Editor’S lETTER
W
henever I meet someone who tells me they’re a triathlete, I ask the same follow-up question every single time: What’s your strongest and
weakest event? It’s interesting that nobody ever says they’re equally great at all three. For example, runners-turned-triathletes will, of course, say they start slow but finish strong, while cyclists-turned-triathletes are quick to admit their happy place is on a bike saddle. It wasn’t until I began training for my first triathlon I realized very early on that although I learned to ride at an early age, I was a clueless and fairly uncomfortable cyclist. Bicycles are complex contraptions. It's intimidating! Everything from switching gears appropriately, to putting air in the tires, to sizing the saddle (and the details in between) is a lot to handle, especially if you’re just getting started. But that’s why this issue was so fun to put together. The cycling community in Austin is incredibly passionate about advocacy and education, and everyone I interviewed was willing to go above and beyond to contribute. Even if you’re committed to being a motorist for the rest of your life, it’s crucial to learn how drivers and cyclists can share the road with mutual respect. After all, if more residents can feel safe among a sea of cars, cycling could become a mainstream form of transportation in Austin. And with Über and Lyft gone indefinitely, bicycles are beginning to look like a great alternative. June’s issue also has an aesthetically impressive feature on fitness folks with tattoos. Exercise is one way to make a body beautiful, but adding ink can take it to the next level. When I read through the stories and explanations behind many of these tattoos, I was taken on a wild ride of reactions. Pat Cook, of Athletic Outcomes, had me laughing out loud, while Brian Allen-Aguilar and Taylor Dayne Loyd inspired me with their tales of hardship. Also on the topic of feeling emotional, our “Breaking Dad Bod” article will tug at your heartstrings. If you’re the type of person who has self-diagnosed Baby Fever, this piece is right up your alley. Lastly, I want to congratulate everyone who competed in the AFM FITTEST. Even after years of watching this event take place, I never cease to be awestruck by the caliber of athletic ability demonstrated by Austinites. Thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who came out to cheer on the competitors. Stay tuned for next issue, where we will feature the winners of the AFM FITTEST! Keep Austin Fit, Gretchen Goswitz, Managing Editor
10 austinfItmagazine.com / 06.16
THE LIST
Fit Field Trip
Last month, the AFM staff learned how to scale an 8-foot wall at Mylo Obstacle Fitness. Read our Fit Field Trip review to find out how you can conquer it too.
Lemonade
Beyonce released her newest album, Lemonade. Perfect playlist to get you pumped up for your next workout. Also serves as a solid soundtrack if you’re a scorned woman who needs to let out some rage.
Butter Than
Watermelon Seed Butter is the next innovation to blow up the snack food scene. Free of dairy and soy, the taste is reminiscent of cashew butter and tahini.