BY: MACKENZIE METCALF

We've all had that feeling, that ache in the depths of our heart where we can't help but stop to compare, and where we worry we will never be good enough, and that we aren't enough.

You get tired of seeing everyone's perfections in your imperfections, and what you don't have, and that makes you mad and it doesn't make us bad, it’s just how we try to get through.

No matter what there's always going to be hate on you and on me, and it doesn't help that the roots of our country have told us a divide, strangling us, and making us want to hide.

And it doesn't help that social media tells us what we should look and act like. And it's where so many people have been separated just because of what they look like.

What if we could just wipe our eyes of all the battles of hate and maybe then we could change our population's fate? What if when you looked in the mirror your vision cleared and what you saw was how beautiful your imperfections are.

So throw all that us and them crap out of the window. Take a stand grab each other's hands.

Love, just love. Love yourself so you can love others, so that the long wall dividing us all can come crashing down and finally unite us. Because in the United States we are rarely united.

But when we see a wrong that doesn't belong we see it together and we have to try to do better

Because it's crazy to me as a thirteen-year-old I see my country’s leader making different looking people stand a meter apart, and to see my country’s leader making woman feel like we're just for show. Or all that matters is my looks and not how I read my books.

So we can all do better and we all have to do better. And we will, we sure as hell will. Because every day when I look into a lot of determined eyes wanting change I know we can.

If we stand together we can make a difference together.

What do women want? Pockets.

What do women runners want? Really awesome pockets.

Women we see you. We share your pocket passion…

But what about running pockets? Pockets that need to do more than hang like a hammock inside a loose garment. Because as we know that won’t fly well – over the many, many miles.

In fact, there’s an art and science to the running pocket. And it can be broken down into four elements: size, placement, materials, construction.

Size. Pocket capacity – it matters! And not all pockets are created equal. We need a big pocket because we got big plans and big miles, and dammit if these phones aren’t turning into laptops. Look for a big wide pocket opening, as well as the less celebrated – but even more important – size of the pocket bag or interior space of the pocket.

Placement. Of course a pocket can (and should!) go anywhere. I mean, ankle pockets, why not? Pocket on a small running hat – yep, we got one. But there is only one area on your body that is THE best place for running AND carrying your things. Your right-above-the-butt, lower-back, waistband-area. We could call it the haunch, but should we…?

Long run and tread mill testing shows that the low back, above butt area (either center back, or either side) is the best location because you’ll experience the least amount of bounce or irritation, and it’s convenient to reach – such as with fueling. Side leg pockets are also popular, but we have found those are better for either shorter distances or to-fro-and-coffee-go moments.

Materials. Compression fabrics, such as Nyelle™ or Plya™ Compression are best! The heavier fabrics, including spandex, hold the contents of the pocket securely to your body, reducing bounce and movement.

Construction. Sometimes you need a zipper and sometimes you don’t. Overall, we like them because, unlike yoga which – are pockets needed? – runners are on the move and covering ground. A zipper pocket, with a locking slider that doesn’t bounce, is the ideal. That way keys and phones and doodads won’t fall out.

This Spring, we’ve pocketed up!

Here are just a few of the Oiselle pocketed bottoms that serve the need of running and carrying things the best. They have been tested over all the distances – from easy runs to ultra treks. From slow jogs to sprints and walks and hikes.

As always we are here to serve… New tagline? Giving women the pockets they want since 2007.

POCKET JOGGER SHORTS
TOOLBELT ROGAS
TECH SUEDE TIGHTS
NEW AERO CAPRIS
NEW JOGGING TIGHTS

POCKET JOGGER CAPRIS

LONG POCKET JOGGER SHORTS

HAWKEYE 3/4 TIGHTS

March is here! International Women’s Day is next week! And we’re officially hooked on hearing women tell their stories. As our friend Amanda Steurmer likes to say, “I’m addicted to inspiration,” with a constant need for not only stories, but connection – through life and sport!

As a continuation of the celebration of “story,” we worked with Lauren Fleshman – a leading runner-writer, and founder of the Wilder Running & Writing Retreats – to come up with some good writing prompts for the month of March.

And thus our #RunReadWrite party is starting – and everyone’s invited!

Here’s how it will work:

• Every week during March, we’ll post one of Lauren’s carefully selected 5-minute writing prompts (see guidance below).
• Post your writing on Instagram
• Tag the writing with #RunReadWrite and @oiselle (so we can all follow along)
• Read and share each other’s stories!

Words from Lauren: 

“Set your timer for 5 minutes for each prompt. Write without stopping. First things that come to mind. Just keep the pen moving. Don’t edit, don’t search for the perfect word. Just write the truest thing. You can always burn it afterwards if you want :). If you find yourself really into something good, and you’re feeling it, you can keep going. OR you can leave it unfinished...it will then be easy to pick up where you left off if you’ve left breadcrumbs. You can develop any of these prompts later. For now, just write!”

Here we go!

Week One from March 3rd to March 10th, our 5 minute prompt is:

"Beneath my feet…"

Week Two from March 12th to March 17th:

“I’m Here Because…”

Week Three from March 18th to March 24th:

"Would you believe me if I told you..."

Week Four from March 25th to March 31th:

"I remember..."

We can't wait to read your words and stories... head up, pens out!

Saturday, February 17th, as some of our Haute Volée were tearing it up in Albuquerque at USA Indoor Track and Field Championships, a different but equally inspiring event was taking place in Oakland, CA: the kick-off to our 2018 Bras For Girls donation program. A huge thank you to our teammates Alisha Brown and Sheena Caines who (literally) ran this giveaway, and to Heather McWhirter for these amazing pictures! We are so happy to partner with Running for a Better Oakland for the second year in a row; this year Oiselle donated 220 bras and booklets, plus additional running gear. As director of Oiselle's philanthropic giving, I often get asked, "how can I help support Oiselle's donation programs?" There's no secret, we are a business and the better our business does, the more we are able to donate and give. So if you love the Bras for Girls program, know that each bra purchase and Volée team membership directly impacts how many bras we can donate. Hear from our teammates below on the event, and thank you all for your support of this program that we are all so passionate about. We’ll see you out running!

Heather McWhirter (photographer): RBO is a wonderful program. Many of these girls come from schools where they do not have access to sport. To provide these young girls with bras and to share the benefits makes me hopeful they will have the confidence and the self-esteem to play any sport they love. 

Sheena Caines (Volée): It was so great to return to RBO a second year in a row. At least a dozen of the young girls in the room were there last year, and some of the girls could already describe what to look for in a proper fitting sports bra.

We talked to the girls about why we were there, why companies empowering women were so important, why it’s important to take care of both our body and mind. And even though the topic might feel awkward, how important it is to change that conversation from awkward and embarrassing to empowering. Alisha and I both gave personal accounts of our own first bra experiences, and of our ever-changing bodies. How we were both late bloomers, how I went from an A cup for years to a C cup in a matter of a few months, then on to a D, DD and now back down to a D once I started running more often, and during marathon training. How I used to wear 2-3 cheap sports bras when running in college because there weren’t really good options out there for larger-chested women (also, I didn’t know any better!).

One of the things I told them was that we're given one body in our lives, but that body changes with us as we grow as people, as athletes and as women. It's important to do everything we can to take care of it, to change and adapt with it, and to know that as women athletes, we feel strong and empowered in these bodies that do amazing things. 

After their run, thy came back to the house to collect their sports bras and I was able to help them with the proper sizing since they trickled in more slowly.  One of the girls who had been there last year mentioned that she didn’t want another sports bra because it was uncomfortable and the straps were too tight. This was the perfect opportunity to again stress the importance of a proper fit because that changes everything. We got her a size up from the one she received last year, and after trying it on, she came out with the biggest smile on her face! She also mentioned that she shares one sports bra with her older sister and that she couldn’t wear it that day to practice because her sister needed it. We encounter stories like this all the time, how quality sports bras that can change a young athletes life are unobtainable to many because of the cost. By providing both girls with a new sports bra that day, we changed the way they feel about their bodies and the sport. 

I chatted with another girl, age 7, about terminology (breasts vs boobs) and what seemed appropriate for her to hear.  She said “both aren’t very appropriate words but I guess breasts is a little better. They’re both bad words to use.” Doing programs like this and providing information to girls at this age is crucial to changing the mindset of both men and women when it comes to the female shape. To grow up thinking that a part of your body is taboo or shameful is heartbreaking. 

We all may feel self-conscious from time to time about our bodies; society has trained our brains to do so. But we’ll continue to educate and empower, change the way people think about one of the strongest and most beautiful things out there - a women’s body. 

Alisha Brown (Haute Volée): First, let me start by saying how amazing it is to be a part of a company and TEAM that is committed to serving. I love that with Oiselle, I get the opportunity to reach out to different communities, my own included, and perhaps, those less fortunate, with the purpose of empowering, motivating, and spreading love. (And then of course the bonus programs such as BRAS FOR GIRLS, which gives us the opportunity to supply Middle School girls with sports bras!) Events like this just fill my heart.

Upon arrival, the RBO staff met us with a very warm welcome. I was unaware that a small picture and write up of me was on their event flyer, which explained why many of the young girls had their eyes glued on me as they walked by. It was really sweet. As we walked into the town house, I made my rounds meeting and shaking hands with the girls and some of their mothers in the room. 

Sheena began the presentation by speaking about how our bodies change. She then passed the baton to me and I spoke on self-empowerment and self-love. I understand the importance and need of learning to love your body through its life transformations because I too saw my body as a traitor when I did not develop the breasts, which I thought was one of the defining factors of being a woman during my pre-teen and teen years; then when my hips, thighs and butt grew my running suffered. So I knew I had to relay the message that body parts do not define who we are as women and young ladies. I made sure to tell them that we must embrace our own selves and accept our bodies as they are and as they change. I thought it pertinent that if they had not heard it yet, that they heard it there; we are strong in whatever body we currently are in: boobs or no boob, hips or no hips, butt or no butt, we are strong and we are beautiful. And in these beautiful bodies we can have, and we can achieve, whatever it is we put our minds (followed by work) to doing.

Then we reviewed the way a sports bra should properly fit the chest. Following Sheena’s cue, “It’s time to get a little more awkward,” we stripped off our shirts and showed our fitting sports bras. Sheena went over the jump test, the band test, doing away with ‘side boob’, and how sometimes extra support may be needed. We then distributed the sports bras to the half marathon training group, and the 5k training group picked up their bras after their run. I led the 5k group through a dynamic warm up, walking the girls through each drill, stating purpose and importance of form before engaging in the stretch or drill. We then went for a run around the Lake.

Another young lady from the event came up to me and asked, “Do you ever feel embarrassed by wearing a sports bra?” I responded, “Not at all. Of course I don’t just walk around town in my sports bra. But I do take pride when I wear one. I actually prefer a sports bra, and I wear them under regular (non-workout) clothes all the time. There is nothing to be embarrassed about while wearing a sports bra.” She said okay, with a gentle smile and went on her way.

I am fortunate that we were able to speak on how our bodies are more than what society may think of them. We are strong. We are beautiful. We are women. 

Nancy Phillipine, RBO Executive Director: Thanks so much for the wonderful time you shared with us.  

The presentation was very informative and I really appreciated how candid Sheena and Alisha were about their own experiences. As Sheena pointed out the audience was a better match this year as we sent the little ones to run out and invited the older girls in and still had a very full room. The community is growing! Yeah!

Sally and Sarah, and Oiselle, many many thanks for your generosity. Tod, RBO founder, was sharing with me his gratitude for making this happen as he watched the girls so happy to get their bras. 

I hope you come visit again soon!

 *This clip may contain language that is not appropriate for all audiences.

A Dramatic Reading of the Love Letters that Come to My Inbox Every Month

BY: KELLY ROBERTS

Subject: Words of Encouragement
Body: You're a fat pig you fucking disgrace.

Subject: Call it what it is
Body: Eat less run more. It's really that simple you're not strong you're a fraud.

Subject: Dieting
Body: I'm curious why you don't simply have the discipline to go on a diet and lose the excess fat you have? You could look great in weeks with a proper diet. Instead, you would rather literally run away from your problems and act like losing a family member is the hardest thing on earth and thereby grants you the right to pontificate to the rest of us about strength.

What does strength look like? A serious question, adjectives anyone?

*crowd answers - "overcoming adversity" "courage" "bravery" "confidence"*

None of which are physical. Strength does not look a certain way, it feels a certain way – powerful. And when we give people the power to write our stories that's where we give our power away.

All my life I lived in fear that someone would tell me these things and now it happens to me every single month. The difference? I don't give a fuck anymore because I look in the mirror every day and I say this is what strength looks like.

So repeat after me everyone -

“THIS IS WHAT STRENGTH LOOKS LIKE”

A behind the scenes look at our new Bird Swim with our very own swim designer… who also styled swim… and absolutely loves the ocean and all things swimming.

Nelle takes the mic:

What's different about Bird Swim fabric?

We have used the same swim fabric, from one Italian mill, since we first launched our Bird Swim collection back in 2014. Once we found the ideal fabric, we stuck with it! This fabric is so special because it is strong, but never clingy. It provides excellent coverage on the body, and is made to move! The fabric is chlorine resistant and retains its elasticity so you don't have to worry about your suit ever losing its shape. All three colors (Black, Big Blue, and the Trevi Print) of the Swim 2018 collection have a UV protection rating of 50+. 

A few very exciting updates made in Swim 2018:

• Sourcing. The entire swim line is made in Los Angeles, CA!
• Design. Rather than two layers of body fabric, the inner layer has been replaced with lightweight performance knit. While the two layers of body fabric gave the swim a strong, double whammy of protection, we found that our swim fit better, felt better, and dried faster with a lightweight liner on the inside. This change doesn't impact our swim's performance, one layer of our Italian swim fabric is performance ready on its own!
• Details. Our waistbands have been updated. The thinner, improved elastic allows waistbands to stay put without digging in.

Ultimate track fan and runner, Adriana, showing off the Trevi Print.

What's the story behind the print?

We work with independent designers who specialize in creating one-of-a-kind prints. We were looking for something that captured the fluidity of swim, and when I saw the "Trevi" print, I knew we had to have it in the line. The artwork reminds me of water after dark when bits of light hit ripples and you can see endless colors reflect off of the darkness. I named the print after the Trevi fountain in Rome, Italy which honors Neptune, the god of the sea. 

How do you plan to wear swim?

We designed this collection of swim with the intention that every piece could be mixed and matched. No two pieces were specifically designed to wear together, they all work! My favorite thing about this line is that every separate top and bottom offer different levels of coverage. Every woman's body is so different. We wanted a collection that celebrated those differences, as well as our mantra at Oiselle: "The only thing you need to do to get a bikini body is to put a bikini on your body." 

Or go one-piece! I plan on wearing the one piece in Big Blue all summer long. It has a really flattering back cut that actually stays put - no dreaded gaping at the side boob! 

Former Long Beach State Heptathlete (current triathlete) Sara Macey.

How long did it take to develop the collection? When did it start?

Oh man... I've been dreaming of this collection since before I even started at Oiselle! When I interviewed with Sally back in 2014, I brought a little collection of swim that I designed specifically with Oiselle in mind. I definitely pulled ideas from that notebook. 

We officially started designing this collection over a year ago. Designing was the fastest part. Making sure that the fit on every single piece was perfected over many iterations of samples is what took the most time.

What was it like to model your own designs?

It felt great to be involved on that level, because I could hear the other women putting on suits and say things like "I want this one!" and "I love this print..."

I also styled this shoot on location in LA, it was a crazy, fun day! But wearing the hats of stylist, model, and designer all at once made me super aware of how the other women felt in the suits; what size, what silhouette, and what colors they felt worked best for them. That's my favorite part. That, and jumping into the Pacific Ocean as the shoot wrapped. 

From heptathlons, to steeplechase, to triathlons - this was one impressive group of swim models. 

Dream vacation... where do you plan to take and use Bird Swim?

In my dreams, I always go for a beach in Hawaii. Always and forever an ocean lover. No pools for me!

Nelle

BY: CARLA AINSWORTH

I’m done apologizing for the fact that who I am doesn't reconcile with who you imagined me to be.

When I was young you whispered, as if I couldn't hear, wondering why my muscles were so big and my afro was so short.

My body didn't look like yours, I was strong and fast and fierce.

You said I looked like a man.

I was sorry I didn't look like you, but I was never sorry for winning.

Then as you got to know me, you were still surprised by me - my brain, my wit, my words,

my wisdom. 

You said I was an Oreo cookie - black on the outside but white on the inside.

I was sorry that those things made me feel white to you, but I’m not sorry for who I am.

I’m not an Oreo cookie, but a special dark candy bar, pure and sleek and black all the way through.

But then Trump happened, and Charlottesville happened, and shit-hole countries happened, and you wondered if your Black Lives Matter pin and your Resistance Facebook group showed that you were doing enough. 

I am sorry that this is the state of the world today, but I am not sorry that you are having to acknowledge what I already knew - that this is America in 2018.

So, I’m done apologizing.

I am too old and too tired to keep making you feel better. 

I too sing America and we have to be better.

I’m not sorry that America is having to take a good hard look in the mirror about race and class and gender and misogyny and bias and patriarchy.

I’m not sorry to be raising a son and daughter who know that their mother can be strong and smart and loving and brave.

I’m not sorry that my biceps are bigger than yours.

And I’m still not sorry for winning.

While some of us (me) spend most of February just wishing it was March, some people don’t have the luxury of living vicariously through NBC’s Olympic prime-time coverage. Some people have big Spring goals. Some people have 11 other team members depending on them. Some people are eyeing a Ragnar Podium and you best be sure that they are eying that top spot.

Now, I’ve completed a Reebok Ragnar Road Relay before. (We somehow ended up placing first in the the mixed, sub-masters category! Who knew that was even a thing?) I know that things get weird over the course of ~200 miles: We affectionately called our van the “shit-pit,” somehow someones’s pillow came into very snuggly contact with someone else’s very sweaty towel, I ate more Pringles than would be advisable and after all was said and done, our van’s breaks went out. Thankfully, no one was hurt but it did give us a story for the ages.

Knowing what I know about team relays and with the first race seemingly right around the corner, I thought it might be time for a chat with the teams of the Oiselle Podium Project to see how they were preparing for the unexpected. How does one make sure they don’t have to poop in the middle of their leg exactly? What’s the best way to drop the hammer on that 10 mile run that starts at 3:00 AM? Turns out, these teams are prepared! (And sleep is for suckers!)

How is your team preparing for sleeping (or not sleeping!) in a van, parking lot or tent?

Bird Machine GRRLS: Sleep?! Hahaha! Fast teams don't sleep.

Bird Machine CHI: Sleep deprivation training - having a 15 month old who still wakes up multiple times a night. I haven't slept in the better part of 2 years!

Bird Machine NWP: I’ve been wearing my Yeti to random mall parking lots and stretching out on the ground next to my car. It’s important to do this at random times to help maximize the training of manipulating your circadian rhythm.

Bird Machine CO: One word: GLAMPING!

Bird machine Tahoe knows how to recover!

After having your nighttime nap, what’s your strategy for waking up and running?

Bird Machine UT: LOTS of Coffee, adrenaline, fancy cold brews on ice, french press and mini camp stove ready to fire up. In other-words, CAFFEINE UP!

Bird Machine GRRLS: Again, what is this sleep to which you refer?

Bird Machine Tahoe: Making sure we get some early morning runs in...first thing in the morning before your body is really awake... helps to prepare for the shock. 

Forget running after coffee, how about running with coffee?!

What does one eat in the middle of the night when you’ve got to try to sleep, run fast or make sure you don’t poop during your next leg?

Bird Machine NWP: After the first leg I'll eat a sandwich but for after the second leg (and no one ever believes me) McDonalds Chicken Nuggets, though I have settled for Safeway fried chicken nuggets. Your stomach is soooo acidic at that point that you need some good ol' fried something to soak it up.

Bird Machine CC: I think pooping your pants while running is a totally legit and valid fear. I'm down to buy diapers for us to wear while running. Think, call-her bun huggers?  For the most part I think we're going to stick to easy-on-the-tummy foods, Picky Oats, Picky Bars, bread, bagels etc.  We'll be vigilant about bathroom stops.

BirdMachineCO: Our first year, our van looked like a Whole Foods smorgasbord and our attitude was “eat to one’s delight, we’ve earned it!” Well, we also paid for our indulgence with some gassy, bloated and crampy runners.  Eating bland and easy-to-digest foods will help, and not experimenting with new foods during the race.   

Bird Machine Tahoe: Coffee, Bananas, Toast, Almond Butter and Oatmeal. Run. Nap (HA!). Repeat.

Any tips for surviving the late-night porta-potty visit? Those things are DARK at night!

BirdMachineCO: Bring a headlamp, but resist the temptation to shine it at the hole, be really careful where you point your head, it ain’t pretty.  

Bird Machine NWP: For some reason I always forgo the headlamp when I night-poop. It's not smart. You literally have no control over what you're sitting in, and if you hover, you might leave something for someone else to sit in, and fondling with your hands to find tp...it's just not a good place to be fondling in the dark. ALWAYS wear your headlamp. Also, I don't breathe in through my nose!

Bird Machine CC: EEK! Maybe it's best not to see what's happening in the porta potty party.  We'll have SO much hand sanitizer and headlamps just incase.

Bird Machine UT: Headlamps, teammates outside the door and our own toilet paper. The woods: nature's cleanest bathroom

We see you crew members! How do you plan on keeping the cranky cranking?

Bird Machine CHI: Our crew members will be armed with 'dangling carrots' such as Starbucks coffee, cool cans of La Croix, and ice cream sandwiches to motivate runners to haul ass.  They will also have air horns and megaphones to help.

BirdMachineCO: Cranky is not in our vocabulary. We LOVE a weekend getaway that involves trail miles and girl time, with a side of competitive edge.

Has your team selected a theme song/party anthem?

Bird Machine CC: We are #blessed to have THE @runningwithmusic on our team.  So we'll leave that to Trax. (We’ll share Trax’s playlist once she’s created it so we can all benefit from her mastery! Share the Bird Beats!)

Follow along with the teams’ training and racing on Instagram!

#BirdMachineCC
#BirdMachineChi
#BirdMachineUT
#BirdMachineCO
#BirdMachineNWP
#BirdMachineGRRLS
#BirdMachineTahoe

It is hard to believe that it's been 2 years since we were watching our 17 (out of 18 qualified) marathoners tense for the marathon starting gun. It feels like 10 years, and also only 2 months. Time is weird. (If you want to go down the nostalgia rabbit hole, you can watch this, meet our past trials team here, and here, read this recap, and this Kara interview)... But, now we are only 2 years from the NEXT Trials. We are super pumped for the next buildup, and wanted to check in with a few of Oiselle's racers from LA 2016. Anything is possible! 

Andie Cozzarelli:
The 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials was both my debut marathon and the biggest race of my life but also the first time I ever dropped out of a race. In the fall of 2015 I was running better than ever just beginning to explore my potential. Mistakes going into 2016 and through the last year have held me back but I’m optimistic that my healthier path will make a big difference. I have big goals this year with another shot at the Olympic Trials Marathon at the forefront. I've rebounded from gut wrenching situations in the past and these next 2 years approaching 2020 will be no exception. 

Becki Spellman:
In 2016 I was coming back from having the twins, and my mind set was "just get there". I squeaked in by 16 seconds.  Looking to 2020 I want to be ready to race, to go for broke, to see what I am capable of in the time between now, and crossing the finish line at the 2020 trials. 

Anna Weber:
My favorite memory from the 2016 Trials was my "calm before the storm" moment, when the HV set off together for a warm up. Walking out of the athlete holding area and jogging among a sea of spectators was such a surreal moment. I had no idea that the women I was warming up next to would later become some of my closest friends. My life has changed a lot in the past 2 years, and will probably change in the next 2, but I still have the same goal: to be on that starting line in 2020, hungry to compete.

Lyndy Davis:
I went into the 2016 Trials a little over-raced and a tab bit over trained! For the 2020 Trials, I am so thankful my training allowed me to qualify at the beginning OTQ window instead of the last minute (like I did for 2016). I have 2 years to prepare for the 2020 Trials! 

What I am doing differently for 2020 vs 2016?

1. More hilly runs
2. Strides 3x week minimum
3. Keep laying a massive foundation: the larger the bottom of the pyramid, the higher the peak!
4. Consistent weight/strength training

The 2016 USA trials race was my slowest marathon finishing time of my career due to the heat conditions and my recovery time between marathons leading up to the trials. I learned I can run lots of half marathons/10ks/5ks and bounce back, but multiple marathons in a season require more recovery for my legs to stay sharp and speedy!

Memory from 2016 Trials Race: I remember running beside Becki Spellman in the intense heat at mile 20 and saying “This is brutal, but we worked hard to get here. We train for moments like this and we finish races.” We both finished the race and on that day, finishing was a big accomplishment! 

Sometimes your "slowest PR" races are the ones that shape you the most! 

Kara Goucher:
I can’t believe it’s been two years since we lined up in LA.  It feels like it was just yesterday, and yet also ages ago. When I lined up in LA, all I could think about was making that team. Now two years later, my mind is still filled with running, but also so many other projects and activities. As I look ahead to 2020, I no longer feel desperation to make the team. I am truly just enjoying each and every day. But I am looking forward to yet another Trials, the energy and experience is so thrilling!

1. Run with friends. Meeting someone for a run keeps you accountable and helps the time fly by!
2. Look good, feel good. When I need help getting out the door I buy myself a new outfit I can’t wait to strut through the roads in!
3. Put a race on your calendar! No matter if I’m just getting back into shape or preparing for my next big marathon, having a road race on the horizon helps keep me motivated and can be a great way to get in an extra good workout (during the race).
4. Get involved in something bigger than yourself - join a club or run for a charity. Sometimes as runners we get wrapped into the selfish side of the sport and focusing on what is best for our individual needs, but the times I’ve run the best I’ve run for more than myself.
5. Go for a run in a new place. I won’t deny that I usually get into a routine of certain routes I like for particular workouts, but if you’re in a rut, try a new trail, run the hilly road you usually avoid. The mind and legs need diversity.
6. Enjoy the journey, not only the results. I’ve been working on controlling what I can and letting the rest go. Unfortunately, the result is something we are not in complete control of (weather, sickness, injury). 
7. Set goals and crush them! I write my goals somewhere I can see them everyday so when the going gets tough I’m reminded what I’m working for.
8. Mix it up! Do a Mud Run, a Triathlon, or a Spartan race. No one said you have to just run, be courageous and try something new!

HC: Alright AT, let’s start at the beginning, how did you get started in sports?

AT: Well, I was a child of reluctant immigrants. I didn’t start speaking English until I started kindergarten. I was a painfully shy, smiley child and we were actually the first Asian family in my neighborhood. The pool manager of our community club told my mom they were taking new members and it would be a great place for us to learn how to swim and make friends.

When I think back, I remember not really being able to understand what he was saying, so I’d just flounder down the pool just to get to the other side as he would walk along saying something like: “you got it! you can do it tiger!” What I remember most is how much I just loved being in the water to play – to float around, kick, move in the water, playing basketball, marco polo, sharks and minnows, trying crazy moves off the diving board. Being shy, it was fun to be able to play and not have to ‘speak’ or get into super long conversations.

After swim lessons were complete, the next level was swim team. I was 7 when I first joined swim team, and even though I was absolutely terrible, I liked it. The following summer, I got to experience what a huge difference one year of swimming made when I went back to my summer league team. I could do a pretty fast butterfly, and it was, and still is, my favorite stroke. People tend to say: ugh, that’s so hard! It's secondary to me, because I love butterfly for the feeling of synchronicity and rhythm; I felt like I was like dancing in the water.

So, I guess age 7 is when you could say I “started” my athlete career as a swimmer, and I swam through my freshman year of college. Like many swimmer athletes who started at a young age and went year around, I lost my love and joy of it. It began to feel more like a job or an obligation. I could no longer swim from the heart, practice became tedious and dreadful – especially jumping in the cold pool every morning at 5:30, and then back again for evening practice at 4pm. While it certainly allowed me to consume more snacks than ever, and it meant saying good-bye to many close friends and a way of life I was accustomed to, I knew when it was time to hang up my suit, cap and goggles. It was bittersweet – but more sweet. I felt relieved. 

HC: Don’t you actually have a record at the View Ridge Pool? We’ve seen it a couple times when we had photoshoots there!

AT: Oohhh it got broken last year! It was fun when it happened because I was volunteering at the meet, and got to congratulate the relay team on the spot. I’m actually glad they are all wiped out now – the record was around for 37 years, so now I’ll always be forever 30. Ha!

HC: I know that we originally asked you to explain your identity as an athlete and you came back to us with saying “well that’s a broad question!” Yes, yes it is. But could you try to break that down?

AT: I grew up in a time where I wasn’t really aware of the word “athlete.” It was more like I am a “swimmer”, so I identified with the sport I did. Growing up with that, you stereotype or get stereotyped into so many descriptors that come with a sport activity: the body shapes, personality styles, and tendencies, etc. As a flyer, it was growing up with huge shoulders - Incredible Hulk muscles around your neck, broad back, and being self-conscious about baring arms away from the pool deck, and actually being more comfortable wearing guys’ shirts because women’s apparel didn’t fit my shoulders well.

Even though the days of spending hours immersed in swimming are done, the lessons I learned from being a competitive athlete permeate everything I do, really – professionally, personally, creatively, and in staying active and engaged in my life. Life lessons are how to win graciously, how to lose, accepting and working through my own disappointments and disappointing other people, dealing with pressure, and especially, being a big-time fan and encourager of others with their life pursuits.

HC: What lessons did athletics teach you in your professional life?

AT: It really taught me discipline and focus. To punch through the mundane things, and having the confidence that there is an “end”, even though there is immediately a “next”. Life is all a series of starts, flip turns, finishes, and getting back on the block for the next race, hoping it’ll build on the previous one. It also taught me life and sports performance, are not linear. Swimming really helped me live that.

I am blessed with the kind of involvement my parents had in my life: with school, swimming, my work and personal life. Being a first generation born here, with the belief that we would always “move back”, created an upbringing of dual cultures and dual languages – which makes it especially interesting during teenage brat years. Ugh, I was a pain! By my parents – despite the language barrier for my mother in particular, instilled solid values of being strong, kind, respectful, and ‘get things done’. My dad inspires me with his childlike curiosity and quest for staying current and he is quite visionary and creative in his thinking. I appreciate them more and more each day, actually.

HC: When did you go from swimming to running?

AT: I actually grew up hating running because it wasn’t really part of our swim training program. But then one day, my coach decided “we are going to add running to our training. So, go out and run this loop.” I was so mad! I thought – well, I’ll show you! So, I took a shortcut on the trail, fell into a hole and sprained my ankle badly. 

Well after that unhappy start with running, I picked it up when two friends invited me to try it out, as a response to my whining about “I need to do ‘something’ to be active – so I can eat those hostess pies!” It was about health and vanity, initially as I never thought of myself as a “runner” – I was a burned out swimmer. The idea of “athlete” didn’t enter my mind.

I had an inconsistent relationship with running from that point on. Sporadic moments where I would run for a few months, do a fun run, and then stop. The typical story, probably!

HC: So when did you really start to love running?

HC: This colleague of mine at REI we decided we would have running meetings on the treadmill. It was our time to have our weekly touch base on business, catch up on life, while being active. We decided one day to sign up for a half-marathon – why not?! So we bought a book on how non-runners train for a marathon and trained regularly on these treadmills while we talked or watched movies. We watched Stuart Little for our long run! And why indoors? Because we ran in the wee hours of the morning and it was scary outside where we worked. Our weekend runs were outside – and were so much more awesome. We did our first half-marathon together – the Seattle Half Marathon. I loved that we trained, finished it, and it was really fun!

I then got an opportunity to try a full marathon when I received an entry from Asics for the NY City Marathon. I got one of the entries where I worked for being the “first time marathon person”. I trained, but popped my knee during the last long run. I was SO disappointed! I still went to the event, though, because I had friends running in it and wanted to experience it. What’s super cool about this? It was the 2008 NYC marathon, when Kara Goucher debuted her marathon!  My husband and I were watching the race in our hotel room, heard Kara’s story, and I said “ Let’s go down and watch this girl finish! We got this amazing spot, right as they headed into Central Park, and right when we saw Paula Radcliffe come by, then another runner, and then we heard a roar as we saw Kara coming down and was like “Yeaahhh!! There she is!  There’s the one we were cheering for!” We ended up staying all day and cheering on runner after runner – so inspiring to be there. I didn’t run, but I loved the experience of being a fan of every person who came through.

HC: How has working at Oiselle influenced your running?

AT: Working at Oiselle has helped me remove the identity that often comes with specific sport stereotypes.  When I met Sally, I was immediately drawn to her open spirit, her complex mind of being so thoughtful, insightful, strong, gentle and kind – and freaking hilarious. I thought “I could hang this this woman!” When I came to the Nest for my first visit, I was honestly intimidated. You could said the air was “thick” with an intensity that came from a group of incredibly smart, deep, focused, serious and ‘get s**t done’ women. I remember Mac saying “hey, we can be a salty bunch”, and thinking “but it’s great that there is a balance of strong, caring women who are fierce yet friendly, passionate and driven, yet willing to be lead, servants and queens." Initial yikes of intimidation turned quickly into respect and admiration for what had been created at Oiselle.

Having been here now, the chance to work with each of these women and fellow bro-birds – is so humbling and gratifying for me.  To get to fly alongside Sally – a leader who is accomplished in her professional career, her running and as a mother, and a friend, and a human being - not merely by her accolades, but because at the heart, she is a person who is congruent to who she is inside and out.  Being invited to be a part of this multi-dimensional person and company, and seeing the role that running plays for each person here, and that each has their OWN relationship and attitudes towards/with it, is truly a gift.

It doesn’t matter how fast you are or what you look like, or how new you are. At the core of Oiselle is a genuine love of running, an authentic love and “we got you” kind of support for women in all their pursuits, dreams, challenges and troubles, and the integration of running in all that it is, is the belief that it is fundamentally good for everyone and anyone can do it. Athletic pursuits do transform you.  

HC: So wrapping it up: swimming or running?

AT: “Both!” And I feel lucky to still be able to be active at a time when multi-sport is accessible, encouraged, and supported.

Thank you Oiselle!