Austin Fit Magazine April 2023: The Outdoors Issue

From the Director

From the Director

town that nobody actually visited, and perpetually empty sports fields (except when school and club teams used them for sports practice). If I’m being honest, I didn’t even enjoy going on walks until the pandemic hit and I was forced to go outside to avoid cabin fever. And it was worth it — my mood is evidently better outside.

But why do we crave the outdoors? Yes, we could list all the mental health benefits and scientific evidence of why it boosts our physical health. But in the intellectuality of it, we crave to be outdoors because it reminds us to take a moment and be still.

As a follower of Jesus, I practice praying consistently throughout my week. Over time, I’ve noticed that when I pray outside, I feel more present with God; not that He’s any more or less present, but it just helps me recenter myself.

Something about the outdoors not only takes us outside of physical buildings but outside of ourselves — hearing the birds, seeing the little geckos and squirrels scurrying around, listening to the sounds of cars or people mowing their lawns; we’re reminded of the simplicity and stillness of life. My mind is emptied by the sights and sounds around me.

THE OUTDOORS IS A GATEWAY TO BOTH STILLNESS AND ACTIVITY.

If you’ve lived in Austin for at least one spring season, you know how much we love the outdoors. As soon as the frigid weather of winter melts away, Austinites are immediately out and about at the first sign of sunshine and warmth with their picnic blankets, paddleboards, volleyballs, guitars and slacklines. Austin made me fall in love with the outdoors. Where I’m from, the only places to spend time outdoors were grocery store parking lots, a small park in the middle of

At the same time, the outdoors allows space for not only stillness but activity. The outdoors is inclusive; everybody can be in the same space doing different things. As you stroll across Zilker’s lawn, you see people of all different backgrounds and interests gathering in one space to do things together or alone; you see this, too, on hiking trails, campsites and even neighborhood walks.

This Outdoors Issue highlights both the stillness and action that come with being outside. You’ll hear stories about mountaineering with diabetes, the sociability of pickleball, the serenity of birding, the connection to nature through foraging, and much more.

So get up and get outside this spring in Austin!

Keep Austin Fit,

Landry Allred DIRECTOR OF CONTENT

PHOTOGRAPHER MATT BLOCK

IG: @theblockphotos

MODEL: Steve Ponsetti

IG: @jr_ ponsetti Want

UNCOVERING THE SUCCESS OF PICKLEBALL

3 2

TYPE 1 MOUNTAINEERING

68

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT: BRANDYN LANGE

We’re more than just a monthly publication. Join us online and on our social networks to see the additional awesomeness we’re up to. austinfitmagazine.com

5 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR WHITEWATER RAFTING ADVENTURE

Best Protein Bars for the Outdoors

LIFESTYLE

Integrity of the Upper – Running Shoe Design Series, Pt. 4

FITNESS

What I Learned On My Cross-Country Bike Trip

CEO | LOU EARLE

PUBLISHER | LYNNE EARLE

CTO | DREW TERRY

DIRECTOR OF CONTENT | LANDRY ALLRED

ART DIRECTOR | BEN CHOMIAK

PHOTOGRAPHER | BRIAN FITZSIMMONS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sarah Leahy, Kati Epps, Laura Bond Williams, Isabel Meijering, Mark Denesha, Rachel Melegrito, Katerina Cotroneo, Jessica Tranchina, Shayne Cerebe

INTERNS

Amanda Sierra, Charlotte Wells, Isabella Ferrentino, Isabella Libby, Kieaundria Bellamy, Lauren Hudson, Sam Hacker

GENERAL INQUIRIES info@austinfitmagazine.com

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES lynne@austinfitmagazine.com

512.608.8554

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS austinfitmagazine.com/article-submission fitfocus@austinfitmagazine.com

EVENT LISTINGS austinfitmagazine.com/events

SUBSCRIPTIONS austinfitmagazine.com/subscribe

p 512.407.8383

Austin Fit Magazine assumes no responsibility for the content of articles or advertisements, in that the views expressed therein may not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or any magazine employee or contributor. This publication and all of its contents are copyrighted.

Austin Fit Magazine is the assumed name of its publisher, Louis M. Earle, who has no interest in the business of Denis Calabrese who operates an exercise program under the assumed name of Austin Fit, which trains individuals to improve their jogging or running skills to participate in marathons. The views, opinions and other representations published in Austin Fit Magazine are not those of Austin Fit or any of its directors, officers, employees or agents.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

# KEEPAUSTINFIT

Follow

SPONSORED BY Cannon + Belle

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

CHICKEN PESTO SANDWICH

n Whether you’re going on a hike, picnic, boat excursion or just spending time in the great outdoors, this sandwich might be just what you need.

Our team brainstormed what we typically bring for an adventure in the great outdoors, and most people said they pack sandwiches for hiking, picnics and boat days, which is why we went that route.

Below is a chicken pesto sandwich that’s easy to bring places and will give you the energy boost you need for whatever outdoor endeavor. The sandwich is also sold at Cannon + Belle.

INGREDIENTS:

4 ounces of pulled chicken

1 ounce of pesto

1 ounce of aioli

½ ounce of arugula

1 each roasted Roma tomato cut in half

1 each ciabatta bread

PREPARATION:

1. Cut the ciabatta bread in half and toast each side.

2. Spread aioli on both halves of your toasted ciabatta, and place arugula and roasted tomatoes on the bottom half of the bread.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the pulled chicken and pesto, and place the mixture on top of the tomatoes.

4. Put the mixture on the top piece of your toasted ciabatta, cut your sandwich in half and enjoy!

Isabella Libby

THE BEST TRAIL RUNNING FUEL

n Snacks for the trail aren’t limited to trail mix. For trail running fuel, follow these tips for determining the best trail snacks for you.

Unlike the controlled conditions of treadmill running, outdoor trail running is chock full of unforeseeable challenges. From uneven terrain daring you to trip to unpredictable weather, many factors are out of your control. However, one thing a runner can control is how they fuel themselves before, during and after their run.

The famous phrase, “it’s what’s on the inside that matters,” rings true, especially as eating the right foods on your run promotes your body’s performance, making you impervious to any daunting outdoor conditions. To feel your best on the trail, consider these tips on the best snacks to bring along for the trail running journey.

Familiar Foods

In Brazil for the 2016 Summer Olympics, the Olympian restaurant of choice was, surprisingly, McDonald’s. Held in contempt by anyone healthfocused due to its reputation for excessive grease and questionable sanitation, McDonald’s had a perpetually long line, consisting solely of Olympic athletes.

However, there was a logical explanation. In a foreign country where many of the athletes were unacquainted with the cuisine, McDonald’s was a familiar option whose food they knew well.

What we can learn from this is not necessarily to pig out on whatever fast food you’re comfortable with but rather opt for familiar food for your run. Whether that food is pretzels, chips, an orange or a specific energy chew, it’s essential to choose what works for you . Above all, you should enjoy your run, so choose a snack you and your body loves, too.

BRIAN ERICKSON

Beware Of Fiber

Though fiber is an essential nutrient, it may not be best to go all out before a run; when using fiber to fuel you, you should consume it in moderation.

Local running coach and exercise student Alyssa Nicole advises eating a meal low in fiber the night before your run. This is because fiber is a carbohydrate that the body cannot fully digest, so it comes out as waste. So, eating a high-fiber snack during your run may be disruptive, if you know what I mean…

The Holy Trinity: Bananas, Dates & Peanut Butter

When in doubt, the holy trinity of trail snacks of bananas, dates and peanut butter is always a good default for trail snacks.

Jesse Ruiz, a running coach for the Austin Running Club and an avid trail runner himself, says his favorite on-the-trail snack is bananas. Conveniently packaged in their own biodegradable wrapper, bananas are a great trail snack because they’re easily digestible and

high on the glycemic index, meaning they’ll provide a welcomed energy boost.

Ruiz also says a runner should opt for a snack high in carbohydrates and low in fat and fiber. Another great option for this equation of macronutrients is dates, which are extremely calorically dense; they pack a lot of carbohydrates in their small forms, which, if you didn’t know, strongly resemble the taste of caramel!

Lastly, peanut butter is great fuel as it provides the boost of protein that bananas and dates lack. Plus, protein encourages endurance, something you’ll

Stay Salty

Along with the most basic athletic advice of all time (which is to stay hydrated), it’s also important to replenish your electrolytes and sodium. A runner depletes these reserves through sweating, so including a salty snack, such as pretzels or pickle juice, ensures that these resources are replaced. In fact, Ruiz says some runners even carry salt tabs to either suck on or add to their water.

For trail runners, the challenges they face on their run account for much of the thrill. However, snacks can be a source of comfort that can also help you feel your best on your run. So, to ensure that you put your best foot forward, for the entirety of your run, be sure to remember these tips about the best snacks on the trail. afm

AUTHOR Isabella Ferrentino

BRANCH OUT & PLANT YOUR FEET IN FORAGING

We, humans, who were once dependent on manually gathering food from our environment now simply head to our local grocery store for sustenance. Though agriculture has shifted the way we find food, it’s still possible to connect with your long-lost ancestors in seeking nutrition through foraging. Foraging can solve a food emergency, serve as a new learning opportunity, and ultimately help you connect with nature and understand what it provides.

Dave Scott, founder and executive director of Earth Native Wilderness School, helps people establish deep connections to the outdoors through hands-on learning and foraging.

“It feels empowering to be able to go out into nature and find something to eat and turn it into something that tastes good,” Scott says.

Especially in Austin, there are many naturally growing edible plants. Some of these include blackberries, dewberries, mulberries, huckleberries, hackberries, loquats, Mexican plums, Texas

persimmons, wild garlic, nopal and yaupon.

Philip Speer, chef and restauranteur who forages recreationally, encourages foraging fungus variety mushrooms for their nutritional benefits.

“ The lion’s mane mushrooms not only contain the most nutritional value of all the edible mushrooms, including the protein content and carb content,” Speer says. “It’s (also) a good nutrient for your cognitive health.”

Other nutrient-packed plants include mesquite pods, acorns, lambs quarter, mushrooms, nettle, pecans, cucumber plants and dandelion.

Foraging full-time is a challenging feat. Vitamins and fiber are easily accessible, but fat and protein are harder to come by. While foraging cannot provide for a family, it can provide nutritional value in small doses.

The tricky part is balancing between getting enough nutrients and honoring the already existing habitat. A good principle to go by as a forager is to not take more than 10%, and more so less, of what’s available in any area.

Trisha Bates, the founder of Urban American

n Foraging isn’t just for our ancestors who lacked microwaves and fast food; it can be a helpful skill for us in this modern age.

PHILLIP SPEER STACY COPLIN

Farmer, says this is because we still want to respect the environment.

“A lot of plants have thrived and survived because they have a lot to offer humans and animals,” Bates says. “You don’t want to over-harvest because you could ruin the habitat.”

In order to have enough nutrition to sustain energy and live off foraging, you have to harvest and plan for storage. Eric Knight, an environmental engineer and consultant, wrote “Foraging for Texas” alongside his wife Stacey Copeland.

“It’s important to start small and don’t think (foraging will) provide all of your calories and nutrients,” Knight says.

However, learning any new skill takes time, and foraging is no exception. Make sure to take advantage of foraging resources, as it’s vital to correctly identify plants. There’s always a risk of eating harmful plants as well as the possible contamination where food is growing naturally. Know how much to take, when to take it and how to ensure the plant continues to grow in the future.

“Start with learning (about) the invasive edible species first,” Knight says. “That’s just naturally better for the ecosystem and a good way to get people (to value) nature.”

It’s never too late or early to start learning. Scott’s

kids have grown up learning about edible plants. When they were about 6 years old, they were able to find 12 to 13 edible medicinal or useful plants in their yard.

One of the best ways to start foraging is starting in the yard or at a park nearby. Great resources to use as a beginner are foraging field guidebooks like Knight’s “Foraging Texas” or “Foraging” by Vorderbruggen, the iNaturalist app, and foragers on social media. Ultimately, Speer says the key is to try it out yourself.

“There’s no better learning than getting your hands on stuff,” Speer says. “Finding an afternoon, driving to some remote area and walking around using the information you learned and applying it to real life.”

Whether you’re foraging in an energy situation for nutrition or simply learning a new skill, Bates says foraging ultimately helps you connect with nature.

“You start to realize how much nature has to offer,” Bates says. “There’s food everywhere you look if you know what to look for.” afm

PHILLIP SPEER

AUTHOR

Amanda Sierra

n After a long day adventuring in the great outdoors, the last thing a person wants is to stress about what will be on the dinner menu.

chieving proper nutrition is one of many challenges when roughing it out outdoors. The stakes are high when it comes to eating, and the convenience of fast food is no longer a phone call away.

THE PERFECT CAMPING FEAST A

While camping should be fun with the occasional treat, advanced preparation can help keep eats healthy, well-balanced and, most importantly, stress-free. You’ve probably heard of meal prepping for your week to make meals less stressful, but meal prepping for camping can have the same effect.

Aside from meal prepping allowing for more free time, it also helps you with portion control and creates a space where you’re more consciously aware of the ingredients you’re consuming. Here are some tips to help your meal prepping go smoothly so you can enjoy a camping trip with your loved ones.

1: Create a Meal Plan

If you’re new to the meal-prepping scene, it’s important to create a plan that works best for you. Consider how long the trip will be and set a vision for each meal and snack per day. Try to balance overpacking and underpacking; you want to avoid overpacking foods that surely won’t be eaten while also avoiding underpacking and being left hungry.

2: Prep Ingredients Beforehand

Nobody wants to lug around more supplies than they have to when hitting the campgrounds. Consider prewashing fruits and vegetables and pre-mixing sauces and dry ingredients at home to expedite the mealprepping process and save space. Slicing tomatoes and onions or marinating chicken breasts can save a little extra time when preparing your food at the campsite while keeping a kitchen mess at bay.

3: Be Mindful of Meat

Meat and fish have the potential for contamination if you’re not careful. Campsites are often limited on water, meaning dishes are at risk of not being thoroughly cleaned. Cooking meat products beforehand will help you avoid any potential risks and clean up. Even buying meat or fish that’s already cooked is another great option.

4: Consider Large Batches

Making larger batches of your food will also be more efficient in the long run. For example, granola is both versatile and easy to use both for breakfast as well as a snack in between camping activities.

5: Have a Food Storage Plan

Nothing can spoil a camping trip more than food going bad early. Having a solid storage plan is essential to a successful camping trip. Consider a bear-safe ice cooler your new best friend. The first night of meal preps should remain at the top of the cooler to maintain freshness. Items that won’t be eaten until the end of your trip should be stored at the bottom of the cooler. Store any liquids you may have in a separate cooler away from food. Keep separate containers in the cooler for sliced products like cheeses and meat slices. Additionally, when trash accumulates, a bear bag can be used to bag up your food and hang it from a tree branch.

6: Bring Meal Prep-Friendly Food

A rule of thumb schedule to follow includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and at least one to three snacks per day, but the question remains: what kinds of meals are best for camping? Breakfast can include overnight oatmeal, make-ahead pancakes and breakfast sandwiches. Full-proof lunches are sandwiches, pasta salad or chili. Meal-prep-friendly dinners include chicken skewers, mac and cheese, pulled pork or burgers.

After all the prep is said and done, make sure to label everything in sight so as to not forget what you packed. Use leak-proof containers and plastic bags, and store them in easy-to-access places. Gone are the days of reaching for canned beans and hot dogs on a stick; here are the days of pre-making your camp eats for filling, healthy meals that will leave you and your camping crew happy and satisfied. afm

AUTHOR

Lauren Hudson

ENERGY GELS: THE SECRET TO RUNNING 26 MILES?

n Perhaps the number one supplement in a marathoner’s arsenal, energy gels can be used to refuel runners for long distances.

Fatigue, aching and frustration… but miles and miles to go; this is the conundrum experienced by both elite and amateur runners.

Long-distance running is energy-depleting yet requires an abundance of fuel. Marathon runners must heavily rely on dwindling carbohydrate stores as they push faster and farther into their race, which can lead to feeling outright miserable, especially at those final remaining miles.

The problem is, as research suggests, carb availability can be a limiting factor in sub-maximal exercise that lasts longer than 90 minutes. So, what’s the solution if you want to run for more than an hour without completely hitting the wall? Energy gels.

Not only is their race long, but elite marathoners run at an almost sprint speed the entire duration. To sustain a high-intensity pace, gels are recommended to replenish carbohydrate stores, or glycogen, in the muscle. The body is only capable of storing a finite amount of glycogen, about 90 minutes worth at a half-marathon pace. Thus, energy gels provide a quick boost of energy and increase physical performance helping control blood glucose levels while conserving intramuscular glycogen reserves.

Why Energy Gels?

The reason runners use these gels as their preferred carbohydrate source rather than, say, a piece of fruit is that the gels are easy to digest and rapidly absorbable. Other sources of carbohydrates that must be chewed and broken down can create digestive issues, especially when running at a race pace. Conveniently enough, these gooey gels can be swallowed quickly and are designed to minimize digestive upset.

What Are Energy Gels Made Of?

These performance gels consist of varying combinations of sugars including maltodextrin, rice syrup or poly/oligosaccharides. Typical gels come in foil packaging and are of a paste- or syrup-like texture that’s primarily water-based. Each packet contains approximately 25 grams of carbs and comes in a variety of flavors, including caramel, vanilla, strawberry, banana and more. Many brands include further nutritional support such as caffeine, amino acids or electrolytes.

When to Use Energy Gels?

There’s a science and strategy behind when and how to use gels. Adam Bohach, an elite runner and 5th place finisher in the 2022 Austin Marathon, says he recommends runners take gels every 40 minutes, which depends on a runner’s individual pace.

“If I am training, (40 minutes) is around miles 6 to 8 or 7 to 8,” Bohach says. “For someone else, if they are running at a slower pace, that might mean (taking) them at mile five.”

The key is to take the gel in intervals to provide a “boost” of sugar and caffeine while avoiding overly relying on them. Taking too many gels at once runs the risk of GI upset. Bohach says many people believe they’re supposed to take the gel each time they start feeling tired.

“(Taking gels that often is) going to dehydrate you; that’s a lot of sugar,” Bohach says. “This can create a positive feedback loop. For example, the gel is making you feel more dehydrated because you aren’t getting enough water.”

Hydrating while taking the gel can deter an upset stomach. The American College of Sports Medicine suggests drinking 17 ounces of water at least two hours before exercising and regularly during exercise to avoid water loss. Bohach says he always tries to take gels with water.

“I start taking my gel maybe a mile before the aid station (so), by the time I get there, I have it, toss it, take water and keep going,” Bohach says.

Of course, each gel brand is different, and sometimes it depends on the percentage of water already in the gel mix, but the general rule of thumb is to take a gel every 40 minutes with water.

Tips Before Trying

If you’re considering using energy gels, it’s best to experiment with them beforehand. Race day shouldn’t be the first day you use gels; practice using them to understand how your body reacts, what brands you prefer and how often you should take them. Watch for clues such as how hydrated you feel and how well your stomach digests the concentration.

Another tip is to examine your body’s reaction to taking gels that contain caffeine and try alternating with those that don’t. Additionally, don’t take energy gels with sports drinks, as the gels are highly concentrated. Taking both poses the risk of overingesting sugar, resulting in stomach discomfort, queasiness and dehydration.

Good luck with your quest for the perfect gel! afm

Sam Hacker

TO ALL MY FELLOW HIKERS

n Whether you’re in the Rockies or Appalachians or halfway around the world, hikers on the trail are always a source of awe.

My two favorite hiking experiences were vastly different.

One was full of people going up and down the mountain, greeting each other and laughing as they made their way to Everest Base Camp. The other was still and quiet, with the snow blanketing the trail and trees as my dad and I made our way up the backside of Pikes Peak in Colorado.

But in both, I learned a lot about the kinds of people you meet on the trail.

It’s obvious to most hikers that being outside and seeing the view — admiring the funny-looking trees or rocks — and then standing on the peak of a mountain gives you a sense of wonder and awe. But the most peculiar thing is that on the way to see those sights

and sounds, and even on the way back, the people you meet along the trail can give you that same sense of admiration and astonishment.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the stillness of the mountainside, but there’s oddly something special about a 5-minute break between stretches of the hike where you share tips, tricks and occasionally snacks with other hikers. Oftentimes, I forget their name as soon as we start hiking again, concentrating on their advice or the view, or even sometimes trying to avoid the birds that dare to steal the last bits of our oranges. But what they say and do stay with me, for better or worse.

The time spent together with each hiker is typically short, mostly a hello from others on the trail, a warning about the loose trail ahead, a caution of snow being

worse than we thought, and one memorable instance of advice where we were told that snowshoes were unnecessary (when, in fact, they most definitely were — or, at least, my thighs covered with snow would say so).

Along with the advice, sometimes the best moments are sharing tasty snacks with the other hikers. I know you’re not supposed to take food from strangers, but nobody is a stranger on the trail. From my time on various hikes, the title for best snack goes to the chocolate that the other hikers and I brought for a summit-success on Pikes Peak. However, I can also appreciate the person who brought apple pie to the mountaintops of Idaho. For the hiker who brought raisins, I appreciate the gift itself less and the sentiment more, but it’s fuel so I

said thank you and ate them as quickly as possible. Breaks on the mountain are always welcomed, especially when you get the opportunity to hear about people’s lives, including one man’s retelling of how he climbed his own stairs in preparation for the hike. Unfortunately, his story ended with him tripping over his dog, falling down the stairs and his dog thinking he was playing dead.

Moments hearing simple tales such as these are just as exciting as taking a moment to embrace the sight of the mountains around me in full awe. Sure, sitting on the Khumbu Glacier was special, watching as the clouds rolled up the valley and engulfed the mountains. But what made it extraordinary was the fellow hiker with me who told quiet stories of her being a veterinarian across the countryside.

To all my fellow hikers, thank you for your advice and jokes, for the nasty raisin-based trail mix thrown across the trail, and even for the unwise advice of not needing snowshoes even though a few hours later I stared at the snow that reached my waist; you’ve all made each hike worth it.

THE PEOPLE YOU MEET ALONG THE TRAIL CAN GIVE YOU THAT SAME SENSE OF ADMIRATION AND ASTONISHMENT.”

AUTHOR Sarah Leahy, CPT PHOTOGRAPHY Rachel Hogan of Austin SSC

CULTIVATING A COMMUNITY OF ACTIVE ADULT FUN

n Adult leagues don’t just serve as a gateway to playing sports you missed the chance to play in your youth; they also build a community and family.

What if we told you that you could make up for those years in high school that you never got to try out for football or volleyball? And that you could do it with other adults in the city?

Austin Sports & Social Club

(Austin SSC) has been a leader in this era of outdoor sports organizations in the city since 2005. With an overriding focus on the community and culture of their recreational sports offerings, Austin SSC has become one of the largest organizations in the city and has

grown to include an Austin SSC kids division in recent years.

With a wide range of offerings, including volleyball, flag football, pickleball and everything in between, Austin SSC has something for everyone. However, their most popular sports are kickball and sand volleyball, with their social events coming in a close third.

In lieu of tending to many adults who now get to explore the sports they never got the opportunity to play when they were younger, Austin SSC welcomes every skill level on their teams. But the sporting events

are only half of it — their main goal is creating an active community, where everyone is welcome and having a good time.

Rachel Hogan, the marketing and business development manager of Austin SSC, says they love getting to cultivate community among the adults in the city while providing a space to be active.

“At the end of the day, everyone is out there to have fun, get a workout in, take their mind off the work day and enjoy an iced cold beer,” Hogan says.

While many people join a team with a group of

friends, oftentimes teams comprise people looking to make new friends. When Austinites sign up solo, they’re added to a team with a similar age group, and that team typically continues to play and hang out together long after that first season.

With all the out-of-state transplants who find their way to Austin, Hogan says having a space to build friendships is important.

“We know making social connections in a large city can be tough,” Hogan says. “Which is why we place you on teams (with) like-aged individuals so you can form connections and friendships on day one.”

To encourage a culture of fun and camaraderie, Austin SSC not only treats each game as a party — with referees blasting music and lots of dancing — but also hosts many community social events, from holiday party barges to tailgating at Texas football games to group ski trips.

Austin SSC also provides corporate team-building activities, with an offering of tournaments, single field day events and races. A great way to build community within your existing work culture, Austin SSC carefully plans these events to work with employees of any skill level and demographic so everyone can participate and have a good time.

With the addition of their kids’ division, children as young as 2 to 3 years old can socialize and stay active. They’ve also created a nonprofit called Sports For All, which provides a space for learning the basics of sports in a safe environment as well as allows children who wouldn’t be able to afford summer sports camp to participate.

“The eventual goal is to bring some of these leagues directly to the underserved communities,” Hogan says. “(We want to) maximize the opportunities given to children to realize the power and growth that comes from team sports.”

With its strong focus on building community for all ages, exposing more children to group sports and providing not just physical activity but fun for all skill levels and demographics, Austin SSC has cemented its spot as one of the largest outdoor fitness organizations, with wide-ranging activity options in all corners of the

city. Come out, make a new friend, play a new sport and have fun! afm

About the Author

Sarah Leahy, CPT is a Minneapolis transplant in East Austin, certified personal trainer, award-winning interior designer and former gym owner. She offers in-person and online training with an emphasis on strength training and building confidence in and out of the gym. Leahy’s passion for strength extends to your business, with a full offering of gym design and business consulting services.

LIFESTYLE

AUTHOR

Kati Epps

LOOK TO THE AIR!

n The ground doesn’t have it all when it comes to events in Austin; sometimes, we just need to look up.

Look up and take your imagination to the sky!

There is something so perfect about a spring day in Austin that makes us crave being outside every chance we can get. From outdoor festivals to lazy days at the park, there is so much to keep us focused on the beauty around us… and above us! And in April, specifically, there are many events around the Austin area that will take your view and shift it up. It may be a bird, it may be a plane or it could be a balloon or kite. Want to find a destination this month that will have you looking skyward? Here are our top picks!

Fly Kites at Zilker

To kickstart the month, the 95th annual ABC Zilker Kite Fest will be happening on April 1 at Zilker Metropolitan Park. Originally founded in 1929 by The Exchange Club of Austin, the Kite Fest is one of Austin’s most iconic family-friendly traditions that has us coming back year after year to fly kites, listen to live music and even enter the kite flying contest and showcase. This event, originally set to foster creativity in children, is now a nonprofit supporting the Moss Pieratt

Watch Balloons at the Bay

Hot air balloons are absolutely beautiful and are always a treat when you can spot one on the horizon. But, this year, you don’t have to rely on the serendipitous moment of seeing a hot air balloon. On this Easter weekend, head to the Horseshoe Bay Resort in Marble Falls for the 9th annual Balloon Festival.

This amazing family-friendly festival includes an egg drop, live music, skydivers, helicopter rides, balloon glows, food and more. This is definitely an experience that will have everyone in the family looking up with awe and wonder!

Go Birding in Balcones

Whether you’ve never birded before or you are an old pro, you do not want to miss the Balcones Songbird Festival held from April 21 to 23! During their migration season, songbirds make a quick stop in the Texas Hill Country to rest, eat and maybe even mate before they continue their journeys, and we Texans get to be a part of it! The festival is held on Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, which stretches 24,000 acres and provides a safe space for two endangered songbirds: the black-capped vireo and the golden-cheeked warbler. This is an incredible opportunity to learn more about these species, see their habitats and find peace in the Wildlife Refuge. Bird watching, the Texas Hill Country and an outdoor festival are spring perfection.

Admire the Aircrafts

While these aircrafts may not currently be in the air, Austinites will still get the chance this April to check out the Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry. The museum displays many aircrafts such as helicopters, jet fighters and observation aircrafts, and visitors also have the chance to view other military vehicles and weapons including dozens of tanks, armored personnel carriers, self-propelled guns, trucks, jeeps and towed artillery pieces. The museum highlights Texas’ militia and volunteer forces from 1823 to 1903. Better yet, admission is always free! If you’re looking for some action, the museum will host an airshow in April as well — more information about the event will be updated on their website.

Going out and taking in the beautiful Austin sky doesn’t have to be a formal event. On any day, you can take to the parks, trails or even your neighborhood to enjoy the perfect Texas blue sky that singers often serenade us about. Whether you want to actively fly a kite or you just want to lay on your back and watch the clouds roll by, look up and take your imagination to the sky! afm

About the Author

Coach Kati Epps is the founder of MyBody GX with a background in chemistry from Colorado State University, an ACE-certified personal trainer, a health coach and a nutrition specialist.

Foundation and Communities in Schools. The whole family will have their eyes firmly planted in the sky!

What’s harder than summiting a 6,959-meter mountain in negative 40-degree weather and 60-mileper-hour wind? Doing it with Type 1 diabetes.

AUTHOR LANDRY ALLRED PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TIM KRAUSS

It’s Jan. 31, 2023. The temperature is negative 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and on top of that, the wind is piercing. A team of five is about 5,974 meters above sea level with about 1,000 left to go, pushing to reach the summit of Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in the Western Hemisphere.

One of the team members starts feeling sick. He checks his glucose monitor, and his blood sugar is sky-high. He realizes his insulin pump froze from the extreme temperature, despite it being buried beneath layers of clothes and pushed against his body.

In a swift moment, he reaches for the pre-loaded syringes he prepared for mishaps like this, but he knows the second the syringe makes contact with the freezing air, it’ll be like ice. His team forms a cocoon around him, providing just enough warmth for a manual injection.

However, when he’s about to inject the needle into his stomach, it catches his suit and immediately breaks off. While the other team members curse in a panic, he knows he has two backup pre-filled syringes as well as empty ones and a vial of insulin to draw if needed. Luckily, when he grabs the second syringe, he’s able to inject it and continues to the summit.

This man is Tim Krauss, a local Austinite with Type 1 diabetes who aims to climb the seven tallest mountains in the world; in January, he started with Aconcagua. The reason? To show that nothing, even an autoimmune disease like diabetes, can limit you from pursuing adventure.

“I want to create awareness (around diabetes),” Krauss says. “A lot of diabetics put a lot of limitations on themselves because it’s such a pain in the ass.”

The Makings of a Mountain Man

Though Krauss had never climbed something of this height, he always loved mountaineering and grew up hiking with his family in Germany and Austria. But when the opportunity to climb Aconcagua came up in June 2022, he committed immediately. As he shared his dream with his wife and children, they eventually grew to be on board, and he was set to depart in January 2023.

In preparation for his trip, he hired mountaineering coach Leif Whitaker. Though Krauss is an ultra runner, he realized this wouldn’t be enough for the treacherous conditions of Aconcagua. Together, he and Whitaker transformed his entire training plan and did six months of strength training. Much of the training was lower heart rate exercises to practice slowly ascending steep slopes with loaded backpacks, similar to how it’d be on the mountain.

In addition to shifting his fitness training, Krauss also had to shift his nutrition plan. Krauss says he had worries about his diet going into his trip.

“How is my body going to react to all those carbs? Will the insulin work in the way it’s worked in the past?” Krauss says. “These are things that if you don’t have an answer (to), you die.”

So, about three to four months out from his trip, Krauss switched from his diabetic low-carb and highfat diet to a carb-heavy diet to re-familiarize his body with consuming carbs, as most of the mountain snacks required more sugar and carbs for calories and energy.

The Deal With Diabetes

Krauss was diagnosed with diabetes at 28 years old, but prior to his diagnosis, he had no idea how people managed diabetes, even though he had a good friend who was diabetic.

“It’s not that I didn’t care; he was my buddy, but it’s just diabetes — who cares?” Krauss says. “And then, I wake up with diabetes, and I was like, ‘Holy shit, this might be one of the most underrated autoimmune diseases on the planet.’”

According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, about 1.45 million people in the U.S. have Type 1 diabetes, and 64,000 are diagnosed with it every year in America. Despite the high number of those experiencing diabetes, Krauss says the resources for high-intensity activities, like mountaineering, with diabetes were slim.

Despite having had years of practice managing diabetes, Krauss was preparing to do it in the unfamiliar terrain of the mountain, an entirely different story.

“Diabetes wants attention 24/7; it doesn’t matter where you are, what you do,” Krauss says. “When you go into the mountains, everything changes every single day. You just don’t know what’s going to happen (or) how your body’s going to respond.”

The Summit Story

On Jan. 10, Krauss launched from Austin to Argentina, and the expedition started three days later with a team of 15 — all people from across the globe, each with their own reasons to climb.

Krauss says even though Mount Everest is technically the tallest mountain in the world, Aconcagua is probably almost equal in difficulty, if not more, because of its harsh terrain. And time on the mountain feels relatively slower than daily life; everything takes longer because of the altitude, even something as simple as getting dressed.

“Never ever do you want to push so hard that your heart rate gets elevated,” Krauss says. “Even the slightest elevation in heart rate will have you bent over trying to breathe.”

Throughout the trip, Krauss experienced many symptoms that would’ve ushered in a trip to the emergency room if he were in Austin; but here on the mountain, they were expected. Krauss and other teammates even had hallucinations from hypoxia, which occurs from low levels of oxygen in the body.

Just as symptoms are relative on the mountain so is distance. Even if you can physically see the summit, Krauss says the trip to it will likely take several hours. For Krauss, he and a guide made it up in 18 hours while others made it in 27.

“Everything is ‘Andes close’ — you’ve seen it, but it’s eight hours away,” Krauss says. “The mountain is so big that, for us mortals, we cannot conceptualize the true magnitude of the situation.”

Not only does physical exertion become more challenging in harsh conditions but making decisions feels more difficult, and Krauss had to make many that felt unnatural. For instance, when his insulin pump froze, he had to manually monitor his glucose levels to see if he needed insulin. However, once he reached the summit, he didn’t need to inject insulin as much as his appetite disappeared with the increased altitude.

Luckily, Krauss had a team who invested in his situation by learning more about diabetes and helping him carry insulin. One of them even melted a frozen insulin bottle with his mouth so Krauss could draw insulin from a vial to put in a syringe when he ran out of pre-loaded syringes.

Unfortunately, many accidents also occurred on the trip, including one of the teammates falling down the mountain and other deaths both during the trip and afterward. Out of the 15 who went, only five stayed to the end, and out of those, only he and two others made it to the summit. The other 10 returned home because of trauma or deaths.

“You can have the best intentions and attitude toward making it to the top but, at the end of the day, the mountain decides who comes up and who doesn’t,” Krauss says. “It’s a weird thing to say, but when you’re in it, it makes perfect sense because that mountain is so big; you’re so insignificant. It’s seen tons of people trying to do what you want to do, and it doesn’t negotiate.”

The Coming Climb

After returning from Aconcagua on Feb. 4, Krauss admits he’s been thinking about his next trip since. His original plan was to climb Mount Kilimanjaro this August, but after the accidents on this past trip, he decided to take the year to recover and process his experience. His soft plan is to do Mount Everest next April and, from there, a few mountains each year. Either way, Krauss hopes his experience encourages those with diabetes who want adventure and provides the resources to pursue it. His biggest takeaway was a shift in his worldview of understanding what’s truly important — something he says people neglect amidst day-to-day stresses.

“An experience such as (climbing Aconcagua), diabetes… not diabetes, just helps with perspective,” Krauss says. “Nothing is important; the only thing that matters is your family and the people you love (...) Being on that mountain, when you’re in such a raw, unfiltered and unprotected situation — everything changes.” afm

Uncovering the Success of Pickleball

Who knew this seemingly giant version of ping-pong would become such a huge overnight success in Austin?

AUTHOR LAURA BOND WILLIAMS

Is Austin’s booming pickleball scene an overnight success, a pandemic-induced solution for boredom and social distancing?

This paddle sport played indoors and outdoors on badminton-sized courts is currently the fastestgrowing sport in America. All over Austin, players gather on basketball and tennis courts with new lines, and portable nets or on brand-new pickleball-only courts created to meet demand. From retirement communities to cul-de-sacs, private clubs to public parks, you’ll hear the unique “pock” sound of a wood and plastic paddle on a plastic ball — and a lot of laughing.

For the record: I’ve never swung a pickleball paddle. Before deciding that discredits me, please consider it my objectivity because, at the end of this, you may want to pick up a paddle and holler, “Zero — zero — one.”

What’s the Deal with Pickleball?

You may ask yourself, “Where have I been?”

Many players discovered or returned to pickleball during the pandemic. But this viral, infectious game — which several people have described as both “fun” and “dumb” — has been building momentum in Austin for the last decade.

And it changes people’s lives personally and professionally.

Austinite Laura Stangl discovered pickleball after seeing people playing it. In 2021, she bought a starter kit online and tried learning it via YouTube. A friend in her residential building organized lessons with a certified instructor, Matt Boyett, and her pickleball fever set in.

Stangl says there’s always someone in her highrise ready to play anywhere, from Pan American Park Courts to Austin High School or indoors at the South

Austin Recreation Center.

“To be honest, I thought (pickleball) was going to be easy because it had a reputation as an older person’s sport,” Stangl says. “Heck no! (I) love that you see a lot of younger people playing.”

And true to pickler culture, Stangl introduced her 20-something son to the game, and he told his friends. That’s how it happens — pickleball is contagious. YouTubers The Holderness Family described pickleball fever in five stages: judgment, curiosity, reluctance, commitment and obsession. (I’ll add a sixth: evangelism. Reporting on this story, I received at least two invitations to play.)

Hannah Johns is a younger “pickler” who works for the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and its PPA Tour. As a former tennis player, she learned to play pickleball in Florida in the spring of 2020. She says pickleball was a solution for pandemic boredom.

Johns began watching local tournaments and reporting on the sidelines for fun, which created her next job: courtside reporter. In 2020, she traveled across the country creating content at events and managing media opportunities for the PPA. She moved to Austin in 2022 and now enjoys playing tournaments, though most of her Austin play is social and recreational due to the travel demands of her job.

“Pickleball is a nice mixture of social, recreational and competitive,” Johns says. “And it’s easy to get addicted to it really fast. It becomes a social circle and lifestyle. Coming out of COVID, it was an easy way to segue back into life.”

Johns says another major reason the sport spread so fast is because of how inclusive it is.

“You can make (pickleball) highly athletic or highly unathletic,” Johns says.

Katie Russell Newland, a former University of Texas at Austin professor and current author, says pickleball changed her life. She discovered the game in Arizona in 2019 but stopped playing during COVID. In December 2021, she visited a high school gym where she knew no one and put her paddle in a stack to play.

“(Pickleball) is the only time during my day I am fully in the present moment. My mind, body and spirit are singularly focused,” Newland says. “It’s my mediation, the space between my over-active thoughts. And because of that, pickleball has impacted my fitness level, my sense of community and my career path.”

The Sport For All

So, how did this “older person’s sport” become the sport for all ages?

Its sweet spots get most of the credit — easy to learn and play, sociable with a non-stop drip of dopamine. Plus, it provides the opportunity to compete.

Amy Owen is part owner of 002 Pickleball, which creates “amateur tournaments the pro way.” Owen also works at Quarries Sports & Recreation where she started playing pickleball nine years ago when The Quarries Gym added pickleball lines to its gym floor. Back then, they invited players from the retirement

community Sun City Georgetown to show them how to play.

Like others, Owen played more during COVID, which stoked her competitive spirit. Many players agree that’s part of its popularity.

“(Pickleball) brought back a sense of competition that I was losing as I got a little older and didn’t have the desire to play other sports competitively,” Owen says. “I’ve always connected with people through sports, so this has given me a new way to continue to make friends and be social.”

So is Austin really the center of the expanding pickleball universe? Johns says Austin is one of the pickleball hubs because many of the top 20 pros live here including Ben Johns, Lea Jansen, Zane Navratil, Julian Arnold, Lauren Stratman and Lina Padegimaite. On top of that, add Steve Kuhn who owns the rec sports complex Dreamland in Dripping Springs, which has 16 dedicated pickleball courts. Kuhns also founded Major League Pickleball (MLP) in 2021, which merged with the PPA’s VIBE Pickleball League last fall.

Creating Culture

Where attention goes, money and energy flow. Restaurants like Bouldin Acres and The Pitch cater to

recreational and amateur competitive players, while clubs and facilities outside of Austin host pro-tour events.

So, what’s ahead for Austin picklers in 2023? Players agree that reservations for courts are now recommended.

“Pickleball has changed a lot in Austin over the last few years,” says Maggie Brown, CEO of Austin-based Recess Pickleball, which markets colorful custom pickleball paddles. “The courts are almost always busy at all times of the day. There are more public courts than there were two years ago.

With Austin being a hot spot for creative businesses popping up that combine activities with drinks, Brown suspects within the next two years, there will be more pickleball courts paired with a bar/restaurant concept.

Pickleball continues to grow in all directions. Non-competitive rec players appreciate investments in more courts, better equipment, more stylish clothing (thank you, Norma Kamali), and travel and

leisure opportunities like retreats and vacations with pickleball. Competitive amateur and pro players welcome the growth of tours, events, teams and the “professionalization” of the sport — marked by more qualified trainers and coaches as well as more media time and bigger prizes.

This dichotomy is consistent with the sport itself; it can be a “fun and dumb game” for 15 minutes or a 3-hour competitive match.

Either way, picklers say, you’re going to have a ball. afm

About the Author

Laura Bond Williams is a certified Pilates teacher and professional life coach helping clients discover new ways of moving through life with ease and awareness. She loves a good Broadway dance class or “Thriller” flash mob and is happy to take the stage anywhere, from the Long Center to a parking lot.

WELLNESS

AUTHOR Isabel Meijering, DACM, L.Ac

SPRING SEASON WELLNESS

n Spring is a season of rebirth and renewal, so here is a wellness breakdown of this new season.

Another season is upon us, can you feel the changes? In modern times, we often rebuff seasonal changes and their impact on us including our health, eating habits and everything around us. Remembering and acting with the energetics of each season helps to sustain us and keep us connected to nature.

Spring season is the season of yin within yang. We’re coming out of the full yin season, winter, where we hibernated and conserved energy and into the outwardmoving season of spring. In winter, we planted seeds and spent time in meditation, thinking and manifesting what to birth in the spring. Now, it’s time for those seeds to sprout and to fully throw yourself into your ideas.

This outward-moving energy is the energy of connection, movement and activity. One of the best examples of what happens when we ignore this energy is what happened with the COVID lockdown. In the springtime, we were all made to stay inside and hibernate during a season of connection — and that’s really tough, let alone everything else that was going on.

We noticed people feeling trapped inside, angsty about their situations and desperate to get out and connect. When the lockdowns softened, we saw how people wanted to make up for “lost time” and really connect with others. So, this season, go out and connect with nature and others! The energetics support you.

Spring season belongs to the wood element, and the spring season organs are the liver and gallbladder. The color is green, which directly mirrors nature and all of the new plants. Looking at all the natural green plants outside is a great way to get connected with the seasons and work with the wood element. Meditating while looking at the naturally green earth is even better! The sense organ of the wood element is the eyes, so working to strengthen them by focusing on green plants in the distance is really helpful.

To further see the connection between the eyes and the wood element, notice when someone has a temper or a burst of anger; you can see the redness in their eyes. This leads us to our next fact — the emotion of the wood element is anger or frustration. Tempers can start to flare as we all come out of hibernation and get a little angsty.

The best way to move through this liver qi stagnation is to get your body moving. Go for a hike, get in nature and work yourself up to a sweat to get things moving. Alcohol is another way to move liver qi. Of course, this isn’t a sustainable solution. However, you do see that people who are angry or stressed out crave alcohol sometimes. This is your body being smart and wanting to move that stagnant energy. However, a better longterm solution is to up your movement and work out. Your body will learn to crave the movement over alcohol the more you reinforce this pattern.

Some of my favorite springtime herbs are as follows:

• Mint: Great for cooling down people who are hot either physically or emotionally. It also helps with menstrual cramps, headaches, red eyes and sore throat.

• Goji berry: Great for dizziness and eye problems, chronic cough and overall liver health.

• Chrysanthemum: Great for headaches, irritability, spring seasonal transition, springtime colds and red eyes.

• Dandelion root: A solid choice for liver health, irritability, spring seasonal transition and red eyes.

It also has anti-viral properties.

Teas, in general, are also excellent in the springtime. A mint, dandelion or chrysanthemum tea is delicious and nourishing for your liver. Give it a try, and get out there and get moving this spring season! afm

About the Author

Isabel Meijering, DACM, L.Ac is an acupuncturist in Austin and owner of Admiring You Wellness. She has her doctorate in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine and specializes in cupping therapy, pain management, psycho-emotional support, menstruation support and allergies. She also has a B.S. in biomedical sciences with a minor in psychology and has a deep love for both Eastern and Western medicine.

WELLNESS

AUTHOR Isabella Ferrentino

FROM A BIRDER’S EYE VIEW

n Would you believe us if we told you that birds can be your therapists and birding can be another form of therapy?

With birding, you not only get outside but get out of your head.

Birding is not only a calming pastime; it’s an outlet within the outdoors. The hobby forces people to be more cognitive of their surroundings, providing a natural form of therapy. A study from the University of Surrey even found that birds were the most noticeable source of restorative sounds in natural environments discussed by participants.

Additionally, birding can be a form of ecotherapy. Amy Sugeno, a clinical ecotherapist, says she uses nature to heal.

“(Birds) are a very approachable way to interact with nature. Seeing something that can fly captures our interest,” Sugeno says. “The beauty of the colors and the songs connect us with that sense of awe.”

However, birding can be an intimidating hobby to tackle. Birds are everywhere, and it can be overwhelming to identify all of them. Nonetheless, the accessibility to birds encourages learning everywhere.

Nicole Netherton, executive director of Austin’s Travis Audubon Society, has taken several sparrow classes and admits she still struggles to identify them. Birding can mean different things to different people; it can be a travel opportunity or people can find peace in making a list or simply enjoying a bird’s presence.

“Some people thrive on learning attention to detail, making lists and traveling to see birds,” Netherton says. “You can make (birding) whatever you want. People should do whatever they find joy and relaxation in.”

JEFF PATTERSON

Birding improves mental health not only because of the relaxation and connection to nature it brings; it also provides the space for people of different backgrounds to partake in the activity.

Communities in Austin that practice birding continue to grow to be an inclusive environment to all populations, one of these populations being those who are physically disabled. After 20 years of birding in a wheelchair, Virginia Rose never saw other people with disabilities birding and founded Birdability in 2018. Birdability’s mission is to introduce people with disabilities to birding, to ensure birding sites are accessible and that birding communities are inclusive.

“It’s vital for mental health to combat the isolation that comes with being disabled. They’re isolated by virtue of their disability,” Rose says. “They certainly are not inclined to go out and into nature by themselves with so much uncertainty about whether or not the site is accessible.”

By creating an inclusive environment, more people are able to experience the mental health benefits of birding. Rose says birding empowers individuals.

“The empowerment of being a birder and being out alone or with people makes you a stronger person; (it) makes you more confident,” Rose says. “It brings out all the things you can do.”

Great places to start birding in Austin include the Hornsby Bend Bird Observatory, Travis Audubon free bird walks, neighborhoods, local parks and even outside your own window. Lucky for us, Texas is located right in the middle of the Central Flyway, which is the ideal

PALOMA ORTIZ

VIRGINIA ROSE

AMY SUGENO

location for birding, especially during peak migration season from March to May.

Ultimately, Sugeno says birding enables us to recognize how essential nature is to humans.

“(Birding) is a little reminder of how important nature is to us, even if that’s not what necessarily crosses our mind,” Sugeno says. “All we have to do is open our eyes (and) stop, and it can make a big difference in our happiness and quality of life.”

Just as birds are constantly changing with the seasons and rhythms of life, those who partake in birding can ground themselves in the natural flow of it — something that can be soothing for the soul. Rose says birding brings out the raw experience of listening and seeing.

“When you’re birding, you are listening, really listening; you are seeing, really seeing, and you are completely immersed in the moment,” Rose says. “That is the answer to anxiety.” afm

NICOLE NETHERTON

AUTHOR Mark Denesha

PLAYING PICKLEBALL: HOW TO NOT GET HURT

With a rapid rise in popularity comes a higher risk for injury, especially when it comes to pickleball in Austin. As the fastest-growing sport in America, pickleball has become a sport for all ages. In 2021, 20% of all pickleball players were aged 55+, with the average age being 38. For those in the 55+ age range, it’s a great activity because it’s easy to modify the energy expenditure requirements. However, as the sport continues to grow in popularity, especially in individuals 55+ who were previously sedentary, there’s also an increase in injuries.

Although pickleball is less demanding than tennis, there are still a lot of similarities such as the footwork. There’s less running than tennis, but pickleball requires cutting left and right, peddling forward and backward, and quick pivots and lunges all while swinging a paddle. The games, especially singles, involve short sprints, which calls for good balance, foot coordination and the ability to start and stop with control. If you’re lacking in one of these, you could be setting yourself up for injury.

Common Pickleball Injuries

Because pickleball is easy to learn, and therefore not perceived as a rigorous activity, new players don’t put emphasis on warmups, cooldowns and physical fitness.

As a physical therapist, I’ve seen a combination of acute and overuse injuries.

In my experience, I’ve seen acute injuries in new-tothe-sport players. Overuse injuries are also in new-tothe-sport players as well as ones who have experience in tennis or ping-pong but have been sedentary. The severity of injuries varies from sprains to patellar fractures, but the three most common are ankle sprains, shin splints and muscle strains in the lower back.

The majority of the injuries I’ve treated in pickleball players are in the lower extremities. Shoulder and

n With pickleball being the fastestgrowing sport in the U.S., people are quick to play and slow to avoid and prevent injuries.

elbow injuries occur also but to a lesser extent. This is likely because pickleball is played with a plastic whiffle ball and is therefore lower impact compared to tennis.

Prevention

The number one way to avoid injuries is with prevention. My favorite way of doing so is through strengthening. If your ankles are stronger, the joint will be more resilient to sprains. Of course, mobility is also important and shouldn’t be overlooked. Here are a few easy exercises you can incorporate to

keep you injury free:

• Ankle Sprains: One easy preventative measure is to wear appropriate footwear, as 85% of all ankle sprains are lateral sprains. Look for shoes that offer good traction and a wide base for lateral stability. Some exercises that are helpful include 4-way TheraBand resistance, eccentric calf training, cone taps and ankle stability on an unstable surface.

• Shin Splints: Exercises include tibialis anterior raises, gastroc stretch, soleus calf raises and tibialis anterior foam roll.

• Lower Back Pain: Exercises include paloff presses, chops and lifts, trunk rotation stretch and glute bridges.

Warm-Up

The goal of a warmup is to get you physically and mentally prepared for a specific activity. This is done by increasing your heart rate, which increases blood flow to your brain and muscles and increases your core temperature.

Spend 10 to 15 minutes getting ready for action. Although research is still not concrete on whether or not warming up prevents injuries, the weight of evidence is in favor of practicing it. I’d also recommend doing dynamic activities that are specific to your sport. For pickleball, think of karaoke side steps and stepthrough lunges. You should sweat lightly, but don’t fatigue yourself.

Cooldown

Similar to the warm-up, research suggests that cooling down may not be as beneficial as everyone says. According to a 2018 review, the cooldown didn’t significantly reduce muscle soreness or improve recovery. Nevertheless, I’m still a proponent of a short cool down. It feels good, poses no harm and gives your body a chance to return to baseline levels.

Now, what are you waiting for? Join the craze! Find a local pickleball group on Facebook, or look for disgruntled tennis players at the park. But don’t forget to make sure you prep your body; otherwise, I’ll be seeing you soon in the clinic! afm

About the Author

Mark Denesha, PT, DPT is the owner of Forever Forward Physical Therapy — an Austin-based fully equipped mobile PT clinic. FFPT services include manual therapy, strength training and injury recovery, when and where you need it. Denesha’s collegiate sports and military background, combined with his curiosity for movement, have influenced his treatment style, which prioritizes strength and function.

WELLNESS

AUTHOR Rachel Melegrito

ALLERGIES IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

n Having allergies doesn’t mean you have to live your life indoors permanently; from parks to trails, there’s still something for everyone.

Going outside is all that we crave to do when the weather is nice in Austin, but if you’re prone to outdoor allergies, it can make for a different story.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors and manage your allergies; all it takes is a little planning ahead and knowing what areas and activities will trigger your allergies so you can enjoy being outside without having to worry about sneezing fits or other unpleasant allergy symptoms.

A key thing to keep in mind is that the strongest allergy season in Austin to watch out for is cedar season, which is when the cedar trees release pollen into the air. To avoid this, it’s best to plan your outdoor activities before or after cedar season, which typically lasts from mid-December through mid-February.

Here are tips for making the most out of Austin while managing your allergies:

Go Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake

Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake is a great water sport by which you can enjoy the outdoors, but allergies often make this more challenging, especially when the wind picks up on the water. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to make your experience more enjoyable. First, plan your kayaking trip for early morning or late evening when pollen counts are lower. This will help reduce your exposure to allergens and make it easier to breathe.

Second, consider wearing a mask while kayaking. This will help filter out airborne allergens and protect your lungs from pollen and other irritants. You can use these same types of masks when camping in and around Austin.

Third, bring antihistamines or other allergy medications to help reduce symptoms such as sneezing and watery eyes.

Stroll Through Zilker Botanical Garden

Zilker Botanical Garden is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors and take in the beauty of nature in Texas. However, it might be every allergy-prone person’s worst nightmare to be surrounded by so many plants and flowers.

One thing you can do to manage your allergies is to try to avoid areas with an abundance of flowers or plants that could trigger your allergic reaction. Instead, stick

to open areas with fewer plants and trees if possible. And, if you start feeling symptoms, consider taking a break in an indoor space until they pass — no need to try to white-knuckle it and push your limits; waiting until your symptoms pass will make the experience all the more enjoyable.

Picnic at Butler Park

Having a picnic at Butler Park is another excellent way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family and friends. Though allergies can make picnics less enjoyable, there are ways to work around this.

For instance, always make sure to plan ahead before you head out for your picnic. Check the pollen count for the day, and plan accordingly. If you know that cedar trees are a trigger for you, try to avoid areas of the park where cedar trees are more present.

Also, consider bringing allergy medication along and wearing protective clothing. For instance, wearing long

sleeves and pants can help reduce exposure to allergens like pollen and grasses. This is especially true for those older adults used to staying indoors with home care. Lastly, try to stay hydrated as it helps keep your body functioning correctly and can help reduce symptoms of allergies like sneezing or congestion.

Enjoying the outdoors in Austin doesn’t have to be difficult if you suffer from allergies. Following the tips above and planning ahead can help you still make the most of your outdoor experiences while managing your allergies. So grab your allergy medication, wear protective clothing and head out for a great day outside in Austin! afm

About the Author

Rachel Melegrito left her career as a university instructor to become a full-fledged content writer. She is also a licensed occupational therapist and a budding SEO strategist.

AUTHOR

Sam Hacker

Courtesy of Riley Woods

CLIMBING TO THE NEXT LEVEL

n You’ve probably seen the color-coordinated levels at your local rock climbing gym, but how do you know when it’s time to level up?

Alot of people know instinctively how to climb, but learning how to succeed at rock climbing is a skill on its own.

Your style of climbing is going to change as you improve — your body becomes more relaxed as you grow in confidence, you become more dynamic in moves and your confidence grows as you trust in your ability to jump and climb in a safe manner. But how do you know when to try out higher-level moves and when to keep improving on the ones you already know?

Austin-based Riley Woods has been climbing for six years. He worked as a climbing instructor at a kids’ camp in Colorado, traveled across the country in search of new climbs and has tried almost all climbing disciplines with a soft spot for bouldering.

Woods says although there’s no classification to determine which moves are beginner, intermediate and advanced, climbing still requires basic knowledge and

training. Plus, some moves are more challenging than others, such as jumping for holds, and require a strong foundation of climbing skills.

“It is a skill sport,” Woods says. “Just because you’re the strongest in the room doesn’t mean you’re going to get up quickly.”

Beginner

A big part of learning to climb well begins with understanding how you climb.

“(Climbing is) all about moving your body,” Woods says. “It’s about learning how to grab different holes and crevices.”

Beginner climbers have the tendency to focus on reaching the top of the wall, but neglect paying attention to how they’re using their limbs. To be an efficient climber, Woods says you must learn to engage your muscles and grab holds and crevices in different ways.

Some basic methods of grabbing holds include an undercling as well as a full or half crimp. An

undercling is when you put your palm up to grab a hold — these are most effective around your midsection to allow the least amount of stress on your hands. If you put too much weight for too long on your hands, they can cramp and you could lose your grip.

With full or half crimps, the difference in these holds is where your thumb goes. In both holds, your four fingers press into a hold, arching upward while putting pressure on your fingertips. However, for a full crimp, your thumb is on top of your pointer finger, adding another level of pressure. For a half crimp, your thumb stays on the side. Be careful, though, because if you hold a full crimp for too long, it can lead to chronic finger injuries.

Intermediate

As you start becoming more relaxed and dynamic in your climbing, you can increase the speed of your climb. While beginner climbers ensure they’re touching the wall at all times,

intermediate climbing becomes more fluid and calculated.

Dyno moves are one such move where you jump from hold to hold with your right hand reaching for a new hold. A double-dyno is completely abandoning the previous hold for a new hold.

“Jumping for holds is definitely intermediate,” Woods says. “There’s a lot of inner dialogue that goes into a jump.”

Advanced

Advanced climbing often includes using holes that are only big enough to fit two fingers, typically being more of a pocket or indentation. These holds are common in outdoor climbing.

Sometimes, you might see monos, which are one-finger pockets. These can be very easy to hurt yourself on.

“Climbing is very strenuous,” Woods says. “The tendons in your hand are not as strong, but over time, they get stronger.”

Another advanced move includes the kneebar, which includes jamming your knee or thigh into a hole and using the pressure on it to reach your arms to the next hold.

“(A kneebar) can be a scary thing because you also have to know how to fall properly,” Woods says.

If you can’t make the reach, falling properly becomes the most important thing to focus on. When you fall, the key is to not panic.

Keep facing the wall as you fall, and as you land, land on your feet, and roll onto your butt and back to avoid twisting your ankles.

With anything, it takes time and practice to become an expert, and that’s true for rock climbing, too. Focusing on one method helps you master one specific way of climbing, but being openminded to different disciplines opens the door to more climbing opportunities.”

“You have to do everything really well to become an expert,” Woods says. “A good way to improve is to watch people who are better than you and emulate them.” afm

AUTHOR Jessica Tranchina, PT, DPT

SO, YOU WANT TO DO A TRIATHLON?

You need more money; you must dedicate your life to training; you have to be a super athlete — these are incorrect but real beliefs people have about triathlons.

For 25 years, I competed in triathlons, and they were some of the best years of my life! But I know some of you may be intimidated by them, so I’d like to debunk some common misconceptions about triathlons, so you believe that you can do it, too!

#1: It’s too expensive.

Like so many areas of life, people seem to believe they need the latest and greatest to fit in or take on triathlons. That’s not true — for triathlons and most other parts of our lives.

You can have a great experience in triathlons with basic gear. That’s true today more than ever; even entry-level gear today is better than the best gear 10 to 15 years ago. The other great thing is you probably already have all the gear you’d need!

For the swim portion, you just need a swimsuit and goggles, and the race provides swim caps based on your age group and/or division. For the biking portion, you may think you need an expensive bike, but any bike that gets you from A to B is just fine! If you don’t have a bike, that’s OK, too — you can rent one or borrow one from a friend. Top it off with any bike helmet, and you’re all set! And lastly, for the run portion, you just need shoes!

A sprint distance tri doesn’t require as much training as you may think. Depending on your current swimming, cycling and running abilities, you’ll know what areas to focus on.

With that being said, you can train as little as 3 to 5 workouts a week to get you race-ready. Focus on your weakness, and complete more of those workouts as needed. If your availability is limited during the week, incorporate brick workouts (combining two disciplines together and training them back to back). For instance, bike for 10 miles followed by a 2-mile run.

It’s tempting to think the more we train, the better we get; while there’s a bit of truth to that, there’s also the reality that training all three sports all the time will lead to fatigue, burnout and potential injuries.

It’s hard to hear in today’s “Instagram everything” world, but patience is arguably the biggest tool for long-term growth. It’s absolutely OK to only do one discipline or two on any given day, and you should have at least one, if not two, days completely off.

#2: Training takes too much time, and you need to train all disciplines every day.

n Running, swimming and biking — the trinity of the triathlon; but what are the most common misconceptions about the race?

#3: You must be a super athlete to compete.

Triathletes come in different ages, shapes and sizes. If you can swim, ride a bike and put one foot in front of the other, you can complete a triathlon! According to USAT, the average age of triathletes is 38 years old, and the second-largest age group is 40 to 44. It’s never too early or late to start your triathlon journey!

Sprint triathlons are a great way to dip your toe in the sport to get a feel of doing all three disciplines back to back. But this sport is competitive, and the best of the best tend to luck into a unique combination of incredible emotional and physical resilience with a body that facilitates endurance performance. That’s a really unique combination of life experience, hard wiring and physical infrastructure.

The good news is there are very few people in that situation. The huge majority of people you see at a triathlon are just like you! They have jobs, families and responsibilities, and they have to work at making life blend with the sport. Triathlons are a participatory sport, and we can all take part.

#4: You’re

One myth I’d love to debunk among triathletes and non-triathletes is this sense that unless you do an ultra-distance event, you haven’t done a triathlon. That’s incorrect! You’re a triathlete if you swim-bikerun any distance.

#5: All triathlon swims are open-water swims.

A brief but still important misconception is that people only do open-water swims at triathlons, which may sway a lot of people to avoid signing up. However, many triathlon races are pool swims, especially shorter-distance races and beginner races.

Hopefully, I’ve helped ease your mind a bit, and you’re ready to embark on the wonderful world of triathlons now with less anxiety. Have fun, y’all! It’s an amazing adventure! afm

About the Author

Jessica Tranchina, PT, DPT is a co-founder of Generator Athlete Lab and has been an athlete her whole life. As the creator of the Generator Method, Tranchina works to help guide others to better performance and recovery and is passionate about bringing the active community of Austin together from all fitness levels and athletic backgrounds. She’s the owner of PRIMO Performance and Rehabilitation, which started in Austin in 2010, where her expertise and unique skillset have been established as one of the best in her field. Her certifications include NASM-CPT, ART Certified Provider and CKTP.

not a real triathlete if you haven’t raced long or have done an Ironman triathlon.

AUTHOR Charlotte Wells

GET OUT & GET ACTIVE

While there are plenty of ways for people to freely exercise outdoors, fully equipped outdoor gyms are still relatively uncommon.

Exercising outdoors gained prominence and popularity over the last few years, especially since COVID. As more people began moving outside and away from traditional gym setups, the fitness industry had to adapt to these changing dynamics in order to stay afloat. Many gyms around the country met this new demand for outdoor spaces by expanding their services to include either outdoor fitness classes or a designated open fitness area, complete with equipment like free weights, squat racks and cardio machines.

This new phenomenon comes with its perks, as exercising

outdoors is commonly acknowledged to have several added benefits to the already long list of general benefits of physical exercise. According to Piedmont Healthcare, outdoor exercise is a natural antidepressant because exposure to sunlight increases serotonin, which helps ward off anxiety and depression. This also helps people to approach exercise with a better attitude.

Hannah Friggel has been professionally working in the fitness industry since 2017 and is the founder of FrigNFit in Austin. She says she has a more positive attitude toward fitness when exercising outdoors.

“The outdoors gives you great boosts in vitamin D from the sun,” Friggel says. “Plus, there are

particles from plants and the fresh air that give you a mood boost, as well.”

These natural mood boosters that come with being outside help make workouts more enjoyable and rewarding. Friggel, who tries to exercise outdoors as much as possible, says her good mood helps her get a better overall workout while exercising outside. This is a common sentiment among outdoor gym goers, another indirect benefit of outdoor gyms.

People who work out outside may also be more inclined to work out more consistently, as it offers mental relief and can be a more enjoyable activity when surrounded by nature. A study published on PubMed reports that participants who exercised outside

n Fully equipped outdoor gyms may be few and far between, but the benefits of exercising outdoors are plentiful.

experienced greater enjoyment and stated a higher intent to repeat the activity than those who exercised indoors.

Steven Bell, who has been an active member of the fitness community for around six years, says he prefers outdoor fitness because he finds it more fun and feels more motivated.

“New environments give me new energy,” Bell says.

However, because outdoor gyms have only recently increased in popularity, there’s not as much of an established community surrounding them as there is with indoor gyms. It can be harder to feel like you’re part of a fitness community when exercising outdoors, which, for some, is a deterrent.

“I mainly do indoor (exercise) because of the pre-existing community,” Bell says.

Even for those exercising independently and not in a class, gyms can offer a sense of camaraderie as gymgoers share the space and equipment and often share similar interests and goals.

This sense of community can be harder to replicate in outdoor fitness areas, especially if they’re not designed to accommodate extensive workout sessions. However, fully equipped outdoor gyms can offer the same community-centered atmosphere and allow people to enjoy the same type of workout they would at an indoor gym.

In a place with warm temperatures year-round like

Austin, the opportunity to exercise at outdoor gyms is much more readily available. This makes it easier for gym goers to enjoy the benefits of outdoor exercise while still getting in a good workout.

Choosing to exercise at an outdoor gym may seem like a small change, but it can offer a surprising number of small benefits that add up to significantly improving overall physical and mental health. Not only does it help boost your energy levels and mood for the rest of the day, exercising outdoors can also allow you to have more fun and make exercising a more enjoyable activity. So next time you sign up for a gym membership, it might be time to consider visiting an outdoor gym! afm

AUTHOR Katerina Cotroneo

Spotlight ATHLETE BRADYN LANGE

n Bradyn Lange was once your friendly neighborhood mountain bike kid. Today, he’s one of the top American mountain bikers.

Bradyn Lange always knew some kind of bike was in his future, but living in Austin with the picturesque paths and incredible weather helped him realize that mountain bikes would be the path for him.

As a 22-year-old, Lange was selected for the Life Time Grand Prix, making him the youngest rider in the series; he won one of the six races in 2022. Today, he continues to race and is currently competing in the Cross Country Olympics (XCO).

Riding has been a major part of the Lange family lineage as Lange’s father Doug was a professional motocross rider for years. Lange started on bikes at 2 years old, making it almost “second nature”

to him.

As a younger rider, Lange admits he had a more laid-back approach to riding. However, that didn’t stop him from succeeding in the sport. While he was a freshman at Lake Travis High School, he finished his first high school race in first place with a flat tire around his neck and five minutes out from the next competitor. In his early days of racing, he trained with the “LAME” team from Lakeway Area Mountain Bike Enthusiasts. He says they helped him keep racing fun, which is how it should be.

Since then, he’s participated in several races across the world including the Chequamegon 40 in Wisconsin. From race courses in Italy, Michigan, California, Utah and Austria, Lange gets to see the

world from the mountains and in a way unlike any of us.

I got the chance to speak with Lange about his experience riding.

KATERINA COTRONEO: Tell me a little about your career as a racer and what you’re currently doing.

BRADYN LANGE: I’m lucky to be sponsored by SCOTT Bikes and Orange Seal, and I’m currently at a training camp in Spain with the Orange Seal Academy and coach Dennis Van Winden, the best of the best are out here. (My) training is vigorous, (my) meals are very specific to (my) endurance and mileage, and the days are long. I have to be very hydrated practically always and, essentially, I have no time for socializing during race season. I ride miles and miles on end in different terrain to ensure I can be prepared for any condition, rain or shine. Even though it’s intense, it’s a lot of fun and

something I’ve always dreamed of.

KC: What are your future plans for your mountain bike career?

BL: I’m following my dreams and living out my family’s legacy of racing across the globe and training with the best of the best. You really don’t reach don’t hit prime riding age till (your) early thirties, so I’m excited to see what’s to come and just continue to try my best.

KC: As a biker of 10+ years, any advice for anybody looking to get into the sport?

BL: You’re never too late in the game! I’ve known people (who) never knew how to even ride bikes (who) have raced locally and it’s great! This sport really brings people together; it’s judgment free.

Find a crew, join a club, get a bike, and give (it) a shot — it’s that easy and, especially in Austin, it’s a lot of fun.

KC: How would you credit your success?

BL: Definitely my family and the LAME guys, they all worked hard to train with me in the early days and always kept it fun and lighthearted; that’s how it should be — I’m looking at you Scot, Kelly and Smitty. My parents Gina and Doug both were volunteer coaches all throughout high school making it family-oriented, literally.

Though Lange makes mountain biking look and sound easy, Lange says there have been races where he’s sled through the finish line covered in mud from head to toe sliding to the end and others where he’s come through with a flat tire around his neck while it snows. Overall, it seems for Lange, there was no better place to learn the sport than on our 512 soil and the very trails all around our city. With years to go until he hits his “peak,” there’s no telling how high the ceiling is for him and where he’ll go, but Lange hopes to enjoy the “ride” nonetheless. afm

About the Author

Katerina Cotroneo is an author and professional photographer who uses her marketing background and talent behind the camera and has been published in AFM, Authentic Texas, Waterways Magazine, Tribeza and more. Cotroneo captures idiosyncratic stories through her lens and portrays diverse perspectives in her writing.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ORANGE SEAL

AUTHOR Shayne Cerebe

Corner AMBASSADOR’S

SAPIEN CENTER

n For this month’s Ambassador’s Corner, new AFM ambassador Shayne Cerebe covers Sapien Center, the ancestral health hub of ATX.

Hello, AFM! My name is Shayne Cerebe, and I’m one of the newest AFM ambassadors.

As a fitness enthusiast living in Austin, you’re in luck — this city is home to some of the best outdoor workout spots in the country. And now, there’s a new player in town that’s taking the fitness scene by storm. Introducing Sapien Center, a unique social club dedicated to ancestral health practices and healthy living.

Formerly a body shop, this space has been transformed into a hub for the health-conscious community, thanks to the vision of founder Brian Sanders. You may recognize Brian as the renowned podcast host of “Peak Human” and owner of Nose to Tail, a premium grass-finished meat delivery company. At Sapien Center, you’ll find a welcoming community that values healthy living, sustainable practices and nose-to-tail consumption of meat.

Brian believes ATX is the best city for his “third space” community dedicated to ancestral health and offers a wide range of health and wellness workshops, classes, and events for members and non-members alike.

This Ambassador’s Corner is supporting We Are Blood. Thank you for your generosity in the work to provide access to blood for patients in Texas when they need it most. Every donation counts as we work to provide the community with a healthy blood supply.

You can donate blood right here in Austin on North Lamar.

Now, onto the recap!

I was curious about this new space, so I decided to check it out for myself. Walking into Sapien Center, I was immediately greeted by a range of Nose to Tail products — raw milk, meats, natural body creams and deodorants. Ranch Rider, an ATX seltzer company, is also a sponsor at Sapien. It’s clear that this space is

not just a gym but a full-fledged community center, complete with an indoor coworking space that doubles as an event space in the afternoons and evenings. Members and non-members can share and partake in various health and wellness workshops and classes like mobility or somatic breathwork. The event space can hold up to 75 people and is equipped with couches, tables, whiteboards and a giant TV.

One of the standout features of Sapien Center is the beautiful outdoor area adjacent to the indoor space,

AMBASSADOR’S CORNER

which can fit up to 100 people. The space is lined with string lights and features a turf ground for exercising. You’ll find the gym, sauna and cold plunge here, along with outdoor showers, smokers, grills and a fire pit. The Center even has a private chef for their BBQs, butchering events and grill-outs.

During my visit, I had the opportunity to do a killer kettlebell flow and workout with Brian’s right-hand man, Matt Grebosky. He’s been working with Brian for just over a year and moved from Charleston to Austin to help bring Sapien Center to life this past October. Together, Brian and Matt opened Sapien’s doors in about four months. And now, the space is booming with events nearly every day of the week.

Sapien Center truly has something for everyone, whether you’re a member or not. You can attend classes

like Monday night’s mobility, use the workspace, take a sauna break and participate in events.

Additionally, the Center’s sauna and cold plunge take your experience to a new level, as these sessions are a fantastic way to relax and rejuvenate your body after a workout or to improve your overall health. I felt like an energizer bunny for the rest of the day after just a short session.

In short, Sapien Center is a unique and valuable community hub for anyone interested in ancestral health practices and sustainable living in Austin. And the best part? You don’t have to be a member to enjoy all the amazing events and activities happening here. Just follow their Instagram account @sapiencenter to stay up-to-date on all their exciting happenings.

So, what are you waiting for? Check it out for yourself and experience the power of ancestral health practices. Hope to see you there! afm

SPONSORED BY AUSTIN PETS ALIVE!

FEATURED Pet

BIG DAWG

n Check out this month’s featured pet, Big Dawg, brought to you by Austin Pets Alive!

Howdy, AFM! This month’s featured pet is Big Dawg, brought to you by Austin Pets Alive! Big Dawg is a 1-year and 4-month-old shepherd mix and one of the most active pups you can find at their downtown location. She’s not shy and often takes a starring role during playgroups at APA!, finding the time to involve all the other dogs. She would fit best in a home that will incorporate enough activity on any given day and would be happy to have a furry sibling to play with!

Big Dawg doesn’t just love other dogs, though. She’s affectionate with humans and is always looking for a way to get attention from them. She loves relaxing next to her people after a busy day and will cozy up on the couch. You get the best of both worlds with Big Dawg — an adventure buddy and loyal companion.

She’s the perfect size to take on trips, and she’ll never get bored during one. She’s always looking to show off her goofy side and just wants someone to share it with; she’s looking for a home that will help her continue to grow. Come meet Big Dawg at APA! You can find out more information about her at https://www. austinpetsalive.org/adopt/dogs/apa-a-102972.

CALENDAR

APRIL 2023

Submit your event online at austinfitmagazine.com

Events

THE 95TH ABC KITE FEST

APRIL 1

The 95th ABC Kite Fest

What’s fast, strong and weird in Austin on April 1st? Kites! The annual ABC Kite Fest is back for its 95th year, and the contest and showcase are set to begin at 1 p.m. From the smallest kite to the most unusual, Austinites can enter their kites to win some memorable titles. The festival will take place at Zilker Park, so make sure to come early to get a good parking spot, or you can reserve a spot ahead of time. Happy flying!

Austin, TX

APRIL 1

APRIL 1

Urban Cultural Fest

It’s no joke when we say April 1st is going to be a great day full of events! This year, the Urban Cultural Fest will take place at Vic Mathias/Auditorium Shores starting at 12 p.m. The brand will extend to include Afrocentric culture, and live music will be a large part of the festival as well as ethnic dance, food, clothing, visual arts and spoken word. Tickets can be purchased online.

APRIL 12-16

Fusebox Festival

It’s the spring festival season, and Fusebox Festival is part of this grand time! For five days, artists and audiences from across the world will gather to enjoy live performances and memorable experiences. The festival will be held at various venues throughout town, and the lineup can be found online.

APRIL 12-16

Indie Meme Film Festival

This film festival will be one to remember! The Indie Meme Film Festival will highlight independent films from South Asia and Iran. This year’s will mark the 8th annual festival and will feature in-person screenings, Q&As, mixers and more events. Screenings will be held at the Austin Film Society, and badges can be purchased online

APRIL 16

Statesman Cap10K

It’s more than a race; it’s an event filled with tradition. The Cap10K is back as the largest 10K in Texas for its 46th year. The race will start on the Congress Avenue bridge over Lady Bird Lake and finish at Vic Mathias/ Auditorium Shores. During the two days prior to the race, there will also be a Health & Fitness Expo held at the Palmer Events Center. Come one, come all!

APRIL 20-23

36th Annual Old Settler’s Music Festival

Austin loves annual events almost as much as they love dogs, breweries and food trucks! The Old Settler’s Music Festival is back for its 36th year and will include four days of live music, camping and family fun. The event will take place in Dale, which is right outside of Austin, so make sure to pack with all the essentials. Tickets can be found online.

APRIL 21-23

Austin Reggae Festival

“Good music, good food, good vibes” — the Austin Reggae Festival’s motto doesn’t disappoint. At Auditorium Shores, this 3-day festival will truly be a time for vibing and thriving. Some key artists that will be performing include Jesse Royal, Inner Circle and Nattali Rize. You can check out their website for more information and tickets.

APRIL 22 Field Guide Festival

This foodie city is all about eating local and staying sustainable, and the Field Guide Festival is all about that. This year’s festival will be held at Fiesta Gardens from 1 to 5 p.m. and will highlight the wealth of knowledge from chefs, farmers, beekeepers, ranchers and everyone in between! More information can be found on their website.

APRIL 29

Eeyore’s 58th Birthday Celebration

It’s our favorite sad donkey’s birthday!

Coming up on its 58th year, the Eeyore Birthday Celebration will be held at Pease District Park. All proceeds from the party will be donated to nonprofits in the Central Texas area, and volunteers are welcome as well! This fundraiser, presented by the Friends of the Forest Foundation, is all about giving back to the community!

CALENDAR

APRIL 2023

Rides & Races

Austin, TX

APRIL 1

Submit your event online at austinfitmagazine.com LONGHORN RUN

APRIL

APRIL 1

Longhorn Run

Austin, TX

APRIL 1

Irving Marathon

Irving, TX

APRIL 1

Bellaire Trolley Run

Bellaire, TX

APRIL 2

Art Car IPA 5K

Houston, TX

APRIL 8

Goodnight-Loving Run

Fort Belknap, TX

APRIL 8

Yuri’s Fun Run Houston

Houston, TX

APRIL 15

Texas Big Star Half Marathon & 5K Frisco, TX

APRIL 22

Skyline Half Marathon

Dallas, TX

APRIL 22

Grit 5K

West Columbia, TX

APRIL 22

Run For The Children Graham, TX

APRIL 23

The Stampede Cedar Creek, TX

APRIL 23

Vintage Half Marathon, 5K & Kids K Klein, TX

APRIL 29

11th Annual Run to Remember 5K/10K San Antonio, TX

APRIL 29

Pandora’s Box of Rox Trail Race Burnet, TX

APRIL 29

PurpleStride Austin Austin, TX

APRIL 29

Smilin’ Rylen Run Katy, TX

APRIL 29

Velvet Hammer 5K Dallas, TX

APRIL 30

Siesta Half Marathon San Antonio, TX

APRIL 29

Dallas Cowboys Draft Day 5K Frisco, TX