MEGAN PARSONS

Less Running BUT More PRs

2012-01-30T12:48:00.000-06:00

A big CONGRATS to all my Relentless athletes who broke records and went out and ran the 3M half-marathon yesterday. I was smiling from ear to ear as I received emails, texts, and Facebook messages from everyone sharing their success.

Michelle's text- "1:53 3M half. Thank you CrossFit, little run training, bum foot but felt strong."

Becky's Facebook message- "Thanks to you Matt & I ran the 1/2 in under 1:40. Woohooo!"

Tina's email- "Hope you had a good weekend. Just wanted to let you know that I beat my 1/2 marathon goal -- my time was: 1:57 and 43 seconds -- woo hoo."

If you are still on the fence of how Relentless Athletic Training can prepare you for races with less distance training, then come to a class for FREE and see what it is all about. Send me an email at meganparsons@crossfitcentral.com to get on the list.

Time

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

Last night I was reading before I went to bed. I committed to fully reading The Purpose Driven Life this year. I have started it multiple times but never read it all the way to completion, similar to what I do with most books.

The title of Day 16 is What Matters Most. The opening sentence read, "Life is all about love." I continue reading the next 6 pages and am completely convicted by the scripture and statements. What stuck out the most to me and caused me to stop reading immediately and pray was the following passage...

Busyness is a great enemy of relationships. We become preoccupied with making a living, doing our work, paying bills, and accomplishing goals as if these tasks are the point of life. They are not. The point of life is learning to love-- God and people. Life minus love equals zero.

WOW. WOW. and WOW. I am convinced that paragraph was written specifically for me. I admit one of my biggest struggles is balancing time. Time is a precious gift because there is only a set amount of it. When I give someone my time, I am giving them a portion of my life that I will never get back. My time is my life--- which is the greatest gift I can give to someone.

I leave with this--- I commit to being present and scheduling out time for the people I love most. My family and a few people I work with come to mind first. I am very aware that the individuals in my life who love me the most actually get the least of me, because I expect them to understand my career and personal goals are of "utmost importance." The battle in my head is ambition vs. contentment. I feel if I am not do, do, do & go, go, go then I will get left behind. I may battle this forever, but I believe awareness is key.

I pray each day, "God, whether I get anything else done today, I want to make sure that I spend time loving you and loving other people-- because that's what life is all about I don't want to waste this day."

College Students are Relentless

2012-01-23T18:38:00.000-06:00

I have the privilege of coaching Emily during the summer months and over her holiday school breaks. She brings a young, vibrant energy to the 8:30am class at Lake Pointe. The best part is her mom has been attending Relentless Athletic Training for over 3 years, and her older sister also joins the group during the summer and holiday school breaks. Watching a mom/daughter duo work out together is inspiring and something I hope for when I have kids some day.

I saw Emily improve her strength by going from a 15lb to a 25lb kettlebell. Each class Emily and her mom would be neck and neck on the runs, which says a lot since Mary (her mom) is a phenomenal runner. I knew when she reported back to UT, she would be ready to perform in tip-top condition since our classes are programmed with a combination of CrossFit, HIIT, kettlebell, and traditional sports conditioning. Emily is RELENTLESS on and off the field. Obviously, my favorite part of the statement above is the last sentence.

Emily writes....

I have been doing outdoor athletic training in the summer and over my school breaks for about a year now. Its been a great fitness activity to do with my sister and my Mom. As a member of The University of Texas Pom Squad, I strive to stay in the best shape that I can. Athletic Training has supplemented my Pom training and improved my overall endurance levels. Above all, Relentless Athletic Training makes me feel like a SHOWOUT, who doesn't want that!?

Take advantage of our student discount and get 25% off Athletic Training classes. The next sessions begins January 30th and is the perfect kick start to get ready for Spring Break.

2x/week- $100

3x/week- $150

Be Relentless HERE.

Congrats, Emily!

2012-01-18T18:18:00.000-06:00

I had the privilege of coaching Emily when she first joined our Athletic Training class at Little Stacy Park. She kicked off a new chapter in her life with attending class 2x/week and signing up for one of our 6-week challenges.

Fast forward over a year later and she has transformed from the inside, out. Emily has lost 14 pounds and gone from a size 14 to an 8! And to top it all off, she quit a smoking habit she had been battling for years. Read Emily's entire story HERE.

I am looking for the next Success Story for 2012. Will it be you?

Synergy

2012-01-13T07:16:00.001-06:00

This week I am big on definitions....

Synergy is defined in two ways:
1. working together.
2. two or more things functioning together to produce a result not independently obtainable

Synergy is critical when growing a business and creating new products to reshape the face of outdoor fitness in Austin. Last month Jeremy and I discussed him coming back to coach with Relentless Training Systems for our new 6-week Boot Camps. I was thrilled with the request. Jeremy is the one who taught me everything I know with how to run our Athletic Training classes, grow a class, and gave me the opportunity to run the entire outdoor branch of his business.

Fast forward a month later and the synergy between him, our marketing branch, and myself has clicked. His energy, hustle, and excitement is a new spark for our coaching staff. Without synergy, my efforts are in vain. I am fired up to work in sync with Jeremy Thiel and Jess Clark this year as we take Relentless Training Systems to brand new heights with the best coaching staff around!

Misunderstood...

2012-01-10T21:19:00.001-06:00

Misunderstood is defined as...
1. To fail to understand
2. To interpret incorrectly

Do you have moments where you feel completely misunderstood? Whether it be friendships, career, relationships... misunderstandings can lead to a lot of anxiousness, frustration, and anger.

For example, in relationships it could be asking the other person to be more assertive and take initiative in the relationship, when it retrospect all you are simply wanting is time, attention, and to be picked up for a date. However, it is viewed in a completely different light and you come off as a bitch. Misunderstood...

Or in a career setting, everyone sees the big picture and has the end goal in sight, but the message delivered is automatically heard with the other person's past experiences and preconceived notions. Immediate walls go up if the message is not expressed in an open, non-judgmental space preventing greatness and collaboration to occur. Misunderstood...

Then in friendships, friends sharing with friends the ups and downs of life can come off as being draining and needy, when in return all the friend wants is to be heard and appreciated. Misunderstood...

How do you find balance? How do you best express yourself to avoid being misunderstood and truly reach the end goal?

Small steps make a big difference

2012-01-05T17:43:00.002-06:00

One of my 2012 goals is to write for a column in a fitness magazine--- Shape, Oxygen, and/or Fitness Rx for Women. This month I was featured in the "Fresh Start for a Fit 2012" article in Austin Woman thanks to our friends at My Fit List. Each article submission is one step closer to writing on a national scale.

I was proud to be the voice of Relentless Training Systems amongst other fitness experts in Austin. Check out the online version HERE.

I wrote...

TOP TIP: Balance, balance, balance. I approach everything with the outlook of work hard, play hard. I view my career, social life, family, and friends as my lifestyle, and it provides a completely different approach to life. Instead of compartmentalizing my health and wellness, I live it daily.

MOTIVATION: I started something new the day after Thanksgiving: 21 days of daily writing and exercising my dreaming muscles. This is not goal setting: it is dreaming, dreaming up new possibilities.

INSPIRATION: "Never forget that each new day is bringing you closer to your dreams."

Go, Michelle!

2012-01-04T14:07:00.001-06:00

I have the honor of coaching Michelle for over 2 years. She is a joy in and out of class. Her story inspires me because she has always been an athlete but has seen results mentally and physically with Relentless Athletic Training. Just like she states, I never thought anything would rate higher in my life than saying I am a marathon runner and an Ironman Triathlete until now.

If you are looking for someone to challenge you, encourage you, and encompass balance, then this girl is your person. A big congrats to Michelle and all her success and her future. Endless possibilities.

Check out Michelle's story HERE.

Who will be the next Success Story in 2012?

2012 Theme Song

2012-01-01T17:58:00.003-06:00

New Year's Eve was quite different for me this year. My cousin got married in East TX so my sisters and I ventured back to celebrate their marriage. Typically I spend NYE with all my friends and we celebrate well past midnight.

After the wedding I spent the remainder of the evening with my 2 sisters. Thank God we love each other and just laughed and enjoyed each other's company while watching Carson Daly ring in the New Year in NYC.

Kara (aka: Baby Showout) and I fell in love with Beyonce's song, I Was Here, last night when we heard it performed. I now have a 2012 theme song to go along with my 2012 motto. The words hit a cord with both of us.

How will you leave a mark in 2012?

I WAS HERE- Beyonce

I wanna leave my footprints on the sands of time.
Know there was something that, and something that I left behind.
When I leave this world, I'll leave no regrets.
Leave something to remember, so they won't forget.

I was here.I lived, I loved.I was here.I did, I've done, everything that I wanted, and it was more than I thought it would be.I will leave my mark so everyone will know.I was here.

I want to say I lived each day, until I die.
And know that I meant something in, somebody's life.
The hearts I have touched, will be the proof that I leave.
That I made a difference, and this world will see.

I was here. I lived, I loved. I was here.I did, I've done, everything that I wanted, and it was more than I thought it would be. I will leave my mark so everyone will know. I was here.

I just want them to knowThat I gave my all, did my bestBrought someone to happiness.Left this world a little better just becauseI was here.

Fight Mr. Resistance

2011-12-28T15:47:00.001-06:00

Jeremy asked each of us coaches to come to our meeting tomorrow with our 2012 motto--a statement that triggers a response, motivates, pushes me into action. Over the past month I have been fortunate to start spending more time with my brother, Tyler, again since he is back in the Austin area. He is a unique individual with determination and a heart of fire. Tyler is someone you either love or hate...typically there is not an in between. However, that is what I admire and respect the most about him. What you see is what you get. No bullshit. Honesty.

Tyler and I have been watching quite a few videos from the Ultimate Warrior. Every time I watch the video above I get fired up and ready to take on the world. I used to watch the Ultimate Warrior fight back in the day when my Dad would watch wrestling. This guy is hilarious and straight forward. One of his sayings is Fight Mr. Resistance. The statement hit a cord with me the 1st time I heard it.

What exactly does Fight Mr. Resistance mean?

When it's 20-degrees outside and your clients are depending on you to show up and bring 100% and all you want to do is sleep, Fight Mr. Resistance.
When you get push back from family and peers regarding your dreams and goals, Fight Mr. Resistance.
When you have averaged 4 hours of sleep multiple nights due to deadlines and life, Fight Mr. Resistance.
When the daily grind seems unbearable and you want to quit, Fight Mr. Resistance.
When your training your ass off for the big end goal and you just want to rest, Fight Mr. Resistance.
When you want to make excuses for why you don't have what you have, Fight Mr. Resistance.

You get the point. This statement is now written across my mirror for me to read multiple times a day. 2012 is a year to be reckon.

Fight Mr. Resistance.

What do you want?

2011-12-22T11:17:00.000-06:00

"The indispensable first step to getting things you want out of life is this: decide what you want." -Ben Stein

This time of year is when I reflect on what I have accomplished over the past year, and where I want to go in the new year. A trend I follow year after year is laser focus on my career goals and very little time dreaming in the spiritual realm and focusing on personal goals. In 2012 I will have balance between the two. Both are extremely important to me; however, one should not take precedent over the other.

I think it's easier for me to get fired up about career aspirations because a team is involved. In 2012, Relentless Training Systems is launching our new 6-week Boot Camps along with streamlined programming across all Athletic Training classes. My goal is to have 375 athletes in Relentless by the start of the round 2 of Boot Camp on April 2nd.

A new adventure for me this upcoming year is I will be competing in a figure show on July 21st. I have never done anything like this before, and I am super excited to take on this journey with Clarkie. The extra nudge from her is what convinced me to take a leap of faith to train and compete in something new. Mark it down...I will win.

I am enjoying every bit of my 2 week break from coaching Athletic Training classes and catching up on some much needed sleep. I am also enjoying this time of clarity and deciding exactly what I want just as Stein states above.

What do you want out of 2012?

Holiday Fun

2011-12-20T19:06:00.002-06:00

(Me & tinyFIT at our end-of-year Staff Banquet)

Relentless Training Systems are off for the next 2 weeks. It is a nice break for us coaches, but I do know our athletes still want to get in some workouts. Personally, this time of year is full of going out with my friends (see pic above), but also making time to get in workouts. Work hard. Play hard.

Below are a few workout suggestions that require minimal equipment.

Workout #1- Compliments of up and coming coach, Adam Martin
100 air squats
90 russian twist with a kettlebell
80 grasshoppers
70 russian swings
600m run
50 american swings
40 KB sumo deadlift high pull
30 KB wall balls
20 pushups
10 wall walks

After many visits to Dave and Sam at Next Level, I learned I need to work the glute max and medius. If you have a Perform Better band then I recommend the following right before a workout:
20 lateral band walks (10 on each side)
90 seconds of static bridge holds (place 1 to 2 bands above knees)
Jane Fondas (minimum of 60 seconds on each side)

Workout #2- I did this workout with my sister yesterday.

Wheelbarrow- She held my feet 1 direction and then we switched. Followed by 10 ring rows while the other partner did as many plyo pushups as possible until the partner was done with the ring rows. 4 rounds.

Next we did the following KB complex:
Power clean
Front rack squat
Swing & clean
Snatch
Thruster
*equals 1 rep. Perform 3 on right, 3 on left, followed by 10 V-ups. 4 rounds

I challenge you to get creative over the holiday. Use ledges for box jumps, dips, decline/incline pushups. Find a tree to do pullups or visit the closest track. Find a way to workout with family members. I always love when my sister and I workout together. Most importantly, HAVE FUN! It's all about balance.

Youth in Motion

2011-12-14T11:06:00.000-06:00

(My little nephew. Anyone named Maximus has to have physical education to let out the inner warrior.)

It's been well over 20 years and I still remember how much I loved P.E. in elementary and intermediate school. Coach Prince, my P.E. teacher from Kindergarten through 5th grade, still is one of my favorite teachers of all time. When we showed up to P.E., it was like athletics. I realized that years later after being a part of sports through junior high and high school.

P.E. was where I ran my 1st mile, held pull-ups in a flex position for time, climbed ropes, did forward rolls over obstacles, played kickball, did 3-legged races, and most importantly---beat all the boys in sprints on field day.

Physical Education holds a dear place in my heart. It kills me to know that our public schools no longer require kids over the age of 11 to participate in any P.E. classes.

Help Trinity Training Systems raise $25,000 by the end of December to jump start Youth in Motion! I want every kid to experience the fun, team building, and discipline that comes with being a part of sports and physical activity.

Donate HERE. You must choose "Youth in Motion" from the drop down menu before donating.

reactive to PROACTIVE

2011-12-12T17:09:00.000-06:00

Excitement must lead to immediate action or you will lose power of momentum. More dreams die because we fail to seize the moment. Do it NOW!!!- Tony Robbins

What are you doing NOW to best prepare yourself for 2012? I challenged the Relentless coaching staff and myself to shift our actions from reactive to proactive. To stay at least 1 step ahead of our client's needs and our future growth. To live in the realm of self-initiation. To get our hands dirty and straight up do work.

The quote above from Tony Robbins is my mindset. I am fired up with all the new changes for Relentless Training Systems in 2012, my new journey to compete and win a Figure competition in July, and the development of a national brand . The excitement of the new and unknown is a huge driving force for me right now. I am absolutely capitalizing on my excitement and the excitement of our team to build momentum and start the new year with a bang!

Susan's trip

2011-12-10T11:27:00.000-06:00

Susan is one of my 1st athletes that started with me 2.5 years ago. She recently traveled to Zihuatanejo and sent me gorgeous pics of where she stayed. Susan knows me all too well and that I love the sun. These pictures got me fired up for my SunGoddess excursion this February to celebrate TinyFIT's bachelorette party.

Do you plan trips at key times to rejuvenate during difficult seasons? For me, the trip must be warm. Not cold weather skiing for this girl.

Boots with the Bag

2011-12-06T19:04:00.001-06:00

Every morning when I wake up and see the temperature below 55-degrees, I channel my inner Sun Goddess and think warmth into my bones. I do NOT like cold weather. I repeat...I DO NOT LIKE COLD WEATHER. I realized this even more last night as I was cutting out pictures from magazines for my vision board. There were quite a few advertisements about ski lodges and slopes, but the moment I saw the picture, I immediately turned the page. NOTHING elicited a response that drove me to cut out the image to dream of being on that snowy mountain. Clearly I am no Snow Bunny. I am definitely your lay on the beach, rita in hand, soaking up the sun kind of girl. I am quite amazed at how people can live in the north where the weather is in the 30s for months on end.

However, with that being said, I refuse to let the colder temperatures over the next few months ruin my day.

As I wait on some well insulated boots that are water proof, I figured I would rig my current boots and make them boots with the bag. Needless to say, the HEB bags kept my shoes dry this frigid Tuesday morning and provided a big laugh to all my clients.

What are your favorite pair of boots that keep your feet warm? My next mission is to find the socks that are battery operated and warm your feet.

Keep the Faith

2011-11-30T20:51:00.001-06:00

My friends, let us remember one thing: Faith isn't Faith without not having any clue how it's going to turn out and still showing up every day.

2012 is going to be a big change for Relentless. We are changing our name to encompass a broader scope, adding 6-week boot camps, streamlining programming that is consistent across all classes, adding new coaches, offering more accountability for our current athletes, and making a statement that we are the top outdoor training team in the nation. Big things!

When I read the statement above the other day it really hit home. With change comes the unknown, and that is where faith kicks in at it's finest. Everyday I am showing up, making changes, and taking steps to a brighter future. Do I know 100% how everything will turn out? NO. But I do know I have faith, diligence, listen to feedback, and see the overall vision of Relentless Training Systems.

It is simple to say you have faith when everything is going according to plan, and you are not pushing the limits for change. If you are not stepping outside your comfort zone, I challenge you to take a leap of faith and go for it. I believe true transformation occurs when you dream the impossible and go for it.

Keep the faith.

A Must Read! TRIUNE

2011-11-28T20:09:00.001-06:00

Open publication - Free publishing

Pumpkin Bars

2011-11-22T20:51:00.001-06:00

Words of wisdom from 1 baker to the next...there is a distinct difference in baking soda and baking powder. I learned this 1st hand when making Pumpkin Bars. Below is the recipe I used from Elana's pantry. In the instance where I used baking powder instead of baking soda, the bar came out tasting great but not near as fluffy and moist. I advise following directions (insert laugh).

Ingredients:
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup agave nectar (next time I am trying a combo of mashed banana and applesauce)
2 eggs
1 cup almond flour
1/4tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4tsp cinnamon
1/4tsp nutmeg
1/4tsp cloves

Directions: In food processor combine pumpkin, agave, and eggs. Pulse for 2 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and pulse for 1 more minute. Pour mixture in 8x8 greased Pyrex dish. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.