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
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