#WhereIFly - Introducing Oiselle x Sarah Attar
We can’t deny that running offers us a powerful sense of place. The landscapes with which we share these activities become bound to us on a deeper level. And while our footsteps may fade, we carry the stories of these spaces with us through the world. Few capture this idea better than runner, photographer, and Olympian — Sarah Attar. An inspiring athlete, artist, and advocate of women’s rights - her photography celebrates the powerful, beautiful places we see while traveling on two feet. We catch up with Sarah on running, photography, and the collection designed to celebrate the incredible places we find ourselves flying.
MEGAN: TELL US ABOUT THE COLLECTION!
SARAH: This is such a special and exciting collection. Oiselle X Sarah Attar combines my creative endeavors with running in a way unlike any other. These two passions of mine, running and photography, feed into and inspire each other, and I am so excited and grateful to share that intersection through this collection.
It was awesome to be part of the whole design process. I loved seeing all that goes into each garment made, and the extra details that Oiselle goes above and beyond on. We collaborated on which photos to use, and I got to design the personalized hang-tags specifically for this collaboration, so fun! Every update from Sally with photos of the sample products and prototypes had me elated. And now to have my hands on the final product is incredible. I love how seeing these items takes me back to the moment I took each of those photos, and I absolutely love getting to share those moments with you. Especially in a way that you can now carry on your own runs. I hope that through the items I am able to pass along the same inspiration and awe that I feel in these landscapes. It is my pleasure to share a piece of the following places with you in the form of these shirts and hats:
Mammoth Lakes, California - Twin Lakes from Lake Mary Road, a favorite view spot.
Vashon Island, Washington - a dreamy forested dirt road seen while on a run.
San Diego, California - a classic beach scene taken while paragliding at Torrey Pines.
M: RUNNING HAS TAKEN YOU SOME INCREDIBLE PLACES. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST MEMORABLE ONES, AND WHY?
S: It really amazes me when I think about all of the places running has taken me. One of my favorites has to be where I live now, Mammoth Lakes, California. Running is what brought me here, to train with Coach Kastor and the Mammoth Track Club, and I am so inspired by both the group and the area. I feel like I've really connected to this place in a way that resonates deeply with my running and photography, which is really special.
My first marathon in Big Sur in 2012 is also incredibly special. It was a place and distance that I'd been infatuated with for a bit, and had yet to experience. It was such an awe-inspiring way to experience both Big Sur and the marathon distance for the first time. Naturally I had to document this experience, which you can see here.
It was at this first marathon in Big Sur that I qualified for Boston. I ran my first Boston in 2013, the year of the bombings. While it did not affect me finishing the race, it deeply impacted my attachment to the Boston Marathon (I returned to the race every year since), the marathon in general, and to the running community as a whole. There was this magic energy at the 2014 Boston Marathon that I've carried with me ever since.
Running in both the London and Rio Olympics easily stand out as some of the most impactful, incredible, and unexpected places that running has brought me. They're the two experiences that have allowed my running to evolve to where it is today, and to become about so much more than a personal endeavor, and I am grateful for such a platform.
I could honestly go on and on about the places that running has brought me, but I'll leave it at the experiences that I feel have most shaped me and my running.
M: LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY. PHOTOGRAPHS ARE, IN A WAY, A LOOK INTO HOW YOU SEE THE WORLD. YOUR IMAGES ARE BEAUTIFUL. SOMETIMES HAUNTING. THEY CAPTURE THE AWE, INSPIRATION, LONELINESS, THE POWER OF NATURE. WHERE DOES THAT STYLE COME FROM? WHAT DO YOU SEE AND FEEL BEHIND THE LENS?
S: What you've described definitely is one of my favorite aspects of photography and art in general, that it's a way to share how we see and experience the world around us. I think my style has evolved most after my move to Mammoth. I found this deep inspiration of the landscape I was in, and was so moved to share what I was seeing. I often find myself overwhelmed with the sheer beauty of it all, the way the clouds and light dance on the mountains, the texture of a frozen lake, the way the fog meanders through the trees, honestly it's enough to drive me mad (in a good way). I sometimes wonder if I experience visual stimuli in a different realm, but it's that overwhelming sense of awe that drives me to capture the moment and share it.
M: WHAT'S THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THOSE TWO THINGS FOR YOU — PHOTOGRAPHY AND RUNNING? WHAT LIVES AT THE INTERSECTION OF THOSE TWO LOVES?
S: I have found that running is indeed a creative process, and that running may be a medium of sorts. Maybe it's that the earth is my studio and the documentation of these encounters, my work. This intersection of running and art has become a beautiful dialogue that I continuously explore. Letting these two passions feed one another elevates each of them. Running, for me, is definitely about my interaction with the world, and my creative process tends to be documentation of my interactions and explorations, so it was only natural that these two would evolve together. By closely exploring this relationship, I've been able to observe a few recurring aspects that have emerged at their intersection. By photographing various locations of the runs, a consistent visual of trails seems to have emerged, creating a theme of pathways in my work. It makes sense that'd I'd be drawn to this since it's how I experience most of my environments, while running on those paths. I have found this theme also extends to lines of nature, such as winding rivers, layers of rock, topographic maps, etc. This visual narrative reflects my fascination with natural traces left on the land. There's a symbolism in how we move through the land with how natural elements, like a river, also move through the land. As we pass through landscapes (as we do on our runs), we become part of a larger history of presence. Our personal geographies intermingle with thousands of years worth of other geographies of the land. It's an unspoken dialogue that connects the elements and connects humans to each other and the earth.
M: YOUR STORY AS A RUNNER HAS BECOME A MUCH BIGGER STORY ABOUT FEMALE EMPOWERMENT. GLOBALLY, AND ESPECIALLY LOCALLY IN SAUDI ARABIA. AS SOMEONE WHO IS OUT THERE SHOWING THE WORLD WHAT WOMEN CAN DO - WHAT IS YOUR HOPE, OR WISH, FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF WOMEN, IN SAUDI ARABIA AND THE WORLD?
S: I am so grateful for the platform that running has provided me. It still blows me away when I reflect on the ways that I've been able to globally connect with others through something I love. It's allowed my running to take on new meaning for something so much bigger than myself. There is now a generation of girls in Saudi Arabia growing up with the possibility of competing in the Olympics, and that is so incredibly powerful. I am honored to be a voice for that, and to be someone that these girls look up to. I think it shows that when you work hard at something you're passionate about, amazing things can happen.
MORE ON SARAH...
Olympian Sarah Attar Joins Oiselle - and Tells Her Story
To The Mountains With Sarah Attar
Like The Wind Magazine: Where My Feet Take Me
President Atsuko and the Magic of Mentors
Mentors. I believe in 'em. They've played a crucial role in my growth. And currently online, I see there is more discussion than ever on how to find them, especially for young millennial women. Two sites spotted recently, include Million Women Mentors and The Mentor Method.
I'm sure these sites do good, but it reminded me of the time I was paired with an SBA "mentor," a 65-year-old man whose experience in apparel was private label polo shirts - a business I came to understand on a surprisingly deep level following hours of benign yet unhelpful mansplaining.
The great mentors I've had, and I can easily name five, haven't been the byproduct of mentor matchmaking, but rather finding them in my path, as I traveled through the world.
There was Ted, my first boss at a hot shop design firm that cranked out beautiful work, from packaging to websites. Ted taught me not only the art of shooting for the stars, but also how to dust off and keep going when we fell short.
There was Anne, who taught me everything I know about the emotional language of brands. Anne and I were symbiotic in that she was a master presenter and strategist, and I loved the creative analytics, deck building, and idea making.
There's Missy, founder of retailer Title Nine, who told me that cash flow and inventory were the only two things I truly needed to understand and control in the apparel business. She also mastered the art of shaking her head at some of my choices, yet cheering me on all the same.
There was Bob, who brought financial, start-up, and market knowledge that my creativity-wired brain often didn't seek out. Bob taught me the value of a philosophically aligned investors, and how to avoid having "the same pillow, but different dreams."
And then there was Atsuko, a former CFO and CEO (REI and Evo) who knew what it took to build a business from the inside out. Atsuko is the friend, colleague, and wing woman at The Nest who I know I can talk to about every aspect of Oiselle. She joined me at just the right time, as O was spreading her wings and I desperately needed help. Most importantly, Atsuko can - at various times - be my sounding board, confidante, advisor, leader, donut sharer, and joke maker. And while during any given week we may be running in different directions, joining back up is easy, frequent, and necessary.
So please join me in celebrating Our President's Day Sale and Atsuko! She is, our fearless leader, chief bird wrangler, and for me - a very important mentor. We salute you Atsuko!
xoxo
Celebrating Our President - It’s Atsuko Day!
Brand
In honor of President’s Day - we thought it only appropriate to re-introduce the world to Oiselle's beloved President - Atsuko Tamura! Fearless, fierce, honest, and humble - she is a force of nature and a leader in our community. And with that - Atsuko’s favorite picks, at a most favorable price - 30% off! Because at Atsuko’s party, everybody is in on the festivities! We’d say enjoy… but we know you already will!
MOTO TIGHTS – Tough mama on the road: on a run or on a Harley. Why not both? Rock the Motos.
LOGO CANVAS TOTE – This bag makes hoarding flystyle look elegant, not obsessive, and still room for more.
GIRLS IN THE HOODIE – A soft, warm, HUG! Who doesn’t want one of those?
KG TIGHTS – Compressive comfort that fuels needed inertia on a run, back to comfort post pushing yourself. What’s not to like?
MUSCLE LONG SLEEVE – This top looks too design beautiful to run hard in, but it’s not! It’s tougher than it looks.
LOGO POM BEANIE – Poms are in. Surprise yourself with the red one. It goes with a lot!
The Subversive Act of Not Wearing Black Tights
Team
volee
A LETTER FROM: CHRISTINE CHUNG
Hello Nest,
So, that's me in the KC tights at a recent Volée meet up - the oldest (by a wide margin) and slowest (also by a wide margin). These tights are literally the ONLY pair of non-black tights I own.
I admit that I had a moment of extreme self-consciousness when we took the photo. I thought OH MY GOD, I am going to look awful compared to all of these younger, faster runners. Why didn't I wear my black tights?! What was I thinking?!
While I am a proud feminist, a lawyer/law professor, and try to focus on all of the awesome things my (short, stocky) body has done for me (e.g., two kids), there was a moment when all I could hear was a voice saying "why on earth would she wear a print on THOSE thighs?!”
But, then, I thought F&^% it. I like the damn tights. I need some motivation to get out the door on a freezing, windy winter day, and bright colors make me smile. And, realistically, if I don't get out the door, I am never going to get faster.
So, in response to your emotions survey, Sally, I want my clothes to help me feel a tiny bit subversive - because wearing tights like these when you are not super-fast or super-fit is a quietly subversive act for this almost 50-year old, black-tights wearing, supremely average runner with two kids, a spouse, and a full time job.
In my experience, the path to progress is often curvy and indirect - especially for women. We can't always destroy what’s in our path right away. Sometimes we have to subvert - and PERSIST in subverting - day after day, bit by bit.
Subverting can be difficult work -- after all, whatever is standing in our way (including something as STUPID as the voice in my head about my thighs in a print) didn't get there overnight. But, finally, one day, barriers to realizing our true potential will collapse under their own weight. All of those tiny, mindful acts of subversion will have destroyed the foundation of the thing in our way.
Best,
Christine Chung
#RunLove Recap - 18 Favorites
Social
rdenler "For me, #runlove means being part of something bigger than myself, of belonging to an amazing community of runners. There is no place where this is on display more than a big city race, like the Chicago Marathon. Joining 40,000+ of my running sisters and brothers from all over the world - it was the coolest thing I have ever been a part of!"
thatsarahmac "At 16, ticking off the days until my knee brace came off, I knew #runlove wasn't to be taken for granted. The love has nothing to do with clocks or trophies. It's a home. Like I imagine an artist at a canvas, a writer and the page. A place to be myself. This photo is 8 weeks after PJ arrived. My first shaky run, I was so happy to be reunited with my tiny space in this world. I know I'll dream of empty country roads and cracked sidewalks when I can no longer run them. But until then... run4 ever. "
ashleyrunningfearless "Today hurt, it was slow, and this course was so painfully boring. But I've never felt more steady in my mind and confident in my body than I did today. Dear running, you break me open, and make me whole. "
karagoucher "Nothing in my life has ever broken my heart the way running has. And yet I cannot breathe without it."
amberella2u "Hurt so good! Finished my half in 1:56 at 8:51/mile! Nearly 3 minutes faster than my race in November! Just chasing the dream ."
runningonventi "My Yaktrax broke. Roads covered with new snow. I lost my footing and turned my left foot. I yelled at the snow. I yelled at a driver going too fast. I yelled because another storm is coming. I was using energy on being mad instead of for running. I was mentally beaten down. And to make sure foot ok, I had to slow down. Then I got here. Steele Farm. Open space. Favorite place. So I stopped. Took a moment to regroup and breathe. Remind myself that I can do this. And then I finished my run."
mellawrence29 "Running: You've broken my heart more times than I can count, but for some crazy-ass reason I keep coming back for more. Maybe it's because our highs always outweigh our lows. #runlove "
ali_runs_mpls "Went for a family run this morning as a shakeout for the Frozen Feet 10k Erik and I are running tomorrow. #RunLove is doing the things that make you happy with the people that make you happy! Not pictured: my dog who wouldn't cooperate and smile for the picture.
mrsgibbycooks "#RunLove is unexpected PRs, sunny February 5Ks, and running all the miles with this one and never running out of things to talk about.
lacedup_wingsout "#RunLove has brought me to myself. Running has taught me to dream and really believe in myself, like really freaking believe! It clears my head of the cobwebs in ways nothing else in this planet can. Running is my meditation and lifeline back to myself. Thank you running! This run's for you!
runningwmusic "Caption this. #runlove"
runlittlewing "Run family, for a lifelong runner, is family. Extended family, but family still. And family is something you give your best to, elevate, and advocate for. I think that has been the heartbeat all along. Get in here family. We #runlove you. "
marathonsandmedicine "It's the crack of dawn alarm you don't snooze. It's the calming rhythm of feet echoing through quiet streets before the world wakes up. It's the post-work, I'd-rather-be-sleeping dodging of cars in the winter dark. It's the loud, disinhibited conversations about the joyous and angry and all the in between moments only miles shared with friends can provoke. It's the carefree feeling, like a kid, exploring old trails and new gems in my own backyard. It's the ecstasy, that so-called "runner's high," of a nailing a tough workout or solid long run..."
drlesko "#runlove is meeting your life partner at age 18 because he ran a damn fast 1,000m at Coxe Cage. #speedgoggles "
marisvanderhow "#RunLove is being broken physically and emotionally, yet still coming back for more. Run love is sacrificing miles on land for miles in the pool because you know that's your key to success. The highest highs are made so much sweeter because of the lowest lows."
megaxe "We started out as a casual fling, having fun, never diving too deep beneath the surface. Then 2012 olympic trials came along and as I was sitting in the stands as a spectator the force of your love smacked me hard. I wanted to be on that track in 4 years. "
beingcate "...This is why I'm "still" running just as dumb and hopeful as ever, injury after injury. That's #runlove. "
featherstephens "It was the best kind of day. Exploring the PNW with the very best friend. #runlove"
What Is (Run) Love?
Run love, for me, is relationship, with people, place and thing. It's the result of showing up. A collection of potent moments sprinkled into the mostly mundane. Most fondly, it makes me think of teammates, and the shared intimacy that you build is the kind you never get over.
Run love is relationship.
It's knowing the freckles and scars of the neighborhood,
The topography of the park.
It's a portent in the passage of birds,
The perfectly timed changing of the light.
Synchrony of motion,
Declaration of desire.
A million kisses on the Earth.
Dear Perdita
Social
behind-the-scenes
Hello Lovers,
My name is Perdita Charbonne, relationship advice columnist. I'm here to stand you up and sit you down about love. Not just any kind of boy meets girl, or girl meets girl kind of advice. Specifically HOW TO LOVE PEOPLE and HOW TO LOVE RUNNING at the same time.
Because let's face it, that’s a race that doesn’t run itself. Life coach, run coach, love coach, we get by with a high five and hand up from our friends. And though I'm writing this for the ladies and my homegirls at Oiselle, I want to hear from the fellas too. Send your Q’s to DearPerdita@oiselle.com. Relationships and running… bring it on!
Dear Perdita,
My man thinks it is a bonding experience to run together. This is my time with sister friends, and I neither want him to join my group nor run with him instead of my ladies. How do I gently let him know this without his self-worth taking a beating?
- Love My Ladies in Chicago
Dear LMLC,
God bless the sister friends who have the strength and virtue to dedicate their personal lives, their sex lives, AND their running lives to the company of their spouse. No disrespect to the menfolk, but the strange truth of intimacy is that you need space to be close. And in the long run of marriage... you need many short runs of separation to keep the flame hot!
Now let's talk about you, girl. There is a sweet, sweet joy in loving your man, but the all women’s run group is a supernova force of positivity. And there is no romantic love big enough to eclipse the lifelong healing power of your run squad. You need it, and you need to protect it.
The key here is just to ease his landing a little bit. My great Aunt Flo used to say, "be honest Perdita, but don't overdo it." And honey, that’s the deal here. The male ego is fragile, and there’s no point in bruising the banana. Tell him your girl time is sacred, but then plan your training so you can do an easy run with him once a month. Do it on a day where you have no run scheduled so that anything is gravy - run, walk, or hide and go sheets. Rawr.
Dear Perdita,
My friend is in a relationship with a guy who seems great sometimes, but then gets in these low patches and she can't even talk to him at all. Very up and down. I've never been in a relationship like that, but can relate her feelings to my relationship with running. Some days I'm crushing it. Other days I feel so low in energy, it's hard to even get out the door. So my question: with the boyfriend and running, when is it best to try harder? And when is it best to quit?
- Up and Down in Seattle
Dear Up and Down,
As soon as possible, you and your friend should get in a car, or a van, or a van-gina (a van for lady road trips) and go on an adventure. Unplug, unwind, let the wind whip your hair and the Motel 6 rest your soul. Then come home and buckle up, because all good things take work.
For the roomie and the boy, what’s ailing him should guide whether she decides to “push through.” Irritability due to low blood sugar and rush hour traffic? Easy fix! Clinical depression with anger management and a criminal record? More concerning.
Either way, consider my old coach’s 30% rule: if during a workout, you’re not able to achieve your desired pace, and it’s off by 30% or more - you should bail. Stop the workout. Cut the cord. You’re only going to increase fatigue and delay recovery. Sometimes relationships are the same way. If the “low patches” turn into constant low, or how low can you go, or drop it way, way low…it might be time to bail (and not delay recovery).
I’ll leave you with the love-wise lyrics of Kenny Rogers:
Are you a runner? Are you a lover? Do those worlds sometimes collide? Then we want to hear from you! Send your inquiry to DearPerdita@oiselle.com, including your anonymous name, to be published.
xoxo
#RunLove And Redefining What Strength Looks Like
I always say that I was just desperate enough to become a runner. I wasn’t athletic growing up. I never enjoyed being physically active and I was convinced that working out was that thing I had to suffer through in order to lose weight.
Then, my life fell apart. I had just graduated from college with a bachelor's degree in theater arts and my unwavering confidence disappeared. I didn’t think I could survive a life in the entertainment industry being told that I wasn’t skinny enough for the part. I felt like I’d gone to Hogwarts. I didn’t know what to do with my degree, my aspirations or my ambition.
So I moved home to live with my parents to wait until the moment struck where I would “figure out” what to do next. Summer turned to Fall and I spent my days working a 9-5 job as a receptionist. I’d wake up, spend 15 minutes convincing myself to get out of bed, go to work, go to the gym, come home, and sit on the couch watching Real Housewives until it was time to go to bed.
I was bored. I was frustrated. And despite the fact that I was going to the gym every single day after work, I started gaining weight.
My biggest struggle has always been self love. For most of my life, I struggled with my weight. I’d been chubbier, almost skinny, and average depending on the fad diet I was on but it wasn’t until my younger brother passed away suddenly that my weight became a problem. Surviving my loss became insurmountable and within six months of his passing, I weighed over 200 pounds. Grief continues to be the fight of my life, but adopting a healthy lifestyle and losing/keeping the weight off is a close second.
Now I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I started running with hopes of losing weight. I didn’t know many runners at the time, but the ones I did know all had the body I thought I needed. So I started running and despite the fact that it hurt like hell and it took me about an hour to go three miles, I kept with it.
With each finish line, I started to learn to love my mind for it’s resilience. Or my body for what it was capable of doing instead of focusing on what I wish I could change. Suddenly, I wasn’t just setting goals to cross finish lines. I found myself setting goals to run a sub two hour half marathon, a sub four hour marathon, and then a Boston Marathon qualifying time. And despite the fact that I knew my own strength and how hard I was working to make my goals a reality, I still had love handles, stretch marks, cellulite, and a jiggly belly. I felt like an athlete but I didn’t believe that I actually looked like an athlete.
Before most of my runs, I had a nasty habit of looking in the mirror as I got dressed and feeling disappointed at the body I saw staring back at me. Despite the fact that I was working harder than I ever had in my life, I only saw my self perceived flaws. I had attached so much shame to my body image that I couldn’t see my body for its strength. And then one disgustingly hot and humid day, I came to my senses.
I was one mile into a 15 mile long run when I realized that the only reason I didn’t have the body I wanted was because I was convincing myself that it wasn’t good enough. So what if I had stretch marks? They’re scars from a time in my life that I’m honestly proud I survived. My love handles and cellulite don’t make me any less strong. I was working really hard and my body was reflecting that. The only reason I couldn’t see that was because I wasn’t working on my self love.
So I told myself no more. I took off my shirt and realized that other women were probably suffering with their body image as well. The #SportsBraSquad was born and I encouraged other women to shed their shirts along with their insecurities so that together, we could redefine what strength looked like.
The first few weeks I ran in my sports bra were terrifying. I run on the streets of New York City where I cross paths with easily 100+ people per run. I’ve had my fair share of insults thrown my way but surprisingly, they didn’t bother me. I thought the second someone called me fat, I’d fall apart. Turns out, when your self love is strong and resilient, other people’s insults ring hollow. You know your worth. You know your strength. And nothing else really matters.
My #RunLove is for my strength because for the first time in my life, I’m not motivated to run to lose weight. Running in my sports bra gave me a way to really love my body, perceived flaws and all. Because at the end of the day, I’m motivated by impossible goals like running a Boston Marathon qualifying time. Last year, it felt terrifying and impossible but during the Chicago Marathon, I took my time from 3 hours 59 minutes to 3 hours and 41 minutes. I’m only six minutes away. And honestly, if I can’t feel proud of the body that ran a 3 hour 41 minute marathon, then when can I?
Maintaining Unity in the Face of Diversity
I think we can all agree it’s been a challenging 3 months. The political environment. The division. Heightened emotions. An unclear pathway of how to stand up for women's rights while preserving community. We at Oiselle have struggled with how to navigate an intense political climate as a pro-women company, as individuals and as an organization.
A few weeks ago, I received a message from a Volée teammate, Marie, questioning Oiselle's messaging on political issues. Her compelling email concluded: “I guess what I really want to know is, is there a place on the Volée for a woman like me? A woman who is compassionate, bubbly, vehemently loves and supports others, and absolutely cherishes unity, but whose religious and political beliefs may be different than yours?”
There was truth and heat in her writing. I had to pay attention. One of Sally’s mantras for us at the Nest is, “choose discomfort over resentment.” Marie had honored that with her email. I reached out to her for a phone call, and last week we were able to connect.
It was so great to talk! About politics, team, running, mom-ing, teaching, and life. And as we hung up I felt not only profoundly grateful for Marie and the Volée, but so much more hopeful for the future. Because despite our differences we found important connections and shared the run love. And I wanted to hang out with her in person. So I asked her to think about writing us a blog.
Marie got back to me right away with her run-inspired blog, “…of course, I went for a run to sort everything out in my head (in Kaleidoscope Spandos, because, seriously, is there anything more energetic than those?)”
I hope you appreciate Marie’s wisdom as much as I do. We will continue to speak out on the issues important to us. We hope you do also. And we are asking you, our community, to engage with us as we strive to build the run community while honoring differences. It's not easy. But it's worth it.
BY: MARIE CONNER
There is no question about it—we are living in turbulent times. Passions are inflamed, marches and political demonstrations are ubiquitous across the country, and biases and opinions on a vast array of issues are being challenged constantly. It would be hard to recall a time in recent memory in which politics have so pervasively and vehemently dominated human interaction as they have in the past few months.
Much of this fervor is good. It evokes a sense of purpose, of concern for our country and fellow citizens, of personal sacrifice and community involvement. But in that pursuit of passion, as we eagerly outline our goals and agendas for what we hope to accomplish, it is easy to lose sight of an essential element that is fundamental to the progress of any society, and without which our efforts are rendered meaningless: the humanity of others, particularly those with whom we disagree.
As a relatively new Volée, I came to realize during the most recent election cycle that I differed rather notably from the political views of many of my teammates. Now, I am loath to engage in political discussions over social media, as I feel that someone always ends up misrepresented, so admittedly, this awareness was probably pretty one-sided. I didn’t speak for or against any issue or any candidate, and I avoided commentary on others’ sites who did. After the election, when the dust had cleared, some of my friends were celebrating profusely, while others were left in stunned silence. I was somewhere in between (which, to be fair, was pretty consistent with my feelings all throughout the presidential race in general), watching the scene as it unfolded. Many understandably felt called to action, whether in support or opposition of the new administration, and as their passions swelled and their voices grew louder, the messages at times became rather convoluted. It became hard to differentiate between the rejection of an idea and the condemnation of its bearer.
Unquestionably, I have fought against the tendency to confuse the idea with the bearer in my own life as well when I have felt passionately about an issue. It is so simple to take a reductionist view of those with whom we disagree. If we reduce them to a label, a name, or a single viewpoint, it is easier for us to dismiss them and to cling to the security and righteousness of our beliefs. I have, on numerous occasions, found myself mentally labeling someone dismissively, ostensibly due to my frustration with our disagreement but inwardly due to my desire to want to avoid the ways in which her viewpoints challenge my own. If there’s something wrong with the person, then her idea couldn’t possibly have any validity to it. It’s an easy out.
But in our commitment to one another, as with anything worth pursuing, there should be no such easy out. This is where it gets complicated. There is so much to each one of us—childhood experiences, various educational and career backgrounds, differing religious and moral beliefs—and so few, if any, of us fit into one specific label or category. We are too diverse as individuals to allow for such categorization, much less so as an entire group. We simply cannot be reduced to one viewpoint, one label, one mindset.
This, to me, is what must be at the forefront of any discussion about politics: the complexity and humanity of the people involved. When we speak of those with whom we disagree, we’re speaking of our fellow teammates, our favorite barista, our child’s daycare teacher, our hairstylist, all of whom have lived such different lives from our own. Remembering this prevents us from allowing ourselves to adopt an “us vs. them” mentality, which is the killer of unity. Such a mindset makes it easier for us to then shut out those with whom we disagree, but it also leaves us in a culturally and intellectually homogenized world, and we lose the benefit of the diversity of belief surrounding us. We grow stagnant rather than elastic, and we allow ourselves to be constantly reinforced by the solitary voice encasing us rather than being stretched and challenged by the voices opposing us.
Indeed, focusing on the humanity of those with whom we disagree also helps us concentrate our feelings on a specific issue rather than on those who bear a particular stance on that issue, and we are perhaps gently reminded to speak with a little more understanding. After all, if we are truly passionate about promoting an idea, then our goal should be to persuade rather than to silence or attack. Only the former will be fruitful; the latter creates division and disunity, and ultimately stymies progress.
As Volée, and as a run community, we are part of an incredible tribe of women. Collectively, we are bold, strong-willed, dynamic, physical, and vocal. We have either established our voices or are learning to find them on a variety of issues and in many different contexts. It is my hope that we will do so, as best we can, by being bold in our beliefs but compassionate in our relationships and by separating the idea from its bearer. In this way, perhaps we can find a way to maintain unity in the face of such incredible diversity.
- Marie Conner
USAXC: Falling. And Flying.
Oh, Bend! You never disappoint, with your genuine friendliness, your amazing food, and your character-testing. KMet had talked Sally and I into committing to this USAXC masters race last November. And as we boarded the short flight last Friday, we were all thinking the same thing: "What are we doing?" None of us had the most stellar winter of training. And the course was going to be torture. But, that's what XC is all about. And we wanted to support our fasties in person. Onward!
Friday eve Fleshman spoiled us with a love-infused homemade lasagna, and the rest of the weekend was set.
Lauren blazed the community race: 1st woman, 6th overall, nbd 5:57 pace. What a monster.
Then the masters race (mercifully in the morning, with fewer witnesses!). The first 300m got us massively in debt, and the rest of the race was just 5.7k of survival. And survive we did. It was a lesson in Just. Keep. Going.
Kmet and Sally, such an honor to be your teammate, and I would do it again in a second.
Glory be, we got to quick go home and shower off the mud, and get belled and yeti'd up for the fast races.
The ladies were asking for tips at the starting line and I carefully tried to pick my words. "Keep focused." What I couldn't tell them: Nothing in your training will have prepared you for this.
As the women passed us during each of their 5(!!) loops of the slippery and unbearably hilly course, we could see each of them get to that deep place of just grinding it out. And it was beautiful.
Marisa Howard: fell down 7 times during the race, and still finished 16th.
Megan Rolland: pure grit, 14th overall.
Collier Lawrence: composure during adversity.
Jamie Cheever: strong and brave.
Anna Weber: was tested, and persevered.
And Steph Bruce: worked her way up every lap, and with an aggressive finish earned her spot on Team USA for the World XC Championships.
We love you women! Thank you for showing us the depth of your character, and for embracing adversity.
Photos by: Heather McWhirter
What is (run) love?
It’s complicated. My affair with running started when I was in sixth grade. As with any early life dating experience, it was awkward. Gangly limbs, suited up in Soffe Shorts and an oversized cotton tee, I took on the middle school mile in my Adidas All Stars. And I ran away from the one boy who was brave enough to compete with me. I crossed the line in 6:17, one second ahead of him. My first, little win and I was mildly intrigued.
Insert, the hard to get phase. The middle school track coach chased me down to join the team and I spent the next three years resisting his offer. You want me? Eh, I’m not really into it any more. After all the pursuit is the most intriguing part. Basic laws of attraction, am I right? So I dabbled in soccer, a sport that didn’t come easy for me. It turned out that I could run fast, but I couldn’t score a goal. So I flirted with running again and decided to give it a chance.
It was my very first love. Little did I know, I was locking in with a relationship that would go the distance.
It has been a soul shaking,
heart breaking,
rock solid love affair.
The sport has carried me to the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. I broke up with it. Got back together. And recognized the meaning of putting in the work to make it work.
It’s not about being all in or all out. With any commitment, it’s a vow to patience and love. A willingness to grow and change. Sometimes it's training for a race, and other times it's just running for the pure joy and transcendence of it. It’s who I am. It’s in my blood. It lives in my heart. And it makes me the very best version of me. This transformation in mindset came when I joined Oiselle. Powering up in O makes me feel strong on the challenging days. It’s a spark when the fire isn’t burning bright.
So… what is (run) love? For me, it’s the stories, support, and successes of our community. For Oiselle, it’s the passion we pour into products that love you back. But for you… what is (run) love?
Show us, tell us, shout it from the rooftops. Get down on one knee and propose to it. Or give it some space so you can come back to it with a clear head and open heart. We’re dedicating a whole week to the question, and can’t wait to hear what you have to share. Use #RunLove and get in on the fun.
xo
Bird Strike vs. The Speed Project 3.0
On Friday March 10th, 2017 - 6 birds will together run a total of 340 miles across the desert. The race, known as The Speed Project, asks teams to complete the distance in a relay format from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. There are no rules to how the distance is covered, or how each team navigates the mostly unmarked course and challenging landscape. It is rumored that this course is as much a psychological challenge as it is a physical one. And this year will be the first year an all-female team toes the line.
We are proud to present to you, Bird Strike — Oiselle’s all-female team taking on The Speed Project this March. A combination of elites and amateurs, with a crew just as zany - we believe amazing things happen when women come together to take on something hard. The team is a partnership with our friends at Polartec (remember Flyout!) — who will be fundamental in helping these birds survive the challenging climate. Hey, our feathers may even be our competitive advantage.
Six birds will run the 340 miles of the Speed Project, but we will race, fly, and finish as a team. Train, run, and fly with us with #birdstrike. Every individual that posts a run using #birdstrike will be celebrated with an honorary bird on our race van. Like everything we do as a community, we will start and complete this adventure, together.
So, without further ado - meet The Bird Strike Team!
DEVON - THE BLACK HAWK - YANKO
Dark. Dangerous. Flies low. Hunts hard.
RANGE: Expansive, but often found in the Bay Area
PRIMARY DIET: Coffee, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts and steak. And otter pops. All the otter pops.
FLIGHT PATTERNS: Free range, wild, wherever the current takes her.
SARAH - THE FOREST FALCON - OVERPECK
Agile. Prefers thick cover to open air. Visually inconspicuous, yet you will hear her roar.
RANGE: Indianapolis, with regular trips across Indiana hills and woodlands.
PRIMARY DIET: “Part frat guy, part little old lady.” Pizza and beer, with a hearty dose of Shredded Wheat Big Biscuits, oatmeal, and yogurt. M&Ms and animal crackers for balance.
FLIGHT PATTERNS: Slow burn. Starts conservatively, but every run inevitably turns into a progression run
CATHLEEN - THE KESTREL - KNUTSON
The tiny terror. America’s smallest falcon. Predatory intensity packed into a small forceful body.
RANGE: Seattle, WA
PRIMARY DIET: Clementines, chocolate milk, nuun, Starbucks instant coffee, and bagel sandwiches with salty potato chips.
FLIGHT PATTERNS: Steady and calculated with an attack at the finish.
Originally a bird of the east that spread through the PNW and southward into California. Flies fast, refusing to tolerate a close approach.
RANGE: Migratory - Maine, Boston, San Juan Islands, Montana, Argentina, Chicago, Virginia, Boston, Seattle, Montana
PRIMARY DIET: Ice cream, tea, eggs, yogurt, avocados, toast.
FLIGHT PATTERNS: Calculated, long-distance traveler. Prefers cold weather for migration. Loves running both in circles and along ridgelines.
COLLIER - THE BAT FALCON - LAWRENCE
Powerful aerial attacker. Prefers a direct approach when hunting.
RANGE: Bend, Oregon
PRIMARY DIET: Peanut Butter Banana Honey Cinnamon Toast, Picky Bars, Eggs, and Soup on Wednesdays.
FLIGHT PATTERNS: Calm, cool, collected, and calculating.
NORA - THE RED TAILED HAWK - BIRD
Soars high in the sky. Always watching.
RANGE: Cottage Grove, WI. Country roads are her playground.
PRIMARY DIET: All the meat and butter. Picky bars, pickle juice, and ginger chews for race fueling. Pro protein bars. Coffee. Kettle Chips.
FLIGHT PATTERNS: Likes to go fast. Gets out front and stays out front. Prefers the road, and is just getting into the trail scene. Leadville was her first 100. Enjoys the unknown and never previews a race course in too much detail. Loves a good downhill.
It Takes A Village. Meet The Bird Strike Crew!
LAUREN - THE MARSH HAWK - FLESHMAN
Known for its circling flight. Lives high. Hunts low.
RANGE: Bend, Oregon
PRIMARY DIET: Vertebrates. With cheese. And a Side Salad. Latte Bitch. Picky Bars.
FLIGHT PATTERNS: Most often seen in circles. Smart at the start. Woman up to the finish. Survive when necessary. Shake all the hands.
Common bird dressed in black. Amateur flyer. Dangerous in games of strategy.
RANGE: Seattle, WA, with some leftover NYC plumage.
PRIMARY DIET: Black coffee. Peanut butter. Picky Bars.
FLIGHT PATTERNS: Headfirst, uphill, into the wind.
RANGE: Ames, Iowa (home of the Cyclones, boo-ya)
PRIMARY DIET: Red Bull, champagne, candy of the fruity and chewy variety, and maybe pizza or tacos. Concoctions in a Crock Pot (capitalized because it's a brand, not a category of cooking equipment, in which case she would call it a "slow cooker").
FLIGHT PATTERNS: Laissez-faire. Either for distance or time, never both. Doesn’t even own a GPS. Runs by feel, by The Force, by the seat of her pants, by the sun, by her chicken instincts. Doesn't look up marathon splits nor does she calculate them when running one. Free Bird.
ROBYN - THE GYRFALCON - HEFFNER
RANGE: From Eugene, OR. Currently found flying in Seattle, WA.
PRIMARY DIET: The holy trinity of coffee, carbs and cab
FLIGHT PATTERNS: Short and sweet. Preferably around an oval.
RANGE: Migrated from rainy Seattle to sunny Newport Beach.
PRIMARY DIET: Power Salads. A little quinoa, a little kale and other fresh veggies, and a little protein - preferably in the form of shrimp.
FLIGHT PATTERNS: On the track is where flight feels most natural. Always excited to jump into other's track workouts. With motivation lacking the past few years, she'd say her run style is more relaxed with a hefty dose of 'why can't I just maintain this speed’.
Fast, graceful, wings beat deep. Known for courage, keen eyesight, and nobility.
RANGE: Migrating westward from Ohio to Indiana.
PRIMARY DIET: Pizza and Coca Cola.
FLIGHT PATTERNS: Energizer bunny. Keeps going.
CLAIRE - THE PHALAROPE - SMILEY
Polartec plumage expert. Often found out of the nest, exploring the wild.
RANGE: Somerville, MA
PRIMARY DIET: Banana + pb, every morning.
FLIGHT PATTERNS: A balance between spunk and stealth.
Start together. Finish together. Fly with us with #BirdStrike.
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