Reflecting on the Year of the Underbird
This past August, we launched our Year of the Underbird program: an open application for aspiring Olympic Trials marathoners, with a promise to select 5 women for a 6 month contract encompassing a stipend, gear, storytelling, and community support. As we reach the end of our flight with our selected athletes, we invited each of them to share a few reflections on their past 6 months as teammates.
Black History Month: Celebrating Our Athletes
We are honored to support five exceptional Black women athletes challenging norms in the running industry: athletes, advocates, and powerful voices in the sport. We invited each of them to reflect on their journeys through sport: how their identity has affected their development, and how they hope to impact the rising generation of athletes. Hear from Madie Boreman, Kendra Coleman, Brenna Detra, Carmen Pelar Graves, and Ari Hendrix-Roach.
Elena Hayday: The Therapeutic Relief of Running
Our final 2024 Year of the Underbird feature, Elena Hayday, shares her story of living with depression and how it accompanied her journey in running. What manifested as overachieving at a young age, transitioned into burnout in college, the mishandling of her treatment, and ultimately leaving her team and even her dreams of running competitively. Elena’s story is a powerful example of how returning to what you love can be a healing way to move forward.
Molly Bookmyer: Running As a Celebration of Health
Molly Bookmyer’s journey to the Olympic Marathon Trials is fueled by gratitude and a vivid awareness that a healthy life, and healthy running, are a distinct, and joyful, privilege. She shares how her experiences with medical challenges and survival have shaped her relationship with running and her pursuit of big goals.
Bri Boehmer: If Not Now, When?
Briana Boehmer is challenging societal timelines by attempting an OTQ at the California International Marathon at age 42, showcasing the resilience to pursue dreams beyond conventional expectations. Her story defies age-based limitations, emphasizing the timeless pursuit of personal goals.
Rediscovering the Forget-Me-Nots: Carrie Verdon's Road to the Olympic Trials
Carrie Verdon's journey to the Olympic Trials is a story of rediscovery and joy. After struggling with disordered eating and injuries, she found a healthier relationship with running, ultimately achieving impressive PRs and great personal success alongside her athletic pursuits.
From Basketball to the Marathon: Ari Hendrix's Inspiring Journey to the Olympic Trials
Ari Hendrix's blog chronicles her transformation from an elite basketball player to a marathoner, making her the 3rd fastest US-born African American woman in the marathon. Follow Ari and the Underbird Team's inspiring stories as they prepare for the Olympic Trials.