Not sure how this injury prone masters body waited so long to take its first spin on an Alter-G treadmill. Somehow made it to 48! But, my achilles has been cranky since mid-July. I’ve been rehabbing like a mofo, can aggressively hike over 2 hours without pain, and even jump rope 6x 30s double-leg, 3x20 secs each side single leg without consequence. But, even 3x1 min runs were setting that pesky bugger back. So I figured it was time to somehow bridge the gap between walking, jumping, and running. Enter: the awesome PT Sarah Gustafson (best glasses ever!). She said I was ready to give the Alter-G a try.

The day before my appointment, Sasha Gollish sent me the following Alter-G advice: 

 1) Wear tight shorts or knickers - nothing like the bunch of loose shorts in the neoprene shorts. 

2) Forget wearing underwear - for similar reasons above. The undies seams can lead to serious chafing in the nether regions!

3) Be prepared to feel like you’re participating in Gwenyth Paltrow’s vagina steaming. Like really gets insanely hot in neoprene shorts. I mean you’re basically running in a wetsuit. 

4) It feels like you’re being strung up by a wedgie, but this is good since the goal is to not run at full weight. But try to run naturally; the tendency is to over stride, land on your toes, and pull through, which is hard on the hammy’s. 

5) Relax. I found I tensed up in my shoulders because of the apparatus around my waist. Caused some back ache the first time I used it. 

6) Also avoid farting - it’s kind of like farting in a hot shower. It can be very stinky!!!

After my successful trial today, I can say basically Sasha nailed it. 

Putting on the neoprene tutu wasn’t too difficult. Once the support bag was inflated, the wedgie action was extreme (I started at only 65% body weight). I would emphasize that the wedgie is a FRONT wedgie. Got pretty up close and personal. Not sure how dudes make the Alter-G happen! 

But I did 20 minutes at 65% weight, and it felt glorious to move my legs front/back in a normal running cadence for that long. On schedule to do a 3-week progression to full body weight running, every other day on this baby.

10/4 update: finished my 5th session, up to 80% for 30 minutes, and all systems go. The great thing I have noticed is that my left calf definitely feels a little tired/weird at the end, but no pain and by the next session I am 100%. Really a great way to apply just the appropriate stress to healing tissue. Praise be for technology! 

With the countdown to the Chicago Marathon officially on, Volée member Kelly Herron shares a training update that proves that sometimes, it’s just as much about the people you run with as it is about the distance you cover.

I have been training for the Chicago Marathon since Christmas of 2016 - far longer than any training plan would recommend, but it hasn’t been without its fair share of bumps in the road.

After surviving a mid-run assault in March, I suffered a lumbar spine injury and severe mental trauma, but I was still determined to continue training for my first marathon. Despite my efforts, running wasn’t the same anymore. Once full of freedom, my legs were now fueled by fear. The only time I enjoyed running was when I ran with my mom, Nancy. Nancy and I began signing up for races that would help carry me through my training schedule.  

During our second race last spring, I learned to never jump for a race photo, falling hard at mile four, gushing blood from both knees. I yelled at the photographer to immediately destroy any photos, and fled the embarrassing scene as quickly as possible, beating my half-marathon PR by 11 minutes. The crash resulted in bone bruises that still plague me to this day.

Once again, I tried to continue training through the pain, but this time it was too much. I had to reevaluate my reasons for pursuing the marathon. Ultimately, I decided I needed to take time for self-care, and focus on physical and mental recovery to get back to the joy of running.

When I set my sights on Chicago, Nancy, in an act of love and support, decided to enter to run the marathon with me. As the training mileage increased, we started to go for our long runs together. A half-marathon through the streets of Seattle, another in the mountains of Oregon, an 18-miler through cattle fields in Montana, and a 20-miler that ended with cake!

Nancy never complained, and always encouraged me, even when she knew that I might uncontrollably snap back at her with “Mom, this is so stupid!” There were moments I appreciated the once-in-a-lifetime bonding we were sharing - like watching the sun rise over the rodeo fairgrounds in Montana - it turned out this would be the only thing we saw that day besides a post office.

Without her support, I’m not sure I would have ever laced up my running shoes again. She has given me space to heal and recover, but she has also been there to say, “OK, Kel, it’s time.” There is no one else I would rather have by my side on race day when it truly will be time. It will be the day I say, “Today, Motherf**ker,” and become a marathoner.

Follow and share #FlyChi to superfan Kelly and her mom Nancy as they complete their first 26.2 together at the Chicago Marathon this Sunday!

With the Chicago Marathon coming up fast, we enlisted our local Illinois Volée to share the scoop on the best post-marathon celebration locations in the Windy City. Here are a few of their top recommendations:

First off, let’s talk about what REALLY matters: the Chicago Cubs Playoff Baseball game at Wrigley Field on Monday: Hot dogs, beer, helmet nachos, cookies and soft serve (also in a helmet!) – what more could one want?

Pretzels, lemon chills, candied bacon, the only place you can still get Hot Doug’s in the city, and 42,000 of your closest friends singing “Go Cubs, Go!” when Chicago beats the Nationals. Yes, it’s just as magical as it sounds! If Football is more your thing, there’s also the option of watching the Bears take on the Vikings on Monday night at Soldier Field.

Also on Monday, stop by Fleet Feet Sports locations (where Illinois Volée regularly hosts Flight Club) from 12PM – 7 PM for Recovery Monday. Get your finisher’s medal engraved, pick up Chicago Marathon gear, and at Fleet Feet’s Old Town location, you can treat yourself to new Oiselle gear to commemorate your 26.2 mile achievement.

While the Chicago Marathon winds through 29 vibrant neighborhoods, there are still incredible parts of the city not seen from the marathon course. Walk off any post-marathon muscle stiffness with a stroll through Millennium Park. Jump at the Cloud Gate, aka “the bean” (yes, it really is a thing), explore Lurie Garden and Crown Fountain.  

Rest your legs and explore the city from an exceptional vantage point on a Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise. Learn more about the history of this gorgeous city while relaxing on a boat! This is a must-do Chicago experience for out-of-towners.

The best part of the day after the marathon? Refueling, of course! An Illinois Volée favorite for brunch is Eleven City Diner. You can’t make a mistake on the menu. It’s all as good as it sounds.

Later in the day, we recommend Eately for a versatile downtown location with a variety of fabulous and filling Italian cuisine. Or for just marveling at cheese that really is bigger than your head. 

Of course, you’ve likely heard about the Nutella Café. Yes, it’s delicious, but expect a large wait on marathon weekend and limited room inside to eat. But if you’re comfortable with that, it’s just as delicious as you’re imagining. (There’s a Nutella counter at Eately as well, a great option if you are looking to avoid long lines and cramped quarters at the Nutella Café). 

And of course, there’s beer. Chicago’s craft beer scene has exploded. Among others, grab a local brew and revisit some of the last miles of the marathon course at Motor Row Brewery. You just ran an epic race. That’s something to toast to!

Cheers to an amazing weekend in the Windy City!

Follow along with us @oiselle #FlyCHI!

BY: SHALUINN FULLOVE

“You don’t have a right to the cards you believe you should have been dealt with. You have an obligation to play the hell out of the ones you’re holding…” - Cheryl Strayed

“Hi Shal, is this a good time to talk?”

I’d been waiting for this call all week. Then it came, 5 minutes before I was set to walk on stage and present in front of thousands of people at the global company all-hands meeting. This phone call was eerily familiar. My doctor  had given me a call that started this way years earlier.

“Hi Shal. Is this a good time to talk?”

“Umm, if you have good news. :-/”

“I’m sorry. The tests came back positive. You have thyroid cancer.”  That was 2005.

So -  fast forward - when she called and asked, “Is this a good time to talk” I knew it wasn’t good news: “The tests came back positive for BRCA2 mutation.”

I learned I had an 84% chance of getting breast cancer and 27% chance of getting ovarian cancer. I needed to have a double mastectomy and an oophorectomy. I also needed to get on stage and nail the presentation.

“I’m going to watch you like a hawk. You’re not getting cancer again on my watch.”

My doctor is a total badass. This was her response when I told her that before I had the surgeries, I wanted to first try first to qualify and run the 2016 Olympic Trials.

Watch me like a hawk she - and all the specialists she referred me to - did. I qualified. I ran the Trials and I was still cancer-free. But, with that under my belt, it was time to change gears and take care of the surgeries.

This January, I had the first of two surgeries to eliminate my breast cancer risk: a double mastectomy.

Surgery was a success and just 7 days after I was back to cross-training on my shiny new Elliptigo. I was willing to change gears but determined to keep moving forward over the next twelve weeks until I could have my final reconstruction surgery and be on track for a fall marathon when the 2020 OTQ window opened. I was on my way, and then April 1st, 7am another phone call. I was barely awake. I just remember flinging the blankets and leaping out of bed.

“Shaluinn, he’s gone. I can’t believe it. Robert died. Your dad... he died.”

My world started spinning. I had just talked to him. We were set to celebrate my daughter’s 6th birthday just five days from then at Disneyland... Gone. In an instant. My biggest champion was gone forever.

The gears abruptly changed on me. The next six weeks were a blur... I went into hyper product manager mode, orchestrating every detail of his memorial services and giving him a beautiful final salute.

Then time to change gears again and complete what I had started in January. Two weeks after my dad’s funeral I went in for final breast reconstruction. Success.

So it’s now October and the OTQ window is open, how about that OTQ? Well, I’m changing gears again. The OTQ is still on the long-term goal board, but the events of this year have left me feeling like I need a full re-boot. This fall I’m taking a detour from the roads and going back to where I first fell in love with this sport: Cross Country.

Just a few weeks of training and couple of races under my belt... the gears are a bit rusty but I’m re-building and headed in the right direction.

Head up, Wings out.

Shal

Why hello there fall! Just like every year, you seemingly appear out of nowhere transforming the color of trees and the morning temperature overnight. No complaints here, with fall comes post-run coffee in sweats, crisp clear mornings and big name marathons. 

Alas, we have gathered our favorite pieces on fall running – enjoy!

FALL MARATHONS - FLY WITH US 

Marathon mania is upon us! So many of our teammates are toeing the line for fall marathons and we can’t wait to cowbell them towards their goals. Follow along four of our teammates, each running different marathons, and chasing different goals.

SECRETS OF A LARK - HOW TO RUN IN THE MORNING

Some of us love a mid-day run to break up the work day, or an evening run with an epic sunset, but some of us are loyal to the morning run. This piece covers how to get out the door early. Fall is known for it’s crisp and cool, beautiful mornings – why not experience it while getting in those miles!

HOMECOMING FLIGHT - STEPH BRUCE PREPARES FOR NYC

One of the most iconic out of all the fall Marathons is #FlyNYC. This read dives into what running the NYC Marathon means to Steph Bruce from her race day plan, to her training, and overall excitement about racing near her hometown. 

WHAT TO WEAR - DRESSING FOR THE TEMPERATURE

With fall marathons, comes race day outfit decisions. A season full of temperature variation can make the process a little challenging. It’s hard to walk the fine line between dressing too cold and dressing too warm. In this favorite from the archives, Sarah Mac takes us through race day outfit ideas, and her rule of thumb for dressing for the temps. 

There it is! New season and new inspiration to keep us running through fall.

There's only one way to truly test our outerwear - put it on an elite runner who trains outside, in all conditions (Colorado's intense winter included). So, I sat down with Kara to find out if our technical outwear is Kara tested and approved.

Here's what she has to say...

MM: The weather can be pretty rough in Colorado. What keeps you motivated when the weather gets tough?

KG: I like to see the weather as a challenge. If I can stay calm when it’s crazy windy or snowy out, then I can handle anything that is thrown at me when I am racing on the roads. Also, in a weird way, I like running in bad weather. It helps me to practice being calm in chaos.  

MM: Layering. You’re a pro. How do you think about layering styles when the weather starts to get colder. 

KG: Layering is a way to always be as comfortable as possible. I hate being cold, but I also hate sweating because of excess clothing. When I layer it’s all about pieces that can be shedded easily. I am always striving to be in that place where I am not cold but not hot because of heavy clothing. As a run goes on, I need to be able to get rid of layers as I go. I love having options at all times. I am addicted to layering!  Plus, I’ve just always loved the look of layers even as a young girl!

MM: What do you look for in a good jacket?

KG: A jacket needs to be warm, have a good flattering fit, and washable.

MM: Quill vs. Call Her. What do you where when, and why?

KG: Call Her Jacket is the perfect jacket for everyday use and for to and from the gym, indoor track, etc.  I’d wear it to a workout on a really cold day, leave it in my car, and throw it on after. The Quill Jacket, for me, is more running oriented. I might wear it, especially the vest, during a warmup. I don’t mind putting in on over sweaty clothes since it washes super well. And it’s that perfect jacket for when it’s cold but not super cold and you are wondering if you can get away with a sweatshirt, you cant - throw on the quill.  It’s warm and lightweight. The perfect jacket for when you need a good layer but also need to move around.

MM: Accessories - what are your go-to items?

KG: I’m a total mitten person. Always have been. So I love the Super Puff Mitten which is lightweight. I also love the Striped Pom Beanie. I have a HUGE head and most hats don’t fit me. Although I do wear a headband on occasion, I’m usually straight to the beanie if there is a chance my ears will get cold.

MM: Favorite winter running location?

KG: I really enjoy running in Boulder in the winter. It seems as if the world slows down around me and I can get out for a peaceful run on fresh powder. Of course I grew up in Duluth, MN which is pretty fantastic for winter running. Throw on some Yak Trax and you can really experience the city in a beautiful way.

MM: Hands down favorite piece of outerwear this season. You must choose.

KG: I hate that you said I must choose! I am a big time vest girl. I get really sweaty armpits so vests are my jam. I am really excited about the Flyout Vest. It’s going to get a lot of use this winter!

There you have it! Technical outwerwear is officially Kara test approved. 

Keep putting our technical outerwear to the test and let us know what you think!

Puffy coats. Puffy vests. Puffy bras. (Okay, no bra, but don’t put it past me…we have a fleece bra coming out this year). Turns out puff is a powerful force. Jackets are best for the frigid cold; that ticket to the outdoors all winter long. But for the modern woman, the vest might be her number one go-to. One part armor and storage maker, and one part warmth and finishing layer… the vest is wings out all day long.

So what makes Oiselle puffy styles different?

INGREDIENTS

1. Primaloft Insulation // Kind to animals, optimal for athletes

The popular standard for puffy garments is down. It’s hard to compete with down’s loft and warmth. But a lot of down is not ethically sourced, and geese are abused just as in any animal driven supply chain. Oiselle insulation is different. We work with industry leader Primaloft™. Our fill is one of Primaloft’s best synthetic-down blends, which means it has the synthetic fibers to keep you dry in wet conditions (whether from your body or the sky), but is also blended with genuine goose down for loft and warmth.

• Primaloft only uses traceable down that’s responsibly sourced.
• Synthetic and down blend ideal for performance (run in these styles!)
• Washer/dryer friendly. Tip: throw the jackets in the dryer with a tennis ball to re-puff them.
• Styles using Primaloft: Quill Jacket and Vest, Call Her Jacket and Vest, and Super Puff Insulated Mittens

2. Pertex™ Fabric // Lightweight and breathable

Like the Vim and Vigor styles, our Quill Jacket and Vest use a Pertex Microlight woven. Different than most woven shells on the market, it’s designed specifically to handle the highest performance needs of athletes… windproof, highly water resistant, and able to move heat and moisture from your body to the air.

• Extreme durability, resisting rips, tearing, punctures
• Windproof to 60mph, highly water resistant, breathable
• Finest woven from a mill with more than 30 years in the performance fabrics business
• Styles using Pertex fabric: Quill Jacket and Vest, Vim Jacket, Vigor Vest

3. Katron™ Fabric

Our Katron fabric uses a popular cirré (seer-ay) finish that both insulates and repels water. Lightweight, wind/water resistant, and durable. This fabric returns for the third year in our line because it’s extremely strong, beautiful, and high performing. An MVP of wovens! And women in the outdoors.

• Extremely durable, wind and water resistant
• Shiny finish that also aids in water repellency
• Styles using Katron: Call Her Jacket and Vest, Limber Jacket

NEW STYLES

Meet our new cold weather styles, made with Polartec Insulation and a weather resistand woven, to keep you dy, warm, and cool in all the right places. Cold Weather Flyout part of the Flyout Collection

STORAGE

The women demand great storage – and we won’t deny them! All of our outerwear boasts easy, well designed, functional storage for all your on-the-go needs. Wallets, keys, phones, pens, food, tampons… well, you get it. On the go people need on the go storage.

DESIGN

An asymmetrical zip line (Call Her styles). A garment that’s as beautiful on the inside as the out (Vim, Vigor). A pocket and storage that’s integrated into the garment, with secure closures, versus stuck on as an afterthought. Skin warming collars and cuffs. Draw cords that keep everything in place when the training and weather kick up. And all design elements drawn together in a unified look that is both feminine and fierce. Since day one, this has been our mission… the highest performing run-worthy garments that don’t compromise in quality, fit or style.

Stay warm!

Age is just a number. Meet Erika Pierce. Our badass Masters athlete! In 1996, Erika competed at the Olympic Trials in the 400 meter hurdles. After taking 17 years off from competing she started up again as a masters runner about 5 years ago. Over these last 5 years, she has earned 11 gold medals at USATF Masters National Championships in events ranging from the Shot Put and Javelin to the Pentathlon and the 400m Hurdles. Those performances have earned her the 2014 and 2016 USATF Masters Athlete of the Year award in her age group! She currently holds 3 American Records: W40 Indoor Heptathlon, the W45 Indoor Heptathlon and the W45 Outdoor Heptathlon. While crushing records, Erika is a proud wife, a mom to two tenacious and talented daughters, and a public school teacher of 21 years! Yep, we're inspired over here... 

JB: WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKPACK, PURSE, POCKET, FANNY PACK RIGHT NOW? 

EP: I’m a HUGE bag person (like I always carry big bags) – so I have a lot in my current pocketbook – much more than I need. Some notable weirdness includes a pair of chop sticks, a few random legos, and 6 different types of lip gloss/balm. No joke, I just counted.

JB: WHAT DO YOU DREAM OF? 

EP: Ok, is it corny for me to fall back on the idea of world peace and social justice? Seriously – there is so much hate and ugliness in this world that I dream of people simply caring more about one another. I live in Charlottesville, Virginia and I saw the type of turmoil and uncertainty a hate-filled group of Neo-Nazis can do to a community, school-age children, and to my own feelings about the safety of my friends and family. I dream of a future when people spend more time actually helping others than talking about it on social media.

JB: WHAT TIME DID YOU GET UP THIS MORNING? 

EP: My morning alone time is sacred. I get up at about 5:15am to drink coffee, sit with my dog and reflect on the upcoming day before my family wakes up. I think the more interesting part of my sleeping/waking schedule is that I am in bed most nights before 9:00 pm!

JB: WHO DO YOU ADMIRE?

EP: The people I admire aren’t famous or the best at what they do. It has nothing to do with a person’s accomplishments but everything with their spirit, grit, and truth. I admire women who are unique – that don’t worry about fitting in or saying the right thing at the right time, but are real about whatever they are facing. I also admire people who don’t take themselves too seriously. And after attending 3 Oiselle Birdcamps, I have formed friendships with many kindred spirits who fit all of these traits.

JB: WHAT IS YOUR SECRET SUPERPOWER?

EP: I grew up idolizing Madonna as a teenager in the 80s. So, I think that part of what I try to do regularly is reinvent myself like she has done over the years of her career. I go through phases – sometimes I am all about track, setting goals, training hard, and running in meets. However, there is an artistic side to me that has reappeared as of late. Last year, I auditioned for a Community Theater Production of “Chicago” and put all of my time and energy into rehearsing and performing. This winter, my daughters and I are in the Charlottesville Ballet Production of The Nutcracker, which we have already started rehearsing for and I am falling in love all over again with my inner tutu. So, I guess my superpower is personal reinvention.

JB: WHAT ARE YOU LEARNING RIGHT NOW?

EP: I am re-learning Spanish. I want to become completely fluent rather than only good at communicating with others in Spanish after a few beers. (Why does that happen?!)

JB: WHAT'S THE LAST PLACE YOU TRAVELED TO? WHY? 

EP: The last trip I took out of the state of Virginia was for the Masters Exhibition 400 meter Race at the USATF Championships in Sacramento, California back in June. I was the biggest dork walking up to legit Olympians and being like “Hey. I’m running in the old person race. Can I get a picture with you?”

JB: WHO'S YOUR PIC (PARTNER IN CRUSHING IT)?

EP: My husband James. We met as first year teachers in 1996, got engaged after knowing each other for a few months, and have been married and best friends for 19 years. I could not do what I do without his support and encouragement. He is my biggest cheerleader and never says no when I ask him to take a picture of me jeté-ing on the beach, which I do each year to document vacations, my own aging, and current flexibility.

JB: WHAT'S THE NEXT THING ON YOUR CALENDAR?

EP: Well, it might not be NEXT on my calendar, but the next big thing is hopefully a trip to Europe next fall for my husband and my 20^th anniversary and also to compete at the World Masters Outdoor Championships in Malaga, Spain. We plan to bring our children, and hit up a few European cities while we are there. I plan to compete in the Heptathlon and come home with a medal! But the next actual thing on my calendar is recess duty. 

Big thanks to Erika for crushing it. Give her a follow here!

BY: CATHERINE WATKINS

This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend Oiselle’s California Bird Camp in Cazadero, California. A fantastic weekend where women who are part of the Oiselle team gather to share stories, runs, information and food. Being in the peak weeks of my marathon training (for Toronto Marathon!) could have made this weekend camp less than ideal timing for me. I could have stressed about this, worrying about where and when I would get my running in while I was away. Instead I decided to just go with the flow and this was the best decision ever.

Letting go of the stress and following the flow of the group led me to three beautiful runs over different terrain in various parts of Sonoma county. I completed a workout along a beautiful treed road, I ran a medium long run amongst the redwoods and the town of Guerneville and I finished with one of the most beautiful long runs along the Kortum trail in Sonoma. As I was running along the ocean side I realized that had I been bogged down in the details of where I was going to run that morning I would never have ended up on this beautiful trail. We went to the beach that morning with no idea if there would be somewhere for my long run and recognizing the possibility that I could be running repeats of a very short loop on the road for 18 miles. Instead I had one of the loveliest runs and spent two hours smiling, with many more hours after holding on to that feeling of peace.

Sometimes letting go of the structure and rigidity often found in training can lead to the most beautiful runs. It’s ok to let go and go with the flow. 

Fall. The season of cooler weather, turkey dinners and everything pumpkin! For many, it’s the time of year to curl up in leggings, enjoy our lattes and the cooler weather, but for the Nest, fall brings out a different side of us. As soon as the calendar turns over into October we become Fall Marathon Superfans! Many, many Volée and Haute Volée will be putting their summer training to the test and toeing the line at fall marathons across the country. The beauty of the marathon is that every single person running has a different story, a different goal and will run a very different race.

Superfan along with us as we follow four of our Volée teammates who are tackling 26.2 this fall!

Kelly Herron, Volée Member

Bank of America Chicago Marathon, October 8, 2017

#FlyChi

In March, just three weeks after taking a self-defense class, my biggest running nightmare became a reality. Four miles into a 10-mile training run, I stopped to use a park restroom. A transient sex offender was hiding in a bathroom stall. He assaulted and attempted to rape me.

At the self-defense class, we were taught to “fight like a savage” and I did, screaming “NOT TODAY, MOTHERFUCKER!” at my attacker as I fought back, willing to die to escape the unthinkable. Every burpee I had ever done paid off when I was able to get on my feet and out the door, locking my assailant inside until police arrived.

Part of the reason I believe I survived is because of the confidence that was instilled in me from a young age from participating in sports. I found my voice on the softball field and learned to stand my ground and be aggressive. My mom, Nancy, and I are choosing to run the Chicago Marathon in support of Girls on the Run so that more girls can experience the empowerment and confidence found through athletics, regardless of their ability to pay.

As a former resident of Lincoln Park, I look forward to running through my favorite city with my favorite running buddy, my mom. We plan to enjoy the day and take in every moment of the experience, the energy of the crowd, and relish in the glory of earning our finisher’s medals.  We also look forward to throwing down at Chicago Oven Grinder and Pizza Company shortly thereafter! The start line is in sight and nothing is going to stop me from completing my first marathon. Not today.

Steph Bruce, Haute Volée

TSC New York City Marathon, November 5, 2017

#FlyNYC

I chose to run the New York City Marathon this fall because I feel like I have worked my way back post-partum to a great, strong point in my training and career. I feel ready to take on this iconic marathon. I have wanted to race the NYC Marathon ever since I became a marathoner. I know it's a tough course, so the plan has been to prepare, to get really fit and strong this fall, and see how that translates on race day. I don't necessarily have a time goal because it's New York – the conditions and weather can be unpredictable, but I'd like to beat some women that I'm not slated to beat on paper. I know what that will require in training and I'm doing my best to prepare for that this fall.

I have raced on the streets on New York many times in my career and the crowds and fans are just electric. I'll have a lot of my family out there so that will provide a ton of support and inspiration for me. I'm excited to be on that starting line in November and see what race day will bring.

Sarah Byron, Volée Member

Anthem Richmond Marathon, November 11, 2017

#FlyVA

After a short-lived and somewhat mediocre college running career, I wanted to challenge myself by running a marathon. My first, in 2014, ended with a time of 3:55. Given that my goal had been to finish upright, I was shocked and excited! After that race, I learned what Boston was. I looked up my age group just out of curiosity, because I thought 3:55 was pretty darn good for a first timer! I quickly found out my age group had a qualifying time of 3:35. I wasn’t quite that fast...yet. But, I decided that it was possible for me to shave 20 minutes off of my marathon time if I really tried. So, I declared to myself, and to my boyfriend, that I was going to qualify for the Boston Marathon. 

So far, I have attempted to qualify 3 times. I know it’s possible and it’s a lot of fun working towards a tough goal. I just have to keep putting in the work to get better and then hope for a solid race day. My first attempt was at the Marine Corps Marathon in 2015, but I injured my knee during the race and ended up walk/running the entire race. I tried again at the Baltimore Marathon in 2016 and missed my BQ time by 96 seconds. My most recent attempt was at the Delaware Marathon this year where I started out way too fast and finished in 3:39. By the way, if anyone tells you that race is flat, they are lying. 

I’ve decided to run the Richmond Marathon as my fourth attempt to qualify. I have heard SO many great things about this race - it has great crowd support, ends on a downhill, it’s at the perfect time of year. I am SO excited for this race and even more excited to know that so many of my Volée teammates will be there racing and cowbelling!

Anna Weber, Haute Volée

California International Marathon, December 3, 2017

#FlyCIM

I’m Anna from Indiana and my lifetime goal is to run a marathon under 2:30. If I were to sum up my life in one sentence right now, that would be it. If you want to dive deeper, my name is Anna Weber and I am currently living and training in Indianapolis, trying to make a name for myself as a semi-professional runner. I’m racing the US Marathon Championships, which are being held at the California International Marathon on December 3^rd.

I am not shy about my goals, and I believe in the unapologetic pursuit of those goals. In May of 2015, I took a leave of absence from grad school to focus solely on the marathon in my last attempt to run under the Olympic Trials “B” Standard of 2:43:00. I surpassed my expectations and ran 2:38:39. I know that topping that moment will be difficult, but I keep myself motivated by setting goals that require me to work harder, recover smarter, and dream bigger. 

For CIM, my “A” goal is sub-2:32:00, my “B” goal is sub- 2:35:00, and my “C” goal is sub-2:37:00, which is the “A” standard for the Olympic Trials. Meeting any of these goals would not only qualify me for the 2020 Olympic Trials, but also open more doors for me as a professional runner. Most importantly, running a PR would be the next step in achieving my lifetime goal of sub-2:30:00, which is an elusive barrier that only 39 women in the United States have ever surpassed.

To help me reach this goal, I took a step away from marathoning after the 2016 Olympic Trials to focus on my speed. I have competed across the US in distances ranging from 10k cross country to the half marathon, all with the big-picture goal of becoming a faster, stronger, and more competitive marathoner. I am excited to return to the marathon this winter and see the results from the last 18 months of training and competing far outside my comfort zone.

Want to superfan along with us? Use #FlyChi #FlyNYC #FlyVA #FlyCIM to share your training and follow along as we fly through the streets of Chicago, NYC, Richmond and Sacramento! 

"SWEET CAROLINE... BUM, BUM, BUM!" - That's the sound of my construction worker dad, who was used to waking up at 3:30 in the morning, singing at the top of his lungs on weekend mornings as my brother and I started waking up in our beds... It was usually 7:00am at the latest. My brother would yell out the classic response "I'm trying to sleep!" in which my dad would yell even louder "it's go-time!" So maybe it’s a genetic predisposition, or it’s the early morning environment he created in our home that led me to believe morning is a time to thrive rather than wish away. But, I can't help it... I love mornings.

No surprise this genetic predisposition led me to be a full blown morning runner. Someone who is always running through a city that has yet to wake up.

Here are my official secrets of a lark...

Adopt the sleeping habits of a retired elderly person.
My ability to go to bed by 10 at the latest in college was typically attributed to me being a business major (I get it, I know the stereotypes) that being said I also did track and worked two jobs so it wasn’t like my “super easy schedule” was my secret weapon. Guess when I got a lot of things done? In the morning… after my epic run… when everyone else was still sleeping (it's a wild concept). Go to bed early and you will actually feel ready to wake up when your alarm goes off. Don’t be surprised when your momentum leads you to take on other tasks!

Colorado birdcampers getting in a few sips of pre-run coffee

Set your alarm 10 minutes before you actually want to wake up.
We are all human, we all have a weakness when it comes to the snooze button. Let's be honest smart phones did us no favor with that easy-to-use swipe up snooze feature. I like knowing when I hear my first alarm go off that if I need a little extra lounge time, it's not going to derail my schedule. Even better, if I get up the first go-around I either get a head start on my run, or I get more time walking around my apartment to help wake me up. But remember, you get one - I REPEAT ONE - time to hit the snooze button. Anymore beyond that you are only getting low quality sleep and missing your window to run. 

32 degrees and still going strong, hello morning layers!

Lay out your running clothes the night before.
Have I ever woken up and said I can’t run because I couldn’t possibly find a clean sports bra? Yes, yes I have. Typically, during an early wake up your mind is primed to fall prey to excuses. Easiest excuse to get you to lay back down in bed? Having your morning brain overwhelmed by clothing options. If your clothes are laid out, half the battle is already over.

Hype up your breakfast.
If I’m doing a standard training run, I may be lazy about putting some food in my stomach before heading out the door, but if it’s a long run or a workout I usually have part of a bar or a piece of toast with peanut butter. However, the real meal I love is my post-run breakfast. A big satisfying breakfast is an early morning runner’s best friend. It can be the thing that gets you running back to home faster. When you get back from your run and you’re sitting their beaming with pride that your day started off strong, prep a breakfast that makes you feel just as proud as your run did. Look at that! you’ve turned this whole running early thing into a lovely morning ritual to look forward to.

David post-run. Internal thoughts being "crushed it".

Remind yourself that you are a badass who will be done with a workout before others have even started their day.
The first few steps of the morning run are awkward as your legs feel slightly unfamiliar to the act of movement. But, my favorite part of the morning run is looking at my surroundings, knowing I’m cold, or tired, or a little sore, but that I still made the choice to get out there. I have quality time with the city before anyone else and as I return from my run, seeing my boyfriend still asleep in bed I think to myself “sucker” (just kidding that’s terrible). Yet I do give myself a little pat on the back knowing that I for sure accomplished one thing today.

Now, life does happen and morning routines can be altered or challenging (insert kids with their own morning routine, a demanding work schedule, or sudden schedule changes). But if it’s possible, try to incorporate more morning runs into your schedule... let those legs fly. Have a street, path, or trail all to yourself - just wait you will feel something special.

It’s the feeling of freedom.

It's your go-time.

Meet Jasmine Blocker! A sprinter with PR's of 23.63 in the 200m and 51.66 in 400m, Jasmine is a USA 2016 Olympic Trials 400m Qualifier, a 2016 NCAA Division 1 Indoor + Outdoor 400m Competitor, an All-American who holds the #2 All-Time 400m Outdoor time at Princeton University, andddd the list goes on. We are so very excited to announce Jasmine as the newest member of the Haute Volée! Jasmine hails from Princeton (undergrad) and Tulane (MBA), and will be continuing her training in New Orleans, LA. So much to talk about with Jasmine, from her Senior thesis of “Race, poverty and mainstream financial programs: Collective identity buffering adverse effects of stigma,” to her work at Goldman Sachs and Vogue. We are excited to dive in and get to know our newest Oiselle athlete!

JESS: WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKPACK, PURSE, POCKET, FANNY PACK RIGHT NOW?

JASMINE: Portable phone charger, make up essentials, apple slices and a protein bar.

JESS: WHAT DO YOU DREAM OF?

JASMINE: Winning the Olympics!

JESS: WHAT TIME DID YOU GET UP THIS MORNING?

JASMINE: 4:45am... I'm an early riser haha!

JESS: WHO DO YOU ADMIRE?

JASMINE: Allyson Felix. I've looked up to her for years!

JESS: WHAT IS YOUR SECRET SUPERPOWER?

JASMINE: I'd have to say mental toughness is my superpower. When faced with impossible odds, I've always seemed to find a way to overcome. 

JESS: WHAT ARE YOU LEARNING RIGHT NOW?

JASMINE: I'm learning a lot about myself right now. The life of a professional track and field athlete can be pretty unconventional. This journey has made me a stronger person and reawakened my passion for the sport. 

JESS: WHAT'S THE LAST PLACE YOU TRAVELED TO? WHY? 

JASMINE: Earlier this summer I went to Stehekin, Washington to take a break from electronics, the everyday grind and to really experience the outdoors for the first time!  

JESS: WHO'S YOUR PIC (PARTNER IN CRUSHING IT)?

JASMINE: My boyfriend! He takes the majority of the photos I post and does an absolutely wonderful job. He also has a great way of bringing my confidence up while still keeping me grounded and focused on my goals.

JESS: WHAT'S THE LAST THING YOU ATE?

JASMINE: Black bean burger with guacamole.

JESS: WHAT'S THE NEXT THING ON YOUR CALENDAR TODAY?

JASMINE: Putting some chicken in the slow cooker, I love trying new recipes. 

Big thanks to Jasmine for crushing it. Give her a follow here and welcome her to the Oiselle family!