It's not a party until a close friend holds a toast - complete with embarassing stories, warm memories, and a big wish for the future. With that we present to you, Kara's toast to ten years! 

My fondest moment with Oiselle was when I officially became a member. Sally had flown out to Boulder to present me with my contract and to do a quick photoshoot so that when I was released from my former sponsor, we had images all ready to go. We were up in the foothills taking pictures and my husband called to say I had been officially released. Sally, Shanna Burnette, and I just hugged. We all started crying. I felt so free and excited about my future.

Funniest Memory

Oh my gosh, I laugh so hard when I’m with the O clan!! But probably one of the trips where I laughed the most was Boston 2014. I showed up with one crutch (I had a sacral stress fracture) and hobbled my way to the train, and then another, to get to Sally’s cousin’s house where we were staying. The house was awesome and the location was perfect, but when we all got in our little cots we couldn’t help but laugh at all the American Dolls staring down at us. I LOVE American Dolls so it was basically like being back in my childhood bedroom, and I couldn’t stop laughing.

Another great moment was when I was in NYC for fashion week in 2014 and we had gone for a run in Central Park. I’m with Sally and Ashley Judd runs by wearing a Oiselle Winona tank. I basically lost my mind yelling at her, “you’re Ashley Judd and you’re wearing HER shirt!!” Ashley ran away petrified by the crazy woman yelling at her. Sally just stood there and laughed. I literally lost my mind after seeing a celeb wearing Oiselle.

My Favorite Style

Too many to mention! Faves include mini stride shorts, jogging tights, aero tights, anything lux and flyte!

Best Sally Moment

Remember please, that I came to Oiselle from a big company so I was used to car services, room service on trips, business class, etc. The first photoshoot that I did for Oiselle was for the very first bird swim collection. I hardly knew anyone at Oiselle, Sally included. We had rented a house in Palm Springs where we were going to be shooting but also staying. Sally was showing me around the house and then said, you will be in the master. I looked in and saw that it had a big bed and it’s own bathroom. I protested, “that’s Ok, I can share a room with someone.”  And Sally said, “yes, I’m in here too.” That first night I didn’t sleep a wink! I was so worried I’d roll over and hit her. I look back now and laugh so hard. It all went fine and it was fun, we were able to do a cool photoshoot on a budget that most companies would think was small. Needless to say, I have no problem sleeping with Sally now;)!

Wish for The Future

More women uniting!! I am so grateful for the community Oiselle has created and I hope that it just continues to grow and that people can feel it’s love and authenticity. And, I’m really excited about being given the chance to design for Oiselle this fall. I really hope everyone loves it so that design can become a part of my life!

We are a brand who's passionate about the sport and committed to our community. We also make clothes for runners of all paces and places. Subscribe to stay connected to who we are, what we make, and the incredible things we do with our community.

It’s estimated that 10-30% of fabrics created for the garment industry end up as waste. Even the best factories often struggle to get that number below 10%. And it’s a problem that has only increased as many apparel makers have been caught up in the world of more-is-more, fast fashion.

Source: Reverse Resources

At Oiselle, we know our natural resources are finite. And that if at all possible, we should avoid over-production. It’s why we often sell out of styles, and why we look to sell out at a very high percentage rate each season.

And yet, fabric waste remains a nagging problem. So last year, we started talking with our factories about new ways to tackle it, and out of those conversations Fabric Forward was born.

Fabric Forward is a Oiselle efficiency program where we put first quality, excess fabric that would normally be discarded as waste into limited edition performance garments.

First up this season: The Anniversary Crescent Tank, in a rainbow of excess 4T fabric. A beautiful blend of poly, tencel, and rayon, 4T is uniquely knit to feel like your favorite natural fiber tee, but with the ability to move sweat and water down its channels, away from your skin.

Reduce, Repair, Reuse, Recycle. Each of these practices takes energy and effort. We know there’s still a lot of work to do but we are pleased to be able to re-use first quality fabric in first quality garments - ready to fly!

It was love.

I was in love with my sport. And also design. I had spent 15 years as a runner, and 10 years as a brand strategist, but I wanted to do more then sell my creativity to others. The firefly was still stuck in her jar.

When you have a calling, is there a name that’s called? To me it sounded like a bird. “Oiseau” said the bird. But that name was taken – by another company, and by its masculine roots. “Oiselle” appeared out of an old college dictionary. Antiquated bird, feminine, ready to fly. 

2007

The drive behind the origins of the company was a desire for better shorts. The offerings didn’t honor our love of the sport. Couldn’t we, shouldn’t we, do better? The Marseille was born. And then the Roga. “Go fast, take chances” we said. The only risk was not doing anything at all.

2008

The second year, and a realization that the race was going to be long. An excitement among the handful of stores and runners we met. And then an economic crisis. If the banks were too big to fail, it might have been we were too small. Not enough substance for a down tick to matter.

2009

“I know. Let’s coach a youth cross country team.” Managing a brand strategy consulting business by day, Oiselle on the side, raising two young girls, and coaching a youth XC team are the kinds of decisions people make when they don’t know any better. But blind and foolish love was better than no love at all.

2010

First employees. A first office space. And a first time running out of money. A desperate hunt. So many rejections eradicated by a single acceptance. Our currency was belief. “Anything’s possible,” we said together, and jumped into the abyss. Soon we were feeling the pull. Running was in our blood, and we were out to hunt some elephants. They’re easy to hit when you’re armed with agility and love.

2011

The upstart. The new kid. The embracer of the unembraced. A home for our own creativity, passion, and run love – and a team for others. Humor, growth, and the birth of weird: Rundies, the running wedding dress, election tees, and more. When there’s no rulebook or roadmap, every day can be a weird and joyous haiku.

2012

Graduation to the big track. Where wannabe mafia men watch horses from tufted white tents. The girl brand is not invited, but we don’t ask for permission. It’s our coming out party and M.C. Hammer is the DJ.

2013

It’s the luckiest of numbers and the strongest of F-Bombs, bringing Fleshman’s orbit within the trajectory of our own for an entirely new ascent. It is the summer of possibility, and first-borns, and NYC runway shows, and a renewed focus on all things design.

2014

From fireworks to firestorm, plunging head first with Kara who pulls us to incredible new heights. We can see everything below. The view is stunning. And the team is growing, as we gather in Bend for Bird Camp, to run and fly and sweat. The sisterhood grows strong.

2015

On the map and in the race. Growing with a renewed passion for quality, inspired by an expanding family, at The Nest, and among our team, all over the country (and world). We still love to go fast, take chances. And sometimes that leads to skinned knees, but still we fly. And our beautiful new store gives us a home in the hometown.

2016

Back to the big track. The five rings and Rio. A glorious dream. One of endurance, strength, speed, and cunning. And a relentless machine. One that seeks to silence athletes while lining hidden pockets. But deep within, the dream lives in places that can't be bought.

2017

What’s next is unknown. And the endgame is still out of sight.

But the elephants are still fun to hunt – and the going is good.

*No real elephants were hunted in the use of this metaphor.

It’s been an epic couple of weeks for Oiselle. The Boston Marathon, with a huge team turnout. A Volée team opening. And now we are turning 10! Happy birthday to us! 

Plus, we had a baby: our first road race! In our hometown of Seattle, based at beautiful Gas Works Park. What a weekend of run love and good karma: the first sunny day of spring the day before the race, and rain that held off until all of our race tents were packed up. 

Over 150 Volée from near and far brought their love and hype to help make our first race truly special. So many people we appreciate, I will let these pictures do most of the talking. “Thank you” infinity times! 

#BOSS10 Doublers: Jenn Harowicz and Krysta Gunvalson

Grant Harrington and Sarah Maxwell with Snohomish Running Company did the heavy lifting of race management and wrangling. Thank you both so much! This was your idea and we never could have done it without you. 

Kristin Metcalf (aka KMet) brought her iconic voice and enthusiasm as our announcer. And her daughter MacKenzie graced us with her beautiful voice singing the national anthem. Thank you, Metcalfs! 

The cowbell corner cheer squads and water/fuel station volunteers brought their amazing energy. Thank you! 

Everyone at the Nest and Oiselle Store helped bring this experience to life. Thank you! 

Our amazing Haute Volée and photographer Heather McWhirter captured these images from the day. And: we are DEFINITELY doing the Tenacious Ten next year. We'll release the date soon. We hope you join us! 

Thank you for getting tenacious with us! Ready to join us in 2018? Register here! 

We are a brand who's passionate about the sport and committed to our community. We also make clothes for runners of all paces and places. Subscribe to stay connected to who we are, what we make, and the incredible things we do with our community.

The media + women athletes + pregnancy = a strange brew of speculation, misogyny, and poor source material.

Photo: The Odyssey Online

CNN reports on Serena Williams’ recently announced pregnancy.

I wonder if anyone else found it odd that the person they decide to interview - to speculate on whether she can return to the the world stage - was, wait for it, Kim Cljister’s male coach, Wim Fissette.  

Pray tell Wim, what is your personal experience with pregnancy?

And just curious, do you view pregnancy as one of those - if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all kind of things?

Has knowing one pregnant athlete imbued you with the knowledge of how Serena’s pregnancy will play out?

About her ability? Her drive? Her uniqueness - not just as the article states, “one of the greatest athletes of her generation,” but The Greatest Of All Time?

Wim. The women want to know… do you get us?!

So here’s the deal: it’s true, pregnancy changes everything. But it’s also true, that it is a natural stage in a woman’s life. And that being the world’s greatest athlete and having a baby are not mutually exclusive. Serena can, and very likely will, conquer new grand slams post baby.

What we see in the world of running, also a very high impact, intensely physical sport, is that there are many, MANY examples of women rising back to the world class level post-pregnancy.

Kara Goucher was 6.5 months postpartum when she ran the Boston Marathon and finished 5th in 2:24, 9 months postpartum when she made the USA Worlds Team in the 10K (Daegu, South Korea), and 16 months postpartum when she made the Olympic Team in 2012.

Photo: Twin Cities Pioneer Press

Paula Radcliffe won the NYC Marathon in 2007, 9 months postpartum.

Stephanie Bruce just PR’d in the 10,000m 1.5 years postpartum running 31:59.

Bottom line: every woman is different. Every pregnancy is different. What works for one woman, won’t work for another. And while there are no specific barriers in returning, there are risks (and perhaps, CNN, you might consider talking to a doctor, vs. a male coach), including a loosening of the joints due to hormonal changes that can present an increased risk for stress fractures if the return to fitness is too fast.

Serena Williams will be in great company on her road back to whatever level of tennis she chooses. Rather than speculating on those steps and choices, or whether women are strong enough to do both, the media can do better in terms of highlighting the many success stories of how elite women athletes have blended their athletic and parenting paths in very healthy, prosperous ways.

We are a brand who's passionate about the sport and committed to our community. We also make clothes for runners of all paces and places. Subscribe to stay connected to who we are, what we make, and the incredible things we do with our community.

The final votes are in! We turned to our fearless DC Volée community to get their complete flystyle winners list. The evening events kicked off with a warm up and pep talk followed by the Crystal City 5k race. They capped off the night with a group gathering in Arlington. 

The event host? The famous Courtney Carter! Courtney joined the team in July of 2013 and has worked hard alongside her fellow leaders to build a rock solid group of run lovers. 

"Being a part of the Volée has changed my running (and my life) dramatically. I am more inspired, more motivated and more knowledgeable about running than I ever have been and that's because of this team. Being able to develop lifelong relationships with such a dynamic group of women has been incredible." 

Rocking the original Volée Singlet (circa 2013) and Stride Shorts: "I chose this outfit because it was what I wore for my very first marathon back in November of 2013 and nothing makes me feel more powerful than the fact that I can say I've completed 7 marathons and have plans for many many more. Also, a throwback outfit always feels appropriate and badass in my book!" 

ERICA M. SAMALIS - Joined July 2015

"Being a part of this team has helped me feel like a more confident athlete. Every time I toe the line I feel the support of my teammates, the Haute Voleé, and all of Oiselle. It's also important to me be a part of something bigger than myself, so I've enjoyed being a leader and helping to build the sisterhood."

Rocking the Aero Tights and Voleé 3/4 Crop Top: "The anatomy nerd in me loves that the detailing on the Aero tights accentuates the muscles in my legs. And it's impossible to not feel like a BAMF in the crop!"

KELLY REEDER - Joined July 2015

"Since the moment I had missed the first Volée (at that time, The Flock) opening, I relentlessly regretted it. Joining the Volée has been one of the most positive steps I've taken for myself--ever. I'm part of something larger--this brilliant, inspiring, 'bad ass lady gang' that challenges me and builds me up in a way that I didn't even know I needed. It's more than a running community; they're family."

Rocking the Wazelle Short Sleeve, Volée Singlet, Pocket Joggers, and Aero Jacket: "Black is my go to color -- all black everything -- so that's a huge factor in my powersuit from the beginning. But the Pocket Joggers make me feel independent. There's enough storage in them that I'm self contained for any event -- racing a 5k or 15 miles solo on the trails. They transition between the two surfaces seamlessly. As for the Aero Jacket, well, have you seen those lines? It's fierce. It's moto jacket meet the race line. I put it on and I stand just that much taller. I feel invincible while wearing it--and it doesn't hurt feeling invincible on race day, does it?"

MEGHAN MALONEY - Joined July 2015

"Joining this team has been amazing. So many ladies to support me and cheer me on. It has also been very motivating to continue pursueing my running goals. Plus I've made really great friends!"

Rocking the Volee 3/4 Crop Top and  Mac Rogas: "Wearing the crop top makes me feel like an elite/serious runner which gives me extra confidence. And the Mac Rogas are just badass. I may be wearing black in the photos but it makes me feel REAL."

JACKIE GRUENDEL - Joined July 2014 

"It has been an incredible experience connecting with all these women, more than I ever imagined. I am so excited to have made lifelong friends and connected with so many amazing people. I went old school with the meet-up."

Rocking the Long Flyte Shorts and Lesko Shimmel (OG): "I'm pretty sure I have the Long Flyte Shorts in every color and multiple pairs in the same color. They are my go to and favorite. I love the simplicity of the Lesko Shimmel, but it also makes me feel fast. I feel the most powerful when things are simple and I am comfortable." 

MEGHAN LEONARD - Joined April 2016

"I normally run solo, because of my schedule, but I love the running community and sharing my experiences and journey with others. Being a part of a team helps keep me inspired and motivated, and pushes me out of my comfort zone. I'm hoping to try to meet up more often and run more with others. Running with others will only make me a faster, stronger runner. And I hope to inspire and motivate other team members as much as they have me." 

Rocking the Volée Singlet, Aero Tights, and American Runner Trucker Hat: "This outfit makes me feel powerful because I am proud to wear my Oiselle singlet and represent a company that empowers and supports women athletes. My Aero tights fit me perfectly and allow me to perform to my fullest potential. The American Runner hat defines who I am." 

CAITLIN KOVALKOSKI - Joined July 2015

"For as long as I can remember, I have had some form of fierce women group around me. They were soccer and softball teammates through high school. They were my sorority sisters in college. And now in my adult life, our local Volée is not only a collection of amazing teammates who share the joy of running, but also the women that share in the ups and downs of everyday life. I cannot imagine my life without these women."

Rocking the Volée Singlet, Aero Jacket, Drop Top Mesh Long Sleeve, and Fancy Stride Shorts: "The singlet embodies our team - the love, the support, the confidence to go hard after a goal. The Aero Jacket embodies boldness. The cut is flattering and the pleat details shout that I'm not here to mess around. The Drop Top Mesh Long Sleeve embodies feminine fierce - technical fabric that works hard to wick away sweat when I'm working hard with a dash of flirty mesh. The Fancy Stride Shorts embody self-love. When I first started running, I always wore capris, no matter how hot or humid it was, because my thighs would rub together.  But the Fancy Stride Shorts do not budge; they embrace every powerful curve that propels me to a new personal best." 

LEEANNE SCIOLTO - Joined July 2015

"Being a part of a team can be positive or negative, but being a part of THIS team has been amazing. I've met amazing people, heard amazing stories and made bonds and connections I know run deeper than running. Running may have brought us together but it's not what keeps us together. Sorry Volée - you're stuck with me!"

Rocking the Space Grid Spandos and Verrazano Bra Singlet: "This outfit is flattering, comfy, cute, mixy-not-matchy, and puts me in the mindset to just be me and focus on the event and not my clothes. They aren't a distraction but rather a boost!"

COLLEEN GALLAGHER - Joined July 2013

"Having been an athlete my whole life, I missed the feeling of team. This group has given me that back and so much more. I've made so many great friends and I love the support this community provides." 

MANDY EBERLY - Joined July 2015

"I had few expectations when I joined the team. Once I started doing more activities with the team, I found that I am surrounded by a smart, loving, kind, fierce, competitive, yet supportive group of women that come from so many different places in life. We all have a different story yet these stories bring us together as a big ol' family of strength and courage, ready to run the world (literally and figuratively). I could go anywhere and throw a shout out to the Volée and find someone to run with or go grab drinks with and that is a pretty great thing to be able to do." 

Rocking the Go Joggings the Volée Singlet: "When I put on the team singlet, I'm not only running for myself but an entire group of women. These women keep me moving to be a better, stronger, faster, kinder me."

Like many nights in our nation's capital, this was one for the record books. 

"Outside of the friendships, this team inspires me daily to dig deeper and give more - in running and in life."  - Courtney 

Follow the hashtag #oisellevolée for more team updates and shenanigans around the world!

It’s a beautiful thing. We have over 1,000(!) Volée meet ups per year. We have a crew of power people who come up with some really interesting and creative team shenanigans. Some groups host Saturday morning coffee gatherings. Run before hand, or don’t run at all, but just come hang out and chat with a group of old friends and new. Others meet for workouts followed by brunch or happy hours.

We touched base with Kara to hear her thoughts on our growing Volée community.

“It’s been awesome to watch the Oiselle team grow, not just from a few pockets in Seattle but far beyond. It has been amazing to connect with so many and I feel so much heart swell when I see the Minnesota Volee. I feel such a connection to the women repping my home state!”

So, we decided to reach out to Kara’s home girls, the Oiselle women of Minnesota, and see what their typical *Tuesday* Night Flight Club looked like.

“We meet every other week at various spots around the Minneapolis / St. Paul area to run and then eat dinner after. This week's Tuesday Night Flight Club took place in Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis, and was followed by dinner and drinks at Sea Salt, a counter service fish market in the park.” – Tracy Hirigoyen 

VIP peeps include: the one and only Jungle Chicken and Haute Volée Jamie Cheever. Take a scroll through and see how a Minnesota meet up is done, and hear more from the team on their flyest Oiselle powersuit picks.

LAURA MOFFETT - Joined September 2014

(second from left)

“It's been amazing to be a part of a team that is so supportive, encouraging and accepting. I leave every interaction with our large group or even 1 other bird feeling empowered and like I can accomplish anything I set my mind to!”

Rocking the Lesley Tights: “I love my Lesley tights, they make me feel fast and unstoppable! Any O gear really makes me feel that way. Putting on my powersuit is a reminder of what the brand stands for, and knowing that there is a group of women behind me encouraging and supporting me.”

MARY BOHL - Joined April 2016

(left)

“This team is amazingness. It’s inspiring. It pushes me out of my comfort zone a little and helps me grow.”

Rocking the Toolbelt Rogas, Go tank, and Aero Jacket: “This outfit is fierce yet fun. Everything I look for in running a chance to push myself and be a badass yet remebering to smile and enjoy the journey!”

ALICIA KROPELNICKI - Joined April 2016

(left)

“I’ve found an amazing community of women who are super supportive and I've made some great friendships out of it. I went to camp last year not knowing anyone and left feeling so connected to everyone. I honestly can't say enough great things about everyone on the team. Getting together with everyone is always a highlight for me and I always leave feeling super happy and centered even when things are crazy at home.”

Rocking the Aero Capris and Volée ¾ Crop Top: “This outfit makes me feel super confident and keeps the team with me when I need to dig deep for hard workouts. I have struggled with body image since I had my son 4 years ago and running in the 3/4 top represents not only power but accepting my body and all the amazing things it has done in the last 4 years.” 

ALI JOHNSON - Joined July 2015

(right)

“I joined the summer after my first child was born when I was looking for a running community to be a part of that could not only keep me accountable but also inspire me to be better. This team has been invaluable to the progress I have made as a runner over the last two years. I've run more miles than I ever have in my life, I'm stronger and faster than I ever thought I could be. And, on top of this, I have met so many strong, supportive and just plain badass fellow mother runners that provide constant encouragement and inspiration that keeps me pushing myself further!”

Rocking the Roga Shorts and Flyte Long Sleeve: “Roga shorts are my go-to shorts. I've run thousands of miles in these shorts ranging from everyday training runs to marathons. These shorts fit my body like a glove, and hello, they have pockets! Now that I am 24 weeks pregnant, I am still wearing these for every run - they give me a sense of normalcy, and makes me feel strong and fierce. The Flyte tops are also the best maternity wear ever - stretchy and again, make me feel like my normal self!”

MOLLIE GABRYS-LAKE - Joined 3 nights ago!

(second from right)

“Running with a team is a new experience for me.  I've been a solo runner for a number of years, and am so excited to be a part of team of strong and supportive women.”

JAMIE CHEEVER - Joined back in the beginning! 

(middle)

“I have really enjoyed getting to know other women who love running and have values that align with Oiselle.  Members are so supportive and authentically excited for one another.  I get to learn about grown up life from women who have careers, kids, houses, and partners (aka have their shit together).”  

Rocking the Haute Volée kit: “My race kit makes me feel powerful because of its connection to the other badass Oiselle women racing with me, and because a satisfying race makes me feel fit, accomplished, and strong.”

Photos by: Michael Lake

Okay, you heard from the people of Minnesota, and the FOMO is real. Check in with us tomorrow for an update from our DC Volée. Head up, wings out!

First of all, let's be honest​... ​​​you're sore. It's Boston and it's almost impossible to walk away from that race without fearing squatting down to go to the bathroom this week. Don't worry​,​ ​it's normal.​ Here's some advice on how ​I​ try to recover from the marathon.

1. Pa​t​ yourself on the butt or back or wherever you can reach. You just accomplished an amazing feat and regardless of the time and outcome, ​BE PROUD.
2. Next​, plan a vacation... ideally if you can. If even it's what the cool kids call a stay​-cation make some time for ​you. ​Relax and veg out, ​try ​not run​ning​ or think​ing​ about running.
3. Actually recover. I typically don't run for 2-3 weeks post marathon. ​No running​ at all​.​ ​Seriously. No sweating unless it's outside laying by a pool. The first few days post race I might "jog" 10-15 minutes just to help with the soreness and then it's warm epsom salt baths, lots of liquids, and lots of food. Food and drink are your friend​s​ here and you'll want to consume as much as you can this week to replenish ​your depleted​ energy stores from​ the race.

So​, simple as that,​ th​ere's your recovery plan. No magic tricks​.​ ​J​ust take it day by day and after your break, plot your next 26.2 adventure​.​.. ​M​uhaha​!

Dream Big

We are a brand who's passionate about the sport and committed to our community. We also make clothes for runners of all paces and places. Subscribe to stay connected to who we are, what we make, and the incredible things we do with our community.

The Boston Marathon. What a beautiful beast. Where even to begin? Lesko and I flew into Boston on Friday night and landed at 1am east coast time. On Saturday morning, we hit the ground running (literally running) to get to the BAA5k on time. Upon arrival, you could feel the Boston buzz in the air. It was surreal. We were greeted by Volée teammates, some running the 5k, others prepping for their 26.2 on Monday, just there to get their cowbell on for our 20 teammates racing the 5k. 

Kelly Roberts showed up just in time to cheer. We knew Kelly was special, but Saturday morning really brought it home. I walked with Kelly to cowbell corner and was stopped about 10 times by Kelly fans asking if they could get a selfie with THE KELLY ROBERTS. She showed us her ways when we arrived at cowbell corner… “YOU ARE A CHAMPION”… “YOU ARE A QUEEN.” “HEY LITTLE DUDE” to the 5 year old kid out there crushing his first 5k… “YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS.” 

It was inspiring. And also hilarious. Especially when fans would stop mid race to take a run SELFIE repeat photo and then continue on. We stayed to cheer on every single runner on the course. Then left feeling fired up for our BIG Boston Marathon cowbell corner on Monday. 

On Sunday, we headed to Boston Common for a Volée shake out run. Lesko and I are both slightly directionally challenged (okay maybe it’s just me) so we wandered a bit before finding our crew. When we rounded the corner, 60 teammates were there waiting outside the Thinking Cup. Chills. So incredible to do a giant pre-race shakeout run with a pack of super heroes set to toe the line the next day. 

The Sunday shake out run was hot. Really hot. 80+ degrees in April. We tried to be cool and not talk about the unusually high temps. After sipping some coffee and catching up with everyone, we gave our racers big hugs and told them we’d be out there rocking 200 cowbells at mile 13. 

And rock 200 cowbells, we did. Our team showed up in a big way. Both on the starting line and the sidelines. Lesko and I did our usual roping up of the cowbells the night before the race. And then walked a very noisy jingle-jangle quarter of a mile to the starting line. “Ummm, what are those? And where can I get one?” We handed out cowbells to our Volée teammates and then to 150 of our new friends standing near by. Mile 13 was epic. People racing their hearts out. And thousands of fans + Una the dog cheering them on. After the rush of the elites running by, we were mesmerized by a sea of fearless super humans doing the thing. 

We did our best to spot as many Volée teammates as possible in the constant river of runners. Take a look through the magical memories captured at mile 13. 

We left Boston with full hearts and a power pack of run love. 

Like a lot of run love… LOL. Beth Gillespie. 

OUR AMAZING BOSTON MARATHON 2017 FINISHERS:

Jolene Abanses 3:33:04

Olivia Allen-Price 3:56:26

Tracey Allers 3:53:50

Katherine Alvarez 4:06:35

Alicia Amaro 5:26:13

Kim Auth 3:39:56

Rebecca Barnett 3:54:42

Allison Barr 3:18:12

Meredith Bazemore 3:17:46

Emily Benotti 4:12:56

Cory Benson 3:45:39

Allie Bigelow 3:57:42

Stacey Black 3:32:51

Melissa Bodeau 5:04:25

Lisette Bovaird 4:14:20

Jennifer Boutin 3:56:41

Brigitte Bradford 3:54:36

Kylie Breeze 3:29:45

Alison Brennan 4:47:25

Caitlin Campbell 3:28:17

June Caummisar 3:47:06

Erin Clark 3:21:28

Christy Diller 3:46:53

Kalie Dunn 3:20:24

Mary Duchesney 4:23.00

BridgetDwyer 4:06:54

Heather Dye 4:43:33

Kristi Easley 4:14:45

Jen Edwards 3:52:10

Jen Ells 3:42:11

Carrie Evans 3:48:47

Morgan Feder 3:49:29

Brittney Forster 3:32:29

Rachel Frenkil 3:54:00

Susan Friedrich 3:59:46

Beth Gillespie 5:47:53

Jeannene Gonzales 4:31:06

Celeste Goodson 3:59:55

Addie Green 3:56:46

Paige Greenberg 3:37:55

Maeluen Gruman 3:20:26

Krysta Gunvalson 3:50:08

Nicola Hallenborg 3:27:55

Annemiek Hamelinck 4:17:30

Kathleen Hannan 3:54:10

Jennifer Hardigan 4:57:00

Jenn Harowicz 4:02:06

Krystina Hawryluk 3:56:18

Jessie Hecht 3:41:21

Theresa Helsel 3:56:09

Lauren Hill 3:06:06

Miya Hirabayashi 3:50:06

Lauren Hoehlein Joseph 3:29:18

Sandra Holahan 3:40:49

Sheyna Horowitz 4:02:06

Emily Jaehnig Raykovich 3:15:03

Leah Jantzen 3:26:25

Pamela Jock 3:45:17

Ivy Jordan 3:48:33

Brittany Kaltenbaugh 3:47:14

Michele Keane 3:47:26

Kassie Keller 3:22:05

Lindsay Khan 3:40:01

Jennifer Kitchen 3:35:06

Sarah Koohmaraie 3:40:28

Lisa Kurdziel 5:18:30

Mandy Lane 3:47:17

Krista Ledbetter 4:39:02

Sarah Lee 3:38:21

Marisa Lindsay 3:14:03

Anna Linton 3:43:59

Jamie Lunt 3:53:06

Sarah Mahaney 3:15:45

Karlie Mangette 4:08:26

Carolina Margarella 3:40:35

Heather Massari 3:29:15

Jenny May 3:58:17

Liz McHutcheon 4:51:22

Jess McKenna 3:24:03

Heather McNemar 3:53:20

Kyndal Michel 4:18:37

Meredith Mikell 3:35:04

Colleen Moorman 4:06:41

Lara Mugge 3:48:09

Kathleena Mumford 3:36:32

Rebecca Murillo 3:14:24

Kimberly Muse 5:05:56

Jenna Mutz 3:17:18

Emily Nickles 3:54:32

Annie Normand 4:20:37

Siobhan O'Connor 3:13:17

Margaret O'Connor 3:44:28

Meghan O'Hara 3:34:25

Shannon Oakes 3:48:05

Lisa Overman 3:31:05

Kim Orosz 3:52:43

Erika Park 3:41:49

Katlyn Phillips 3:34:40

Christina Proctor 3:23:56

Erika Quinn 3:30:51

Emily Raykovich 3:15:03

Katharine Reilly 3:25:56

Meg Reilly 3:54:10

Jessica Rinehart 3:26:38

Debra  Rosario Cookson 3:36:20

Emily Rose 3:50.00

Leanne Rosser 4:19:41

Jennifer Rozler 3:49:23

Alyssa Rucker 4:01:22

Erin Schaefer 4:06:09

Karen Schulz 4:45:37

Sara Schwendinger 3:46:03

Sherry Scott 3:22:08

ReBecca Scott 3:44:23

Angie Sells 3:51:18

Casey Shellenberger 4:18:15

Gail Short 3:59:19

Pamela Skaufel 3:45:05

Kayleigh Skinner 3:55:52

Alison Smith 4:26:18

Dara Steele-Belkin 3:10:24

Jody Stoops 3:54:19

Nicole Strutz 3:50:20

Colleen Summa 3:50:54

Karie Torres 3:53:03

Rebecca Tadema-Wielandt 4:40:50

Michele Van Ornum 3:41:33

Kimberly Wattrick 3:38:23

Sarah Werket  3:11:56

Marissa Wickham 3:26:29

Anica Wong 3:42:18

Heather Worden Massari 3:29:15

Erin Wrightson 3:18:07

Meghan Yi 3:24:17

Margaret Zarzour 3:48:53

Emily Zavinsky 3:25:03

To all who raced, we couldn’t be more proud of, and inspired by each of you. Head up, wings out, you amazing humans, you! 

xo

Three cities. Three Volée communities. And over 100 different powersuit combinations. We selected three of our beloved Volée communities to host a People’s Choice Awards event: a run meet up, race meet up, post run and race happy hour. The caveat? Come dressed in your powersuit. Picking a powersuit is an individual pursuit. The people showed up their most power packed threads. 

First up. The Seattle Volée came dressed in their winningest flystyle looks.

Feminine.

Marilyn Keys

Rachel Leftwich

Andrea Louie

Fierce. 

Robyn Hefner & Meghan Manoius

Emily Brain

Rebecca Nelson

Flystyle with a capital F. 

Caislin Firth

Michelle Yaeger

Joemarie Rodriguez

It was the best kind of happy hour…

An hour long run. 

Followed by a cheers at the Fremont Brewery. 

Next up, the women of the DC Volée!