WellcommATX [12.08.25]

WellcommATX is the email newsletter bringing you the best of Austin’s wellness community. Get On The List and get WellcommATX sent directly to your inbox. Have a friend who would love WellcommATX? Then please forward our email or tag them on one of our IG posts. Email [email protected] or slide into our DMs with your tips.

[HIGH FIVE] We gave a High Five to Carolyn Watkins, a top HYROX Athlete in Austin, TX.

WellcommATX: Where do you work…out?

Carolyn Watkins: I work out at CrossFit Central Burnet Road. I joined this gym over a year ago after the first class I took with the hybrid program absolutely whooped me. I've stayed for the incredible support the gym and community have shown me and the amazing friends I have made. More often than the gym though, you can find me running Lady Bird Lake or on the track with GOODPAIN. Tuesday evenings, you'll find me doing what any washed up college athlete does best: playing in the ice hockey beer leagues at Chaparral Ice.

WATX: What does wellness mean to you?

CW: Wellness is the prioritization of your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. This looks different for everyone in practice, but for me, it involves the pursuit of big goals, both in fitness and in my career, without sacrificing my ability to show up for the important people in my life.

WATX: What are your wellness goals over the next twelve months?

CW: My number one wellness goal is to stay healthy so that I can continue to do the things I love. However, I'm also a very performance based person. I’d like to hone in on a sub 2:50 (dare I say 2:45?) marathon over the next year. My previous PR is a 2:55 at last year’s Boston Marathon, and I’ve built quite a bit of fitness since then. I'd like to beat my current solo pro HYROX PR of 61:33 and continue to perform competitively at HYROX races throughout the year. Finally, I'd like to survive the final year of my PhD and prioritize sleep a little more.

WATX: Who are some people who inspire you, motivate you, or keep you accountable when it comes to your wellness?

CW: I'm very inspired by all of the mothers who have chosen to continue their fitness career after having children. Women like Paula Radcliffe and Lauren Weeks, who’ve competed at the highest level of their respective sports, come to mind, but also close friends like Monica Tison, who balances her career, fitness, and family while still showing up 100% for her friends. I'm held accountable by my good friend Jack Woolsey, who helps me stay positive when things are not going well and never ignores my daily workout debriefs; by my running buddy Carla Flores Pérez, who is is just as crazy but more badass than I am; and by the amazing coach I recently started working with, Ryan Geiger, who has shown unmatched patience and belief in me even in a short period of time.

WATX: What advice would you share with someone looking to change their wellness routine?

CW: Be patient and remain confident in the small wins you make towards a bigger goal every day. The magic is in the monotony. Also: eat enough to fuel your performance! I think that the importance of this is underestimated at any level.

Know a fitness instructor or personal trainer in Austin who deserves a High Five? Click here to submit your nomination so we can consider them for a future WellcommATX High Five profile!

That’s this week’s edition of WellcommATX. Like what you read? Get On The List and get future editions sent directly to your inbox. Have a friend who needs to read WellcommATX? Forward our email to them. Drop us a line at [email protected] or slide in with tips. Until next time, take care of yourself, and take care of each other.

Go For It,

Your WellcommATX Team (@wellcommatx)

Transform Your Self. Transform Your Community. Transform Your World.