Mallory reminds us why the Farmer's Market totally ruleeezz!!

Seriously, don't you think about this too... even if I am paying $$$ for organic produce at Whole Foods - how many trucks, crates, warehouses, hands, miles on the road, pollution has this unsuspecting head of broccoli seen?? The Farmer's Market totally rules and Mal knows it, cause she sent this to me today!

Shake the Hand that Feeds You

We live in an area lucky enough to have fruitful farmer's markets,
where you can find anything from the best tomato you'll ever eat to a
series of breakfast meals that will blow your taste buds away. You'll
find fishermen selling fresh fish caught that same weekend - never
frozen, farm raised, or 'colorfully enhanced'. Aside from how much
your insides will praise you for eating this way, you should eat what
the farmer's market provides simply because it tastes better. So, go
support the local, hard working farmers and buy some of the brightest
veggies you've ever seen. Make yourself a bowl of granola, salsa, or
tabouli, and know that you got to shake the hands of everyone feeding
you. That is what sustainable living is all about.


Here is what we bought at the farmer's market this morning: yum!!

Wow, Mercedes! You go girl!!! Love our members...

Pure Yoga Coordinator Zoe turned us on to Mercedes, an avid yogini and member she said we had to get to know better. Right on!!!

How long have you been a member?

I have been a member since October 2006, I believe. So almost 4 years!

Why did you choose Pure Austin?

I choose Pure Austin because it was clean, fun, and had great yoga classes and instructors. I stay because it just keeps getting better! Quarry Lake was a plus, too. It is paradise to swim out there!

How often do you come to yoga?

I try to come to yoga at least two times a week. With triathlon training, full time job and my part-time coaching job, it can be hard to fit it all in but I never regret it when I come to yoga at Pure Austin. The instructors are simply amazing and always make it a rewarding experience.
 
Do you do any other classes?

I love spin class! The high energy and compact workout is great to fit in during a lunch break or if I can’t ride outside. The spin instructors at Pure Austin are so motivating. I will often hear Kevin’s booming voice in my head when I’m riding out on the roads, telling me to “suck it up!” and “work harder!”
 
What other sports do you do?

I am a marathon coach and a 3:41 marathoner.  I’ve done three marathons and many half marathons. My favorite road race is 3M where I recently broke 1:40! I am also an Ironman triathlete. I recently completed Ironman St. George on May 1, 2010. I just signed up for another one – Ironman Texas. So by this time next year I will be a 2-time Ironman! Not only do I dig triathlon and running, but I’m also a big fan of trying new sports. I recently tried surfing on the Texas coast, stand up paddle-boarding at Quarry Lake, and kayaking on Lady Bird Lake. I love all that all of these “new-to-me” water sports are at my fingertips living in the great city of Austin, TX!
 
What do you do for work?
As I mentioned earlier I am a marathon coach and that is my passion. I am currently working to become a personal trainer! I also work as a Multimedia Coordinator at the Austin American-Statesman.
 
How do you manage to keep your workouts a priority?

I make my workouts a priority by changing them constantly and making them social and fun. I am a big social exerciser. I will plan to meet a friend or my partner at a yoga or spin class at the gym, and just because I know that they will be there, I will be there, too! It helps to work out with friends because not only can you gab and catch up on life but they keep you accountable and on track!
 How does yoga influence your workouts, your life?
Yoga is a very powerful journey inwards for me. Yogic principles help me find compassion and forgiveness in my daily interactions, in my relationships, in my job, and even in my pursuit of Ironman. Yoga empowers me to be my strong, powerful self and to be comfortable in my own body. When the going got tough during the bike ride of the Ironman, I found myself chanting “Ram” over and over again and that chant helped me keep pushing and go on to the finish line!
 
What do you love most about Pure Austin :)!?

I love so many things about Pure Austin. It is the cleanest, most high energy and fun gym in Austin. Pure Austin not only supports and sponsors the sports that I love (like triathlon, running, and cycling), but they also provide a sweet workout environment and are always changing stuff up to keep me interested. The fitness related parties and fun, free fitness events they provide are spot-on and keep me coming back. Thanks Pure Austin for rocking and making Austin just that much greater!



Yoga on the beach photo by Rebecca Caufield

Meet our Members! Hi Joan!!

Fitness Specialist Christi sent in this story about her client Joan. What an inspiration!!
Christi says:

Joan and I have been training together since late 2008.  From the get go she was positive, and open to anything that I put her up to doing.  We began with some lower level functional training to increase her overall strength and cardiovascular fitness. Through her continuous motivation and eagerness to become leaner and more athletic she's able to do some high level yet fun challenges that I set fourth.  The sky's the limit!

This January, she and I discussed how we could take her another step further physically, mentally etc....  I mentioned doing the Danskin triathlon in June. Initially she was apprehensive but through some pep talk, specific triathlon training, taking cycling classes together, and running and cycling outdoors together, she finally reached a whole new confidence level.  In June of 2010, she completed her first Danskin.  For that matter, her first race ever.  I watched and cheered her on with so much pride in her accomplishment.  She's eager to do another triathlon soon and compete next year in the Danskin with an even faster time.  She's truly an inspiration!