FitLabPGH is a podcast about movement and movement opportunities in the Pittsburgh, PA area. Once a week we also highlight a FitLabPGH mover…someone who understands that movement is a lifestyle…not just an activity. The questions are lightly edited to allow for easy readability. Click FitLabPGH Features for more info if you want to be featured/know someone who should be featured.
This Week: Megan Clouner
Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? I was born in Denver, Colorado but was raised in Pittsburgh.
What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? The Montour Trail is a go to for our family. We love to run and bike the trails. The old railroad tunnels are always cool to see and run through. Mingo Creek Park – trails paved/off road in the woods, covered bridges, playgrounds, streams for playing/crayfish catching!….we love the options Mingo gives us! It’s a favorite of ours for training or just family fun! Transcend Bodyworks – I go to Bethany in Bridgeville for Hotworx workouts and massages. Hotworx is a program that uses heat and infrared technology while you workout (isometric and HIIT). It’s an extremely effective and efficient workout.
Describe your fantasy movement-focused vacation…cost is not an object…where do you go and what do you do? Patagonia would be an incredible trip. The scenery is unmatched and the area offers hiking, climbing, fishing, and so much more. Sweden/Norway – My family originates from this area. I’d love to just go and explore everything these countries have to offer.
What is your go-to weekday breakfast? Your weekend breakfast? During the week my go to is a protein shake. I need a quick breakfast without sacrificing health. I use Arbonne protein, which is a plant-based source. During the weekend, I typically stick with my shake, but we love making pancakes as a family. I do love avocado toast though too!
What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. I truly can’t think of one specific place! Eating your way through the Strip District is always good! Eating breakfast at Pamela’s, stopping at Roland’s for a bloody Mary, grabbing snacks from all the small vendors on the street! Dinner at any of the restaurants overlooking the city from Mount Washington is never a bad choice! The views are incredible. Sarris in Canonsburg is a must for the old school ice cream parlor.
What is the most unusual and/or challenging movement activity you’ve done? Would you do it again? My family loves Colorado, and with that comes hiking and mountain climbing. We go once a year and always make sure to bag a few 14ers each time. While it’s unusual for most, it is a favorite of ours!
What movement activity/event are you looking forward to in the next year? The Pittsburgh Half Marathon. I ran this race for years, until our first daughter was born race weekend 6 years ago. This year, her birthday is finally not on race weekend! I’m excited and anxious to run this race again! My family has a few ultramarathon trail races in the works too!
Would you rather go scuba diving or skydiving? My husband and I went sky diving and it was an incredible experience. We went to New Orleans when the Steelers played the Saints, Halloween weekend, and decided why not! (Pre marriage and kids lol) Not sure I’d do it again but I think it is something every one should do once! Scuba diving scares me! Maybe snorkeling?!
What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? I love a good massage post race, or a session in a steam room. Hotworx Yoga is a great way to unwind and stretch.
What is the one place visitors to Pittsburgh “must” see? There is nothing more “Pittsburgh” than the Strip District on a weekend. Mount Washington for the views! The Phipps Conservatory, especially during the holiday season.
Contact info for Megan Clouner:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganclouner/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megan.lynne.56
