Sometimes, people love lifting weights, but hate running; love running, but hate lifting weights. Then there are people who love both! Our next January Fusion Athlete certainly loves both. As a regular to both the Strength Crew and Run Group, she’s demonstrated a strong commitment to reaching new heights in her training at the Shop. So let’s hear it for January Fusion Athlete Kirsten Thompson!
 

How did you hear about Dane’s Body Shop? What drew you to us, and how long have you been a member?

A friend told me about Dane’s Body Shop and shared how much she enjoyed it. I’d also seen the Shop in the neighborhood because I live nearby. I tried a few Fusion classes and loved them, and not long after joined the run group in March of last year. I started Fusion and Strength classes a few months later. Joining DBS was undoubtedly one of the best life changes I made in 2013.

Give us a little background on your fitness regimen before coming to DBS?

Before joining DBS, I did Crossfit for several years and ran about twice a week. However, I was looking for a different approach, and my running routine had become stale. (I’d gotten lazy and was running almost exactly the same route every week.) I knew that the run group and classes at DBS would open the door to new challenges and changes.

You have not only been involved in the Fusion and Strength classes but you also attended Run Group as well. How did you balance all three? What did you like about Run Group?

I love the variety at DBS, and the classes complement each other. The conditioning and stamina work in Run Group helps in Fusion classes and vice versa. Also, the focus on form in Strength class applies to the lifts we do in Fusion. So, it’s hard for me not to want to do everything. (Though I haven’t taken any yoga classes, yet – something I plan to try this year.) I make sure to plan a schedule with a little bit of Fusion, Strength, and Run Group each week. Then I’ll make other choices based on how my body is feeling that day or week or if I feel I need rest.

The DBS Run Group is a wonderful, supportive group of people, and it’s been motivating to be surrounded by such skillful runners. The coaches, Octavio and Brian, do a great job of programming. The weekly speed workouts challenged me to push myself both mentally and physically, and the distance runs got me out of the same old routine and gave me the opportunity to tackle different routes and improve my endurance. I love how running can take you all over Austin. One of my favorite routes is the DBS Barton Hills run, which includes the infamous Wilke hill and then an easier rewarding trip up Doug Sahm (RIP) hill for an amazing view of the skyline of our fair city.

What would you tell a new runner interested in trying out Run Group for the first time?

Just do it! 😉 I would encourage everyone to try Run Group. The speed workouts are scaleable and the coaches plan multiple routes at varying distances each week – so you really can choose your own adventure. I think a lot of people think they can’t run or hate running, but I suspect they’d be surprised at how their perspective would change after giving it a go.

You have also been involved in many of the DBS events. What do you like about the events? If you could suggest any kind of event for DBS to hold, what would it be?

I love how the DBS events bring people together to take on fun challenges and work toward a common goal. It’s motivating to work hard to give back to the greater community, as DBS has done with the Austin Children’s Shelter. I’d love to attend a mobility or trigger point workshop, and I think a DBS 5K fun run would be a nice event.

What is your biggest accomplishment thus far since joining DBS? Can you give us a general goal and then a strength goal you have for yourself in the New Year?

I think my lifting form has definitely improved since joining DBS. I found I love doing cleans! In general, I want to stay healthy and fit and set my sights on training for a half marathon. I also want to improve my strength and stability when lifting overhead. I have a pesky shoulder that gets stronger every day, but it’s still a work in progress.

For fun, what is your favorite local eatery, breakfast spot, or place to get a drink?

Such a hard question! We are spoiled for choice for great food and drinks in Austin now. For a fancy meal out, I love Chez Nous. For cheap and cheerful, Eastside King. Breakfast tacos would be my treat breakfast of choice, but my go-to these days is paleo baked pumpkin oatmeal. As for adult beverages, a proper margarita (with pure lime juice) and a sunny patio is a winning combination.

Sum up what DBS means to you in 2 sentences.

What really makes DBS special is the people – the coaches and other members make up this unique community you want to be a part of, and they make the challenging workouts fun. DBS is a place that I want to come back to again and again.

Read more about our previous Fusion Athletes here.