traveled to three and four pet stores to get everything they needed for their fur babies. From necessity, Phydeaux and Friends was born! They have a knowledgeable team to assist you with any questions. Phydeaux & Friends works with local rescues to host adoption events and donates whenever and wherever they can. We have products for dogs, cats, chickens, and more! They're the pet specialty store of your dreams with 12,000 square feet and only the best for your pets!
ROUGE PET FEED ROGUEPETFEED.COM Rogue Pet Feed’s canine supplement, Origins, is a whole food topper combined with complete gut health supplementation designed for a dog’s system. The wild caught and air dried menhaden fish from the Gulf of Mexico gives the largest protein profile, the largest complete fish oil composition with high Omega-3 content that's better than salmon! The canineproven combination of their gut health complexes address the GI tract as a system to get your dog's gut back in balance while improving total health. Origins is called a miracle product, but it's just good science applied correctly!
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
YARD BAR YARDBAR.COM • 6700 BURNET RD., AUSTIN, TX 78757 Yard Bar is a delightful lil' outdoor restaurant, bar, and dog park located in the heart of central Austin. And the best part? You don't have to own a dog to come hang out with dog people. All ages and leashed dogs can enjoy a juicy burger or a fresh salad on our dining patio. Their dog park is for humans 21+ and always serves the best local Texas drafts, cans, craft cocktails, mocktails, and soft drinks. Enjoy Wi-Fi and shaded seating plus agility and play equipment for your pup. Bark rangers are on hand to keep the peace while you enjoy the great outdoors. Come out and play with Austin's fittest dogs.
NULO PET FOOD NULO.COM Founded in Austin, TX and independently owned and operated, we here at Nulo Pet Food believe that our pets inspire us to be the best version of ourselves, so they provide top quality nutrition and ingredients that will keep pets at their best, every single day. With a variety of premium food and treats that provide natural nutrition, high animal-based protein, low carb ingredients, and a patented probiotic for ongoing immune and digestive health, Nulo cuts no corners when it comes to providing your pet with the core nourishment they need without the fillers they don’t.
PAZ PAZVET.COM • EAST: 2400 EAST CESAR CHAVEZ • (512) 236-8000 SOUTH: 2613 S. 1ST ST. • (512) 326-8200 New to Austin? Seeking a new vet? If you’re not already part of the PAZ Veterinary family, you and your furry friends are really missing out. PAZ has reimagined veterinary medicine and provides excellent, tailored veterinary care paired with superb customer service. From stunning design to friendly faces, PAZ works meticulously to ensure you and your pets feel safe and secure in a space shown to reduce fear and anxiety. Beyond the comforts, they’re also masters of animal wellness. Offering services from Traditional Chinese Medicine to advanced Western Style training including rehab and specialty surgery, we’re not surprised they’ve been named Austin’s best vet three years straight. A P R I L 2 0 1 8 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E
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MOVE UP CAREER BY L WE THINK ABOUT ONE DIRECTION FOR OUR CAREERS: UP. WE ASPIRE FOR FANCIER TITLES, SALARY INCREASES, AND AN OFFICE WITH A VIEW. THIS IS OFTEN DONE BY ACQUIRING SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE ALONG THE WAY, BUT THE WAY FORWARD MAY NO LONGER BE UP THE LADDER.
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illustration by Edgar Vega
P IN YOUR LETTING GO BY ANGELA VEGA
The corporate ladder is an antiquated way to describe career progression. A career does not have evenly defined rungs, a steady base, and handrails. Careers are more like mountaineering—climbing through unknown areas, sometimes going down to go up, and carrying only the things you need most. As the views get increasingly beautiful towards the top, the air gets thin and a bit harder to breathe. In your career, it is time to think less of what you have to gain and more about what you have to let go to move up. Here are eight things to let go of that will help you get to the top.
1. Let go of your job description.
That perfect bulleted list that outlines your responsibilities when interviewing is as useful as a snorkel in the desert. Turning away new challenges that come your way because they don’t fit in that list will hurt your chances to grow. The job description is a starting point; your career is what follows. Make a list of your current job responsibilities and compare it to your job description. How much of it aligns perfectly? If it is vastly different, it might be time to negotiate a title change. If it aligns perfectly, then maybe you need to reach out of your comfort zone and take on some new projects.
2. Let go of the traditional career path.
You are in charge of your career path, and that could mean changing industries, making a lateral move, or taking a pay cut for more hands-on experience. No one cares about your career as much as you do, so have a plan, but know it will not be a straight line to the top.
What is your career plan? Do a gap analysis on the skills you would like to learn, and look for the need or project at your company to exercise those skills. If there are no needs at your company, look to your community or a volunteer organization.
3. Let go of your story.
Time’s Person of the Year in 2006 was “You.” There is an opportunity to tell your story every day though social media with trending hashtags and curated photos. Your story helped get you a job, build your accomplishments, and gain valuable experience. However, as you advance you have to let go of “I” and focus on the “we.” The word “we” promotes a team player mentality and recognition that you did not get to where you are on your own. Your story only develops because others have contributed. Remove the word “I” from any team email or call and use the word “we.” From recommendations to failures, the word “we” it brings it back to the collective team. Lastly, knowledge is acquired through sensory input—
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necessary if you want to master your career. The next time an opportunity for personal development appears, focus on your “soft” skills. This can include presenting to a large room of people, volunteering as a project manager for another team, or specializing in five-minute favors.
6. Let go of apologizing.
IN YOUR CAREER, IT IS TIME TO THINK LESS OF WHAT YOU HAVE TO GAIN AND MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE TO LET GO TO MOVE UP.
4. Let go of being an idea machine.
If you start and end a meeting with a brainstorm, you are stalling your career. To paraphrase Bill Gates, ideas are commodities; what is unique is the execution. If you can bring a team’s idea to fruition and deliver real results, this will turn you career into gold. Ideas are not meant to be owned but created. Be the person in the room that asks what comes next and helps delegate tasks. It may not seem as exciting as a brainstorm, but moving things forward towards execution will be appreciated by all— especially by your superiors.
5. Let go of the hard skills.
There are hard skills, teachable abilities, and soft skills (subjective aptitude). Technology pushes us to learn new hard skills like a programming language. However, your focus should be on soft skills. Managing distinct personalities, navigating cut-throat politics, or mastering agile communication is far from being “soft,” but it is
7. Let go of being “right.”
Being “right” feels so good, but it can damage your career. Having a burning desire to be “right” means you might also be a bad listener and have a limited perspective. We are all invested in our point of view, which can often block other possibilities and put unnecessary stress on co-worker relationships. Instead of being right, be receptive. Allow for an open dialogue about the topic in question and assimilate their understanding into your currently held belief. Empathy listening is a technique that can help you manage and avoid disruptive behaviors and create trust.
8. Let go of your comfort zone.
According to author and performance psychologist Simon Marshall, your comfort zone is like an emotional cast for a leg that’s not broken. That cast will only slow you down as you try to hobble your way up the career mountain. Aim for the stretch zone where you feel challenged and motivated, but be sure to find a sponsor or mentor to show you the ropes. Leaving your comfort zone means embracing ambiguity. In this case, ambiguity means not having all the facts but having a general direction. Find a project with good management and direction that needs help with ideation and execution.
We all want a magnificent view at the top of career mountain. We all take different paths, some with trail markings and others off the beaten footpath. Just remember to take only what you need, share what you have and let go of anything that holds you back.
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illustration by freepik.com
listening, reading, and watching. Develop your story through others by listening and learning who they are and what they do.
Women, I am looking at you. A 2010 study found that women apologize more often than men, most likely due to a lower threshold for what constitutes offensive behavior. The words “I am sorry” take up valuable airtime and are used to qualify the statements that follow. Save apologies for when they are necessary. If there is a situation to diffuse, thank that person instead for their patience or understanding.
FOR MORE THAN A WORKOUT At the YMCA of Austin, we’re more than just a gym. The Y is a nonprofit committed to helping everyone thrive at each stage of life. Our community brings together people of all abilities, ages, ethnicities, financial circumstances, genders, races, religions and sexual orientations. For more than a workout. For a better us.
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WELLNESS
BY JOHN HOWARD & PETER CRAIG
RELATIONSHIP HEALTH We all know diet and exercise matter to living a healthy life, but what about the health of our relationships? Multiple studies show that the quality of our relationships is a very significant determinant of our overall wellness, our immune system function, our psychological resilience, and even our lifespan! In fact, more than one prominent study found that our relationship satisfaction may impact our health even more than diet, exercise, smoking, or alcoholism—and that includes real physical health markers like waist circumference and diastolic blood pressure! Do we have your attention?! Assuming we all agree that relationship health is one of the keys to living a healthy, happy, and long life, what do we do about it? The answer to that for many of us is… nothing. It’s not just us—we’re living in the midst of a massive social failure in relationship education. None of us get a class on relationship health, so we’re basically flying blind, keeping our fingers crossed, and hoping for the best! Luckily, there are some
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practical things you can do to increase your relationship health: 1. Think of relationship health as part of your overall wellness. Many of us focus on diet and exercise as keys to health. We need to invest just as much—if not more—in the health of our relationships. If you go the gym three times a week, take your relationship to the “gym” at least once a week. Set aside regular time to talk and bond with your partner. Don’t neglect it! Our nervous systems tend to get stressed the less connected we feel with our loved ones, and stress is unhealthy! In fact, stress not only degrades the productivity of our workouts and prolongs recovery time, it also wreaks havoc on relationships themselves. One powerful tip is to closely watch your stress and anxiety levels when you’re interacting with your partner and ask for help or support the moment you notice a spike. It brings you together and helps you focus on feeling relaxed with each other!
photo by freepik.com
IN THIS THREE-PART SERIES, WE WILL EXPLORE HOW TO TAKE RELATIONSHIPS TO THE NEXT LEVEL. PART ONE DESCRIBES SOME PRACTICAL TIPS ON IMPROVING THE INTERACTIONS WITH OUR PARTNERS.
2. Quality over Quantity: Use the time you have together with your partner wisely. Make more eye contact. At the end of the day, we’re just fancy mammals. Our nervous systems calculate connection and safety in fairly predictable ways, including using eye contact to gauge many markers of connection. It needs a little more time engaged in that activity than we often give it. 3. “Welcome Home”: Dr. Stan Tatkin of UCLA Medical School developed this neuroscience-based exercise that uses the body’s subconscious connection circuits to help prevent arguments and help you feel connected. Here’s how you do it: When you’ve been apart for a while (like after work), greet each other with a hug and no words. Let your nervous systems connect, belly to
belly, for 10-15 seconds or more, until you relax into one another. Believe it or not, this helps the fight or flight neurons in your gut sync up with one another—a powerful marker of connection. Hope you enjoyed these tips! Stay tuned for part two in the next issue, which explores how to deepen connection. John Howard and Peter Craig are therapists at Austin Professional Counseling. They use the latest science to help their clients win at relationships and at life. John is the Founder of Ready Set Love®, a 12-week couples training program you can take online. Peter is a sponsored triathlete on Juiceland’s Dream Team and helps individuals and couples with authenticity, connection, and healthy eating.
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WELLNESS
BY LAURYN LAX
Part 2
NATURAL CURE FOR ALLERGIES
LOOKING FOR NATURAL REMEDIES TO HELP YOU GET THROUGH ALLERGY SEASON? IN PART ONE OF THIS TWOPART SERIES, WE DISCUSSED WHAT CAUSES ALLERGIES AND WHY DIET IS THE BIGGEST FACTOR IN CURING THEM. NOW WE DIG INTO SOME REMEDIES IF ALLERGIES REMAIN AFTER ADOPTING AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET.
1. Probiotic and Prebiotic Power
Get your (good) gut bugs on. Probiotics add a punch of essential healthy gut bacteria to a gut that may have some imbalances. Reach for a soil-based formula, and don’t forget to take your prebiotic fiber essential for making sure your probiotics stick around in your gut). Compliment your daily probiotics and prebiotics with fermented and prebiotic foods.
2. Oregano Oil
This powerful antimicrobial and antibacterial helps kill bad gut bugs. Dilute two or three drops with a spoonful of coconut oil or water, and consume orally up to three times per day.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Love your gut (and boost your stomach acid to aid in digestion) with apple cider vinegar. The result? Less mucus and undigested food with enhanced digestive flow to support healthy immune function. Add a tablespoon to a few ounces of water several times per day.
4. Essential Oil Difusser
Forget the Vix Vapor Rub, and reach for one of these these essential aromatherapy oils instead. Add four or five drops of your oil of choice to a diffuser and turn it up. Make a mix with peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender oil to soothe allergies.
5. Turmeric
If you like Thai food, then this one’s got your name on it. Turmeric is the spice with the active ingredient curcumin that contains potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin in turmeric blocks mast cells from releasing histamine. It has the ability to remove excess mucus and reduce inflammation in the sinuses and respiratory tract. You can take liposomal curcumin as a supplement or use turmeric as a spice in soups, meats, veggies, and golden milk.
6. Bone Broth and Collagen
Bone broth has been touted in recent years as a gut-healing agent,
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but it is really nothing new. Both bone broth and collagen powder contain amino acids like glycine, proline and hydroxyproline that help rebuild the gut lining. Sip your broth by the cup, add to veggies or soups, and use collagen powder in your smoothies.
7. Herbal Antihistamine
Natural herbal antihistamines contain a powerhouse of herbal extracts that boost immune health and decrease inflammation. Use formulas that include ingredients like: Osha: root that has been used as medicine by Native American and Hispanic cultures for years, specifically to support the respiratory system. Hesperidin: anti-inflammatory extract found in fruits like oranges, grapefruits. and plums, used specifically to enhance circulation and blood flow. Dimethylglycine (DMG): amino acid that aids in boosting metabolic health and detoxification.
8. Test, Don’t Guess.
Instead of continuing to manage your symptoms or hoping and praying this year won’t be so bad, consider getting to the root of you shaky immune system and taking a peek at what’s going on with your gut. Beyond a “leaky gut,” conditions like SIBO, fungal overgrowth, parasites, and dysbiosis may be present. Working with a functional medicine doctor or nutritionist aware of what to look for (in the gut) can be game-changing, providing you with insights on what may be driving your allergies and allowing you to then follow the proper protocol to rid your body of the imbalance.
Bottom Line
You’re not stuck with allergies forever. Love your gut, boost your immune system, and tell allergy season goodbye for good. Connect with me at drlauryn.com today for a one-on-one initial assessment if you want to do some digging into your own gut and immune health.
photo by freepik.com
Natural Remedies for Allergies
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WELLNESS
BY ARIELLE OLFERS
YOUR DOG AND DERM HEALTH WE SIT DOWN WITH DR. TAMERA COLE, DVM AND OWNER OF STEINER RANCH ANIMAL HOSPITAL, TO TAKE A DEEP DIVE INTO THE WORLD OF DERMATOLOGICAL HEALTH FOR PETS. WE ALL KNOW ALLERGY SEASON IS A BEAST THIS TIME OF YEAR, AND OUR PETS DEAL WITH IT, TOO! DR. COLE HAS BEEN PRACTICING VETERINARY MEDICINE SINCE 1990, AND HER GOAL IS TO GIVE HER CLIENTS’ PETS HIGH-QUALITY CARE WITH CONVENIENCE, CONFIDENCE, AND COMPASSION. What are the five most common skin problems in dogs?
The most common is fleas! We have fleas year-round here in Texas. A single flea can bite 400 times in a day. Imagine 10 fleas on your dog! Other conditions include: • Allergic dermatitis reactions to environmental allergens • Infectious dermatitis due to bacteria or yeast • Endocrine skin issues (secondary to low thyroid or a condition called Cushing’s Disease) • Food allergies (Many people feel this is the most common issue, but only 10 percent of the pets with allergies have food allergies.)
How can I tell if my pet has a skin problem or dermatitis?
Skin problems usually present as scratching, rubbing, or licking at the irritated area. The common areas for pets are under the forelimbs, on the abdomen, between the toes (top and bottom), under the tail, and the ears. Skin problems may start out as itching only, then progress to rash, redness, pustules, and hair loss. The skin may be either flaky and dry or oily. Sometimes the areas look like red centers with a ring of flakes all around. Some owners believe their pet is chewing on their nails because they are too long, when
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in fact they are showing signs of a skin infection or yeast infection on their feet. If the pet has light-colored feet, they may appear red/ brown from the licking. Also, if the pet has light colored nails, they may have a brown staining secondary to a yeast infection.
What is mange and how to you treat it?
There are several types of mange. Mange is caused by a mite that burrows into the skin, lives in the hair follicles or in the skin around and in the ears. Hair loss is the main symptom seen with mange. If it is the type of mange that lives in hair follicles (demodectic mange), the follicles become inflamed which leads to itching. Demodectic mange is not contagious between dogs but is difficult to eliminate. It requires the pet’s immune system to mature and keep the mange under control. Another type, Sarcoptic mange, lives in the skin, burrows, and is very itchy. This is contagious between dogs and is very treatable, but all those in contact with infected dogs should be treated. Cats also have their own type of mites, and they can be difficult to find and treat.
What are signs my pet may have allergies?
Pets manifest their allergies in their skin. They rarely have human symptoms like runny eyes and nose and sneezing from allergies.
Allergies may start with itching, licking, biting, or rubbing of their face or body against the furniture or people. They may not have any obvious signs of infection or even a rash. As allergies progress, we see secondary skin infections with bacteria and yeast. Some dogs with recurrent ear infections are actually suffering from allergies. While people often see allergic reactions from breathing in the allergens, pets more often absorb allergens through the skin. This why skin allergies are more common in pets and respiratory signs are more common in people.
What treatments do you recommend for pet allergies?
Allergies are almost never “cured”; they can only be kept under control with the right combination of treatments. Just like their human counterparts, the only actual treatment for pet allergies is allergy testing to attempt to identify causes, and then desensitization. Some helpful tips: • A recent improvement in desensitization products is sublingual therapy. The allergens are formulated into a liquid and can be put under your pet’s tongue twice daily, rather than injections. This is the only way to truly change the way your pet responds to allergens. This does not have any side effects and is the best long-term solution. • Symptomatic treatment is another approach many owners take, but remember your pet will not get better with these treatments! The symptoms will just be less severe and allergic flareups less common. • Omega- 3 fish oils may help reduce the inflammation caused by allergies by around 30 percent, but they must be given every day. The fish oils must be of a high quality and in much higher quantities than what works for humans. (Oftentimes the pet would need to take ten to 18 capsules a day of the same product that a human would take in one to two capsule doses!) • Bathing your pet several times a week to remove allergens from their skin is extremely helpful • Clean your pet’s bedding or sleeping surface at least weekly • Wash food bowls daily and food storage containers often • Purchase only the amount of food your pet may consume in two weeks • Steroids are sometimes necessary to gain control of a severe allergic flare. However, long-term use of steroids is very dangerous to pets, and I do not recommend their use for chronic control.
Are my pet's paws really in danger on the hot pavement during warmer months? How can I combat this?
This is rarely a danger. If you have a new puppy, older dog with thin pads, or a substantially overweight dog, then the heat might cause a problem. Puppies’ pads are still soft and have not toughened from normal use yet. There are dog foot coverings made by various companies. I most often see issues when a dog has been playing fetch or running with the owner on hot pavement. When it becomes a problem, the pads become raw and painful. There are many products on the market claiming to toughen pads, but I have not seen any product really make a difference. Common sense is the real key, here. If you would not run on the hot pavement with your bare feet for a long time, then don’t have your best friend do it, either. Stay in the grass, and keep the time on really hot pavement to a minimum. Concrete does not get as hot as some of the tar-based pavement, so generally it is much safer, but still has risks.
What are the dangers of mosquitoes with dogs? Is Zika a concern?
worms that will cause sudden death in cats and heart failure in dogs. We only have preventative medications for this horrible disease for cats—not post-infection treatment—so it’s generally fatal. We have both preventative and treatment for dogs, but the treatment uses an arsenic compound that is injected into your dog to kill the worms in their heart and lungs. Arsenic is a serious toxin to pets, so it must be done carefully, like chemotherapy. Please use prevention for the life of your pets. Zika virus does not appear to be problem in pets at this time. Most of our pets are spayed and neutered, and Zika virus is a problem most risky to pregnant women.
What are your thoughts on CBD oil for dogs? Can this help skin problems?
CBD oil to my knowledge has no anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, or antifungal properties—therefore it would not help skin problems in pets. It may mask your pet’s desire to scratch, rub, or lick, but it would not stop any of the sensations that you pet would experience. They would still be itchy and the continued exposure to the allergens will only worsen your pet’s condition. It’s best not to risk it until more is tested and known. Alternative newly recommended skin treatments: 1. Apoquel is a pill that helps break the cycle of itching, skin damage, and infection that has helped many pets. 2. Cytopoint is a cutting-edge antibody injection for pets with allergies. Initial doses generally work for three to four weeks and may gradually provide longer relief (up to eight weeks).
What grooming products or skincare products do you recommend?
Shampoos and ear cleaners that have Phytosphingosine as an active ingredient help improve the skin’s natural barrier to bacterial and yeast invasion. Pets with allergies appear to have a skin barrier defect.
Are any skin problems listed related to thyroid problems? What should a pet owner be looking for?
Pets with a low thyroid hormone may manifest skin problems, but it is a relatively uncommon (yet over-diagnosed) problem in pets with skin issues. You cannot effectively test the thyroid values on a pet currently experiencing skin problems. Hair loss associated with thyroid disease is usually on the main body of the animal, whereas allergies typically occur initially on the extremities. Pets with a low thyroid are usually overweight and have a slow heart rate.
What types of food should pet owners avoid giving their pets?
There are no diets that are 100 percent “hypoallergenic,” meaning that they have no possibility of causing allergic reactions. Feeding a diet with a different protein source such as duck, kangaroo, lamb, or venison doesn’t prevent food allergies—it just makes it likely that if your pet develops a food allergy, it will be to that protein instead of something more common like pork or chicken. What surprises many pet owners is that grains are actually a much less common causes of food allergies—most pets with food allergies are allergic to animal proteins! Yes, there is the rare pet that is allergic to a specific grain, or even some other plant-sourced ingredient such as potato or carrot, but this is far less common than an allergy to an animal protein. Gluten allergies also seem to be extremely rare in pets, having been clearly documented only in Irish Setters and possibly in Border Terriers. Don’t be drawn into a potentially unhealthy and unbalanced “grain-free, gluten-free” pet diet by misleading marketing efforts.
Mosquitoes here in Texas carry heartworm infections. These are
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FITNESS
BY LIZ HARROUN
FORMER MOTOGP CHAMP NOW AT COTA WE SIT DOWN WITH KEVIN SCHWANTZ TO FIND OUT WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO COMPETE IN MOTOGP FOR OVER A DECADE AND WHAT HE’S UP TO IN AUSTIN NOW.
Born and raised in Houston, 1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz rode motorcycles and helped out in his parents’ motorcycle dealership throughout childhood. His uncle, Darryl Hurst, was a professional flat track racer, and Schwantz started by following in his footsteps. Schwantz’s dream was to make a living riding motorcycles, and he progressed to motocross competitions in his teens. He graduated high school in 1982, and in an attempt to put off full-time work at the family dealership moved to Austin to continue his education. He attended summer sessions at the University of Texas, but the lake, nightlife, and riding his motorcycle were more enticing than an education. So, he returned to Houston to begin working full-time in the family dealership.
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Schwantz tried racing professional motocross in 1982 and 1983. After not making it to the main events for two years, he started to give up on motocross. Fortunately, some friends convinced him to try road racing at the end of 1983. While he was skeptical and late to the sport at age 19, Schwantz found that he was naturally skilled in road racing and began to focus his efforts there. He began winning races, and becoming more strategic about technique and training in the late 80s. He attributes some of his success to friend Jonathan Boyer, the first American to race in the Tour de France, convinced him to start riding road bikes for training and recovery. Per Boyer’s advice, Schwantz hopped on a (motorless) road bike immediately after a MotoGP race to run the same track. He quickly realized that recovery was completely dependent on how soon you got moving after a race. With dedication and focus, his dream came true with a 10-year successful career as a professional motorcycle racer. Schwantz became the 1993 500cc World Champion and one of the most successful American road racers. After a final crash in 1995, he retired—keeping his promise to himself to quit when racing stopped being fun. In a display of respect, the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, the global governing/ sanctioning body of motorcycle racing) retired his signature competition number 34 as a testament to his popularity. It was the first time in the history of the sport that a rider had been so honored. Schwantz didn’t go back to working with race teams because he knew he would be too tempted to start racing again. So, he moved to North Carolina for a few years to help with a NASCAR team before making his way back to Austin in 2002. While he admits he suffers from joint pain due to countless injuries and surgeries as well as some memory loss from the concussions (he recalls at least 10), he considers himself lucky to still live a full life. At 53-years-old, he still rides roads and mountains bikes regularly as well as goes on runs with his beloved dog, Tank. After returning to Austin, Schwantz also co-designed Austin’s Circuit of The Americas racetrack, and continues his involvement as their Two-Wheel Ambassador The sixth consecutive MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas will take place there later this month, on April 20–22.
ABOUT MOTOGP Texas has a long-standing motorcycle heritage and coupled with COTA’s racing facility it ensures audiences can expect an action-packed weekend. In addition to the Moto2 and Moto3 classes, MotoAmerica will bring its signature brand of star-spangled motorcycle racing to the track with bikes hitting speeds up to 200 mph. In celebration of all motorcycle riders, COTA will be combining all cycle corrals into one—giving motorcycle fanatics the opportunity to get their own bikes on the 20-turn track. ABOUT CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, is the only purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the United States designed for all classes of racing. The 3.4-mile racetrack
hosts the world’s most prestigious sporting events, including Formula 1 and MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas, as well as opportunities for track rentals. The 1,500-acre campus is also home to the Austin360 Amphitheater— PollStar’s 2013 “Best New Major Concert Venue” and a 2014 “Best Major Outdoor Concert Venue” Pollstar nominee. There are impressive meeting and hospitality spaces and an iconic 25-story observation tower that offers a 360-degree view of the circuit, amphitheater, and downtown Austin. For more information and to download videos and photos, visit theCircuit.com. For an experience as unique as Austin and a rush you’ll never forget, visit Circuit of The Americas—where exhilaration happens.
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FITNESS
BY ASHLEY STEWART
CROSSFIT IS SIMPLER THAN YOUR CURRENT TRAINING PROGRAM
THE BENEFITS OF CROSSFIT ARE MANY, BUT ITS SIMPLICITY IS ARGUABLY ITS BEST FEATURE. THERE IS NO SIMPLER METHODOLOGY NOW, AND THERE MAY NEVER BE ANY OF COMPARISON IN THE FUTURE. Equipment, air conditioning, and even clothing are all optional luxuries. If desired, CrossFit can be done effectively barefoot and stark-naked in your garage (if you don’t mind the neighbors staring). Pure, raw work ethic will take an athlete farther than any gadgets or fancy equipment ever will.
Hard Work Beats Shiny Toys.
Without hard work, nothing else matters. You can have the fanciest watch and the best equipment, but nothing beats a good work ethic. CrossFit is designed to be as simple as possible, supporting minimal use of equipment and gadgets, in order to strip away all distractions. This gives athletes the opportunity to focus on giving their all. The structure of CrossFit is designed to be simple and versatile. Anyone can do it anytime, anywhere. This approach results in less equipment being needed, less confusion about what must be done, and more focus on giving 100 percent in the workout. Furthermore, while many of us have become accustomed to checking a watch during exercise to know when to
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slow down or speed up, a CrossFit athlete relies on their body for this information. Heart rate monitors and watches tend to get in the way of movements. Thus, without a monitor of any sort, an athlete is forced to look within themselves and decide if they need to rest or can keep going. They get to know their bodies much better than someone who has to stop and check their watch every few minutes.
The Golden Rule: Use Common Sense.
CrossFit doesn’t have many rules. Working hard is one rule, and using common sense is the other. If something doesn’t make sense, it's not done. This philosophy is incorporated into both workouts and diets. The Paleo diet, commonly described as caveman in nature, is very popular in the CrossFit community. This diet supports eating real food, enough of it, and limiting the amount of sugar and processed foods consumed. Meat, fish, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables are allowed, and anything that comes with a nutrition label is off-
limits. The rules of this plan are simple and unambiguous. Counting calories and macros may work for some people, but it is not the focus of the Paleo diet, nor is it as important as listening to your body and giving it what it’s asking for. If your body is hungry, feed it. If it’s not, don’t. The rules are as simple as that.
One Goal, One Path
CrossFit is the epitome of simplicity. The structure and rules of this industry are very straightforward, and converge to form one main goal—to enhance an athlete’s overall fitness. This is accomplished through simple, hard work. The use of gadgets and equipment is not a focal point for this sport, and the individuals who choose to utilize these elements are no better off than those who don’t. Hard work is the most prized possession in the CrossFit community, and nothing can make up for half-assed effort.
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Austin Subaru Loves Pets!
JOIN US! lead to more lives saved! Paddle for Puppies is held ustin Subaru is dedicated to improving the (512) 220-0930 in August, so stay tuned for announcements on this Austin community, and the lives of Austin WWW.AUSTINSUBARU.COM year’s upcoming Paddle for Puppies on our Facebook pets. That’s why Austin Pets Alive! is an page, facebook.com/PaddleForPuppies. organization that is close to our hearts. Austin's no-kill Our newest APA! fundraising tradition is Santa Paws, a status is the result of APA!’s dedication to saving lives. photo and adoption event all in one. Over 70 people brought We’re proud to share a city with APA!, and have made it our their dogs (and two cats) to our facility take photos with Santa. In personal mission to help their cause. its inaugural year, we raised over $6,000 for APA! and even had a Throughout the years, Austin Subaru has shown support for APA!’s few dogs adopted out! mission to save companion animals in several ways. We proudly Our latest achievement is our 2017 Share the Love campaign. sponsor several of their events every year, such as their annual From November 21 through January 2, for every new vehicle signature fundraisers, Tailwaggers neo-gala, No Kill Anniversary purchased or leased, Subaru donated $250 to the customer’s Party, and Love Your Rescue Pet Day. choice of either three national charities or a local charity, which we We also hold our own fundraising events for the organization. Our designated as APA!. By the end of the campaign, we donated a total annual Paddle for Puppies—a fun paddle boarding/canoeing event $85,000 to APA! over all! on Lady Bird Lake that benefits APA!’s Parvo Puppy ICU—raises, on To learn more about our mission to serve the Austin community, average, over $25,000. APA!’s Parvo Puppy ICU provides shelters an visit austinsubaru.co/subaru-love-promise.htm alternative to euthanasia by providing consistent care and treatment Our brand-new, dog-friendly facility is located on 8100 Burnet Rd. for puppies that contract parvovirus. The ICU saves around 500 We’d love to have you (and your pet) stop by! puppies yearly, and also is becoming a center for research into parvo treatment that will someday transform veterinary medicine and
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FITNESS
BY DAVID LEFFLER
Over the past several years, Austin has firmly cemented its position as a top destination for travelers and transplants alike. While its storied music scene, thriving tech industry, and hangover-inducing nightlife have been a boon for the city’s ever-growing reputation, two key elements have come to define this city: dogs and fitness. Since each are likely present in your life—you’re reading our Fittest Dogs issue, after all!—we’re going to break down the best spots and ways to bring both of your life passions together. Whether you’re looking for a new exercise outlet or a trail to share with your furry friend, we’ve got you covered.
WORKING (OUT) LIKE A DOG
CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE ON THE BEST WAYS TO GET FIT WITH YOUR PUP AROUND AUSTIN! Downward Dog, Doggie Paddling, & Beyond Austin Doga
Yoga with dogs? Count us WAY in. A pup-friendly yoga class (no, it’s not yoga for dogs), Austin Doga was started in 2010 by yoga teacher and psychotherapist Nicole Vykoukal. Nicole’s emphasis on therapeutic mind-body-spirit interventions and calm demeanor, paired with her belief in the importance of the animal-human bond, makes this the perfect spot for dog owners with all levels of yoga experience. Regardless of if you’re a veteran yogi with the chillest pup around or a beginner with a hyper dog, Austin Doga offers classes for people and pets of all varieties. Read up on their full package of classes and private sessions at austindoga.com.
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Rowing Dock ATX
You (and your dog) haven’t truly lived until you’ve hit Lady Bird Lake together. Rowing Dock ATX has you covered with dog-friendly lake access on canoes, kayaks, and their pup-specific stand up paddleboards, “Ruff SUPs.” Located along the lake just west of the Zilker Botanical Gardens and open seven days a week, Rowing Dock ATX is the perfect spot to soak up the sun and take a dip with your dog. Be sure to check out their Tuesday Yappy Hour: dogs and their owners get a second hour on the water absolutely free!
RuffTail Runners
Searching for a worthwhile volunteer cause or don’t have a pup to run with? Look no further. Launched in 2011, RuffTail Runners is a local organization that pairs runners and walkers with shelter dogs to give
Austin Doga Top Trails Around Town Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
Rowing Dock ATX
them the vital fresh air, exercise, and freedom they need. Outside of a brief training process, there’s no jumping through hoops—for the dogs or the volunteers—to get involved with Rufftail and fuel its mission to bring happiness, joy, and health to these animals in search of new homes. The Austin group (find them on Instagram at @rufftailrunners) runs with the pups at Austin Pets Alive! and is always looking for volunteers. Visit rufftailrunners.org for more info. photo by Brian Fitzsimmons
beautiful artwork, meandering trials, and plenty of places to relax by the water, it’s a great artsy doggy date spot.
This one’s almost too easy. Boasting downtown views and nearby dog parks, the trail offers both two and four-legged runners the ultimate Austin experience. Though it can get crowded at peak times (especially during the summer), this 10-mile lakeside trail boasts water accessibility and intown convenience that can’t be beat.
Turkey Creek Trail
Red Bud Isle
Approaching Dog-Friendly Races
Located just west of MoPac off Lake Austin Boulevard, Red Bud’s the ultimate spot for dogloving nature enthusiasts. The tiny 13-acre island is great for swimming, hiking, and socializing and should be a part of every Austinite’s bucket list. Whether you’ve been there a thousand times or have yet to make your maiden voyage there, Red Bud’s a must-visit summer spot for dog owners.
Shoal Creek Greenbelt
Central location? Check. Leash-free area? Check. An Austin staple every trail dog should check out? You know it. The perfect place to take a post-work stroll with a pup, the Shoal Creek Greenbelt is an easy place to get some much-needed fresh air or work into your weekly routine.
Laguna Gloria Sculpture Garden
Looking to break a physical and a mental sweat? Laguna Gloria’s got you covered. A gorgeous, sprawling lakeside sculpture garden filled with
Unlike some of the other options, Turkey Creek’s not centrally located (it’s out towards Westlake off City Park Road). But don’t get it twisted—the three-mile moderately trafficked trail is as dogfriendly and pleasant an outdoor experience as it gets.
Hounds and Heroes 5K April 14
Running and doggy tricks galore for a good cause: it doesn’t get any better than this. Put on by The Dog Alliance to benefit Hounds for Heroes—which provides service dogs to veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD—and its Bow Wow Reading Dogs program, the morning 5K kicks off a day full of dog-themed activities. Beyond the race itself, there will be a dog costume contest, carnival games, dog sport demonstrations, and a “Central Texas Dogs Got Talent” contest.
Silicon Labs Sunshine Run May 6
Featuring a 5K walk, a 5K run, and a 10K run, this event’s proceeds go the Austin Sunshine Camps, which help local low-income youth attend summer camp at no cost to their families. Competitors beware—there’s a Fastest Dog in Austin 5K. Sign up now to help your pup lay claim to this coveted title! A P R I L 2 0 1 8 / AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E
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FITNESS
BY TRAVIS PERKINS
DON’T SKIP GRIP DAY THIS MONTH’S WORKOUT FOCUSES ON THE NUANCED SCIENCE BEHIND A STRONG GRIP AND THE BEST EXERCISES TO START INCORPORATING IN YOUR CURRENT ROUTINE. A stronger grip has been proven to increase overall strength, fitness, and decrease risk of repetitive movement injuries such as climbers elbow, golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, and Bitcoin miner’s elbow (okay, that last one may not be true). We use our wrists, forearms, and fingers more than we think. For many of us, it’s the most used muscle group in our day-to day lives (i.e. typing, driving, and holding your dog’s leash). You may not think about these daily activities as being at all related to fitness, but a balanced strength in these grip-related muscle groups drastically reduces your risk of repetitive movement injuries. As with any muscle group isolation, it’s a sound suggestion to take things slow at the beginning and establish variety when possible. With that in mind, here are five different techniques for increasing overall finger, wrist, and forearm strength. Incorporate each of these into your weekly workouts and watch the PRs and words-per-minute speeds skyrocket!
Pinch Blocks Pinch blocks allow you to drastically build and train the muscle groups surrounding your thumb, specifically in the way it applies tension when in that pinch position. With this lift, start small, holding the pinch in a dead hang position for 15–30 seconds, increasing in weight in-between each set. Experiment with the weight to where your last set has you at your limit at the 15-second mark. Three to five sets is a great place to start building those lobster claws.
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Hangboard Loved by rock climbers, hangboards focus on distribution of strength over all four major digits. Hangboards aren’t just for climbers and are popping up in fitness facilities all over the nation. There are typically several options for hangboard training, but again, start small and work your way up. You can implement pull-ups or just focus on static deadhangs.
photography by Weston Carls; modeled by Jess Martin at Crux Climbing Center
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FITNESS Kettlebell Farmer’s Carry The farmer’s carry (or sometimes referred to as the farmer’s walk) is the most intuitive and full body grip strength workout on our list. It can be deceptive, but you would be surprised as to how difficult walking 20 meters carrying 30–60 pounds can be! The workout is simple: hold one kettlebell in each hand and walk it out in a controlled, steady pace. Increase weight as needed and superset within other non-grip related lifts (antagonist superset).
Wrist Roller If you haven’t felt the burn yet, you will here! Hold the roller down at your waist and roll the weighted sling up and down by twisting the roller clockwise and counter and clockwise. Start at 50 percent and increase weight each set, doing three to five sets total. Again, feel free to add this to the end of your workout or as a companion to a seperate lift.
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photography by Weston Carls; modeled by Jess Martin at Crux Climbing Center
OUT OF THE GYM BONUS The beauty of working on your grip strength is that, unlike some muscle groups, you’re not bound to the confines of a gym or workout facility. These devices here are tools that you can implement in your morning commute, Netflix sessions, or at times of increased stress:
BLACK DIAMOND FOREARM TRAINER
ROUGE FITNESS CAPTAINS OF CRUSH GRIPPERS
Wide Grip Pull-up A trusted classic, a good wide grip pull-up adds more dynamic movement to your grip and helps with connecting this small muscle group to it’s neighborhood (biceps, shoulders, neck, and back). Most of us will do just fine with lifting our body weight with or without bands to help, but to increase weight, add a lumbar belt to the mix as seen in the photo. It’s good to focus on endurance here, going for eight reps in 3–5 sets.
GRIP MASTER HAND
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SPORTS & OUTDOORS APRIL 6–7
The 17th Annual Lonestar Round Up Travis County Expo Center Enjoy all that Texas spring has to offer at this outdoor car show with live music, vintage hot rods, and custom cars from all over the country. Learn more at lonestarroundup.com.
APRIL 7
US Cryo Sprint workout with Shea Boland Auditorium Shores Come join for a sprint-based workout followed by refreshing full-body cryotherapy. It’s a great opportunity to sweat, socialize, and cryo with other local health and fitness friends. APRIL 8
APRIL 7
Kickboxing on the Plaza with Knockout Whole Foods Lamar Come kick it with Knockout on the rooftop every Saturday in April. Workout includes shadowboxing, body weight exercises, and rounds of punches and kicks. Tap into your inner badass and get into fighting shape just in time for summer.
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Capitol 10K Congress Avenue to Auditorium Shores Grab your running shoes, and take part in one of Austin’s largest and most anticipated 10K races with over 18,000 other runners. APRIL 20–22
MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas It’s back this April at Circuit of the Americas! Single-day passes begin at $39, general admission tickets are available for $89, and weekend premium grandstand begin at $149.
04.2018
Submit your event online at austinfitmagazine.com
APRIL 27–29
APRIL 19–22
CamelBak Pursuit Series Reveille Peak Ranch Come get out of your comfort zone at North America's premier all-inclusive outdoors adventure getaway series. With 1,300 acres of beatiful land and trails along with a photo workshop with Chris Burkard, don't miss out on this unforgettable weekend.
30th Annual Old Settler's Music Festival Dale, TX Experience live acoustic jazz, blues, and bluegrass. Featuring performances by Grammy-winning Americana artists, arts and crafts, and great food, this is a truly Texan experience you won’t want to miss!
FOOD & DRINKS
Austin Reggae Fest Auditorium Shores For those looking for a completely different musical experience, check out this festival featuring great music and rhythm, a fundraiser for Capital Area Food Bank, and food and arts from over 50 vendors.
APRIL 5
Live Fire! Austin’s Favorite Meaty Showdown Camp Mabry Delight in the flavors of meat and fire with food by local chefs like Aaron Franklin, Miguel and Modesty Vidal of Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ, Alma Alcocer-Thomas, and more! Proceeds from the event will go back into the Austin Food & Wine Alliance’s culinary grant program. APRIL 7
Texas VegFest Texas Veg Foundation presents their annual Texas VegFest to educate Texans on plantbased diets. The festival will take place at Fiesta Gardens and will feature food demos, beer, fun for kids, and speakers.
APRIL 20–22
LIFESTYLE MARCH 31–APRIL 7
Austin Fashion Week Locations around Austin See the work of local Texas designers, photographers, hair stylists, makeup artists, and models. Get a chance to see full runway shows, designer meetups, meetand-greets, and themed parties. Find more information at afw.fashionxaustin.com. APRIL 21
APRIL 27–29
Austin Food and Wine Festival Auditorium Shores and Fair Market Come join 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 APRIL 13–MAY 12
The Pink Bow Project by artist Karen Hawkins Shoal Creek Gallery Local Austin artist, Karen Hawkins, will present her latest art installation and exhibit in conjunction with National Child Abuse Prevention. To have your voice included in this art installation, please record your first name and the age when your abuse occurred at thepinkbowproject.com.
Weird Homes Tour Around Austin See all that makes and keeps Austin weird on this tour featuring wacky spaces, unique homes, and their creative owners.
Never Needs Charging
APRIL 28
54th Annual Eeyore's Annual Birthday Party Pease Park April is all about Keep Austin Weird and Eeyore’s Birthday Party definitely won’t disappoint! With live music, local beer, food, acrobats, and costume contests, this is the perfect place for people-watching!
Won’t Burn Eyes
Recyclable
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Race Calendar FEATURED LONGHORN RUN 5K, 10K
APRIL APRIL 8
APRIL 29
Rogue Trail Series, The Tangle 30K Relay
Statesman Capitol 10K
Johnson City
Dell Children’s Medical Center — 5K & Family Fun Fair
Austin
Austin
Austin
Run for Your Life 5K
MAY
APRIL 14
Longhorn Run 5K, 10K
Austin
MAY 5 & 6
Tough Mudder 5K, Half, Full Smithville
APRIL 21
Foam Glow 5K
Austin
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MAY 6
Silicon Labs Sunshine Run 5K, 10K Austin
MAY 7
Travis Country 5K Run Austin MAY 12
Texas Switchback Full, Half, 10K Between Dripping Springs & Johnson City MAY 19
The Color Run
Austin
Austin Runner’s Club Daisy 5K Austin Friends and Allies Beer Run Austin
04.2018–06.2018
Submit your event online at austinfitmagazine.com
NO PAIN, NO GAIN! PAIN
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MAY 19-20
The Reebok Spartan Race Sprint & Super Race Burnet
JUNE 17
Lake Pflugerville Triathlon Pflugerville
JUNE 20
JUNE
Pure Austin Splash & Dash Series Austin
JUNE 3
JUNE 23
Rogue Trail Series – 30K, 10K Trail Run Austin
Fit Foodie 5K Austin
JUNE 7
Fun Stop 5K & Fest Austin
Maudie's Moonlight Margarita Run 5K Austin
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SONXTHERAPY 512-646-1500 SONXTHERAPY.COM
DISCOVER!
BY ARIELLE OLFERS
LOCAL DOGWALKING SERVICES WE EXERCISE REGULARLY, AND OUR PETS SHOULD, TOO. THESE THREE COMPANIES ARE HELPING OUR PETS KEEP THE CALORIES BURNING AND ENERGY FLOWING, RIGHT HERE IN AUSTIN. Seaholm Power Plant district. She quickly became the most popular dog walker in the Seaholm Residences due to her natural ability with both people and pets along with her contagious smile. She’s since expanded her business to other downtown condos in the area. A few months later, Isla came up with her new venture’s name, Power Plant Paws, along with a logo, website, and business cards (all created herself). She marched around the area condo developments to let everyone know she was in business. Today, she babysits or walks four or more dogs per week, and her parents help out while she's at school. When Isla's not watching the pets of downtown Austin, you'll find her studying math or reading— her two favorite school subjects.
with Dogtec and safety training with Pet Tech, they opened up Pawstin in 2013. Today, with a staff of seven, they walk dogs all over Austin starting at $22 per walk. Cat-lovers don’t fret, Pawstin also provides litter box services, playtime, and cat taxi services to and from vet and grooming appointments. Prices range from $15–$25 per service. They use Pet Check Technology so that clients have access to email alerts and real-time GPS tracking of walks.
My Dog Butler
Power Plant Paws
powerplantpaws.com Entrepreneurship runs in the Kozusko family, and nine-year-old Isla is no exception. Taking after her father Joseph Kozusko (co-founder, Skills Fund) and mother Laura Lee Kozusko (owner, Bar Method Austin), it’s no surprise that the entrepreneurial spirit came naturally. Heralded as a “dog whisperer” of sorts, Isla has become known in the downtown condo district for her uncanny ability to care for and love the neighborhood pet community—even those with special needs and distinctive personalities. In early 2017, Isla (in third grade at the time) began walking dogs in the
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Pawstin
pawstin.com After almost a lifetime of volunteer work, adventure, and travel, Brian and Dominique decided to settle down in Austin to finally put down roots. After finishing up dog-walking certifications
austindogbutler.com This local pet care provider offers more than just walks and taxi services. My Dog Butler has three service levels for pet walks: a quick 20-minute potty break ($20), a 40-minute experience for the more active pup inclusive of a customized activity regimen ($25) and the excursion, a 60-minute adventure for high-energy pets needing a real workout ($34). Their client interface also provides direct, transparent engagement with each and every client inclusive of status updates and photos. Other services include vacation visits while you’re away allowing your pet to stay in the comfort of their own home ($50/day), overnight stays ($98/night) and cat visits ($20/visit). My Dog Butler is open 365 days per year and there is no extra charge for multiple pets.
power plant paws photo by Chris Olfers
AUSTIN SUBARU
Fuel your hiking partner for Greenbelt adventures.
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