Yay!!!!! Congratulatons Ryon and Christi!!!

From Ryon:

My finest day today... I'm engaged to my best friend. I've spent my whole life waiting for my chance to be with someone who accepts me for all my faults and loves me for just simply being Ryon...
The morning started with me trying to negotiate with James Bales and Jamie Cleveland to "sandbag" todays 5 mi run/18 mi bike/2 mi run race up to the top of Enchanted Rock State Park so I could look even more like a "hero". They weren't buying me or my story....
It was a hard fight for 5th place overall as I transitioned from the bike to that second run. The hardest part of the race was to get up to the finish line way on top of Enchanted Rock after making a quick change into a "replacement jersey", running shoes, and death-gripping the precious ring box in one hand...
I wasn't the overall winner of the race like I negotiated or hoped for but I feel like a winner regardless once I got to the finish line! Christi, you make this my finest day by loving me and of course saying "yes". This is a day I'll always remember...

Resolve Resolution-er Val heads toward her goals and gives tips how you can, too...

Val is focused on her goals. And, she has not allowed the "unforeseen circumstances" to derail her progress. That is what RESOLVE your resolution is all about!!!

Val says:


All my life I've been an athlete, gifted in that I can get by at most things but exceptional at nothing. You know the type -- coaches describe me, then and now, with terms like "hard-working," "dedicated," and having "a good attitude" as opposed to words like "fast," "unstoppable," or "possessing freakish strength." But that's okay: I have a liberal arts body, whose jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none status makes me open to new activities. During the past 5 years, I've been working to manage a mostly benign but persistent condition of my central nervous system that makes me prone to low blood pressure and fainting, and whose treatment sometimes makes me feel worse than the condition. After getting things under control during 2006-7 (a year in which I was largely unable to drive, exercise, or do a lot of things), I turned back to group sports and training in a move to focus again on what my body COULD do, while also gaining the security of having people around while I trained. During those 4 years of half marathon and triathlon training, I made great friends and marveled at crossing off many events from my lifetime achievement wish list. I also got more comfortable knowing when I was pushing myself too far, and coming to accept that my body just won't let me push itself on some days.

While racking up participation medals and race shirts felt great, I was frustrated with the results I was NOT getting, namely my body fat ratio and frequent lack of energy. I decided to take a break from triathlon training and try to figure this out. Enter the Pure Austin Resolve Your Resolution Challenge!



I feel extremely fortunate to be in this program. Working with Laura, I established several items to cross off my lifetime achievement wish list (just in time for my 40th birthday!):

1) Comfortably complete 10 pull-ups and 20 "real" pushups
2) Reduce body fat by at least 5% (ideally with corresponding weight loss)
3) Consistent schedule of at least 5 quality workouts a week, with a focus on developing a solid strength program
4) Significantly increase 5K speed

Six weeks in, I'm definitely feeling the challenge of my goals but am also having a lot of fun. Laura helps keep me motivated and has challenged me with some killer treadmill interval workouts. I ran a 5K earlier this month and secured a PR (I'm basing this on the years I've been on chronic medication) by some 2 minutes, which felt great. While I'm only down 4 pounds, I'm eager to get my body fat percentage retested. It's pretty easy for me to choose healthy, whole foods -- I run an organic cotton textile company, Mod Green Pod, so I'm quite educated about the effects of pesticides and other chemical nasty --- but it's still a challenge to maximize my energy and metabolism for my workouts by what I eat, when. This is an unexpected challenge within this program that I'm really appreciating. I'm also paying extra attention to portions and to slow down when I eat. (I'm a notorious fast eater, which I still blame on my Catholic school experience where we had 18 minutes for lunch -- NO JOKE). I'm also slowly starting to be able to kick out a few push-ups, and I'm up to level 16 on the assisted pull-up machine. (I had to start at the very easiest 18 level, but at least I've progressed to 16).

Along the way, I've already learned several things from which I think all Pure Austin members could benefit:

1) Try new classes! I've had a blast doing everything from Ballet Booty, Hatha Yoga Flow, Spin, PUMP, Dymamic Strength, etc. Next up, I can't wait to try some Kayaking
2) Let the instructors help you modify I pinched a nerve in my shoulder during my first week of this program, and it was completely my fault! I decided to forget that I'm pushing 40, have a chronic medical condition, and haven't really done structured weightlifting. I jumped into a PUMP class and wanted to keep up with everybody else in the class. Big mistake, for me. I'm better now, but it taught me to push myself within MY limits, and to introduce myself before starting a new class -- the instructors are great at providing modifications. And just yesterday, Ryon helped me adjust the Keiser bike to make sure I'm getting the most out of spin class.
3) Learn from other members One of the things I love about our gym is that so many members are educated and fit. I've picked up lots of good exercises by watching other members, and even getting up the guts to ask them what they are doing. I'm now getting a lot more great stuff out of the cable cross machine and medicine balls.
4) Conversely, be inspired by, don't compare yourself to, other members I can't do pull-ups right now, but I'm working on it. Last weekend, I was taking turns on the assisted pull-up machine with a young woman almost half my age and size. She was whipping through her reps the way I hope to. Before I was part of this program, I probably would have just skipped that machine. Instead, we alternated happily between my level 16 and her level 4, exchanging a smile while setting up the machine for each other's next set. I changed my mantra from "You'll never do that" to "Keep working at it."

Resolution Resolver Jeanel has lost 13 lbs already!!

Resolution Resolver Jeanel gives us an update -- her progress is thrilling!!!

My name is Jeanel and the fact that I call myself Nella Wafer tells you that cookies are my biggest challenge. I loves my cookies. Grandma's oatmeal raisin cookies from the vending machine make such a lovely break from work. A little treat from the bakery is such a good reward at the end of a stressful day. And the girl scouts with their Thin Mints. You get the picture.


Eventually, one day I looked in the mirror and saw some 40-year-old woman with a rather matronly figure looking back. When did I go from being a fan of Grandma's cookies to looking a little like Grandma herself?

And could I please reverse this trend at least somewhat in time for my trip to Peru in May? I don't want my vacation pictures to show me hiding in a muu-muu. I want to have pictures that show me happily hiking me up Macchu Pichu with fit muscular legs, and a strong core helping me learn to surf.

So I jumped at the chance to participate in the Resolve Your Resolution contest, and set a bunch of goals for myself, both weight-related and sport-related. Chelsea was the voice of reason telling me to keep my goals modest, and that's certainly a good thing, because it's been a challenge, especially the first couple of weeks.

I'm definitely making progress, and I'm really pleased with how it's going. I'm spinning, swimming, strength training and Pilates-ifying my way to my goals. I've lost 13 pounds so far and my body fat has gone from 33.9% to 32.1%. And the lost inches! A couple inches here, a couple inches there, and pretty soon, there's a lot less of me all around! My swim times are getting better too. I've always wanted to swim 100 yards in 1 minute 30 seconds, and now I've gone from 1 minute 50 to 1 minute 35. So close! I can't wait to see how my Splash and Dash and 1.2 mile open water swim times this year compare to my old times!

It's tough sticking with a plan consistently for such a long time. As I work through this, these are some of the things I've learned:

* My problem is not really willpower, but time management. Cookies won't tempt me if I've had a full breakfast and lunch. But those meals don't make themselves, I have to get it all organized the night before.

* Also in the realm of time management, 6 AM workouts are a real pain, but they get done. 6 PM workouts, not always.

* Co-workers who don't even know that I'm watching my diet or in a contest are just naturally supportive! Without me saying a word, a weird little pattern has evolved that goes like this: "We got kolaches, but didn't think you'd want any so we thought you might like these strawberries." Or, "I brought breakfast tacos, but I know you're too healthy for that so I brought you a grapefruit." What the heck? Did I win the sensitive co-worker lottery or what?

* Every single day will bring a challenge or three, so I just try to observe them when they come along, and remind myself that I knew it would happen. Then when I am faced with a challenge, like an open bowl of M&Ms at work, I can just observe it and say to myself, "Oh look, there it is, today's challenge: M&Ms. That's not so bad, I can resist that. Check it out! I'm overcoming today's challenge!"

* Masters swimming with Alex has only been going on a few weeks, but it's really helping me stay on track and swim better. Alex offers just the right kind of gentle push to challenge myself without actually making me feel stressed.

* Ramsey will talk about "playing" in Pilates, but don't be fooled, it's work. Sweaty, sweaty work that will leave your abs aching the next day.

* A spinning class with Ryon Talbot is guaranteed to make you laugh or smile. If for no other reason, because he will smack his own behind at least a dozen times in one 45-minute class.

Are you curious about our new Keiser bikes? cause they are pretty awesome....

Our new Keiser bikes in the Pure Cycling area are really sweet! Come check them out - they have all the new bells and whistles plus they are comfy.

Here's some info about the computers (!!) and what they are telling you.

NEW KEISER BIKE INFORMATION

Line 1 RPM (Cadence) - The RPM display counts the cyclists revolutions per minute on one crank arm. RPM is known in the cycling world as Cadence and roughly is the speed at which the cyclist is pedaling. At above 140 RPM the word STOP will appear to indicate that the cyclist is pedaling faster than he or she needs to be.

Line 2 Power - The power output is displayed in Watts (currently generating) and Kilocalories (total value for the ride). The computer toggles back and forth between Watts (displayed for eight seconds) and Kilocalories (displayed for two seconds).

Line 3 Heart Rate - If there is no heart rate signal, a steady heart symbol and a zero will be displayed. If a participant is wearing a heart rate strap, and once the computer locks onto the signal, the heart symbol will blink and display the heart rate. Please note that the heart rate strap must be Polar™ compatible and coded.

Line 4 Pedaling or Elapsed Time - The number shown reports the total time spent cycling and will reset to zero after 60 seconds of inactivity or if the computer is reset using the gear lever.

Line 5 Odometer/Trip Distance and Gear - For the first eight seconds when the computer is first activated, the odometer will display the total distance the cycle has been ridden. This feature is for service and maintenance purposes only. After eight seconds, the odometer will display trip distance and gears from 1 - 24.

Average Calculations

To view averages: RPM (cadence), power, and heart rate at any point in the ride, stop pedaling for three seconds your averages will flash until you start pedalling again or until the computer goes to sleep after 60 seconds.

Resetting Ride Averages, Elapsed Time and Distance

To reset your averages during the ride, stop pedalling for three seconds and the averages will start to flash, while they are flashing move the gear lever from bottom to top two times quickly. This will reset your ride information back to zero.

Eric makes some really intelligent decisions in his Resolution Resolve quest

Eric's focus is great. He has really taken an intelligent, concerted look at the best ways he can reach his goals in the New Year. We are impressed. Eric writes:

By way of a quick synopsis, basically the last month has
been less about workouts and more about diet and rest, which are the
two big problems with my health/fitness regimen overall. A lot of
the decision to focus on that is actually in the wake of the marathon
for two reasons: First, in practical terms, I'm still in a recovery
period, and I've wrecked myself before by coming back too quickly, so
I've learned. And second, I managed to shave ~9:00 off my finish
time from last year simply by getting more rest in the three weeks
before the event. Based on these observations, I'm reasonably
convinced that if anything I've had trouble making progress in the
past because I'm constantly tearing myself down and overfeeding
myself trying to get short term energy that'd be a whole lot better
coming from a good night's sleep.

What I've been doing pretty steadily through the last few
weeks has been yoga, since it's non-impact, offers opportunities to
turn intensity up and down as is appropriate, and concentrates
heavily on "core strength," which is something I'm finding pays good
dividends. And I'm only now starting to get back more seriously into
running. (I'm restarting at 6-10 miles for "long" runs, and starting
to do a bit more speed work for the first time since the marathon.)

On the food side, basically I'm eating smaller meals and
being draconian about eliminating processed food. Except for having
to make that stop in West on my way back from Dallas on business (and
pick up a few kolaches at the Czech Stop), pretty much everything
that's come into this house in the last month has been high in
nutritional content in comparison to its calorie count. And it's
been identifiable as food. (No high fructose corn syrup, etc.) So
I'm being satisfied by smaller meals.

I haven't checked my weight at all. At this point I'm
judging my overall progress simply by energy levels, which seem to be
pretty good.

Ginger and Cherylyn, mother and daughter, regularly enjoy Pure Austin yoga!

Ginger and Cherylyn, mother and daughter, have been members since 2006. These dedicated yoginis have great things to say about Pure Austin yoga.... we love that we can provide them a great place to practice!!

Ginger:

I joined Pure Austin in 2006. I chose it because of the variety of classes that are offered & the quality of the facilities.
My mom, my sister Gertie & I attend Zoe's Pure Prana most every Sunday. I also attend Lauran's classes on wednesdays at noon, and I try to attend Sanieh's and Paula's classes whenever possible!

Yoga is an absolute necessity in my life! It helps keep me sane. Practicing yoga has had a tremendous effect on my mental health, and the fact that it helps keep me in shape is an added bonus!! Zoe's classes are a great workout. I would challenge the most muscular, fit people at Pure Austin to give it a try for a very different type of workout!

I work at the Capitol for a state senator.


Cherylyn:

i have also been a member since 2006.

i was impressed by the fact that pure austin had so many options for yoga. i thought that was very unusual for a gym setting. the pure austin yoga instructors are just awesome. i always learn something new from each and every one of them. so to paula, sineah, zoe and lauran i have to say a very sincere thank you for all that they bring to their classes. they have all influenced my yoga journey in such a profound way.

yoga is important to me. my soul needs yoga. and practicing with my daughters is a very special treat that i'm really happy to get to experience. we are able to practice yoga together on sundays. because of our work schedules we don't often get to practice together during the week. we also try to attend the yoga workshops that are offered, which is an added bonus at pure austin!

i am a registered nurse working at the UT health center in their urgent care department.

Chelsea's updates us on the her Resolution Resolve client's AWESOME PROGRESS

My girls rock! Yes, they do. What I love most about this contest is that it has ignited a fire right underneath my girl's feet, and they are pushing hard and moving forward and seeing results.

Miss Mary began the contest at 26.8% body fat. She has been training with me for 1 1/2 years and though she is consistent with her exercise, it has been her nutrtition that has needed some overhauling. Her work requires long hours, it's fast paced, and she finds herself at the desk for the majority of the time. Planning her meals and snacks has been the difficult aspect of the nutrition process. Since she was successful at creating consistency with her workouts - 2 weights with yours truly and 3xs on her own - nutrition was the missing link she began to tackle. What great results she's been seeing. Now she is 25.2% body fat, a 1.6% loss in six weeks! She is still the same weight, but her body fat has changed. Yipee! Her clothes are fitting differently. She purchased several blouses the other day and did not fear the dressing room. She's also beginning to see her waist again. Her goals were simple - exercise consistency and improve her nutrition. Miss Mary is creating momentum and progressing forward.

Miss Jeanel has lost 11lbs in six weeks. How awesome! What I love most about Jeanel's progress is that she truly is making fitness a lifestyle. Even when work can be long and arduous and the stress of purchasing a new home can really interrupt a routine, she has remained committed to her fitness goals. Jeanel had distinct goals. She wanted to improve her nutrition and get rid of her sweet tooth, lose 22lbs by mid May, and improve her times in the water. When she began this contest a 500 yard swim would take her 9:45. Now she's swimming it in 9:06. Quarry Lake Master Swim Clinic with Alex has been helping her get in shape and improve her confidence in the water. Jeanel's 100 yard was at 1:55 and now, 6 weeks later, is at 1:35. Her goal is 1:30. Not too far fetch now! Look out you Splash and Dash competitors for my girl!

Both girls, Mary and Jeanel, are committed. And it shows in their workouts, in the tracking of their progress, and in their self-confidence. Mary powers through our workouts. She's on a mission.That size of pants that you desire is so close. And Jeanel is leaping forward at great distances, on her own, committed to looking great for her May trip to Chile. Each have made fitess a part of their busy lives and know exactly what they are working for.

What fun it is to be a part of this.

Resolving her Resolution... Lisa is getting after it.

Lisa sent us some feedback of how it's going! So, so proud of her... She is ON IT!

Well, its been an interesting ride, in terms of watching how stress and life events can have such an impact on derailing even the best of intentions. If it weren't for this program I would have definitely, definitely already caved on my resolutions. But some of us work better when we have a little authority, and apparently I'm one of those people. ;-)

My goals are to be more consistent, lose 10 lbs, and become stronger in my upper body and core (I have never in my life worked out my upper body. Major weak!!) Fitness really just wasn't a steady tone in my life, and being in film production, my schedule can make it really difficult to fit in healthy eating and consistent exercise. For years I have had a pattern of one step forward, two steps back (and of course, since I hit 40 its more like one step forward, three steps back). While my progress is slower than I'd like it to be, I do feel I'm making longer term changes. I'm really not interested in "winning" for the sake of winning - my win will be when I am able to see these new habits follow me through the rest of my life. I do feel these kinds of institutional changes are much harder - I know I could probably rush to the finish line and starve myself and work really hard for four months, but what is the point of that if I'm burnt out at the end of that process?

So, I was paired with Cyndy Reid. Cyndy asked me to:

- eat 100% organic (I eat A LOT of organic, but its pretty difficult to do 100%. I'd say I'm at about 80% and holding).

- my work outs started at 4 hours of cardio per week plus 2 hours of strength training. I started with what I have been doing for a long time (ellipticals and stairclimbers, etc) but kicked it up from 3 days a week (total, if I made it in that often) and 1/2 hour on the machines to 6 days a week and an hour on the machines. I also started taking yoga classes, and those were my 2 strength training classes.

- I have long been in the habit of ending a long day at the bar, having a few drinks and maybe a cigarette with friends. Done. I now only have a drink or two on the weekends.

- After a few weeks, Cyndy asked me to ratchet up the workouts to 1.5 hours on two of those workout days, and 15 minutes of some kind of burst of energy every morning. I found the morning thing to be really, really difficult. For one thing, I stay up pretty late (read: bar time. special time with friends!) and what was happening was that, by the time I woke up (around 9:00), it just seemed like I really needed to get to work quickly which was leaving me no time for either a good breakfast or 15 minutes of work out, AND, often my schedule would make it too difficult to get to the gym later in the day.

SO, I decided something really had to change. I now wake at 6:00 a.m. 3 days a week and attend the 6:30 cardio pump classes. I tried to go for another .5 hours after the initial hour, but my stamina is just not there yet. Those are difficult classes to get through, and I personally think Kathy Redden is going to hit a new record for the number of people who puke during or immediately after her class. (Okay, seriously, this is NOT my mother's aerobics class).

The other two days I still do the Prana yoga with Sanieh. I won't be able to do her classes indefinitely, as my schedule will change, but at least now I'm used to waking up early and prioritizing fitness.

I still haven't reached a single 1.5 hour workout. I'm hoping to do that soon. And while my clothes fit better, I haven't lost a pound. Which is a real bummer. It's hard to work this hard and not see any results. But, I feel so much better, have tons of time in the mornings and feel I am accomplishing a lifelong goal of getting up in the morning and starting my day with a good workout.

Thanks for the structure! So far, this is making a real difference for me and its only been one month! I look forward to solidifying these habits and really feeling strong one of these days.

The End.

Jessy RESOLVES to get faster...with Jodi's help

I have abused my relationship with amateur running for too long. I have been running as a sport, hobby or conditioning since 1990. I like logging miles, wandering my neighborhood, listening to music, and not having to answer the phone for an hour every night. I can get through 10k's and half marathons with decent, but not great, times. What if I actually took running seriously? I have no false aspiration to join some competitive old person team, nor any bucket list of items to check off before I die, but I do have an overwhelming desire to get one of those Congress Avenue Mile shirts without embarrassing myself.

My interest in running came from my first timed mile, which was 7:50, in the fifth grade. It was the fastest girl's time at my elementary school. I told my mother, who had posted decent times in summer track a generation before, and she said: well that's not so fast. And it isn't. The time is lower now, but not notably.

My hands off self coaching approach to running had hit a wall. I
decided to sign up for this contest to investigate if it was my lazy
coaching style or my physical makeup holding me back from a decent
mile time with the hope improving one mile would also benefit my
distance runs. After one month of evidence gathering, it appears my
inner self coach is too laid back; doing what feels good, while
leaving me high on oxygen, is (unfortunately) not as effective as
revisiting all the things I know build strength: core exercises,
resistance training and track workouts. On average, Jodi's workouts
take about the same amount of time as my mile logging, but are far
more effective at increasing my speed.

I have no idea what my chances are at beating the rest of the
participants. I'm confident I'll make my goal, though, which is far
more important. Plus, I already shave my legs without feeling like a
poser, so I have two legs up on Drew's bike guy already.

the Cronometro! just how fast are you??

this just in from our friends putting on TheCRONOMETRO.. we can't wait!!!


We’re super excited about TheCronometro and want to let everyone know what to expect! The course will be a challenging mix of false flats, rollers, one decent climb, and a few fast descents.


Think of it as the perfect excuse to get tuned-up on your Time Trial Bike/equipment before the season gets underway!


We’ll have a super cool start house (think Tour de France!!!), and in order to ensure the best possible results, we’ll have chip timing (RunFar) too!


Afterwards, we’re having an awards ceremony with live music and a raffle for over $2,000 in merchandise and gift certificates!


There’ll be a masseuse on-site to provide massage as well.


The J. Lorraine Ghost Town (www.GhostTownAustin.com ) is a really cool venue with plenty of parking, restrooms, and a licensed kitchen serving beer, wine and food. In fact, we’re giving away free Ghost Burgers to the first 100 registered.


In addition, we’re also giving away free t-shirts to the first 150 registered!


We’ve put together a great list of sponsors: Pure Austin, Jack & Adams Bicycles, Holland Racing, Run Far, Arundel, 3Cosas Massage, FITT Solution, and The Law Offices of Bradley Houston.


Finally, riders can enter multiple categories at no additional cost (i.e., Age Group and then Single Speed, Road Bike, etc.)


We look forward to seeing everyone!


www.TheCronometro.com