Buns of Oiselle

Buns of Oiselle

Lesko
Style

Buns. Do you like yours free flopping or immobile? Do you look at other runners’ buns and feel a sense of envy? Is bun-running an everyday occasion or just for special days? 

Well, Oiselle has the BUN EXPERTS here to answer all of your bun questions. Allie Kieffer, Kami Beckendorf, Morgan Manuel (Mo), and Jess Barnard share their expertise on how to run with buns. 


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When did you first start running in a bun and why?

Mo: I started running in a bun when I got to college. My hair was starting to get a lot longer and I didn't like how it would stick to my back and get all over and ratty when I ran. It also was much more controlled for steeplechase. A bun made me feel more together and secure, and made me feel powerful as a runner. 

Kami: I've actually always ran with my hair in a bun- I have really long, thick hair and if it's in a ponytail in the summer, I don't get much breeze on the back of my neck. If it's in a ponytail while it's windy or raining, it turns into a rat’s nest- the bun keeps everything together in one spot!

Allie: I started power-bunning last summer as I started running more mileage to prepare for the NYC Marathon. Removing the sweat-drenched hair sticking to the back of my neck made me feel cooler, and in a marathon every little percent adds up! Also, my top knot makes me look a little taller!

Jess: I have always been somewhat of a head case when it comes to racing + competing, so finding ways to keep it light and fun has always helped me. One of those things is how I wear my hair. Through high school and college I was constantly experimenting with race styles and they usually involved 1-2 buns of some sort. Top knot bun, double Princess Leia buns, french braid into buns, triple buns down the middle, etc. etc. 

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How long is your hair...and do you ever just wear it down? 

Mo: My hair when down goes to about my upper/mid back, its super wavy unless it is straightened. Yes, I do wear it down to run sometimes but I don’t love doing that. I often find that it sticks to me and makes my shoulders itchy when I am wearing a tank top. 

Kami: My hair is anywhere from mid-back to right above my butt. I love donating my hair every few years so I usually let it grow out till it's borderline unbearable and then donate 10-12 inches and start over again. I wear it down on special occasions. If I wear it down though, it's a whole process with straightening that can take up to 45 minutes, whereas the bun takes 5 minutes max! 

Allie: My hair is on the longer side. I almost always wear it down when I’m not running.

Jess: My hair is pretty long (it grows fast)! I chopped it all off about 2 years ago and it’s already back to just past boob length. My fave. I love long hair, it makes me feel beautiful. So when I do have the time for a little primping in the am, I wear it down! *insert hair flip & wink*

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How do you make that bun stay in place? 

Mo: In my years of doing my bun I have broken lots of pony tails and gone through many bobby pins! I just gather all of my hair on the top of my head to where I want my bun, I fold it over once and then tuck all the excess hair in ways so it will stay the best in the pony tail. I then use the 1st pony tail and wrap it around the bun 3 times to secure everything in place as well as I can. Usually the whole process takes about 1 headband, 2 ponytails, and 4-6 bobby pins depending on the security of the bun! 

Kami: It's kind of an art- I use just one hair tie, no bobby pins or anything, just gather my hair on top of my head and twist the hair tie a few times around without ever fully pulling hair into a pony, tuck in any fly-aways and it's done! I think one trick though is doing it while it's still a little wet, although possible when dry, being wet allows for some easier configuring.

Allie: I’ve gotten so many questions about how I keep the bun in place! The secret is two hair ties. I use one to put it in a high pony and then I wrap my hair around it secure the bun with another tie.

Jess: Double hair tie. Ditto on Kiefer’s technique! Sometimes a couple bobbies are required depending on my hair length.

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Funny buns: 

Kami: I've had incidents when me and another coworker went to look at something and bumped buns accidentally. There are many cone head references when wearing a hood over it, and I've walked or ran under many trees and misjudged the height of my bun and gotten it stuck- knowing your bun clearance is important! :)

Jess: Ha! Well, there is nothing worse than when your bun decides to go rouge in the middle of a work out and starts flopping around everywhere. The bouncing really does cause a headache. One time I was running around the lake doing a hard tempo and the bun went wild… out of frustration I shouted “mother f&^%$#!” (a little too loudly to be honest) and this guy turned around thinking I was shouting profanities at him. My bad, dude. Just a bad bun day. #happens


There you have it! Shoot our bun experts your questions, and happy bunning! 

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Style - Brand
August 22, 2018 — Allyson Ely
Why a Distance Runner is Tuning into the WNBA Playoffs

Why a Distance Runner is Tuning into the WNBA Playoffs

oiselle running hannah calvert
Social

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The truth is... basketball was my first love far before running. I grew up spending every weekend at tournaments, summers at basketball camps, and evenings in the backyard doing ball handling drills between cones. It taught me to be gritty, tough, and it taught me to foster passion. All of which has helped me succeed as a runner.

A few months back, scrolling through twitter, I kept seeing tweets about the WNBA pay gap debate. Tweets from professionals taking a stand and saying they deserve higher pay. This is being contested by thousands of internet critics:

I couldn’t help but get sucked into the ugly vortex of internet threads with some comments as mind-blowing as telling players to find their way back to the kitchen. The WNBA players taking a stand explain that they aren't asking for or expecting the exact same salary as NBA players, but instead the same percentage of revenue (NBA players get 50% WNBA players get 25%). To put it into perspective, Diana Taurasi, the GOAT of women's basketball makes 1/3rd the salary of an NBA benchwarmer. It's frustrating that the players are told repeatedly... “it’s not the same game, it’s not as impressive, they don’t have the same number of fans, it’s not entertainment...” and the list of differences between the men and the women continue. All coming from men who don't appear to be professional basketball players themselves (or even college basketball players).

I couldn’t help but think back to when I was 9 years old sitting in the stands, enthralled as I watched the Seattle Storm hold up the Championship trophy with confetti streaming down. It was that moment that I realized I was going to be a WNBA player, the next Sue Bird to be exact… which clearly didn’t pan out even though I declared that future title for years to come. But that’s not what matters. What matters is that witnessing that moment made me, a young girl, believe it was possible. That moment made me believe I could be exceptional. 

The President of the WNBA Lisa Borders responded to critics perfectly in Forbes The Business of Being a WNBA Player by Paulana Lamonier.

“People do not believe that women can be superb professional athletes. That frankly is an ignorant perspective, but if you haven't had the opportunity to see a game, a player, or experienced the game, then perhaps you have an uninformed perspective. We invite folks into the area to actually see a game."

Love elevating women? Take time to watch a game. I love to champion women in running. Women like Lauren, Kara, Shalane, Desi, Emma, and Shelby - all who are paving the way for future female runners. But it’s also important to champion other professional athletes who are paving the way for another group of young talented women. 

And the best way to do that? Tune in. The WNBA playoffs start tonight and despite what critics may say, these women CAN play and it will be entertaining.

Here’s to showing up,

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(Only partially influenced by the fact the Seattle Storm is absolutely crushing it this season and probably going to win a championship title)

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August 21, 2018 — Allyson Ely
Bras for Girls at Campowerment!

Bras for Girls at Campowerment!

Social

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BY: JESSICA SPITSEN

Recently, Bras for Girls had the opportunity to participate in Campowerment, a three-day camp for 12-14 girls sponsored by FitGirl, Inc. Campowerment offers the opportunity for girls to "become empowered to live healthy, empowering, mindful lives." Over the three days, the girls ride bikes, go paddleboarding, experience sunrise yoga, horseback riding, and also hear from various female leaders from around the great Nebraska area. One of the more popular speaker series is called "Bullied to Boss" and invites women to talk about their experiences with bullying and how they overcame it.

Oiselle and Bras for Girls presented on the final day of the camp. Carly and I, two of the leaders from the Nebraska + South Dakota Volée, helped a little under 90 girls find their right fit! We came prepared with a tape measure and the Bras for Girls booklets worked with the girls on how a sports bra should fit. There was some extra sizing available, so we were able to work with many of the girls to find the right fit. 

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The girls came to us in several different groups, and we got to spend about 45 minutes with each one, talking about sports, the history of Oiselle, and why it's so important to wear clothes that support them as they move and grow. There was a restroom right behind our speaking area so we encouraged the girls to try everything on and ensure a good fit!

Several girls approached us after to ask more about Oiselle and where they could find it, since they loved the cuts, patterns, and fit. It was exciting to see these girls find their sports bra and understand how crucial it is to find clothing that makes them feel good, as well as be active.  We also led them through a few exercises where we asked them to think about how sports and being active makes them feel (a lot of the girls said "confident" or "strong" which was really cool!). 

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Overall, it was so much fun to spend a day talking to girls about being active and how to be the best versions of themselves. It's a tough age to be so we hope Bras for Girls and Oiselle were able to help them feel like they are empowered to be fit and active as they continue to grow up!

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Social - Giving Back
August 20, 2018 — Allyson Ely
How to Wear Fall 18... Come Into the Bright!

How to Wear Fall 18... Come Into the Bright!

Style

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Fabrics and colors and textures, oh my!

Fall 18 has me stumped. I sit and play with all the styles and it's impossible to pick one or two favorite color stories. There are so many - especially with such a wide range of hot and cold, subtle and bold. And honestly, the wilder the better. The more personal, the more it's truly you. Maybe you always go rogue, and run to the beat of your own drummer (hi Dr. Lesko!), or you prefer the suggestions of a stylist (I do love advice on what looks great together). Either way, this blog can be ignored or embraced. It's all fun under the sun...can't go wrong with a rainbow of #flystyle.


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Pink is the color of love and warmth, youth and passion. You can either embrace its girly roots, or redefine in a bold new way. This season's "Saturday" is a big, bold, unapologetic pink. Love it a lot? Visit our Saturday Shop.

Stone Big Stripe Tank + Saturday Flyte Long Sleeve + Burgen Pocket Jogger Capris

Black/White Flyout Long Sleeve + Stone Ballard Bra + Saturday Rogas

White Flyte Tank + Blaze Strappy Bra + Burgen Aero Capris


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Red! It's hot, it's fast, it's bold, it's brazen. It's the color of blood and fire and hot, hot lava. It can be angry sometimes too, and that's okay. Red embraces our humanity - unabashed, for the world to see.

Blaze/Curfew Lux Short Sleeve + Burgen Pocket Jogger Capris

Blaze/Curfew Flyout Long Sleeve + Blaze Strappy Bra + Curfew Team Tights

Burgen Ballard Bra + Blaze/Curfew Mile One Pullover + Curfew Aero Tights


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Blue is always the cool player. Simple, pure, calming; of sky and water, surrounding you with sweet air and the hydration pulsing through your run. It never fails - and doesn't even try hard.

Cosmos Kara Sweatpants + Curfew Hi Ten Bra + Black Big Stripe Tank

Smoke/Cosmos Flyout Short Sleeve + Granite Aero Tights

Curfew/Cosmos Lux Funnel Neck + Curfew O-Mazing Tights or Shorts


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Lights and brights give all those saturated colors (and drawer full of black bottoms) a little breathing room. A visual pause, even when life is moving fast.

White Flyte TankStone Hi Ten BraCurfew Flyte Shorts

Black/Black Lux Short Sleeve + Girl Code Spandos

White Flyte Long Sleeve +  Stone Ballard Bra + Curfew Onna Print Rogas


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Stripes are the spice of life. They add texture, color, visual play - to a serious world. They're the one item you can throw on that completes any look. The new Big Stripe Mock Neck! I confess, I'm in love.

Black Big Stripe Tank + Saturday Flyte Long Sleeve + Black O-Mazing Shorts

Stone Big Stripe Baselayer + Curfew Lux Bralette + Saturday Roga Shorts

Curfew Big Stripe Mock Neck + Black/Black Lux Tights


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Style - Look Book
August 20, 2018 — Allyson Ely
Congrats! You Haven't Peaked

Congrats! You Haven't Peaked

oiselle running hannah calvert
Training

So it’s only two weeks in to my marathon training plan and somehow I’m already sidelined with an IT band that’s waging war on my knee… not really the impressive training kick-off I was hoping for. Initially when the pain started, I shrugged it off and kept pressing on. I’m pretty good about doing stability exercises and getting in the weight room. And, I haven’t been injured in two years so I wrote the pain off as some typical wear and tear that needed rolling out and a little TLC. Me injured? Of course not. I cross-trained for a week, jumped back into running, in which my knee then locked up and said "absolutely not". Actually immediately after I finished this workout pictured here.

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I’m bummed and a little discouraged, but it’s nowhere near the worst thing in the world. Not even close. So after deciding my pity party should really come to an end I went back and read a speech I wrote for high schoolers at a running camp a few weeks back. 

It seems like a good time to take my own advice. 


When Chris (my college coach) asked me to speak, basically on behalf of the super impressive athletes I know, I felt like I had this plethora of wisdom, fun facts, and weird professional racing and training anecdotes to wade through… After mulling it over I decided to go with the news I wish someone had told me in high school when I first started track my sophomore year, and again my junior year when I didn’t come close to my sophomore PR’s, and again my senior year when I made progress but I didn’t feel like it was enough to justify running in college, and then again my freshman year and sophomore year of college when I felt like quitting altogether... Oh and once again my senior year when I felt like I didn’t have enough time to reach the goals I wanted to achieve. 

And that big news is - Congrats! You haven’t peaked!

And some of you guys are like “yeah, clearly” and maybe some of you are like “wait I’m so great, honestly I can’t go up from here” and most likely the majority of you are thinking “THANK THE LORD” 

One common thread in all my conversations with pros, no matter how naturally gifted, no matter how successful, goes a little like this “at one point I wanted to quit (or even did quit) / at one point it felt like I hit a wall, but I loved running so I kept working hard, I had patience, I trusted the process, and then... small victory”. Repeat again - “I loved running, I kept working, kept being patient, trusted the process, small victory"... and repeat... and repeat… then BAM! Breakthrough! Some it took three years of grinding, some five, some even seven! and maybe you are like "wow that’s so cool but I’m really just thinking as far ahead as what’s for dinner tonight”

True, me too, but I can’t stress this enough - your ceiling of running success is so much higher than you think it is (caveat if you love the sport. If you actually have a deep-seated hatred for running and this is something your parents swindled you into, take another passion and apply it here) even though it may seem impossible right now to think that long term. 

Since that’s easy to say here are some actual examples… [ I went on to talk about examples such as Kara Goucher, Allie Kieffer, Steph Bruce, Mel Lawrence, and my own personal growth through high school, to college, to post-collegiate]

What’s so great about the sport of running is that examples like the previous aren’t far and few between. I could have continued by listing off the progress of several of my college teammates, all who made significant jumps with consistent and intentional training.

Which brings me to a fun question we like to ask our pros - what is your superpower?

Some of my favorites are…

“I’m patient” - Mel Lawrence

“I’m steadfast to a fault” - Collier Lawrence

“My ability to believe in myself” - Allie Kieffer

So be patient, be steadfast to a fault, and believe in yourself. The running journey is a long one and you’re just at the beginning. 


The running journey really is a long one and I’m proud to be surrounded by a community of women who are examples of that. So for now, I will focus on taking care of my body whatever that may entail. Gotta keep it fresh for the long haul. 

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Training - Recover
August 17, 2018 — Allyson Ely
The Kara Q & A: Pro Style and Her New Collection

The Kara Q & A: Pro Style and Her New Collection

Style

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With two Olympics, multiple World Champs, American records and pinnacle moments in road races all over the world, there's no question Kara knows running. And it's pretty clear that she doesn't just KNOW running, she lives it, breathes it, loves it.

I'm happy to share that in the four amazing years of working together -- she's just as obsessed with great apparel as we are. We've had so many conversations, I know her likes and dislikes (yes to short-shorts, loose pants, puffy coats, and anything with owls; no to bra cups, tight waistbands, and too much black).

I love Kara's design input because it's always requests for freedom and simplicity: celebrating a body in motion, out in the world. And because she knows how to persevere, outside, through all climates, from the high mountain Colorado heat to the deep freeze of her Minnesota roots, I know she puts everything to the test. (As a proud designer aside, I have to add that I LOVE hearing Kara tell me how much her mom and sisters love Oiselle too. Kendall, Kelly, and Mama Patty...I'm so happy you #flystyle with us!)

Kara was in Seattle last weekend, and I got to catch up with her about life - and get her thoughts on her 2018 collection!


SALLY: Last year was our first year doing a Kara Collection. The sleeveless hoodie is a bit of a cult classic. What is it you love about this style - which some would argue is a warm garment without the practicality of its sleeves!

KARA: I love anything sleeveless. I also love cozy. Sometimes I want to be cozy but still have my arms breathe and move. I had a sleeveless hoodie over a decade ago and it is one of the only items of clothing I have truly worn out. It was perfect to throw on after a run, on my way to the gym, with jeans, shorts, or sweats. I love my arms free but my body cozy.

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SB: We now call the lightweight fleece in the Kara collection "the Kara Fleece"...what's your favorite part of this fabric?

KG: I love that it is cozy and soft, but still lightweight. It feels substantial but doesn’t feel heavy. It can go warm weather or cold. It’s really versatile.

SB: You've seen the updates to your collection, what do you think?

KG: I’m loving the outside pocket on the pants. It’s in a function place without adding any bulk. And I love that the hem on the sweatshirts is a bit more relaxed. I hate things that are tight on my waist and that little extra hem sits better on my waist.

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SB: Your 2018 collection comes in two new colors: Cosmos and Black. What are you vibing on?

KG: I LOVE Cosmos, the pale blue. It's so pretty and easy to wear with anything. And the black is nice too...it has a slightly heathered look, giving it that vintage hoodie feel, and of course, it's already so soft!

SB: And the new She-Roes Drop Shoulder Tee is you running on the track at the CU track (University of Colorado, Boulder). It's a place with a lot of history for you. What are the feelings you get on that track?

KG: So much of my career has been built on that track. Endless dreams were dreamt there, so many painful miles, so many exhilarating ones. I discovered who I am and what I wanted on that track. It’s a powerful place for me.

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SB: What do you think of the new Tee-Lux fabric - used in all the graphic tees

KG: It’s amazing. The way it slides across your body is fantastic. The way it stretches just the right amount, the weight of it - it’s perfection for a tee.

SB: The new Birds Everywhere Swing Tank... when we designed that, it felt very Kara to me. What do you like about the swing tank silhouette?

KG: I love that it’s a tad longer and looser. That it has movement when you move, it really is alive when you walk. And the detail of the bird print is on point. It’s simple and yet perfect.

SB: So I've learned you don't like thumb holes. Can you elaborate?

KG: Lol. I’m sorry for all the thumb hole lovers out there! My wrists have to get air when I’m running. Even when it’s freezing out. If my wrists can’t breathe, I feel like I’m suffocating. My sleeves are always slightly pushed up. And that’s why gloves and mittens are so important to me. I need that space open on my wrists, but I hate cold fingers.

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SB: At one you point, you chastised me (in good humor) for not having bigger, bolder Oiselle logos on our apparel. What does it mean to you to rock the O?

KG: I’m proud to wear Oiselle!! I understand that you don’t want it in everyone’s face, but I want people to know what I’m wearing. I just remember going to a press conference for the NYC Marathon in 2014. No doubt I was the best dressed athlete there, but my leggings, long sleeve, and vest were all logo-less. That’s when I knew we needed to have a conversation;)

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SB: We had a photo shoot last week. It was so much fun seeing you in all the styles. What were some of your favorites?

KG: I love the Lux Bralette. I wear a sports bra all of the time and I’m so excited to have this new “fancier” bra. It is so comfortable and the cut is so flattering. (Make that cut into a swim top next season please). The Lux Funnel Neck is such a lovely comfortable and functional piece. I love it. And the Lux Flow Tights are great. It’s hard to get a tight that holds it all in without feeling like too much compression or restrictive. It flows with your body. Notice a pattern here? Loving the lux!

SB: What's your favorite Spandos print?

KG: I love love love Wave print. But Girl Code is really great and flattering.

SB: What's a style we no longer make, you'd like to see come back?

KG: Stride short mini - you know I like my little shorts!

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SB: Last question, what are the top 3-4 things in your bag for Big Birdcamp?

KG:

Bring on camp!

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August 15, 2018 — Allyson Ely
A Lesson in Fear

A Lesson in Fear

Team

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BY: ANNA WILLARD

A couple Sundays ago, I finished a beautiful nine-mile long run while camping in upstate New York. I arrived back at the campground where my husband, Bob, was already packing up from our five-day stay. Realizing we had a long day ahead, and threatening rainstorms, I quickly headed up to the small women’s room to shower. Walking in, thankfully, the one shower stall was unoccupied, as more than half of the campground’s 25 campsites had been vacated. As I showered, I replayed the wonderful week we had had in the Thousand Islands, feeling mentally and physically refreshed. 

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed an object move. I shifted my gaze and saw a cellphone poking under my shower’s stall door. I could see from the 12-foot distance that the phone was on selfie mode and that the camera was capturing my own body. 

Shocked, I paused for a moment and waited for some sort of explanation. My first thought was it must be another woman, maybe a younger girl (as there were many at the campground) who was too shy to ask if I would be done soon. But when I didn’t make any declaration that I was aware of the cell phone, the owner became more bold and put his face under the stall door. Even with half of his face obscured and turned sideways, I was certain he was a male. I saw his brown hair speckled with gray, closely cropped. I saw his lightly tanned skin and his green or hazel eyes. 

            “Can I f****** help you!?!?” I yelled. 

He quickly retreated and silence ensued. Was I alone in the bathroom, or was he waiting for me to open the door? I stood there, covered in suds, listening intently, with my heart and mind racing. When I felt confident that I was alone, I wrapped my towel around me and closed the main entrance door that had been propped open. I quickly finished showering, got dressed and hustled back to the campsite to tell Bob what had happened. 

I felt disgusting as my eyes scanned the campground for the offender. I realized then that countless people at the campground fit my weak description - middle-aged white males with green, or hazel, or possibly light brown eyes. Even my own husband’s hair was roughly the same color as the perpetrator’s. 

We spoke with the manager who seemed clueless on how to handle the situation, saying that nothing like this had ever happened there, and promising to ask around to see if anyone had seen a man entering or exiting the women’s room. Unsettled, but realizing we had an eight-hour journey ahead, we departed. 

The following week, back in the safety of my own home, I started to feel a deep rage building inside of me. Why didn’t I yell when I saw the cellphone? Why hadn’t I kicked the man in the face? Why hadn’t I pursued him immediately? Why hadn’t I gone from campsite to campsite demanding to see the cell phone of each man? 

Mostly, why hadn’t I been braver? 

I always thought that if I was under attack or if somebody was taking advantage of me that I would respond heroically. But when it actually happened, I was only afraid, and I didn’t know how to save myself. I was left feeling a sickening anger, at the perpetrator and also mostly at myself for not taking action in a way I always thought I could. 

Trying to digest both what had happened and my reaction to it, I relayed the story to the athletes that I coach and to my friends and family. Everyone reacted almost identically: disbelief then dismissal. Disbelief that anyone would try to take advantage of me, and then dismissal because I would be capable of handling anyone who meant me harm. What an air of confidence and bravery I must convey! Most of these conversations devolved into jokes of what could have been. My alternate universe super hero was often a sudsy avenger streaking across the campground in hot pursuit of the criminal.

I recognize this is a small assault, a juvenile act, a Peeping Tom and that there are so many others who have been violated in ways that I can’t even imagine. But that does not change that it was taking something from me that I did not consent to give.

What I know for sure is I was not the first woman who was victim to this specific voyeur. He was brash. Not only did he enter a public women’s restroom in daylight with many other people in full view, but he exposed his face to the woman he was spying on. This is not covertly taking pictures from across the campground. He chose a high-risk situation with a large chance of being caught. That also makes me certain I will not be the last woman he violates. 

Now thinking back to this moment I feel like it was a wake-up call. No one is impenetrable or invincible. Crimes of all kinds occur every day, even to the strongest of us. I have no desire to live in fear: fear of where I should or shouldn’t be, fear that I cannot take care of myself, or fear that something terrible is going to happen. I refuse. So I’ve signed up for Krav Maga, an Israeli self-defense seminar. 

I want to understand how to protect myself and be my own savior. I want to respond to situations with intelligent bravery, not in fear. I want to live and run freely.


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Team - Haute Volée
August 15, 2018 — Allyson Ely
Fierce Flyer - Addie Crews Badwater!

Fierce Flyer - Addie Crews Badwater!

Team

BY: ADDIE GREEN

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I dove into all the books and documentaries about running that I could find. Somehow I came across Running on the Sun but I never thought I would ever attempt 100 miles and much less something like Badwater. “Those people are crazy...” That was five years, 14 marathons, three fifty-milers, 3 hundred-milers and 1 hundred and fifty-miler ago, when I began running. 

Now, Badwater suddenly doesn't seem so crazy and things that seemed impossible don't seem so far fetched. I am now surrounded by people attempting the “impossible” and pushing their minds and bodies to the absolute extreme. One of those people who share my crazy dreams is my boyfriend Mike. When Mike got into Badwater this year it was just a given that I would be his crew chief.

Getting ready for such an adventure was no different than my usual 100 mile training, except for a few more miles of bridge work for this flat-lander. I knew it would be hot, but as a South-Floridian I am used to mid day runs in 100 degree temperatures. “No big deal right?” I ate my words…big time.  

We arrived in Death Valley on Saturday and stepped into a sandstorm. Instant panic of “what the hell did I get myself into?” I went for a few runs to acclimate myself and immediately felt like I stepped into a hair dryer and freaked out when my cold water bottle turned hot (I mean HOT) within a quarter-mile. 

I knew then that I had my work cut out for me to keep Mike cool, calm, collected and most of all… running. Sunday’s sight-seeing left me in complete shock as we drove up the first two climbs of the course. Looking back from the top of Father Crowley was simply the most breathtaking view I have ever laid my eyes on, but as my breath was taken away by the beauty, I was quickly reminded of what we had to tackle just to get our runner to that point. I had crewed many times before, but this time it would be really serious. So much beauty in this desert, but she could easily destroy you if you don’t respect her. 

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Mike would start his race in the elite wave of 11pm (in 122 degree heat), meaning we would already be tired going into the race. We woke up early that morning for a final breakfast and meeting, I then sent Mike to bed while I went for a final run and drive into Nevada for last minute supplies. The race started out perfectly until about mile 42, then the pressure was on to make cut off. Until then, Mike wasn’t allowed a pacer so the job of filling bottles, tracking calories and filling ice bandanas was pretty routine and robotic. 

A “sprint” up to 2,000 ft of elevation meant he would reach cut off within 8 minutes, but would be absolutely battered and broken. We worked tirelessly from then on to keep him moving, massaging, stretching, encouraging, spraying him down, pacing, mixing calories, writing everything down, setting alarms, drinking, popping blisters, stopping a bloody nose more than once, carrying up to 4 bottles at a time, swatting horse flies, dressing up like wolves, carrying Biffy bags (look it up) managing medications and really trying not to complain as we also battled the pavement temperatures of 170 in the Panamint Valley. Thanks Volée crop top, stride shorts, spandos and Lesko bra! We made that cut off by 3 hours, so I felt good about that and we kept pushing.

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The real job came on night two when we were all sleep deprived (we were out of coffee to add insult to injury). Mike begged me for a 30minute nap and we negotiated it down to 20 minutes. While everyone tried to shut their eyes, I stayed awake to make sure we didn’t miss the alarm. Watching Mike to be sure he was still breathing the stars fell all around me. I kept reminding myself to take it all in and in the moments of despair, I would encourage Mike to do the same.  

I continually felt like we were in another world. The reality is, not a single picture I took fully captured what we were all seeing. Not a camera in the world will ever do the desert justice and there are no words to fully explain it. The mysterious desert would also leave me with some horrible hallucinations in the middle of the night (baby elephants and dancing jack in the box).   

That trek up Mount Whitney reminded me “If it's gonna hurt this bad, we might as well make it worth it.” I took him up that last climb and made him repeat that phrase over and over. Even with the finish line within grasp, your mind tries to tell you that you can’t. I asked Mike to stop at one point and turn around, he could see all that he had tackled and pushed through. I said, “You did the hard part, now just get your buckle.” 

Overwhelmed with tears, we marched up Whitney, the skies opened up and hailed on us. Yes, Hail! With a stormy welcome, we reached the finish and it was over. He got his buckle and those 40 hours suddenly felt like they went by so quickly. I was exhausted beyond measure, but somehow I wanted to experience it all over again.  

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Crewing Badwater is truly the hardest thing I have ever done, but simply the most rewarding. Watching every single runner battle through is awe-inspiring. You truly have to see it for yourself, its next-level kind of heart and soul. The whole experience in the desert is eye opening… A reminder of just how small we are, what real life is without the hustle and bustle, being open to adventure and conquering fears. I do not think a single person leaves there the same person and a piece of their soul drifts along the sand dunes forever.  

“One sits down on desert sand dune, sees nothing, hears nothing. Yet through the silence something throbs and gleams…”- Antoine De Saint Exupery

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Team - Volée
August 13, 2018 — Allyson Ely
It's National Go Bananas Day!

It's National Go Bananas Day!

Style

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Bananas are having a moment. Before we get to the subject of fashion and adornment, let’s just stop and appreciate the spirit of the banana. In many ways, it can be summed up as such:

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“But gets in trouble sometimes.”

And can’t we all agree that “the getting in trouble sometimes” is often the spice (or the Bananas Crème Brulée) of life? Those risks, those flyers, those “hell, why not?” Or “I might fail but at least I got out of the house” moments.

It all comes down to this: bananas are good trouble.

Bananas are the fruit of the curious 

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Bananas are the humility makers - because falling down is not only funny but relatable 

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Bananas are a communication device. When smartphones are down, the banana phone is always up. 

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Bananas are phallic of course. We don’t sell underwear for men, but who among us has not heard of the banana hammock?

And bananas are good people too.

A person in a banana costume, might beat you in a 5K, as happened to me in Austin, Texas.

Of course, there was that time I registered my race bib name as 'Bananas' with the hope of hearing "Go Bananas!" throughout the entire Eugene Marathon. Not so much...

Personally, my family has always taken to the story of Banana Sam, the squirrel monkey who was kidnapped from the San Francisco Zoo, but found two days later.

And all this without even mentioning the fruit. The sweet, sweet, potassium rich fiber of this plantain beauty.

Some people won’t return to their homes at night unless there are bananas there. We see you Hannah Calvert. 

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What other fruit can claim an entire food category - banana bread - as the upside of its rotting flesh? 

What other ingredient can blend seamlessly from smoothie to ice cream to baked goods to blackened soft nuggets that look like turds but are infinitely edible? banana_snack.pngSo I guess when you look at the banana body of work, it comes as no surprise that in these trying times, the world turns to life’s simple pleasures in order to find its way. Pets of course, come to mind. But to be honest, bananas are far less work and more delicious.

And to hell if a life well lived doesn’t require some risk. It requires taking flyers. It NEEDS good trouble. And therefore we ask ourselves - and you my friends! - what it looks like? To indeed, GO BANANAS, in a way that’s meaningful for you. 

It could be small bananas (run without your Garmin) or it could be big (quit your job and live in a yurt), but whatever it is, celebrate the spirit of going bananas in some form or fashion.

If you choose fashion, we have this killer tee. And a Go Bananas dance choreographed by none other than Lauren Fleshman (who knew the woman ALSO had banana dancing skills?) IF THAT WASN’T ENOUGH, no Oiselle web order will go unshipped without a Go Bananas sticker, starting today (while banana supplies last).

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Thank you. Now get out there, honor the banana by causing some good trouble, tag us with @oiselle #GoBananas - and cause some good trouble! 


PS - We told you bananas were trending… a recent round up of bananas in the wild…

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Spotted in boutiques from Seattle to Santa Monica. 

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Also in stores at University Village!

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Does Prada have a Banana Collection? Why yes they do. You can get yourself a flaming banana dress for the low cost of $2,550

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Last but certainly not least, the Banana Birds we found in Japan. 

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Style - Brand
August 10, 2018 — Allyson Ely
Birds take Toronto!

Birds take Toronto!

Lesko
Racing

We are so thrilled for our six Oiselle competitors representing at NACAC’s in Toronto next weekend! What is NACAC’s (other than a mouthful of an acronym)? The 2018 North American, Central American and Caribbean Championships, being held in Toronto for the third time. 31 nations compete for championship bragging rights! This year, all three USA steeplers are Oiselle Haute Volée (Megan Rolland, Emily Oren, and Mel Lawrence #steeplepeople)! Get to know our 6 fierce flyers below, and get ready to cheer them on!

Jasmine Blocker: Team USA 4x400m relay
Maria Michta-Coffey: Team USA 20k race walk
Whitney Rowe: Team Canada 4x100m relay
Emily Oren: Team USA steeplechase
Mel Lawrence: Team USA steeplechase
Megan Rolland: Team USA steeplechase


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What are your goals for NACAC?

Jasmine: Another PR split!
Maria: I'm going big and I'm putting it out there--I WANT to podium! My best international finish against PAN AM countries was 2nd place and that was as a junior. In 2015 I finished one spot off the podium in 4th for NACAC countries so I am very hungry to get up there! Despite the hot humid oppressive weather, I know I'm in really great shape and am excited to race competitively!!!
Whitney: Represent my country and win a medal on home turf 
Emily: I would love to be top 3 (a Oiselle steeple sweep would be awesome!) But time wise I am hoping to run a PR which would be sub 9:40
Mel: I feel like all season I've been trying to dip under 9:30, and I haven't gotten there yet. Instead of focusing on time, I want to focus on competing and racing well. I think if I do those two things well, I could have a shot of winning, and that's my main goal.
Megan: My goal for NACAC is to really enjoy and soak up this experience. This is my first USA track and field team I have qualified for and I am going to try and enjoy every minute of it! Post USAs I had a solid block of training until about a week ago when my lingering issues reared their ugly heads again. I knew this was most likely going to happen because I decided to push through so I could train and compete at this race. I have been a swimming machine lately but am still going to show up to the starting line believing I can compete with everyone there. 

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Is this your first time representing your country in competition? 

Jasmine: 2nd US Team, the first was this summer's Athletics World Cup
Maria: This will be my 28th time representing Team USA, my 18th as a senior athlete and my 5th time that an international race has taken me to Canada! The most exciting part is the race; it’s what I've trained for. I love the competition, I thrive on competition! Since Canada is pretty similar to the US I am actually looking forward to having an easy travel (supper short flight from NY) and my husband and Mom can travel to it relatively easy so that makes it all the more exciting.
Whitney: This is my 4th time representing Canada. What is most exciting is that we will race in front of a hometown crowd! 
Emily: This is my first time representing the US so it is all very exciting for me! I think the most exciting thing is really just going to be running with USA on my chest as that is something I have always dreamed of! I am also excited to meet the other runners on the team.
Mel: I raced for the US three times as a junior athlete, but this is my first time as a senior athlete. I'm excited to have another chance to race late in the season, I'm excited to visit a new place, and on top of all that, I'm really excited about all the Oiselle athletes who will be there and that the entire US steeple team is Oiselle athletes.
Megan: This is my first time representing the USA in a track and field competition.  I made a cross country NACAC team and that was an awesome, fun experience! I think there is something special about having the opportunity of wearing your country's name across your chest at a competition.  I am excited to meet runners and competitors from the other countries that will be represented and just soak up Toronto.  I have never been to Canada before!  Also, having the 3 women who will be representing the US in the steeple all being fellow Oiselle steeple people is going to be awesome!

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What Canadian souvenirs do you want to buy? What are your thoughts on ketchup chips?

Jasmine: I'll pass on the ketchup chips haha
Maria: I don't really think I have any Canadian souvenirs in mind, I guess I want to earn a medal, that'll be the best souvenir. Ketchup chips, never heard of them, I'll have to check it out.
Whitney: I grew up on ketchup chips always a must buy when I go home! 
Emily: I hadn’t thought of Canadian souvenirs, I am hoping to go to the Toronto zoo so I’ll probably pick up something there. I’ve also never heard of ketchup chips but I don’t think I would want to try them…as much as I love ketchup it’s a condiment not so much a flavor for chips.
Mel: One of my best friends is Canadian, so I feel like I'm going to have to consult her on some goods to bring back. She used to talk about this drink called Clearly Canadian, it disappeared for years, but I think it's back now. I'm not against the idea of ketchup chips. I would try most things at least once.
Megan: I love maple syrup so a bottle (or 3) of that for sure. Anything food related that is a Canadian thing I am all for purchasing.  As for ketchup chips, I have never heard of these but I grew up in small town Idaho where ketchup was a part of our major food group so I am guessing I will love them!!

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How do you go bananas? 

Jasmine: Probably a shopping spree of some kind
Maria: I don't actually, I have nervous excitement before the race, that calm before the storm, but the storm is brewing alright. I'm excited to unleash it in the race and then soak it all in afterwards...but now that you've mentioned bananas a post race ice cream sundae sounds delicious.
Emily: This might sound lame but I “go bananas” after hard racing just by eating all the food.
Mel: That's a good question. I go bananas for a lot of life events and for friends and exciting things happening to them (sometimes involving me and sometimes not), 90's rap, and I also feel like I should say cats ;-) I will stop mid run to pet a cat I see. 
Megan: I go bananas these days by being able to put my running shoes on, leave my swimsuit on the rack and being able to run!!! 


Go bananas, women! We’ll be cheering for you!

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Racing - Races
August 07, 2018 — Allyson Ely
Seven Days of Saturday

Seven Days of Saturday

Style

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A little Saturday goes a long way!

Especially our new color, Saturday. A big, bold, unapologetic neon pink, Saturday is as bright and happy as its namesake. From sleeping in, to playing outside, to staying up late…it’s the day of the week with the most potential. (Apologies to those who work non-traditional schedules; we’ll create a really cool color for Monday at some point…)

Once Saturday has grabbed your attention (and grab it will), your next thought might be - how to does this color play well with others? Well, like the question “where does an 800 lb gorilla sit?” The answer is “Wherever it likes.” So it is with Saturday.

In seriousness, the color is so bright that it practically pairs with anything. Neutrals, check. Blues, check. Reds and other pinks, check. Its brightness is brought into balance by a wide range of colors.

At The Nest, we’ve had endless fun pairing Saturday. 

And when we say a little Saturday goes a long way, we mean it. Within the Oiselle line, it's only in two style families: Roga and Flyte. With each, is the possibility of endless combos… Big Stripe, Flyout (including white/black, smoke/cosmos, blaze/curfew), granite bottoms (Aero, Pocket Jogger Capris), the new Tee-Lux collection (the “high five” nails or "no thank you" picking up that hint of color), or go “nuclear Saturday” with a matching top and bottom.


DAY 1: Flyout Short Sleeve in White/Black with Saturday Roga Shorts.

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DAY 2: Lux Short Sleeve in Black/Black and Saturday Mac Roga Shorts.

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DAY 3: Flyte Long Sleeve in Saturday with Roga Shorts in Onna Print.

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DAY 4: Flyout Tank in Blaze/Curfew with Saturday Long Roga Shorts.

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DAY 5: Big Stripe Tank in Stone with Saturday Mac Roga Shorts.

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DAY 6: Flyte Long Sleeve in Saturday with Pocket Jogger Capris in Granite (sneak peak of the Pocket Jogger goodness that has yet to come).

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DAY 7: No Thank You Muscle Tank in Oatmeal with Saturday Long Roga Shorts.

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Just for you, we brought all this goodness together in our SATURDAY SHOP.

Or take a flyer and make up your own winning combo. After all, it’s Saturday.

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Primary Subcategory

Style - Brand
August 04, 2018 — Allyson Ely
Story Behind the Style: The New Kaleido-go Collection

Story Behind the Style: The New Kaleido-go Collection

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The view through a kaleidoscope is visual geometry. It takes the familiar and creates ornate patterns of light and dark. And through this looking glass, we spied with our little eye the idea for a fabric pattern; something that could be translated into a custom jacquard.

A jacquard can have many appearances but it means, literally, "a knit with an intricate, variegated pattern." The pattern is the result of various stitchwork.

What makes the Kaleido-go jacquard so special is that, per Oiselle standards for exceptional fabric - it is also exceptionally soft. Soft, light, and stretchy - ideal for running, moving, or just living.

We loved the soft tufted performance of the fabric so much that we put it into four designs that play the field between sport and style. We're thrilled to introduce the KALEIDO-GO COLLECTION:


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The Kaleido-go Dress is an easy throw on piece with a twist. Its shoulder straps, with structured but soft elastic, are adjustable (like a sports bra) making it easy to customize your fit. It has a relaxed drape and a shirt tail hem - for extra rear coverage. Easy to pair with everything from a cardigan to a black leather jacket, with boots or sandals. Colors: Black or Curfew 

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The Kaleido-go Skirt has a wide, Nyelle™ waistband, an easy A-line drape, with a longer shirt tail hem in the back for coverage. Two on seam pockets are at the ready! Pair with the Lux Satellite Tank in Black/Black, the Women's Rights Crew, or the Flyte Tank in Saturday. Colors: Black or Curfew

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The Kaleido-go Baselayer brings beautiful texture to a simple silhouette. A baselayer yes, but not too tight. The fabric has stretch, but it's also designed to be relaxed in fit. The cuffs have a small slit detail. Pair with ANY black or colored bottom; or denim. Colors: Black or Curfew

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The Kaleido-go Tights combine a tried and true favorite, Nyelle, with the new Kaleido-go jacquard in just the right places. A narrow strip of jacquard along the outside of the legs provides stretch and style. Also along the waistband, for an easy, not-squeezed-in fit. Pair with the Lux Short Sleeve in Black/Black, the Flyte Long Sleeve in White, or just a sports bra, any sports bra - such as the New Strappy Bra in Black. Colors: Black or Curfew

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August 02, 2018 — Allyson Ely