Publisher's Letter Publisher/CEO Louis M. Earle
Taking it Easy
eDITOR in Chief Leah Fisher Nyfeler Art Director Weston Carls Editorial Assistant April Cumming Copy Editor Alicia Dietrich
I
remember when I finally called it quits from the corporate scene and the idea of retirement loomed large and sweet. I wasn’t sure what I would do with all that free time, but I wasn’t worried because it seemed like having nothing to do could never be a bad thing (going from 60–80 hour work weeks to taking out the trash and mowing the lawn appeared to be a very favorable trade off). With extra time comes the wonderful opportunity to choose to do new things and further enrich your life; within a year, I had bought a company, joined three nonprofit boards, and moved to a ranch in Wimberley, Texas. Green Acres here we come! So much for retirement. But, as they say, “it’s all good.” All these experiences have made my life fuller. AFM’s mission to help people live healthier lives is an important one that can truly make a difference, and the boards on which I have served have all been focused on helping people. I am convinced these contributions have changed the lives they have touched and helped others. Change is seldom easy, and I believe that the greater the contrast between the “before and after,” the greater the challenge—even for the most resilient of us. Our cover story this month features Andy Roddick and explores how he has managed the transition from rock star tennis pro to helping kids in Austin, and more. Roddick’s story is a fascinating look at how someone at the top of a sport can re-invent his life through charitable work. The Andy Roddick Foundation’s contributions at Pecan Springs Elementary and Roddick’s role with the Austin Aces are just a glimpse into how this very interesting Austinite has decided to use his “retirement.” Enjoy this great article, and also check out our special gear feature so that you can keep up on the latest stuff designed to make a healthy lifestyle more interesting and fun. One final note: In the October issue, AFM examined some of Austin’s prospective government leadership. This month, we Americans get to exercise the wonderful right to determine our future leadership. In these trying times, it is more important than ever that each of us does our part—and is heard—by voting in the upcoming elections. So put on your sweats and jog on over to the polls on Tuesday, November 4 and be part of the solution.
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Keep Austin Fit,
Lou Earle, Publisher, CEO 14 • austi nfItm agazin e .com • 11.2 014
COO & Assistant Publisher Alex Earle
Please recycle this magazine photography by Dennis Burnett