November 2016 - The Political Issue

The Political Issue

NOVEMBER 2016

Mark Stone

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H i p p o H y d r at e . c o m

NOV.16

THE GOOD STUFF

36 IT’S ALL POLITICAL Road Map of the City Us. Vs. Them State of the Union Keep Austin _______!

Major Project Updates Holiday Gift Guide / 52

Give the gift of health and happiness to your loved ones this holiday season.

What Your Trainer Wishes You Knew / 76

How you can have a better experience at the gym as well as a better relationship with your trainer.

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cover and contents illustrations by Adam Doyle

NOV.16

HIGHLIGHTS

20 Nutrition Recipe / 18

Revamp your Thanksgiving leftovers by making a stacked sandwich or a savory bread pudding.

Serve the Preserve / 20

Seven ways to hold on to your seasonal favorites.

60 32

Healthy Cooking Tips to Be Thankful For / 22

Local chefs and foodies provide small tweaks you can make to your Thanksgiving meal.

Culture

Slow and Rock Steady / 26

Fighting Parkinson’s Disease in a specialized boxing class.

Whole Lotta Yoga / 30

Photos that capture the best moments of our most recent Whole Lotta Yoga event.

Profile: Nate Boyer / 32

Making changes in places much more important than a football field.

Style

Beauty Treatments from the Fridge 58

Soft skin and shiny hair are made in the kitchen.

Underneath in Fall 60

Is it hot in here, or is it just the lingerie?

Wellness

Snake Safety / 64

In a split second’s time, a single strike can send you into a panic.

Medical FAQ: Varicose and Spider Veins / 70

You’re so vein, you probably think this article’s about you.

Fitness

What is the Functional Movement Screen? / 72

Seven fundamental movements that are scored and used to identify your current movement ability.

Approach Your Off-Season Like a Pro / 74 Feeling unmotivated is completely normal for athletes—here’s how to get back on track.

Events / 78 Rides + Races / 80 Discover! / 82 8

AUSTINFITMAGAZINE.COM / 11.16

top left photo by Brian Fitzsimmons, modeled by Jena Mays; top right photo by Weston Carls; bottom left photo courtesty of Nate Boyer.

Editor’s Letter / 10 Contributors / 12 #KeepAustinFit / 14 Exposure / 16

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EDITOR’S LETTER

photo by Weston Carls

THE LIST

13.1 x 1 There’s a new relay in town. Get 13 people together together who like to run and come have fun.

Each participant runs a one mile loop and then enjoys the party while we all cheer on our friends!

Keep Austin Fit, Gretchen Goswitz, Managing Editor

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Give Thanks I’m grateful for such a supportive community—thank you for reading Austin Fit Magazine! And of course, I have to give a shout out to the AFM team who all work diligently to put this publication together every month.

What I’m reading…

Run to Live, life lessons learned from 55,000 miles of jogging.

Full of wisdom from an 80-yearold New Yorker who’s done the legwork (literally), this book is full of those special epiphanies that come through on a good run.

photo by Brian Fitzsimmons

O

nce a year, the AFM team devotes a full workday to tentatively planning what the next 12 months of content will look like. In September 2015, we slated an obvious pairing into the editorial calendar—the “Political” issue for November 2016. If I’m being completely honest, instead of taking that time to prepare, I spent time dreading it. I really do not like politics.

I grew up in a very conservative, die-hard republican family and neighborhood.

However, my mother has always been a maverick (see what I did there?) and often expresses opinions that differ from the norm. She’s an immigrant, and after 18 years of living in this country, she became a U.S. citizen just so she could vote for Barack Obama.

In 2008, we were the only house on the cul-de-sac with an Obama sign in our front yard (much to my father’s chagrin). That year also happened to be the first election in which I was eligible to vote, too. I still remember feeling overwhelmed by the “guidance” and “advice” everyone was giving me about it. The divisiveness, the judgment, the inability to respectfully disagree—those were just a few of the deterrents.

And yet, here we are, putting out the “Political” issue. Why? Because we wanted to take on the challenge of putting out an issue about the government that is minimally controversial. As a local magazine, it seemed appropriate to direct our focus toward the city of Austin, rather than accept the major undertaking of federal matters. This issue is not so much about duality within the system, but an insight into the initiatives and projects that have an impact on the soul of our city. Although the residents breathe life into Austin’s culture, our city government plays a large role in preserving the charm that makes it such a delightful place to live.

To instill balance in this issue, we included a gift guide! The holidays are coming up, and for those who don’t consider themselves to be particularly skilled gift givers, this spread may be your saving grace. It’s full of great products, especially for the active and adventurous people in your life.

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CONTRIBUTORS PUBLISHER/CEO LOUIS M. EARLE

Thank you to AFM’s contributors who make this magazine a worthy source of health and fitness information in Austin.

COO/ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER ALEX EARLE MANAGING EDITOR GRETCHEN GOSWITZ CREATIVE DIRECTOR WESTON CARLS ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS MADDIE ALVARADO, BETTY DAVIS, KRISTIN NELSON, ANDREA RAYNER OPERATIONS & CONTENT COORDINATOR DEVYN BERNAL PRODUCTION ASSISTANT ANNA WANZEK

Bill Hanson

David Leffler

Bill Hanson

Bill Hanson is a senior flight paramedic, crew chief, and rescue swimmer with Travis County STAR Flight. He has worked in rescue since 1989, including as a combat medic in the U.S. Army as well a street paramedic in Boston, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Oregon and also as a flight paramedic for the Navajo reservation in Arizona. He is an instructor for Wilderness Medical Associates and has taught courses internationally since 1994 in Iceland, South Africa, Hong Kong, Canada, and throughout the U.S. Bill worked as a mountain guide throughout the 1990s, and currently enjoys rock climbing, paddle boarding, and virtually all outdoor sports. He is active in the triathlon circuit around Austin, and can often be found on the greenbelt or in one of the many beautiful natural swimming locations in the Austin area.

David Leffler

David Leffler is the youngest of four boys born and raised in Austin, Texas. He is a graduate of The University of Texas, where he worked as a sports columnist for The Daily Texan. His interests include athletics and mentorship, which have led him to several stints as a YMCA youth basketball coach. When he’s not writing, you can find him playing softball with a local outfit, The Belly Itchers, hanging by a swimming hole, and spending time with his family.

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Shannon Smith

Devaney Devoe

Shannon Smith

Shannon Smith is a journalism student at The University of Texas at Austin. A New Jersey native, she quickly learned the importance of cowboy boots, breakfast tacos, and the ever appropriate “y’all.”

She is constantly on the search for new restaurants and outdoor activities in Austin and loves taking advantage of the amazing year-round weather. Shannon’s favorite workout is a barre class, where she can work on her flexibility and tone her body with isolated movements. Shannon is an East Coast girl at heart, and in her free time, you can find her as close to the beach as possible.

Devaney Devoe

Devaney Devoe is a student at The University of Texas at Austin studying Rhetoric. Originally from Austin, Devaney knows and loves to take advantage of all of the beautiful places and experiences it has to offer. Devaney’s workout of choice is a high-intensity spin class with loud, upbeat music integrated with fun choreography.

She believes working out can not only be fun, but also therapeutic, and spin is her favorite time to get a workout in while also clearing her head. Devaney aspires to become a writer or editor for either a health and fitness or a fashion magazine someday. Devaney tries to live each day to the fullest, so when she’s not going to school or writing for AFM, she enjoys traveling, going to concerts, and spending time with her close friends and family. .

WRITERS CARRIE BARRETT, DEVYN BERNAL, DEVANEY DEVOE, BILL HANSON, DANIEL HATCHER, JAYME LAMM, DAVID LEFFLER, DARRYL PAYNE, JR., DANIELLE SOBEL, SHANNON SMITH, DIANE VIVES PROOFREADER RICK ANTOINE PHOTOGRAPHER BRIAN FITZSIMMONS INTERNS DEVANEY DEVOE, SHANNON SMITH

GENERAL INQUIRIES INFO@AUSTINFITMAGAZINE.COM ADVERTISING INQUIRIES ADS@AUSTINFITMAGAZINE.COM 512.407.8383 EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS GRETCHEN@AUSTINFITMAGAZINE.COM FITFOCUS@AUSTINFITMAGAZINE.COM EVENT LISTINGS AUSTINFITMAGAZINE.COM/EVENTS SUBSCRIPTIONS AUSTINFITMAGAZINE.COM/SUBSCRIBE 2499 S CAPITAL OF TEXAS HW Y., B200 AUSTIN, TX 78746 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.

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photo by Brian Fitzsimmons; modeled by Devaney Devoe

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EXPOSURE

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NUTRITION

Revamp Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

By Darryl Payne, Jr.

TurkeyParm Bread Pudding WHAT YOU NEED

5 cups leftover garlic bread, cubed ½ cup butter, melted 4 whole eggs 6 slices leftover turkey breast, torn into smaller pieces ½ cup milk 1 cup freshly grated parmesan

Sandwich Assembly

½ teaspoon nutmeg

WHAT YOU NEED

½ teaspoon oregano

½ cup fennel, shaved

1 pinch freshly cracked black pepper

½ teaspoon basil

Cornbread Bacon Gravy WHAT YOU NEED

2 cups sweet cornbread, bits and pieces 1 cup whole milk 5 slices crispy bacon, finely chopped

Cranberry Peanut Butter Sauce

1. Place all ingredients in a blender and puree until very smooth.

2. Warm in a small saucepan over a low heat. *Pass through a fine sieve for a smoother sauce

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1 slice smoked cheddar

HOW TO MAKE IT

¼ cup cornbread bacon gravy or peanut cranberry glaze

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

WHAT YOU NEED

1 can cranberry sauce ½ cup orange juice 1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter ½ tsp cinnamon, ground

HOW TO MAKE IT

2 breakfast sausage patties

½ tsp vanilla extract

HOW TO MAKE IT 1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

2. Over medium heat, reduce the mixture by a quarter or until it slightly thickens.

1 pinch sea salt

HOW TO MAKE IT 1. Saute the fennel in a skillet on a medium heat. Slightly toast a slice of the bread pudding.

2. Assemble the sandwich by placing the fennel on the bread pudding slice, followed by the sausage patties and smoked cheddar.

3. Place in the oven with the broker on until the cheese is just melted.

Cover with either the cranberry peanut butter sauce or the cornbread bacon gravy.

2. Cut bread into cubes, then coat in butter and then allow to toast in the oven up to 10 minutes. Stir as necessary so all sides of the cubes get nice and toasted; set aside in a large bowl.

3. Whisk eggs in a small bowl, and then add beaten eggs, turkey, herbs, cheese, milk, nutmeg, and salt and pepper to bowl with toasted bread cubes in it. Stir until combined.

4. Add mixture to a ceramic loaf pan, then bake covered for 30 minutes and uncovered for 15 minutes.

photo by Weston Carls

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Serve the Preserve Seven ways to hold on to your summer favorites.

By Shannon Smith

It may still feel like summer, but according to our calendar, fall is upon us. And while Texas weather may not be intuitive, the in-season produce is a clear sign of the fall transition. But fear not—there are still ways to hang onto your peaches, cucumbers, and tomatoes (and the rest of your summer favorites).

Food preservation ensures you have access to your seasonal favorites all year round. Plus it’s both cheaper and more nutritious than buying canned goods at the store. With seven different methods to choose from, the opportunities are endless.

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photo by Weston Carls; photo of Jesse Griffiths courtesy of Dai Due

NUTRITION

Dehydrating is the oldest method of food preservation.

It can be done in the oven, or more conveniently in a food dehydrator. This process removes all moisture from the produce, often giving it a denser texture. It’s important to make sure that the food is completely dry, or else it won’t stay edible for long.

PRO TIP: Which method preserves food the longest? “It really will depend on the fruit or vegetable. Drying is the most simple and intuitive, but hot processing can last for years,” according to Jesse Griffiths of Dai Due.

Canning is often considered one of the healthier methods of preservation because it doesn’t add any outside components (salt or sugar) to its contents. The canning method applies heat to contents in a closed-glass mason jar, removing air from the jar to create a vacuum seal. This is best for highly acidic foods such as tomatoes, berries, chutneys, and salsas.

PRO TIP: “It is critical to leave headspace in the jar when canning.

Improperly canned items can be dangerous for consumption,” Griffiths says.

Pickling preserves food through fermentation, by submersion in brine or vinegar.

This process can take anywhere from one to four weeks and is best for vegetables with tough skin such as cucumbers and peppers, or root vegetables like carrots and radishes.

PRO TIP: Want your pickled veggies extra crisp? Trim the ends off the vegetable before putting it in the jar, mixing certain leaves like cherry or grape and adding alum (found in the spice section of the grocery store).

Curing is often used to preserve meat and fish, and focuses on drawing moisture out through osmosis. There are two different types. Dry curing involves coating your meat/fish in a salt and spice mixture and then storing it in a humidity and temperature controlled space.

It is time-consuming and can

take years in some cases. This is how prosciutto is made. Wet curing requires submerging the item in a cure (chilled liquid with salt, nitrites and water) and allowing it to soak for a certain time, typically a week or two.

Wet curing gives you control over how much salt you add, which is a bonus.

PRO TIP: While dry curing is great, wet curing promises an equal salt concentration on the entire surface.

Smoking is another ideal process for meat and fish, in which the chemicals in smoke dry the food out, removing moisture in which bacteria could grow. It can be done in a hot environment for a short period, or at a lower temperature for a longer time.

PRO TIP: Smoked meats and fish can be kept three to four days in the fridge after being cooked, or two to three months in the freezer.

Candying, although not the healthiest, might be one of the most delicious methods. Typically done with fruit, the item is placed in a heated sugar syrup; that sugar saturation discourages the growth of spoilage microorganisms.

PRO TIP: Candied fruits have a shelf life of about a year.

Freeze drying preserves food through sublimation, the process of turning ice to vapor.

Food is frozen, then placed in a strong vacuum; the water in the food then sublimates, removing all moisture. This method tends not to alter the taste of the original contents and affords an extremely long shelf life. It works well with items like coffee beans and fruits, especially apples and pears.

PRO TIP: Make sure your vacuum bag remains sealed and intact— a punctured bag will result in a botched freeze dry!

With seven different methods to choose from, there is one for every meat, fish, fruit, and vegetable. Start preserving and find out just how easy it is to have your summer all year long. afm

Food Preservation Expert

If anyone knows how to master the art (and science) of food preservation, it’s Jesse Griffiths, executive chef and owner of Dai Due, a local Austin butcher shop and supper club that focuses on using local ingredients year round.

K Q&A

What are some popular seasonal items to preserve right now in Austin?

We are really at the peak of canning season in the summer; tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers, onions, garlic, and peppers are all at their peak and are preservable in many different methods like drying, pickling, fermenting, and smoking.

What is your personal favorite food/preservation combination?

I love a smoked pepper that's then been dried. It keeps its flavor very well, and can be rehydrated later. The smell of a good, sweet pepper that's smoked and dried is incredible, like chocolate and leather.

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NUTRITION

Potatoes

Biscuits

Anne Gardner, Cilantro Lime Swap golden potatoes for a sweet potato this Thanksgiving. Peel and cut sweet potatoes into bite size pieces, toss with chili powder (we are partial to chipotle), olive oil, and salt. Roast the potatoes until they begin to char.

Mash the roasted potatoes with an equal ratio of milk and cream. These potatoes are almost foolproof and are the perfect accompaniment to a flavorful feast.

Amy Rodman, Sustainable Food Center Traditional biscuits have lots of butter—up to 1 tablespoon per biscuit! The butter makes the biscuits tender and flaky, no doubt, but it also has 100 calories per tablespoon. To reduce calories and still get tender, flaky biscuits, replace one-third of butter with an equal amount of canned, pureed pumpkin.

s p i T g n i k o o C y h t l r o F Hea l u f k n a h T e B o t

Cranberry Dishes Elizabeth Van Huffel, Local Savour Food Blog To add a healthier twist to a classic cranberry sauce, I like to reduce the sugar and squeeze in some fresh orange juice and zest. To sweeten up a stuffing recipe, try simply roasting a few cups of cranberries for 20–25 minutes at 350 degrees before mixing them into your stuffing.

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Naomi Seifter, Owner and Culinary Director at Picnik Traditional pumpkin pie is made with sweetened condensed milk and traditional all-purpose flour. For a pie that tastes just as delicious but leaves you feeling great the morning after, you can make some simple substitutions: First, nuts can make simple and nutrientdense crusts. Using a food processor, combine your favorite nuts with pitted soaked dates, a little vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. (Hazelnuts, walnuts or cashews are my favorite.)

Nut crusts will function just like a traditional graham cracker crust, and using your hands, you can push it into your pie pan. For the filling, consider leaving out the sweetened condensed milk for a dairy-free alternative.

Full-fat coconut milk is a great swap. Since coconut milk doesn't have the same sugar content, consider adding some additional sweetness to your whipped cream topping or add some additional maple sugar, maple syrup, or honey to the filling.

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CULTURE

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CULTURE

Slow and Rock Steady

photography by Camille J Wheeler

By Daniel Hatcher

Until I sat down to write this article, I’d never thought to ask my dad how he found out he had Parkinson’s. Turns out he didn’t know much before I did.

In late 2011, his left foot developed a persistent tap, and then his left arm developed a tremor. An MRI ruled out other explanations besides Parkinson’s.

At the time, it didn’t interfere with his work or playing guitar in church, but walking soon became problematic. He couldn’t walk without dragging his left foot. Still, he didn’t require medication, and his condition seemed stable. After two years, he went on medication, and family members noticed a definite improvement.

For all of 2016, he’s been going to a boxing class specifically designed to help people with Parkinson’s manage their physical symptoms. I know that having a place to exercise and mingle with other people who share his condition has been enormously beneficial for him.

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T

he motto on the entrance to North Austin’s Ultimate MMA Fitness gym asks all who enter to “fight to be fit.” However, it’s quickly apparent that the people who arrive on Monday morning for the Rock Steady Boxing classes aren’t fighting for a sleekly muscled physique. They’re fighting to maintain the freedom of movement that most of us take for granted.

They have Parkinson’s Disease, which is a neurologically degenerative disease that slowly robs people of their cognitive and physical abilities.

The depletion of dopamine in their brains make even routine movements require a Herculean effort. Although the disease tends to set in later in life, the defining symptoms have been seen in every age group. The youngest Rock Steady fighter is 46; the oldest is 85.

For reasons that are poorly understood but empirically obvious, forced anaerobic exercise has shown to be an effective therapy for Parkinson's treatment along with proper medical management. Robert Izor, M.D., medical director at Neurology Solutions Consultants, who has 11 years of experience working with Parkinson's Disease says that because the standard drug treatment has its own constellation of undesirable side effects, he tries to keep his patients off medication as long as possible.

“The disease not only affects dopamine, but also other neurotransmitters.

Your motivation, your interest in doing

things, suffers. Trying to get Parkinson’s patients to do vigorous exercise is a challenge, and I think that’s where Rock Steady has some advantages—because it has that group feeling, and a coach that pushes you,” Izor said.

Having a support group is especially necessary when faced with a debilitating illness. The disease can have an isolating effect on those afflicted since their diagnosis doesn’t extend to their coworkers, friends and spouses. More than just a workout, the Rock Steady classes provide a place where fellow Parkinson’s sufferers can go to find support in a community of people going through similar physical deterioration.

Rock Steady participant Dave Streilein described the disease as “a personal process where the individual disappears” and said that without having a program that pushes him to extend his physical abilities and relate with other patients in an active, focused environment, he’d feel left to fend for himself.

Rock Steady Boxing is the first and only program of its kind. The nonprofit organization was founded in 2006 by a former Indianapolis district attorney who found a high-intensity boxing regimen to dramatically improve the symptoms of his Parkinson’s. The program has since spread to five countries and 43 states and has increased membership in Austin from three to 90 people since opening in Nov. 2015. There are three locations in Austin, one in Georgetown, and one opening in Lakeway on Nov. 1 of this year.

Owner and head coach Kristi 11.16 / AUSTINFITMAGAZINE.COM

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Richards came to Rock Steady by way of senior fitness, a demographic she fell in love with while taking the classes during a pregnancy. She was drawn to this group because of their penchant for wisdom and humor. After the birth of her third child, she taught a senior fitness program called Silver Sneakers for five years before finding out about the Rock Steady program from a client.

The video she saw of two tenacious Parkinson’s sufferers sparring with each other delighted her with its absurdity.

“The idea of Parkinson’s patients hitting each other was just crazy to me. I mean, isn’t that what causes Parkinson’s?” was her initial reaction. Muhammad Ali was undoubtedly not far from her mind.

In the 1,276-square-foot training room, Richards first leads the group through a series of stretches. While they’re seated, she walks around the room asking them questions about their opinions and personal lives.

“What has changed most in your lifetime?” is the question of the day.

The most obvious answer is technology.

Another man muses that getting old is

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the biggest change he's experienced.

The observation that is felt most disheartening to the group is the animosity in politics these days. In all, their thoughts are humorous and honest—there’s a serene wisdom you can feel while standing in a room full of people asked to examine the quirks of their era.

After an obstacle course to practice walking and balancing, the fighters partner up and switch off at intervals at stations for exercises that work on balance, core strength, boxing, and jump rope. After 45 minutes, everyone is sweaty and energized.

Camaraderie and friendly competition in a high non-contact intensity group workout is healthy for anyone, at any age. The success of Rock Steady Boxing can serve as a reminder that exercise has a neuroprotective benefit. At the end of each class, the fighters get into a group huddle and encourage each other to “Rock Steady!” as in, to go out and face the world without succumbing to the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson’s. afm

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CULTURE

PROFILE

Nate Boyer

Making changes in places much more important than a football field.

By Jayme Lamm

F

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Boyer’s time in the Army has permeated the rest of his life. Boyer says it’s the people (and media) fueling the hate in our country that is what’s wrong, and really, that has nothing to do with Kaepernick.

While much of the world is up in arms about the divide between sports and the military and what’s taking place on NFL fields across the country, Boyer sees things differently. “The gap that needs to be bridged is the left and right on the political spectrum, regardless of color,” Boyer says. “That’s a much bigger gap than sports and the military.”

It’s clear Boyer and Kaepernick

GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER Boyer’s thoughts on so much of what is going on in this world can be summed up in a tweet he sent to Kaepernick after he invited him to come and talk about the issues. On Sept. 1, Boyer tweeted to Kaepernick.

photos courtesy of Nate Boyer

ormer Green Beret and former long snapper for The University of Texas and the Seattle Seahawks, Nate Boyer made major headlines earlier this season when he sent a letter to 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

During preseason, Kaepernick decided to sit for the National Anthem, an action that resulted in widespread outrage. While many saw extreme disrespect for our military in Kaepernick’s actions, Boyer went a step further, wanting to understand it.

Boyer has a unique take, having previously served as a Green Beret in the United States Army.

If any of us was to take issue with Kaepernick’s actions, it’d surely be Boyer. But rather than being quick to judge or to continue to feed the unsettling media frenzy that soon took place, Boyer took the time to listen and give Kaepernick something others didn’t—respect.

While football is very much a part of the 35-year-old veteran’s life, his causes and passions extend much deeper. Whatever your stance (no pun intended) on the sitting or kneeling during the National Anthem and what it means to those who served, Boyer has a very simple explanation, saying, “There’s a lot of people who don’t get it.”

Yet again, it goes beyond so much more than football or pregame routines. This is more about our country and the state of disarray it’s in and less about the actual National Anthem.

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have differing opinions, but Boyer isn’t naïve. He understands they came from incredibly different backgrounds and just because they have different views doesn’t make one of them right and the other wrong. “There’s a reason these things have been complicated issues for a long time—both sides have valid points,” he explains.

Boyer’s thoughts on so much of what is going on in this world can be summed up in a tweet he sent to Kaepernick after he invited him to come and talk about the issues. On Sept. 1, Boyer tweeted to Kaepernick, “Good talk. Let’s just keep moving forward. This is what America should be all about.”

We should all be focusing on moving forward. Yes, it really is that simple.

You might think Boyer’s solution to our country’s problems are to have more men and women enlist in the military or to have everyone come out to the polls and vote, but really it’s much more basic than any of that.

“If you want to see things change, you have to take action and be part of that change,” Boyer believes. He says it’s great to have a cause you are passionate about, but if you’re not actively fighting for it, to make things better, what is the point?

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When it comes to this year’s presidential election, Boyer’s optimism and simplicity fades away. “I don’t think either of our candidates right now are very inspiring. That’s frustrating,” he says.

“It feels like voting for one candidate or another is feeding into that divide,” Boyer explains. But elections and political affiliations aside, there’s a lot we can all be doing right now to help our country continue to move forward.

In a situation like Kaepernick’s (and others who have followed suit), there is no right and wrong, according to Boyer.

“We all need to understand the perspective that we all came from different places,” he says. Understanding is half the battle. The ability to show compassion and respect for those around you will do our country and each of our respective communities some good, and that’s really what Boyer’s agenda is.

“If half the world that is doing well spent a day with the other half who wasn’t doing so well, we’d all be doing well,” Boyer says simply and profoundly.

Check out two of Boyer’s favorite organizations: VetsandPlayers.org and WaterBoys.org. afm

photos courtesy of Nate Boyer

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It’s Polit

What do your local grocer, favorite music common? Aside from being Austin staples, they The people, events, and landmarks that political shifts and initiatives.

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ALl ical venue, and the MoPac tollway have in are all impacted by your city government. influence Austin’s vibe are rooted in major

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By David Leffler

Road Map of Austin Take a trip around the city to explore what makes Austin so Austin.

Region:

South At a glance: Let’s start with the easy one.

Anyone who is new to Austin or comes to visit typically hits this area first beacuse it’s full of “Austiny” things to do, including Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Park, and South Congress Avenue. It’s got the most glitz—and for good reason—but there’s far more going on around these parts than just tourist hotspots and tapas.

Food & culture: The northernmost sector of South Austin sees plenty of hustle and bustle due to downtown overflow and popular restaurants like Odd Duck, Perla’s, and Uchi. Thanks to its wide-open parks and proximity to Central Austin, this region attracts music festivals like Austin City Limits and Fun Fun Fun Fest. Other artsy attractions include the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden, LBJ Wildflower Center, and the Austin Art Garage.

Fitness & outdoors: Some of the best places to break a sweat in all of Austin are here, such as McKinney Falls State Park (on the southeast side), Barton Creek Greenbelt, and the Lady Bird Lake hikeand-bike trail. Escapes to Hill Country attractions like Hamilton Pool, Krause Springs, and Reimers Ranch are just around the bend, too.

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Region: Cost of living and demographics: Due to their proximity and everincreasing amenities, the cost of living in neighborhoods like Travis Heights, Bouldin Creek, and Barton Hills has skyrocketed over the past decade and won’t be going down anytime soon.

Although its most upand-coming areas are overwhelmingly white, South Austin is home to a deeply rooted and rich Hispanic culture, especially in the southeastern part of the city.

Central At a glance: Despite the beliefs of many South Austinites, the city actually does extend beyond the downtown area. Central Austin is home to state institutions like The University of Texas and the Texas Capitol, as well as staples such as Hut’s Hamburgers and Texas Chili Parlor.

Food & culture: Whether you’re in search of street art like the Graffiti Wall at Castle Hill or more traditional museums like the Blanton Museum of Art, Central Austin’s got it all. It’s also home to Cap City Comedy Club, Coldtowne Theater, and the New Movement— the city’s best comedy spots—if performance art is more your speed. The place is teeming with new restaurants and foodie stretches, especially around Burnet Road north of 45th Street or Airport Boulevard around 51st Street.

Fitness & outdoors: Since it’s surrounded by the cityscape, the name of the game here is neighborhood parks. When Central Austinites aren’t taking their dogs to Auditorium Shores or the Yard Bar on Burnet, they can also hop on their bikes and cruise along Shoal Creek Greenbelt’s wide bike lanes and gentle gradients.

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Cost of living and demographics: This area’s another poster child of Austin’s rapidly rising cost of living. Established neighborhoods like Bryker Woods and Hyde Park have always been expensive, but Crestview and Allandale—located about five miles north of the UT campus—have also seen their home values explode and are popular neighborhoods for young families. This influx of newcomers and rising home prices has decreased the region’s diversity, especially in regards to its Hispanic population.

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Region:

Region:

At a glance: As Billy Ocean once put it, “Get out of my dreams, get into my car.” North Austin’s a long, long way from the city’s core, especially with mounting traffic stagnation that has left interstates swollen. Its huge selection of restaurants and access to entertainment venues will make you forget all about that drive, though.

At a glance: West Austin’s not considered the most hip or cutting edge part of the city, but it more than makes up for these shortcomings with scenic drives, rolling hills, and sunsets over the lake. Always head west on a hot summer day.

North

West

Food & culture: Few things

Food & culture: Austin has amazing food everywhere, but no other region does it like the north.

Boasting a bevy of authentic Asian and Hispanic cuisine from dim sum to empanadas to Indian curry to street tacos, you can (and should) have it all here. If you haven’t hit up a taco stand or taken a trip to the Chinatown Center on North Lamar, you’re doing it wrong. Don’t forget about The Domain and the booming Rock Rose area if you need to hit the mall or want to grab a drink—they’ve started to accrue a serious bar selection up there.

Fitness & outdoors: There’s no denying that North Austinites have less access to outdoor attractions than other corners of the city. By far its largest public park is Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park, which is a great place to go hiking, running, and biking. Other regional options include Copperfield Park and the North Austin Rock Gym, but outside of that there are too few affordable and accessible avenues for fitness and exercise.

Cost of living and demographics: Austin’s Asian population has more than doubled since the 1990s, seeing especially large boosts in its Indian, Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese communities—the majority of whom reside in North Austin. However, this region in particular has seen a huge increase in its already sizeable Hispanic population, largely a product of rising home prices and the growing number of white people moving into Austin’s urban core. This trend will likely continue as property values and costs continue to creep up and up.

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Region:

East

beat a burger on the water, so it’s no surprise that Hula Hut, The Oasis, and Abel’s on the Lake regularly draw big crowds.

And if you want barbecue, look no further—The County Line is always a solid choice for sweet meats and savory sauces. Some of the most beautiful grounds in the city belong to Laguna Gloria, The Contemporary Austin’s sculpture garden that encircles an Italian villa built in 1916.

At a glance: If you’re looking for the focal point of Austin’s major

Fitness & outdoors: West

demographic changes, you’ve found it. Often referred to as “The East Side,” this area is at the forefront of the city’s hipster wave and shifting landscape. For the time being, it’s arguably the most diverse and multicultural region of Austin.

Austin is home to both Lake Travis and Lake Austin, so there’s no shortage of options in case one gets old. Whether you’re looking for an intense workout—the area’s winding, hilly roads make it a popular destination for bikers and runners—or are interested in a round of golf on the region’s several courses, they’ve got you covered. Don’t forget: Austin classics Deep Eddy pool and Mount Bonnell are also westsiders.

Food & culture: There’s awesome selection when it comes to trendy restaurants, but they’re overwhelmingly constrained to the neighborhoods closest to IH-35. Top restaurants include Contigo (ranch-style New American), Nasha (Indian), and Nubian Queen Lola’s, a Cajun and soul food café that works to keep Austin’s homeless population fed. Saloons and dive bars like The Skylark Lounge and Sahara Lounge are great places to hear funky tunes, and the Salvage Vanguard Theater is always a safe bet for plays and performance art.

Fitness & outdoors: East Austin’s outdoor options are a blend of their neighbors’. Like Central Austin, there are a lot of neighborhood parks with pools. Like South Austin, there are larger parks and preserves available —such as Walter E. Long Metropolitan and the Walnut Creek Nature Preserve. And like West Austin, the river cuts through and is available for boating and fishing. In Northeast Austin, the Mueller development has approximately 140 acres of parks, trails and open space, as well as a 5-mile hike-and-bike trail loop at completion.

Cost of living and demographics: Home prices and the cost of living have gone through the roof for this region—a product of the area’s rapid gentrification and location within Austin’s urban core.

Consequently, many longtime black and Hispanic residents have been forced to move farther and farther from the inner city and into suburbs. The ZIP code that has been especially impacted by this changing population and living conditions is 78702, the region nestled between IH-35, Lady Bird Lake, Airport Boulevard, and E. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Cost of living and demographics: Considering their resources and beautiful surrounds, it comes as no surprise that neighborhoods spanning from Tarrytown and Clarksville to areas near Rollingwood and Westlake are among Austin’s wealthiest.

Although there has historically been little diversity in the area, the West Austin region has seen a significant increase in its Asian population since 2000. That being said, it has been the territory least altered by the city’s booming population and economy.

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By Shannon Smith

Where We Rank How does Austin compare to other cities?

Us

Fittest Cities

Austin has over 220 parklands in the area—one of the highest in the country—which promotes healthy lifestyle through outdoor activity.

Austin, TX According to the American Fitness Index, Austin once again ranks in the top 20 Fittest Cities in America, coming in at No. 15. The report, which compares the 50 most populous metro cities in the nation, scores cities on areas of excellence and areas of necessary improvement. Austin’s ranking can be credited to a low percentage of smokers, low death rates for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, a high concentration of parks and swimming pools per capita, and the prevalence of residents with dogs in the area. Austin’s improvements lie in the low percentage of public transportation users, and the lack of baseball fields, golf courses, and recreation areas in general.

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Role Model

Washington, D.C. D.C. is the fittest city in the nation, three years running, according to the Index. People here tend to walk more due to the high use of public transportation, a nod to the transit’s efficiency and organization.

Additionally, D.C.’s landscape allows for great access to parks, recreational areas, swimming pools, and tennis courts. Many of the lower ranking cities fall in the South, whose flaws partially lie in regional food preferences; while other low-ranking cities flaws could be credited to climates that are not conducive to outdoor activity.

vs.

Them

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Women-Owned Businesses

Women own 26 percent of all privately held firms in the Greater Austin area.

Nationally, Texas ranks SECOND in the number and economic impact of women-owned firms.

Austin, TX With an Austin city department aimed specifically toward promoting women to participate in business opportunities and encouraging female entrepreneurial spirit, it’s no wonder the local women here feel included and supported by the work culture. In fact, locally women-owned businesses generated $5.3 billion in sales and employed over 43,000 workers last year. Nationally, women play a self-employed role in all industries, yet most are found in health care and social assistance career roles. The next most female-populated industry is education. Locally, Firefly Consulting, a boutique consulting firm that specializes in everything from oil and gas to financial services, has been recognized as Austin’s Top Woman-Owned Business three years running.

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Santa Fe, NM Nationally, there are more than 9 million businesses owned by women. In total, these companies pull in about $1.5 trillion annually. According to Forbes, Santa Fe is a standout city with more than 33 percent of local businesses owned by women. The city’s affordable cost of living allows for high revenues, and this is translated into big bucks for companies. Further, Santa Fe is home to Wildflower International, New Mexico’s largest woman-owned business and an information provider to the federal government.

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Where We Rank Food Accessibility

Almost a third of people residing in Austin live more than a mile from healthy food options.

Public Transportation

As of 2015, the Austin area has a population of about 2 million people, while Capital Metro annually serves a population of only 1,079,995.

Austin, TX The Capital Metro is Austin’s local public transportation provider, operating a bus system, a commuter rail, and special transit services for the disabled. With 398 buses serving 79 different routes and six electric trains, Austin’s public transportation is seemingly functional.

However, not many Austinites take advantage of the city’s public transportation. Each year, Capital Metro only 31.6 million rides. Riders’ constant complaints include frequency and convenience.

Hearing these woes, Capital Metro is awaiting approval this November of Connections 2025, a 10-year service improvement plan. They hope to grow ridership through changes such as boosting frequency on certain routes, eliminating unnecessary overlapping routes, consolidating the fare system, and adding more express route options. However, not all riders are dissatisfied with the current transit system. Loyal riders appreciate the option to avoid driving through traffic, the onboard Wi-Fi, and the commitment of Capital Metro to provide affordable ways to navigate the city.

Role Model

Austin, TX Whole Foods, Wheatsville, Fresh Plus, Trader Joe’s… the options for healthy and fresh groceries seem endless in Austin. Yet, this is not the status quo. Austin is lucky enough to steadily maintain its farmland and provide people with locally grown and sustainable options in major grocery stores. That, of course, is not to say that the city fully protects its local farm producers. In fact, each day, 9.3 local acres of farmland are lost. However, this is nothing compared to Houston, our Texas neighbor who suffers a loss of nearly 50 farmed acres a day.

Fortunately, farms are not the only fresh provider in Austin, which boasts the highest number of community gardens in the nation, with 52 within city limits. These gardens then have opportunities to sell their produce at the eight local farmers markets offered each week. Many people take advantage of these outdoor markets and revel in the fact that they are playing a role in the organic and sustainable movement in the city.

However, there is an overwhelming number of people who cannot afford and do not have access to health food options. Nearly one-third of people within the city live more than a mile from health-conscious establishments. While that distance may not seem problematic to most, those without a car would beg to differ—and their health is a clear reflection of this. Some residents of the city-zoned Del Valle area must travel more than 13 miles to the nearest grocery store. These people are living in what is known as a food desert, an area in which it is difficult, if not impossible, to buy affordable and high-quality fresh food. These deserts heavily influence the outskirts of Austin, and city leaders are beginning to take action. Following the approval of a resolution, improved access has become a priority for city officials. The 2017 budget reflects; officials have added more than $1 million to increase access to healthy food. This money will help one in four local residents who are classified as “food insecure.”

Cost of Living

Austin, TX Austin recently ranked on CareerCast’s “Best Places to Live and Work” list, which recognizes cities where salaries are high and the cost of living is low. The average cost of living in Austin was recorded at 6 percent less than the national average. This, combined with a median household income of $63,600, highlighted Austin as one of the best cities in the country to live. And the proof is in the numbers: More than 100 people move to the city every single day. Although it’s fair to complain about the overvalued housing market, we’re generally better off compared to many other metropolitan areas.

Washington, D.C.

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Danger Zone

San Francisco, CA If you’re considering a move to the City by the Bay, you might want to think again. The cost of living in San Francisco is so high that it’s ranked No. 2 on the nation’s Cost of Living Index, only behind New York City. The total cost of living is 62.6 percent higher than the national average. This crazy cost of living is saturated by through-the-roof home prices and a competitive rental market. Of course there are upsides to moving to San Fran—like the amazing food. Well, that’ll cost you…a lot. A mid-range meal for two, on average, will cost you about $80, nearly double the national average. As if these costs were not already enough to have you checking your couch cushions for spare change, the cost of health care is 17 percent more than the same care in Austin. To say the least, make sure you’ve got some money in the bank before you’re having visions of the Golden Gate Bridge.

illustration by freepik.com

Boasting a below ground Metrorail and an intricate bus system, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority handles more than 330 million trips per year and has been named the best city in the country for public transportation. Even more impressive is the average commute time, 10 minutes below the national average. Those who choose to drive the commute, and avoid public transportation altogether only save eight minutes on average, something to consider when weighing your options. We would call D.C. a commuter’s paradise—but the transportation fares are some of the highest in the entire country. So while you may save time and energy, you’ll certainly feel it in your pocket!

State of the

Union How Austin’s government is tackling the city’s biggest health issues.

By David Leffler

illustration by Adam Doyle

Over the past 15 years, Austin has earned a reputa-

tion across the country for its music festivals, bar crawls, tech startups, and fitness groups. But as the city has ballooned—estimates now put the greater Austin area at a whopping 2 million people—local government officials have made it a priority to ensure the city’s ever-increasing population is given the proper tools to lead healthy lifestyles. But that’s easier said than done.

To identify ways to improve Austinites’ quality of life, the city has partnered with a variety of community actors and health providers, including the St. David’s Foundation, the Seton Healthcare Family, and Capital Metro. Together, they’ve targeted obesity, access to healthy foods, and transportation as some of the largest areas for improvement, backing a variety of initiatives to tackle these broad issues. One of this coalition’s most notable endeavors is the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), which serves as a blueprint to prioritize and address the most pressing needs of local communities. With this plan in hand, these organizations made it their mission to improve Austin’s wellness and overall quality of life.

To better understand this massive undertaking, we turned to Dr. Philip Huang, the medical director and health authority for the Austin/ Travis County Health and Human Services Department. He also serves on the executive committee of the Mayor’s Health & Fitness Council, an assembly of the city’s top health and policy officials created to make Austin more active, healthy, and tobacco-free. The first thing he established during our interview together is the scope and magnitude of the public health problems the city is confronting. “As a doctor, you’re addressing issues as they arrive at your doorstep and prescribing treatments in an isolated environment. With public health, your patients are the entire community,” he said. “When you make a diagnosis, you’re looking at data and trends spanning across every sector of our society.”

In public health, identifying issues is much simpler than coming up with solutions. After all, determining that Travis County adults struggle with obesity requires surveying the local population and statistical analysis—but implementing programs and coming up with solutions takes time and patience. “We can throw different initiatives at those problems and contribute to changes in their significance within Austin, but attributing the push factors behind improvements is far more complex,” Huang said.

It makes sense exercise and diet are affected by education, social

norms, personal habits, proximity to healthy and affordable foods, and transportation—just to name a few. And, as this issue’s “Roadmap of Austin” shows, accessibility and opportunity aren’t evenly distributed throughout the city. Unsurprisingly, neither are obesity, disease, and overall health. For instance, statistics show that black residents in Austin are twice as likely to die from cancer than their white neighbors.

They’re also more than three times as likely to suffer from diabetes. One component of this is that Austin areas lacking easy access to affordable, nutritious foods—a phenomenon known as food insecurity—are predominantly home to people of color.

Changing people’s environment has to be the goal, Dr. Huang said.

By building healthy options into residents’ daily lives and making healthier choices the easy choices—like removing soda vending machines and replacing them with less sugary drinks—you can start making unhealthy habits inconvenient. Of course, that’s just one example of a small fix for a massive problem. To keep things in perspective, Dr. Huang drew on one of the city’s biggest successes: reducing tobacco usage in Austin.

More than 20 years ago, Austin took its first major step towards this goal when it banned smoking in restaurants. City leaders expanded on this in 2005, making it illegal to smoke inside bars. In both instances, local businesses reacted defiantly, labeling these laws political overreaches that would do more harm than good. And now? “It’s like smoking was never allowed in these establishments in the first place. Imagine how shocked you be if you saw someone smoking at the table next to you these days,” Dr. Huang said with a smile. “Everything seems crazy the first time around, but the shock wears off, and people continue with their day-to-day routine—just in a safer, healthier environment.”

But it’s not just about policy. Addressing ubiquitous social issues requires a radical cultural shift in the workplace. To encourage healthy practices around the office, the Mayor’s Health & Fitness Council created the Partner Certification Program, a workplace wellness program businesses can participate in if they uphold the council’s healthy practice principles. The list of certified companies include the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, The University of Texas at Austin, Dell, and National Instruments, all of which have seen the percentage of their employees who smoke drop significantly since implementing the program’s tobacco-free campus restriction. Dr. Huang pointed to this as a clear example of what happens when you change an environment to make unhealthy choices less convenient. “You can give somebody a brochure 11.16 / AUSTINFITMAGAZINE.COM

45

Keep Austin _______!

The City of Austin’s role in protecting what’s important to our culture.

By Shannon Smith

Keep Austin Rockin’

After losing 1,200 jobs in the local music industry over the past four years, Mayor Steve Adler felt obligated to propose a solution for the crisis in the Austin music scene.

“We won’t be the Live Music Capital of the World for much longer if we keep losing musicians and music venues,” Jason Stanford, the city’s communications director, said.

This solution came in an unexpected way: the mayor’s winning submission to the Neighborly Bond Challenge, an innovative challenge sponsored by a financial startup, in which the winner receives free bond financing. Upon winning, Austin received the opportunity to sell special bonds, which will be put towards purchasing and preserving venues, acquiring new venues, and ensuring musicians have the necessary space to perform and grow.

There are still components of the bond system that need to be worked out.

“What rate of return will we get on the bonds? Will we put the music clubs in land trusts, co-invest, or something else? Which music venues are iconic?—but winning the Neighborly Bond Challenge gets Austin $100,000 worth of expertise and talent to help us figure it out,” Stanford said.

Included in this budget is one-stop shopping for code enforcement and permitting for music and arts venues, as well as $200,000 in emergency help for arts venues, and money for job training for musicians.

Stanford recognizes that there is still work to be done, but winning the challenge opened doors and will provide the means to ensure Austin remains one of the country’s most musical cities.

illustration by freepik.com

saying, ‘Smoking’s bad for you,’ but what truly alters behavior are social norms and the physical structure around you,” he said.

“Smoking becomes a lot more difficult when you have to cross the street to light up.”

Reducing obesity and improving nutritional food options is a bit trickier. Over the past few years, the city has implemented programs to increase the number of healthy corner stores and is exploring ideas like mobile farmers’ markets to make buying nutritional foods more convenient to all Austin residents.

The Mayor’s Health & Fitness Council is also close to introducing a “Healthiest Workplace Competition” to encourage businesses of all sizes to improve their healthrelated workplace practices. But as mentioned earlier, health and nutrition isn’t just a geographical or personal choice issue—it’s directly tied to socioeconomic status. To truly combat these underlying factors, Dr. Huang believes Austin will need to make a more concerted effort to break the cycle of poverty and raise the standard of living for its most disadvantaged residents.

Only when more programs are in place to provide better workforce development and opportunities for social mobility will the city be truly equipped to address its residents’ largest problems.

Despite the challenges ahead, Dr. Huang is confident Austin’s policy makers have a winning plan in place. Rather than trying to treat each individual ailment our city faces—like a doctor in a one-onone consultation with a patient— he and his colleagues are focused on raising the quality of life for all citizens by creating environments that foster healthy social norms in school, at work, in transit, and at home. If history has taught us anything, he argues, it’s that nothing is impossible. “Whether it’s smoking legislation or the Civil Rights Act, there’s always a way to clear the hurdles in front of you, regardless of their height. You can change the world, but you have to be persistent and believe in what you’re doing.”

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Keep Austin Dog-Friendly voted against a proposed ordinance that would allow dogs to dine with their owners.

More than just allowing a doggy dining experience, Austin has emerged as a leader in the no-kill movement. In March of 2010, City Council members unanimously passed a plan to make the city a no-kill community. Within a year of implementation, Austin had become the largest no-kill city in the country. A no-kill community saves 90 percent of animals that enter a shelter.

A standout in the shelter community, Austin Pets Alive! has worked hard to ensure that sick, abandoned, and unwanted pets find a forever home.

Since it opened its doors in 2008, it has saved more than 30,000 cats and dogs.

Austin continues to be a pet lover’s dream city.

So grab a beer and offer your furry friend one, too—then cheers to one of the most dog-friendly cities in America.

Keep Austin Affordable

Wheatsville Food Co-op, the only retail grocery cooperative in Texas, caused waves in January when announcing its new Livable Wage and Benefit Plan; and evidently other local businesses should be taking notes. The plan, which was Wheatsville’s response to a 2015 staff satisfaction survey, increased wages for over 80 percent of hourly staff and established that every employee earn a living wage of at least $13.01, an amount determined by the Austin City Council.

Less than a year since implementation, the results are speaking for themselves.

According to Raquel Dadomo, Wheatsville brand manager, employee satisfaction is significantly up, and the co-op has seen an almost immediate decline in its turnover rate.

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AUSTINFITMAGAZINE.COM / 11.16

There has been an overall boost in employee positivity and enthusiasm, a direct effect of workers’ ability to better make ends meet. Further, the wage increase has made the co-op a competitive employment option and has resulted in an influx of people applying.

“We started attracting applicants with great experience—people who may have wanted to work for the co-op but were making more at another job,” said Dadomo.

Although Wheatsville may

be the first to implement the living wage, the Council is hopeful that others will follow suit. According to Council Member Ann Kitchen, the city made a commitment last year to improve Austin’s affordability, requiring consideration of both cost and income.

“We’ve been increasing the amount of our wages for the past two years to better reflect the living wage,” Kitchen said.

For the next fiscal cycle that began on Oct. 1, this meant bumping the wage to $13.50. According to Kitchen, City Council has set a goal of eventually reaching a wage of $15. Council members acknowledged it is something that will have to be gradual, but are committed to making Austin an affordable place to work and live.

Keep Austin Weird The City of Austin does a lot for its residents, tackling major issues like transportation and affordability. Yet these big issues often consume the City Council, leaving little time for smaller ones. The livelihood of small businesses, in particular, is one issue suffering from that unfortunate fate. Noticing this, a group of small business owners met in 2002 and founded The Austin Independent Business Alliance (AIBA), a nonprofit aimed at advocating and promoting the importance of local small businesses, of which there are currently an estimated 60,000.

“Local business reflects the culture of Austin. It’s a huge tourist draw and an economic driver,” executive director Rebecca Melancon said.

Yet, the city refuses to acknowledge this, forcing small businesses to comply to the same standards as large corporations. These standards include permitting, code compliances, and unfair ordinances; all of which hinder the success of local businesses who don’t have the same access to money or lawyers as big corporations. This is where AIBA steps in. In April of 2012, the organization presented the city with the Local Business Manifesto, a 10-page document that outlines the major obstacles local businesses face and how these can be resolved. It is essentially the direction in which AIBA hopes the city will head, one that encourages and protects the rights of small businesses rather than discourages and creates roadblocks.

The outcome has been anything but impressive; in the four years since the manifesto was presented, the council has done nothing to address it. AIBA has met with numerous council members and the Economic Opportunity Committee, and although they’ve been receptive, no headway had been made.

In 2012, AIBA seemed to emerge as a role model when it first drafted the manifesto; other cities began calling and adopting similar initiatives to protect the interests of small, local businesses. Yet with zero progress made, it’s hard to remain the role model for other cities nationwide.

The saying goes that government works slowly, but Melancon and AIBA are still waiting for the City of Austin to move at all.

illustration by Adam Doyle

With dog-centered yoga studios, puppy food trucks, and bakeries dedicated solely to man’s best friend, Austin truly is a pawesome place to live. Just this year it ranked No. 6 on America’s Most Dog Friendly Cities.

This isn’t surprising considering the city’s lenient dog policies and the prevalence of pups in restaurants and patios daily.

The pet-friendliness of Austin, however, is dictated by legislation. Legally, dogs have been allowed on patios for years, yet they are not allowed on the tables, and servers are prohibited from petting them (this part often goes ignored). Neighboring towns have taken a hint and in recent months have started their own conversations on dog-friendly policies. In September, the Round Rock city council passed a vote to allow dogs on restaurant patios. The businesses will be required to post a sign and have an outside entrance to the patio for the dogs to use. Georgetown was not so lucky. In July, its City Council members

Shopping locally puts 3X as much money in our local economy

Major Project Updates The latest on Austin’s renovations and new attractions.

By Devaney Devoe & Shannon Smith

Of every $100 spent at a local business,

$45

stays in Austin Of every $100 spent at a chain store,

$13

stays in Austin *source from AIBA

photo courtesy of NLand

The Meaning of ‘Keep Austin Weird’

The slogan is traced back to the early 2000s, when Austin landmarks BookPeople and Waterloo Records were being threatened by big business.

Around this time, a Borders bookstore wanted to move in across the street, and independent business owners fought back with the motto “Keep Austin Weird” to defend the charm and uniqueness a major franchise simply couldn’t represent. Local businesses banded together to form AIBA and give the group a voice in the matter. Since then, efforts to support Austin-based business have grown stronger, and our city is still certifiably weird.

Surf’s Up! Finally.

Landlocked surfers rejoice! Following a legal battle and months of anticipation, NLand, North America’s first surf park, officially opened on Oct. 7. The park boasts a 14-acre lagoon with waves designed for surfers of all levels, located in the heart of Texas Hill Country. The park’s kickoff came after the resolution of a draw-out legal disagreement over whether the lagoon should be classified as a swimming pool, which would require it to obtain public pool permits. Classification as a pool would have required specific chlorine levels and filtration every six hours—both daunting conditions for a body of water this size. Instead, NLand features a state-of-the-art water treatment system that allows the lagoon to be entirely self-sustaining.

“My family has a rich history of water conservation and environmental

stewardship. I am proud to continue that tradition of innovation and sustainability,” said founder Doug Coors.

In such case, innovation surpassed regulation and both local and state officials rescinded, resulting in an agreement on Oct. 4. More than just waves, NLand offers a training center with talented instructors for all levels and Blue Prairie, a farm-fresh and locally sourced kitchen. NLand is currently open for its “warm-up period” Tuesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Mondays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. So grab your board and get ready to hang ten.

Dude, Where’s My Car?

On Tuesday, Aug. 16, Council Member Sheri P. Gallo’s senior policy advisor, Tina Cannon, along with staff members from the offices of Council Members Ann Kitchen and Delia Garza, met with Uber’s new public affairs lead for the Texas market, Trevor Theunissen. Uber initiated this meeting for Theunissen to introduce himself to council members’ staff.

Although other council members and Gallo were in a City Council work session at the time, they had their policy staff members meet on their behalf. In the meeting, they “encourage[d] Uber to provide their services to Austin

Major Project Updates

On March 21, ESPN sent out a news release announcing that it will be looking for new cities to host the X Games in 2017 and beyond, after three summers of hosting the competition in Austin at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA). Although the X Games relocated regularly in its earlier years, the event was hosted for 10 consecutive years in Los Angeles from 2003 to 2013. When it was originally announced that the X Games would be held at COTA, there was no implication that it would be a short-term stay. However, just two days prior to tickets going on sale for the 2016 X Games, ESPN stated it would no longer be held in Texas’ capital. Earlier that month, COTA announced that the 2016 Formula One U.S. Grand Prix (F1) would be happening in Texas again. However, this should not be considered as much of a victory as it is, considering that it was originally intended in 2010 to be a purpose-built facility for F1, which included a large amount of money from the state’s Major Events Trust Fund. COTA did manage to schedule the 2016 U.S. Grand Prix in 2016. In early March it was announced COTA’s promoters were able to schedule Taylor Swift to headline the post-race performance. Swift will likely bring in her large fanbase to the venue. In November 2015, Bobby Epstein, COTA’s chairman, declared that the state would be reducing COTA’s financial support by over 20 percent. Although there are smaller future events scheduled for this Austin venue, larger events need to be scheduled to support the $400,000,000 outdoor amphitheater. When asked about how COTA plans to adjust to the budget cut and event shifts, officials declined to comment.

F1 car illustration by David Pfendler

residents and operate under the current regulations, as nine other transportation network companies have agreed to do,” Council Member Gallo stated.

Over the summer Lyft contractor, Melody Clark requested a meeting to introduce herself to the District 10 office.

"The meeting was planned with the understanding that it would be a meetand-greet, similar to our meeting last week with Uber and an opportunity for Ms. Clark to meet with senior staff, but no major policy discussions would take place,” Gallo said. A few days before the scheduled Lyft meeting, Gallo’s office received news that Lyft’s executive team from California also wanted to attend the meeting. District 10 suggested to Clark that it would not be necessary to bring Lyft executives from California because the meeting was intended to be casual, with no intention to put any serious change into motion. "Although they were still willing to meet with Ms. Clark for our scheduled meeting, about an hour before the scheduled meeting on Aug. 22, Clark called our office to cancel the meeting,” Gallo said.

Off to the Races

MoPac Takes its Toll As the population in Central Texas grows, it only makes sense for the area’s infrastructure to grow alongside it. Congestion, commuter frustration and environmental concerns were all driving forces behind the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority’s decision in 2013 to begin the construction of an express lane toll road on MoPac. Yet, construction has hit numerous roadblocks, and completion continues to be postponed. As if the normal Austin congestion was not already enough, now commuters’ patience is being put to the test with ongoing construction and further delays. According to Mike Heiligenstein, executive director of CTRMA, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s coming soon. At press time, he said construction in the area north of Texas Highway 183 was nearing completion, and was expected to open by October’s end. As for the rest of the highway, construction will continue into early 2017, when it is expected that all express lanes will be fully functional.

The multipurpose express tollway aims to reduce commuter time while also providing a safe and reliable option for drivers. As traffic splits between the express lanes and general-purpose free lanes, riders can expect to see a 20 percent reduction in travel time as compared with those currently experienced.

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AUSTINFITMAGAZINE.COM / 11.16

According to the MoPac Improvement Project’s website, the toll rate will be determined by the amount of drivers using the expressway. It could cost as little as 25 cents, with costs closer to $4 during gridlocked times. The pricing system of the tollway is not developed to increase revenue, but rather to prevent the lanes from becoming too congested and to preserve the free-flow speeds that are the very definition of an express lane, according to Heiligenstein. The fees collected on the tollway will be used to pay off the cost of the MoPac project, a price tag of more than $200 million.

The CTRMA acknowledges the inconveniences the construction project has created but is confident that the outcome will far outweigh the momentary frustration.

“We have made every effort to minimize greater travel times due to construction through nighttime and minimal off-peak lane closures. It doesn’t make it any easier when you’re stuck in traffic, but at least you know we’re working to make it better,” Heiligenstein said. afm

1978

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BENEFITING

2016 Holiday Gift Guide

52

photography by Weston Carls

Give the gift of health and happiness to your loved ones this holiday season. Whether you’re buying for your favorite fitness fanatic or your furry fourlegged friend, this spread is full of options.

For the Traveler

Swany Performance Gloves St. Bernard Sports With the warmth of a mitten, the flexibility of a glove, a section for a hand warmer and the ability to use your touch screen, these are the Lamborghini of all gloves. $72

Burton Ranger Socks St. Bernard Sports Stay warm and dry in these calf high cushioned socks. Bonus points for style! $20 Smartwool Slopestyle Socks St. Bernard Sports Made from Merino Wool, these socks will keep your toes warm and cozy wherever your adventure takes you. $26

Herschel Packable Daypack St. Bernard Sports Conveniently collapsible and reflective, this is perfect for the traveler who doesn’t rest, even when the sun goes down. $50 Burton Camp Chair St. Bernard Sports Super compact and ultra lightweight, this pop-up chair can hold up to 320 lbs. $120

Outdoor Tech Rugged Wireless Boom Box St. Bernard Sports With 16 hours of battery and the ability to withstand water you’ll never leave home without it. $130 Woolrich Buffalo Check Blanket St. Bernard Sports For those nights when the temperature drops, this wool blanket will be your saving grace. $120

Herschel Novel Bag St. Bernard Sports This bag has plenty of space (including a shoe compartment!) and the design will ensure you fit in with adventure around you. $80

For the One with Paws GoPro Fetch Dog Harness St. Bernard Sports Take a walk in someone else’s shoes—paws, that is. Attach this harness to your furry friend and see the world from a different point of view. $60

You’re My Butter Half Dog Tag/ Keyring Austin Rocks If your dog really is “man’s best friend,” pick up this Austininspired dog tag to put your love on display. $9

Cupcakes & Cartwheels Flashy Fido Light-Up Dog Leash Austin Rocks Only have time to walk your furry friend in the dark? No worries, this light-up and flashing dog leash will light up your path and add some color to your route. $25

LOVE Mug Austin Rocks Warm up with a cup of coffee or tea, while being reminded of how special the bond with your buddy is. $13

54

For the Yogi

Serene Focus Yoga Mat serenefocus.com It may look like your average yoga mat, but Serene Focus designs their products with a clever functionality. Uniquely hidden within the floral graphic are spatial alignment guides and focus references located on the ends and edges. Finding the perfect posture just got easier. $40

Tangle Teezer Detangling Hairbrush Urban Outfitters This hair brush is perfect for the knotted hair that comes with a hot yoga session. Ideal for all hair types and can be used on wet or dry hair, without yanking or pulling on your locks. $16

Invisibobble Traceless Hair Ring Urban Outfitters This hair tie gives no kink, no headaches, and a stronger hold to keep your ponytail in tact when you need it most! $8

YOGA 365 Book Urban Outfitters A book that presents yoga wisdom—both ancient and modern—to keep you inspired and calm during the busy holiday months. $17

BROGAMATS Burrito Yoga Bag Austin Rocks Express your masculinity at yoga with the Burrito Yoga Bag. You can use this bag to carry your mat to and from class, although we’ve heard there’s room to stuff a few burritos in there, too. $40

The Original Worm Massaging Body Roller This portable muscle massage roller is perfect after a hard workout. While targeting hard to reach muscle groups, the Original Worm soothes muscle spasms, aches, and stiffness while increasing blood flow and circulation. $24

Wildlings Yoga Mat St. Bernard Sports Dual colored to resist dirtying and with extra cushioning for support. Bonus points because a portion of every sale is donated to a nonprofit! $75

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For the Runner

TomTom Spark 3 + Music Bundle GPS Fitness Watch The latest version now has a slimmer, sleeker profile and comes equipped with route exploration, in addition to a built-in heart rate monitor and on-board music player. Multiple sports modes let users track their activity for running, cycling, swimming, treadmill and gym workouts. $250 TomTom Touch Fitness Tracker TomTom Touch is a new slim, stylish and easy to use fitness tracker that not only tracks efforts such as steps and calories burned, but also lets the user see the effect of these efforts on their body. TomTom Touch measures body composition (ratio of body fat to muscle mass) to provide a better picture of a person’s overall fitness. $130

Stance Fusion Running Socks Rogue Running For the colder winter months, make sure to grab a pair of these thermo regulating socks to keep your feet warm and dry with their superior moisture wicking threads. $18

Skratch Exercise Hydration Mix Rogue Running This sports drink mix contains electrolytes, simple sugars, and only real flavor and fruit.

If you’re looking for a healthy, natural sports drink to enjoy when you’re doing anything that makes you sweat, Skratch is the way to go! $2

Janji Guatemala Windbreaker Rogue Running Not only will buying this windbreaker keep you warm and stylish, but you’ll also be providing 1 year of clean water to another individual in Guatemala.

It’s a win-win! $96 Lululemon Run Course Speed Sock Lululemon These lightweight running socks not only have fun, neon patterns, but they’re also designed with micro-cushioning in the heel and toe that will keep you comfortable and warm during your sweatiest workouts. $18

Magnolia Tracksmith Short Rogue Running As a versatile piece for any runner’s wardrobe, the Magnolia short features Tracksmith’s newest lightweight stretch fabric, the most comfortable liner in running, and a secure side-seam pocket suited to an iPhone 6 or other large devices. $55

For the Homebody & Little Ones

Turkish Towel HACIENDA Made from a premium cotton that has extra long fibers, HACIENDA’s turkish towels can be used as a hand towel at home or a sweat towel at the studio.

Because of this unique material, Turkish towels are known to become even softer, fluffier, and more absorbent with every wash. $34 This Annoying Life Coloring Book Austin Rocks Love the idea of an adult coloring book but don’t have the time or patience to stay in the lines?

This was made for you. Grab a crayon or pencil and enjoy this comical, mindless coloring book for the highly stressed. $13

ply it to your lips, face or even as perfume. The scent is so good you’ll be looking for more places to apply it. $12

LAFCO Reed Diffuser St. Bernard Sports The scents of this diffuser will send you to a dreamy beach house or relaxing ski lodge— without the packing or traveling. $48

Mustachifier Polarized Baby Opticals Toy Joy Keep your little ones protected and stylish at the same time with these tortoise shell sunnies. $30

Essential Tin in Texas Rose HACIENDA This is the ultimate product—ap-

Mustachifier “The Cowboy” Mustache Pacifier Toy Joy Give the new man in your life some “facial hair” to keep him warm this holiday season. An epic mustache paired with the baby sunnies will give your kid a head start into Austin hipsterdom. $10

Little Standout Hashtag 100% Silicone Teether Austin Rocks Get the best of both worlds with this nontoxic, BPA & PVC free, dishwasher safe teether, while keeping your little one up to date with social media. #Teething $15

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STYLE Banana Face Mask

Avocado Hair Mask

I use this to get glowing skin (and the lingering smell of bananas doesn’t hurt either). Place all three ingredients in a blender and mix until you have a lump-free paste. Wash your face with a gentle soap and pat it dry with a soft towel. Apply the mask in a slightly thick layer and keep it on for 10 to 15 minutes. When the time is up, wash your face with warm water and do not use soap. Don’t forget to use moisturizer, too!

We’re constantly blow drying, coloring, and straightening, so it’s about time we give our hair a little love. For my super curly, dry hair, I whip up this avocado hair mask to add moisture and shine back into my locks.

Mix well (I blend it sometimes) and apply to hair. Let sit for an hour. Rinse well—you might even need to double shampoo! And voilà, shiny locks once again.

1/2 avocado

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons honey

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 small ripe banana ½ teaspoon turmeric

Beauty Treatments from the Fridge Soft skin and shiny hair are made in the kitchen. By Danielle Sobel

These days, the amount of beauty products on the Internet and in stores are endless. From creams to serums to body scrubs, everything promises to lift this or smooth that—but at what expense? The majority of beauty products today are filled with unnatural chemicals that get absorbed into your skin and can cause some not-so-beautiful long term effects. So with that, I started looking for cleaner options and found them all in, well... my refrigerator.

Beauty starts from the inside but the same ingredients that are good within are also great on. Try these three DIY beauty products before hitting up Sephora.

Charcoal Face Mask

Sea Salt Scrub With winter around the corner, dry skin is just bound to happen. Aside from drinking lots of water to keep your skin soft, a little salt scrub can go a long way. Mineralrich salt is perfect for the gentle exfoliation your body needs as the temps cool and the seasons change. Lemon is packed with vitamin C, which gives your skin that glow while jojoba softens and soothes. Lather this on in the shower for the super soft skin.

BONUS! You probably won’t have these components on hand in your refrigerator, but with only three ingredients and incredible results, it’s too good not to share!

This is a mask I use weekly and is perfect for taking off all the toxic build up that your cleanser might not dig deep enough to get. Just as activated charcoal is great for ridding your body of toxins, it’s also just as effective when applied topically to pull up dirt and grime from your skin. Mixed with bentonite clay, tea tree oil and a touch of water, this mask is serious about cleansing and fighting breakouts.

Add water slowly until solution becomes thick and paste-like. Apply to face, let dry, rinse off with warm water and a towel. Follow with your favorite oil (I love argan!)

2 teaspoons activated

1/2 cup sea salt (not too coarse)

1/4 cup lemon juice

coconut charcoal

1/2 cup jojoba oil

Optional: a few drops of lavender oil

2 teaspoons bentonite clay 2-3 drops of tea tree oil

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let’s kick it up a notch

T W O LO C AT I O N S A r b o r e t u m • We s t l a k e F I N D O U T M O R E AT purebarre.com • 512-574-8644 • austin@purebarre.com

STYLE

Teddies for Bettys (L to R): Courtney Colegrove wearing the Marie Jo L’Aventure Baptiste Bodysuit Jena Mays wearing the L’Aventure Robbie Sweetheart and Rio Bikini with an Eberjey Gisele Sleepshirt

Underneath in Fall

Fall temperatures signal the start of ‘sweater weather,’ but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress up underneath. And if it’s cold outside, there’s even more reason to find a way to heat things up inside. With a wide selection of skivvies from Petticoat Fair and Teddies for Bettys, as well as comfortable undies from Lululemon, your holiday season is sure to be filled with joy. You work hard for your body, even in the midst of baked goods and decadent drinks—it’s time to embrace it.

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photography by Brian Fitzsimmons

Is it hot in here, or is it just the lingerie? By Devyn Bernal

Lululemon Desiree Nelson wearing the Namastay Put Hipster

11.16 / AUSTINFITMAGAZINE.COM

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STYLE

Lululemon

Petticoat Fair Devaney Devoe wearing the Natori Feathers Bodysuit

photography by Brian Fitzsimmons

Jessica Clark wearing the Namastay Put Hipster

Petticoat Fair Jetton Fontenot wearing the Wacoal Europe Longline and Boy Shorts with a Christine Faberge Kimono

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WELLNESS

Snake Safety

In a split second’s time,

a single strike can

send you into a panic.

BY BILL HANSON

I

t’s a warm, sunny day and you are halfway through a 12-mile run in the greenbelt, feeling stronger than you ever have before.

Bushes and branches cower before you as you leap across puddles and over downed trees. You start thinking that you should go ahead and sign up for that 10K trail run challenge after all. Then suddenly, as if seeking retribution, a stick lunges at your calf and

WHAT KIND OF PIT VIPER? It isn’t so important what kind of pit viper has bitten you, but for the sake of discussion, we will choose the one with the reputation of being the most ill-mannered; the pugnacious water moccasin. There are four basic varieties of venomous snakes with various distribution patterns in North America. In Texas, we are home to all four.

Three of these fall into the pit viper family and are commonly known as rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths (aka water moccasins). All three inject venom through fangs that has a digestive effect on body tissues. The fourth is a coral snake, which is much rarer and possesses a neurotoxic venom.

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Just before you collapse in pain, you notice this unusually agile stick has one end shaped like the head of a lance, has scales, and has fangs.

You’ve just been bitten by a North American pit viper.

Your betterthan-before trail run is over, but life as an athlete doesn’t need to be.

Just remember three things and everything will turn out alright: Don’t panic, don’t try to seek revenge, and don’t move.

photography by Weston Carls; modeled by Anna Wanzek

SNAP!

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WELLNESS

What’s the HIGHEST MOUNTAIN you have climbed?

Make one of them MOUNT KILIMANJARO. ELEVATION 19,341 FT.

1

Don’t panic: You’re not going to die. Each year in the U.S. approximately 8,000 venomous snakebites are reported (at least 95 percent of these from pit vipers) and out of these, about five people die.

That is less than one in 1,000. This is not to say that a snakebite is harmless, however.

First, brace yourself, because it’s going to hurt! No need to sit and ponder the statistics on mortality, because you’ll know within seconds from the intense pain and immediate swelling that something needs to be done. Approximately 98 percent of bites occur in an arm or a leg, and in medicine, we place a high value on preserving life and limb. In this case, the threat to limb is very real and can include the possibility of amputation if not treated promptly at a hospital equipped with antivenin.

2

Don’t seek revenge:

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In pre-hospital medicine, we stress the need to make the scene safe above all else. In this case that means letting the snake get away. Precise identification of the snake is not necessary for the hospital or EMS to treat you. The antivenin for all three pit vipers in the U.S.—including rattlesnakes, copperheads, and water moccasins (aka: cottonmouths) is the same, and as I’ve already mentioned, it will be painfully obvious if you’ve been bitten by one of these three.

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Don’t move: Assuming the snake has escaped and that you’re not in imminent danger, then stay put. Moving around on a bitten extremity can cause the spread of venom and potentially cause damage to central organs. If you have a cellphone, call 911. If you must send someone for help, just make sure they know exactly where you are, know your age and what happened to you, and let them know that the first two rules apply to them also.

If you are far from help, without a working phone and little to no chance that someone will happen by, then you might consider easing yourself toward somewhere that they might.

4

Treatment: So far this has been a lot of don’ts, and for good reason. There is very little you can do to treat a snakebite in the field. There is just no magic bullet for this. Actually there is, in the form of a very effective antivenin, but it is only available in the hospital.

Here are a few dos: 1. Try to keep the bitten extremity below the level of the heart. This may help prevent the spread of the venom to more critical areas.

2. You can begin marking the area of swelling on your arm or leg with the time using a pen or a marker. This will help medical professionals later.

3. If you are able to splint the extremity, this may help slow the spread of venom. However, doing this with what equipment and remaining extremities you have on hand is much easier said than done. With that in mind, here are some more don’ts.

Do not cut, suck, or try to extract venom from the bite. It won’t work. Do not apply ice. Do not apply tourniquets or constricting bands. Do not apply electrical shock therapy. Above all, do not get drunk. Any of these old traditional treatments have been shown to be ineffective at best and harmful at worst, and getting drunk simply makes these old traditional treatments seem like a good idea.

Oh and one more: Don’t sign up for that 10K trail race—this may take awhile to recover from. With clear decision-making and timely evacuation to a hospital, however, you can hope to run that race in the future. afm

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HEALTHY HELPINGS EXPOSURE

According to a survey by the Melanoma Foundation of New England, only 35 percent of respondents from the South apply sunscreen in the summer, compared with 39 percent nationally.

Although Southern states receive as many as 246 days of sun each year, only 14 percent apply sunscreen in the winter.

U.S. Death Rate Spikes on Thanksgiving There are two major culprits: coronary events and car accidents

Motor Vehicle Fatalities in Texas: Thanksgiving 2012: 48 2013: 50 2014: 55 2015: 41

Compared with…

Fourth of July 2012: 13 2013: 54 2014: 32 2015: 39

Compared with…

New Year 2012: 33 2013: 24 2014: 45 2015: 32 *Source Texas DoT

2012

2013

2014

2015

Year after year, that spike begins around the Thanksgiving holiday. Cardiovascular researcher Dr. Robert Kloner and his colleagues suggested that this higher risk of heart attacks near Thanksgiving “could be related to such behavioral changes around the holiday time as increased food, salt, and alcohol consumption.” They also take into consideration the emotional and psychological stresses of the holidays as possible contributors.

Black Friday isn’t much better. Since 2006, there have been seven deaths and 98 injuries as a result of bargain shopping gone wrong.

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National Sleep Comfort Month Eat foods that are soporific (sleep inducing).

Cheese, chicken, pumpkin seeds, and eggs are rich in the sleep-inducing amino acid tryptophan. You can even activate tryptophan more efficiently by consuming foods that are low in protein and high in complex carbohydrates.

Consumption of carbohydrates makes tryptophan more available in the brain, whereas protein does the opposite and minimizes the amount of tryptophan in the brain. Pass the turkey, please!

car illustration by freepik.com

Still Need Sunscreen

FAQ EXPOSURE

By Devyn Bernal

Varicose and Spider Veins Think you’re the only one who struggles with cosmetic leg issues? Don't be so vein. Dr. Connie Hsu, an expert interventional radiologist at ARA Diagnostic Imaging, answers common questions about vein disease. Because even if your spider veins aren’t detrimental, they could be varicose.

What is the underlying cause of vein disease? Who can it affect, and how early? Prominent ropelike veins in the legs are called varicose veins. Varicose veins occur because the veins draining them have poorly functioning valves (venous reflux). These valves are frequently influenced by genetics and hereditary factors. Small clusters of veins on the surface of the skin are called spider veins. Often considered to be just a cosmetic problem, some spider veins can cause burning pain and itching. Varicose veins affect over 8 million Americans. About 1 out of 4 women and about 1 out of 10 men will experience venous disease. It can occur as early as the teenage years. As people get older, their veins can get larger.

Is it safe to exercise when you have varicose or spider veins? Yes, it is safe to exercise. In fact, some vein patients use exercise to make their legs feel better. However, when the veins become painful and start interfering with your ability to exercise, it is time to see a vein doctor.

Which movements are best for slowing the progression of venous reflux? Does diet have any effect? Avoid standing in one place.

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If your job requires that you stand for prolonged periods of time, then wear medical grade compression stockings. Walking and running can help slow the progression of venous disease. Diet does not directly affect venous disease. However, a healthy diet is recommended because weight gain and obesity can worsen the problem.

What precautions can a young athlete take now to prevent varicose/ spider veins in the future? Avoid traumatic injury to the legs, such as football tackles, falls and soccer accidents. Wear compression stockings when standing for prolonged periods of time.

Can EVLT (endovenous laser therapy) affect athletic performance? EVLT is often recommended for treatment. It’s a simple, non-surgical procedure that gets rid of varicose veins quickly. EVLT can improve athletic performance if venous reflux is causing leg heaviness, fatigue, painful varicose veins, and/ or leg swelling. When stockings fail, then minimally invasive treatments like EVLT are an attractive option to consider. It is done in an outpatient setting—patients walk out of the clinic after the procedure and can return to work the next day. Patients can resume their previous exercise regimen in two to three weeks. afm

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BEFORE

AFTER

FITNESS

Deep Squat

Purpose: While this type of full squatting is not often used in modern daily activities or sport moves, active individuals still require fundamental components of the deep squatting movement. It allows us to see the fully coordinated mobility of the extremities, the core stability need to properly connect position and posture in the torso, while the arms and legs maintain symmetrical positions. This total body, bilateral movement shows the multiple contributions of mobility and stability needed equally on both the left and right side.

Attempting a score of a 3.

Attempting a score of a 2.

What is the Functional

By Diane Vives, MS, CSCS-D, NSCA-CPT, FMS

Inline Lunge

Purpose: This movement pattern is used in deceleration and change of direction activities. It demands a certain level of stability needed to support the stresses encountered during rotation, deceleration, and lateral movements. The narrow base requires the body to continually stabilize the pelvis and core while sharing the load on an asymmetrical hip flexion/extension position. The upper extremities are in an opposing position that mimics the natural counter balance position.

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were never going to make progress. At this time, I personally did not know about the FMS. Fast-forward several years, and many athletes like Josh later, I now understand that Josh probably didn’t have the fundamental prerequisites of mobility and stability to perform a functionally viable squat. From the time I started using the FMS in 2007, I have worked with many similar athletes and fitness clients who have had similar movement roadblocks. By using the systematic approach and feedback of the screen, I can better identify opportunities to address weak links that may be causing poor movement. My heart is in this profession to help people, and good movement can truly change lives and change life experiences and expectations.

What is exactly is the FMS? It is a simple and quantifiable system of seven fundamental movements that are scored and used to identify your current movement ability. The scoring results are then used to direct training decisions to optimize outcomes for all levels of training, fitness or sport goals. FMS lets us know when there is an opportunity to address a weak link in the fundamental movement baseline that will improve your ability to adapt and be more durable in all aspects of training, ultimately cutting a shorter path to your training goals by removing unnecessary roadblocks.

The FMS contains two mobility-biased patterns that allow us to look at lower body mobility and upper body mobility.

Shoulder Mobility

Purpose: This movement pattern represents the symphony of movement from the thoracic spine, shoulder blade, and shoulder joint to express a full range of movement in a reciprocal pattern. Although this movement goes beyond what is usually required in most basic activities, it displays the contribution of active control each of these segments provide for successful and sustainable range of motion in the upper extremities.

The screen also uses two stability dominant patterns that display neuromuscular communication on different levels to stabilize posture and position of the torso to create a strong and fluid connection between the upper and lower body.

Active Straight Leg Raise Purpose: This movement allows us to see the active flexion in one hip while the opposite hip is maintaining extension. During this movement the pelvis and core must initiate and maintain stability during the movement.

This reciprocal flexion/ extension pattern represents mobility in the hips and carries over into many other fundamental movements.

photography by Brian Fitzsimmons; performed by Christy Siebert

No matter who you are or what your experience, is there is one thing we can all certainly agree on: Movement dictates the way we live—all day, everyday. Since 1995, the mission of the founders of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is for everyone to move well and move often. The founders and now-certified FMS professionals across the globe implement this mission to a span of groups from professional athletes to fitness enthusiasts to rehabilitation clients who need a better focus of return to activity after an injury.

Early in my career, I remember training a young, developing athlete whose parents were looking to give him the best opportunity to make the basketball team. Josh was 15 years old and certainly was not the most naturally gifted athlete, but he was a kid with the biggest heart who inspired me every time he walked through the door because of his spirit and determination.

Certainly a kid I didn’t want to let down. It turned out Josh really struggled to perform basic squats properly, and other coaches had already inundated him with tons of stretching exercises. Being a young strength and conditioning coach myself in 1998, I was studying many techniques on functional training and movement development to improve my training Techniques. I was trying all kinds of squat variations and functional training exercises in hopes to improve Josh’s squat. If you think about the game of basketball, it is basically a series of explosive squats and dynamic squatting type movements ( jumping and athletic stance). It was very slow going and seemed as if we

Hurdle Step

Purpose: This movement observes the proper coordination needed during opposing movement in the hips while stepping into a single leg stance.

This single leg dominant movement is essential to force transfer used in locomotion and acceleration activities. This movement challenges step and stride mechanics while maintaining an upright posture that displays proper core stability. The movement qualities here are prerequisites for running and sprinting mechanics.

Movement Screen?

Now the order of the movement patterns just discussed are given in the order as they appear in our human developmental sequence. This is in fact the order that is used for corrective strategies to rebuild fundamental movement when a weak link is found by the FMS. But, when you are actually being screened, the order of the FMS is performed for time efficiency and flow of screening by taking you from standing movements to floor-based movements.

1. Deep Squat 2. Hurdle Step 3. Inline Lunge 4. Shoulder Mobility 5. Active Straight Leg Raise 6. Trunk Stability 7. Rotary Stability The FMS uses a scoring system that takes each movement and applies specific

criteria to determine if the movement is in one of four possible categories.

Score of 3 means they have met all the criteria as prescribed with no compensation.

Score of 2 means they completed the movement with compensation.

Score of 1 means they were unable to complete the movement.

Score of 0 indicates there is pain during the movement.

These results are interpreted using the FMS Corrective Algorithm to allow us to determine the best next step for exercise programming and will be used as a continuous tool to direct future training.

Currently, the FMS is a recognized, evidence-based movement screen that follows the mission started by its founders Gray Cook and Lee Burton to first move well, and then move often. And now it supports our mission here in Austin to continually take actions to elevate our fitness community and support active lifestyles of all kinds.

For more information go to functionalmovement.com.

hair & makeup by Allan Rodriguez, Rae Cosmetics; shot on location at MOVE Austin Fitness

Trunk Stability

Rotary Stability

Purpose: This movement is commonly mistaken as an upper strength test. Instead this is a single repletion movement that allows us to observe the reactive core stabilization as the upper body initiates the pushing movement. This should be done in a manner that the position of the spine—as seen by the torso position—raises as one unit. This somewhat rigid stability shows the ability to create a strong connection and proper stacking of hips, rib cage, and shoulders needed to support many functional movement and positions.

Finally, there are three standing movements that focus on total body, coordinated movements in order to observe the quality of integrated movement using different stances while displaying upper and lower body mobility that is connected with proficient torso stability. These three bases of support expand into many locomotion and functional movements required for sports and daily activities.

Purpose: This movement requires multidirectional stability of the pelvis and torso while combining upper body and lower body movement.

This displays proper neuromuscular coordination and energy transfer through the torso that is required in many functional positions and movements. Its roots come from the crawling motion we learn early in a human sequential development.

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illustration by Eleanor H Grisebaum

FITNESS

Approach Your Off-Season Like a Pro

Feeling unmotivated is completely normal for athletes—here’s how to get back on track. By Carrie Barrett

A

thletes dream of the off-season and of all the relaxation, coffee dates, and trips to the farmers market it will grant us when weekends aren’t cluttered in between training and naps. Unfortunately, there is a thin line between the off-season and the paralyzing fear of “what’s next” that creeps up like the creature from Stranger Things. One moment, you’re sleeping in on a Saturday, and then suddenly you’re gripped in fear because you’re feeling lazy.

Local triathlete Susie Yuill recently shared some of her frustration.

“I’m not feeling the tri thing right now,” she admitted. “I am pre-occupied and a little burned out. I’m wondering if I need a break from the group for a while, you know, to take things down a notch or two.”

Are you also ready to take it down a notch or two? Here are some reasons why you might be and how you can get the most from your off-season.

Feeling Burned Out

Nothing can cook you more than an intense training schedule where every day, including the recovery days, feels like a second or third job. Remember, it's not just the actual training part that wears on your schedule, but the inordinate amount of time that goes into the nightly preparation, bag packing, snack prepping, and sleep logistics. Training is definitely a part-time job.

Sometimes a temporary break from the grind truly is what's best for your mind and soul. If you don't want to tap out altogether, however, a change of perspective may simply be what you need. As Susie's friend Tabitha told her, “Just slow down a bit.

Enjoy hopping in the slower lane and don't go to the more intense workout days.”

Coach Advice: Change your mindset from competition to relaxation. You're allowed to hop on your bike for fun without your Garmin. (Frightening, I know.) Find some pleasure in the routine. Ask yourself daily why you're doing this and write those reasons down. If you simply can't think of valid reasons other than, “I have to,” it may be time to walk away and step outside of the training trap door.

Just Finished a Key Race Kristin Zimmerman recalls what it felt like

after racing her first 3M Half Marathon a few years ago. “I was so sore after that race for a straight week; I was very turned off from running when it was all over,” she remembers. She literally didn't go for another run for four months. Still, she says, she generally avoids road running but has since found joy in trail races.

Whether the memories of your race are blissful or painful, the end of a key event can often trigger the post-event blues, a very real depression. Many find it difficult to find motivation or desire to continue to train hard, especially if they prepared wholeheartedly for months on end.

Coach Advice: Ride that wave for a couple of weeks and realize that feeling lost after a race is very common and, most of the time, temporary. Sometimes the best answer to this burning question of what's next is, “nothing.” If that sounds a little scary, it should, because no Type-A athlete wants to be told to do nothing.

However, while you may feel like you aren't doing anything, you're actually giving your body and mind a much-needed chance to recover.

Another suggestion? Go on a postevent vacation! In the same way a newly married couple embarks on a honeymoon right after the wedding ceremony, embark on your own post-race adventure.

If you've traveled for your event, stick around for a few days and actually treat

yourself like a tourist on a leisurely vacation instead of a ramped up athlete who's afraid of eating the wrong food and being on your feet for too long. Don't be fearful of a little decadence and post-race celebration.

Bored with Your Routine

Couples (not those newly married ones I just mentioned above) who are in a rut are often encouraged to have date nights that may include trying a new restaurant or going to a new destination together. Well, it's time that you and your athlete alter-ego attend some couples therapy.

The off-season is the perfect time to spice up your training regime with a few new twists. Every day, I hear an athlete say, “Oh, I wish I had time to do more yoga, lift more weights, ride my road bike, take a boxing class, go paddleboarding, etc.” The list is endless because, in Austin, the list of fitness activities has no boundaries.

Coach Advice: This winter, unburden yourself from your obligations. Become a fitness tourist and commit to trying new activities. Invest in a class pass that allows you to visit multiple fitness classes and studios, research a meetup group that appeals to your interests, or grab a backpack and take a hike at one of the many trails and parks in and around central Texas. If you're an endurance athlete, this is also the perfect time to enhance your strength and conditioning routine.

Working On Weaknesses

The best way to improve on anything is to do it consistently with good form. The key here is with good form. A huge contributor to injury and lack of performance gains is not focusing on those skills where you just don't feel strong. During the season, you may feel like you don't have the extra time to train your weaknesses, but the off-season is the perfect time to work on those areas that may be holding you back. You may consider yourself a slow runner, but have you ever tried consistent strength training or had a gait analysis that may illustrate physiological limitations? If swimming makes you feel like an ant stuck in molasses, have you considered private swim instruction that would specifically identify your key areas of weakness and provide feedback on improvement?

Coach Advice: Work on those weaknesses and seek out coaches in your discipline who can help you. From a strong and balanced core to a precise bike fit for comfort, there is an expert in Austin who is invested in making you love your sport more and understand the intricacies of how to get better.

The phrase off-season gets a bad rap because it insinuates that you won't actually be doing anything except slipping into bad eating patterns and washing it down with a pitcher of beer. On the contrary, turn this offseason into your on-season by focusing on fun, variety, and improving those things that will make you even more motivated in 2017! afm

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FITNESS

WHAT YOUR TRAINER WISHES YOU KNEW

Amid Archibald

Castle Hill Fitness Practice cleanliness in class. Who wants to share someone else's sweat?

Don’t tell me an exercise or circuit is hard. It's challenging because your mind and body haven’t mastered it yet. Hard is impossible, and exercise is not impossible. When clients negotiate the exercise/sets/reps with me— SERIOUSLY!? If you don't like it, then do your own workout.

Don’t do sloppy reps and sets in class just to be the first to finish to impress the instructor—not cool and the instructor is strictly looking for quality. When clients are doing pullups and they're jolting themselves up by kicking and doing incorrect form, it's not good for your body, and bad form makes me cringe inside.

When I hear clients say “I'm trying”—trying is the intent to fail. I tell my clients “be like Nike and JUST DO IT.”

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Jessica Clark

RIDE Indoor Cycling Don't be late—especially if you're a new rider. Get to the studio about 10 minutes before class starts so you can get properly set up on your bike, meet you instructor, and get the lay of the land! Showing up late not only impacts your experience (you may spend a good amount of time feeling lost in class if you’re new), but also can be disruptive to other riders.

Be present. If you're like most people, you may only get a few hours a week to work out and devote 100 percent to yourself. In order to make your workout more impactful, commit to focusing on your breath, the movement and muscles worked, and your effort in class. Minimize chatter once class begins, leave your cell phone in your locker, clear your mind of your "to-do" list, and focus on being present in the moment during class.

Maja Kermath

KOR180 Pilates is a technical workout that can be a bit more intimidating if you're using equipment. Your instructor has spent a lot of time prepping for class; here are some things you can do to return the favor: Let your instructor know if you have had any injuries in the past that might impact your ability to take class. Letting your instructor know that you can’t lie flat on your back because of a surgery you had shouldn't happen when they approach you and ask if everything is ok because you're modifying in an unsafe way. Often times, instructors can change their programming on the fly if you have a conversation with them ahead of time.

Listen to cues that the instructor gives you. Form cues that an instructor will say are a result of things he or she are seeing in the room that need fixing.

If you're working with equipment, like a reformer, there are added instructions on spring count and general set up. Missing these cues will impact your workout and could cause injury due to using the equipment inappropriately.

Take the intro class! There's a reason it exists. One of the reasons professional athletes perform at such high levels is because they are always focusing on the fundamentals. Even if you think you're a Pilates expert, if the studio recommends the intro class, you should take it. First, those classes tend to be smaller, so you'll get more one on one time with your instructor. Second, returning to foundational principals will always help your practice.

Just ask the pros!

WHAT YOU WISHED YOUR TRAINER KNEW

GET ALIGNED / STAY FOCUSED

The Multi-Voice Trainer

Stephanie Taylor Twohey

GRIT Strength & Conditioning I have a list of Gym Rules hanging by the front door. No. 4 says, “This is church. Don’t taint it with negativity or personal drama.

If you do, you will be asked clearly and respectfully to leave.” I’m very strict about this rule. These can bring bad energy, and I won’t allow bad energy to spread into the good work we do in the gym.

As respected as this rule is, there’s the reality that life is messy. We all struggle at some point. Whether it’s financial, emotional, relational, professional, physical, psychological, we all struggle in one way or another. It’s part of the human condition.

This reality can manifest in the gym in a wide range of ways, from tears, anger, frustration, bad attitudes, silence, temper tantrums, all the way to completely falling apart and giving up.

My job is to know my athletes so well, I can tell the difference between a bad day and a bad attitude. Bad days are normal, and the goal is to complete the work safely and allow the training to be a positive therapy for whatever the athlete is dealing with.

Bad attitudes are a choice. When this happens, it’s my job to remind athletes of the responsibility in their choice to walk through those doors. And here’s where the magic happens.

When athletes consciously choose to transform their negative attitude into a positive, workmanlike mentality, the result is powerful.

They shift from victim mentality to empowered mentality. They take ownership of their mindset and cultivate greater discipline and work ethic. This, in turn, cultivates greater character and integrity. This, in turn, cultivates greater courage and tenacity. All of this increases the athlete’s capacity to thrive. It is a dynamic and potent domino effect. My job is to remind them of the big picture and the power they have within themselves to own the quality of life they want. Their job is to decide what level of responsibility they want to own. In the end, it all boils down to choice.

Yoga Mats

I can't help but giggle when they're giving you that confidence speech in a loud, commanding voice, and 15 seconds later go right into a smooth, soft voice serenading you to sleep in the cool down of the workout. This is especially noticeable in most indoor cycling classes, where the music tends to follow the tone of the trainer.

The Long Touch Trainer I'm ok with being touched by my personal trainer or yoga instructor, but only for a brief tap to show where an adjustment is needed. The long touch—anything more than a second or requiring the use of the entire hand —is just too awkward for me. I can't help but worry if they regret touching my sweaty body.

The Helicopter Trainer I understand every trainer is looking out for your well-being (hopefully), but it irks me to no end when they hover over me as I try to accomplish a move! I'm already struggling to execute the position—staring eyes and no personal space just makes me even more nervous and more likely to fail. Thank you for the advice and help, but don't be a helicopter trainer!

The “Can You Hear Me Now?” Trainer I can appreciate a well-crafted playlist, but I find it extremely frustrating when the instructor is competing to be heard against the music. The directions end up being completely unintelligible and too chaotic to enjoy the workout.

The First Yoga Mat with Alignment and (Drishti) Focus Point graphics designed to Enhance the Physical and Mental Benefits of Yoga, all within a Fashion-Influenced look and feel.

Perfect Your Postures Stabilize Your Balance Deepen Your Concentration

The Disconnected Trainer So much of a workout is about mental strength and focus that I expect a trainer to also be a good psychological coach. It frustrates me when trainers don't take the time to understand what motivates individual clients.

They end up throwing you off your game instead of helping to motivate you through the exercises.

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Austin, TX

serenefocus.com @serenefocusyoga

EVENTS

www.mylofitness.com

photo courtesy of Spectrum Trail Racing

GROUP FITNESS CLASSES MONTHLY PASSES DAY PASSES

FEATURED SPECTRUM WONDERLAND // NOVEMBER 5

SPORTS AND OUTDOORS NOVEMBER 2–6

2016 U.S. Vintage National Championships

THE COOLEST WAY TO GET FIT IN AUSTIN!

Circuit of The Americas For the 4th consecutive year, old meets new in Austin when over 400 competitors test iconic racing machines on COTA's state-of-the-art track. Come see some of the craziest, most charismatic, and passionate racing to hit Circuit of The Americas this year. svra.com NOVEMBER 5

Spectrum Wonderland THANK YOU

AUSTIN FOR

20 GREAT YE

ARS

Muleshoe Bend The “bread and butter” of Spectrum’s trail races, these incredible 900 acres boast a medium range of difficulty and mostly shaded trail. Sign up for the 10K, half-marathon, or full-marathon! spectrumtrailracing.com NOVEMBER 13

Anyone can learn to play!

Hockey Leagues for Youth and Adult, Beginner–Advanced Instructional Hockey Classes for Youth and Adult.

NORTHCROSS MALL 2525 West Anderson Lane | 512.252.8500 WWW.CHAPARRALICE.COM

Run with the Heroes Camp Mabry The Austin Police Department and Special Olympics Texas invite you to the Run with the Heroes 5K. Each year, the

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race honors all fallen heroes and their families from the Fire, EMS, and Police first responder agencies. The 2016 honorees are Sgt. Chris Kelley from the Hutto Police Department and STAR flight nurse Kristin McLain. They also honor those who serve and protect our communities every day. eventbrite.com/e/run-withthe-heroes-5k-2016-registration-24178865638 NOVEMBER 24

Turkey Trot The Long Center ThunderCloud Subs' annual 5-mile run/1-mile walk is a great way to work up a Thanksgiving-sized appetite.

Compete with the best of Austin or bring the family for a more relaxed holiday jog. thundercloud.com

FOOD AND DRINKS NOVEMBER 4

Austin Homebrew Festival Austin Join the party celebrating the best of Austin’s homebrewed beers, meads, ciders, and kombuchas. The festival offers guests a chance to taste

brews by 20 different home brewers and vote for their favorite taste. Melted and Evil Weiner food trucks will be on site, so join the Austin Homebrew Appreciation Society and sign up for the fun. ahbfestival.org NOVEMBER 4–13

Wurstfest

New Braunfels Here, you'll enjoy good food, music, dancing, exciting carnival rides and games, German, Texan and domestic beer, special events and the finest in Alpine and Bavarian Style Entertainment. It all happens at Wurstfest! wurstfest.com NOVEMBER 20

Wine & Swine Bee Cave Enjoy an afternoon party in the Texas Hill Country with live music, premium wine, beer and spirit tastings, and plenty of pork. It’s an authentic pig roast featuring central Texas’ top chefs, so your stomach won’t want to miss this. austinfoodwinealliance.org

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photo courtesy of EAST

Submit your event online at austinfitmagazine.com

FEATURED EAST AUSTIN STUDIO TOUR // NOVEMBER 12–13, 19–20

ARTS

NOVEMBER 4-6

Sound on Sound Festival Sherwood Forest Austin's newest progressive music festival, Sound on Sound, takes on Sherwood Forest this November. The festival promises three days of music by local, national and international touring indie rock, hip hop, punk, and dance acts. soundonsoundfest.com NOVEMBER 5–6

Texas Book Festival Texas State Capitol Building The Texas Book Festival has evolved into one of the premier literary events in the country and hosts about 250 authors each year. More than 40,000 book lovers of all ages attend the Festival annually, enjoying readings, panel discussions, signings, cooking demonstrations, live music, local food, YA authors, children’s activities—exhibiting vendors from across the state. texasbookfestival.org NOVEMBER 5–6

Austin Celtic Festival Fiesta Gardens This annual festival is also the largest gathering of Celts in Central Texas. The event is home to four stages of Irish,

Scottish and Breton music, dance, sports, storytelling, workshops and more. austincelticfestival.com

can Indian dancing, singing, arts & crafts and food. austinpowwow.net

NOVEMBER 12-13, 19-20

A Christmas Affair

Various Locations More than 70 Eastside studios open their doors for the public's viewing and purchasing pleasure. You won’t want to miss the stylish and creative side of East Austin. east.bigmedium.org

Palmer Events Center The Junior League of Austin's A Christmas Affair hosts approximately 200 vendors in a themed shopping extravaganza, which includes parties, children's events, a private shopping brunch, and the season's biggest celebrity, Santa! jlaustin.org

NOVEMBER 16 – DECEMBER 4

East Austin Studio Tour

LIFESTYLE NOVEMBER 3–11

Christmas at the Caswell House The Caswell House Christmas at the Caswell House has been an Austin community tradition since 1983. The Austin Junior Forum transforms this historic home into a winter wonderland. Now in its 32nd year, Christmas at Caswell raises funds that are distributed to local charities and nonprofits through our grants program. austinjuniorforum.org NOVEMBER 5

Austin Powwow Travis County Expo Center Now in its 25th year and the largest of its kind in Texas, this festival features Ameri-

NOVEMBER 19–20

Fossil Fest

Old Settlers Heritage Association Bring the kids to the 26th annual Fossil Fest to meet scientists, dig for fossils, check out specimens from around the world, and participate in family-friendly workshops. austinpaleo.org NOVEMBER 26

Chuy's Christmas Parade Congress Avenue This spirited holiday parade features a procession of giant balloons, marching bands, vintage cars, celebrities and floats to usher in the season of giving. chuysparade.com

• Rent and sell water purification machines • Steam distillation purification process • Replace 5 gallon bottled water cooler 602 West 13th Street | Austin, TX 78701 512.472.9393

GreaterTexasWater.com 11.16 / AUSTINFITMAGAZINE.COM

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RACE CALENDAR NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 5

Cedar Park 5 Miler Cedar Park

Blanco Vista Wildcat 5K San Marcos

NOVEMBER 13

Dirt Trails and Pony Tails Austin BattleFrog Austin Austin Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes 5K Austin BR3T 4M Family Fun Run/Walk Wimberley

Run by the Creek 10K and 5K Dripping Springs Hill Country Trivium Marble Falls Proud To Be An American Run New Braunfels Run with the Heroes 5K Austin NOVEMBER 19

Black Light Run Austin

Jameson 5K at Southwestern Georgetown

Chosen Half Marathon New Braunfels

Wonderland Muleshoe Bend Trail Race Austin

Thankful Turkey 5K San Marcos

Wurst 5 Mile Run New Braunfels NOVEMBER 6

Run For the Water Austin Aga Khan Foundation Run Austin Dirty Du Smithville Pi Run Kyle Gf4G—Get Fit for God Georgetown Tour de Gruene New Braunfels NOVEMBER 12

ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk Austin FEATURED TRAIL OF LIGHTS // DECEMBER 3

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Pflugerville Pets Alive Dog Jog 5K Pflugerville

Dash for Disabled Vets 5K Seguin Feed Your Hunger 5K/10K New Braunfels Fit Fox 5K Dripping Springs NOVEMBER 24

Cedar Park Turkey Day 5K Cedar Park Georgetown Turkey Trot Georgetown Gruene Turkey Trot New Braunfels Pfeathered Pfun Run Pflugerville ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot Austin Lake Forest Turkey Trot Round Rock

photo courtesy of Austin Trail of Lights and Black Light Run.

FEATURED BLACK LIGHT RUN // NOVEMBER 19

Bull Du Seguin

11.16 – 01.17

Submit your event online at austinfitmagazine.com

DECEMBER DECEMBER 3

Austin Fit Crawl: Trail of Lights Edition Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run Austin Old Town Rudolph Run Leander Sights & Sounds of San Marcos 5K San Marcos Spectrum Series – McKinney Roughs Trail Run/Relay Austin Mission to Mission Charity Bike Tour San Antonio Pico de Gallo Weslaco Pico de Gallo Century Bike Ride Weslaco

DECEMBER 17

Race to the Pantry Canyon Lake Madeleine Memorial 5K Christmas Stroll New Braunfels Vern’s No Frills 5K Georgetown DECEMBER 31

Kyle-O-Meter Resolution Run Kyle

JANUARY JANUARY 1

Commitment Day 5K Austin JANUARY 7

River Road Run New Braunfels JANUARY 14

Bruises & Bandages Trail Race Georgetown JANUARY 21

Spicewood Vineyards Half Marathon and 10K Spicewood

Goodwater Loop at Lake Georgetown Georgetown

DECEMBER 10

Vern’s No Frills 5K Georgetown

Girls on the Run 5K Austin

JANUARY 22

St. Judes Jingle Bell 5K New Braunfels

3M Half Marathon Austin

Real Ale Brewery 5K Beer Run Blanco

JANUARY 28

DECEMBER 11

ARC Decker Challenge Austin

Austin Gorilla Run Austin Dance Unlimited’s Tutus & Tennies 5K Buda

Jingle Bell Run Austin 11.16 / AUSTINFITMAGAZINE.COM

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DISCOVER!

Q&A

Senator Kirk Watson This former mayor and current state senator tells us what it means to keep Austin fit. By Devyn Bernal

C

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“When I’m physically fit, it helps me to be mentally fit.”

he practices what he preaches. “There’s no question I’m a happier and more enjoyable person to be around when I’m active,” he says. “When I’m physically fit, it helps me to be mentally fit.” If you ask him, mental health is just as important to learn about as good nutrition and exercise, and a healthy check on all three has prevented him from battling cancer again. “‘The Beast’—as I call it—impacted me to want to feel good,” Senator Watson says.

Cancer struck him even after six years of no red meat or alcohol in his diet, taking him for a jaunting surprise. Both of his parents dealt with the same ‘beast,’ and he recalls his mother’s tenacity to survive 21 years after

being diagnosed. She rode her exercise bike every day up until checking into the hospital, believing she’d start dying the moment she stopped. “A doctor once told me before surgery that I myself was physically fit enough to recover better, and I took that to heart,” he says. “Every day I’m better prepared to fight it off.”

Now, Senator Watson is in great shape and motivated to focus on all the combining increments in his life. He looks forward to the time he is given in Austin, with its creative, different points of views and defining oddities. “The whole idea of keeping Austin weird is attractive to me,” he says. “Weird ideas have become big deals in this city.” afm

photo by Weston Carls

elebrating his tenth year of holding office in the Texas Senate, Senator Kirk Watson has plenty of reasons to feel accomplished. Between his work with the state, Dell Medical School, Bastrop County Bank community board, Central Texas water planning and transportation, and raising two sons, Senator Watson thrives in the days he is given. After surviving cancer and appreciating what it means to feel physically well, he no longer dwells on 10-year plans. “What I’ve found is, it’s better to live in increments of time,” Senator Watson says. “I call it living with a short-term focus and a long-term vision.”

These days, Senator Watson has quite a few increments he is directing his focus on, including the Texas State Senate election this November. To him, it’s not the substantial changes Austin has seen over the last decade, but rather, what has remained the same that stands out. “Some of our defining aspects that make this city attractive haven’t changed a bit,” Senator Watson says. “That says a lot about Austin’s character.”

Number one on his list of Austin’s treasures would be Lady Bird Lake and the trail surrounding it. “It is my single most favorite place in Austin,” Senator Watson admits. “Each morning I spend out there, working on my health and connecting with my community, improves my mood and boosts my morale.” He hasn’t been able to prove it yet, but he knows everyone he sees out on the trail will have a better day for it.

These walks, along with riding his motorcycle to work on a gorgeous day, keep his overall health and wellbeing on a straight path.

Senator Watson strongly advocates a stabilizing diet, exercise, and meditation—and

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