Did you know that every day 800 women die during childbirth? And even more shocking, 98% of these deaths are preventable. Every Mother Counts founder, Christy Turlington Burns, will be running the Virgin Money London Marathon to raise awareness about the fact that thousands of women and girls still live too far from the care and supplies needed for safe motherhood. Follow her inspiring journey to London here. We want to support her and Every Mother Counts as they strive to make change so every woman has the chance to bring life into this world safely. 

On April 26th when Christy toes the line in London, join her by logging into Charity Miles and running (or walking) for Every Mother Counts. Last year we reached our goal of 1,000 miles in one day. This year, we're raising the stakes. Our goal is 1,500 miles. And with your help, we know we can hit it!

How to use Charity Miles

1. Download the Charity Miles App
2. Select Every Mother Counts.
3. For every mile you run/walk, 25 cents will be donated to Every Mother Counts and will go directly to support programs around the world that link mothers to providers of essential care.
4. Share your photos and tell us how many miles you logged using tag #EveryMileEveryMother. 

Need a kick to get out the door? These tunes might get pump you up: Ultimate Race Day Playlist on Spotify. Let's do it!

Haute Volée, Andrea Duke raced Boston yesterday, her first time stepping to the line as an elite there - an incredible accomplishment! I got to watch her from Seattle with 25 cheering fans, while Sarah Robinson and team watched live in Boston at mile 13. We are so proud of every Oiselle runner who battled the elements yesterday. Not every race goes as planned as Andrea will tell you, but every end to a race has a new start for the next big goal ahead. Continue following Andrea's journey to the 2016 Trials...it's going to be a good one.

Well, that didn't go as planned.

The months leading into Boston, training was on point, and I felt stronger than ever. Workouts made me feel like a machine, a workhorse hitting splits and paces that I only dreamed about. I had my fears, but I worked through the anxiety and strengthened my emotional fitness. The excitement for Marathon Monday was incredible.

Arriving at the Korean Church in Hopkinton was quite the experience. Sitting there among the best runners in the world was mind numbing. While I was FaceTiming with my kids, Meb walked by me. I was in the bathroom line with Desi. But I knew I earned the right to be there. I was confident. I was ready. Standing on the start line at the Boston Marathon, I soaked it up. I did my ritual “Brock Lesner” warm-up, on the verge of tears from that moment. Gun goes off and it begins.

The first six miles were a blur. I was feeling great. My watch showed that I was on target pace (which I was told was way too fast later that day), so I stuck with the pace. I was feeding off the amazing crowd, even veering off the centerline to give some high-fives to kids. That may not have been the elite thing to do, but that’s what Dre does. I saw my husband around 10k and gave the thumbs-up.

A few miles later, it all crumbled. 

Mix in the wind and cold rain with stomach pains, and you’ve got my companions for the race from the 15k mark to about mile 16. I felt like my stomach blew up, and I was running as a 35 week pregnant woman. I was dry heaving and trying to hold down the water I drank. When I saw my bird family around mile 13, I got some positivity and put that smile back on my face. But then female runners started to pass me and my positivity slowly drained. 

Then the hip pain arrived. And the hills. But I had trained for this and pushed hard... As hard as I could give. Friends at miles 18 and 20 gave me moments of confidence to keep going. I kept thinking about my kids and hearing them screaming “FASTER MOMMY FASTER.” I kept pushing.

Then the chest pain arrived. I’m not sure if it was because I was trying to hold back tears or if it was hearing the crowd screaming my name, but I couldn’t breathe. I wanted to stop. I wanted to quit at mile 24. I slowed down at a water stop to catch my breath and when a spectator yelled, “Head up, Duke,” I knew I had to keep going. 

The last 2 miles were the hardest miles of my life. I was in so much pain but I was experiencing the most incredible two miles of any marathon. I pushed through it all, for me, my kids, my family, my coach, my friends. I knew I had to just finish. It was an ugly, ugly run but I finished. 

Am I pleased with my run? No. Am I proud of my run? Yes. I overcame so many demons in those miles that would have stopped me any other day. Sure, I had significant feelings of embarrassment and failure when I walked to the elite tent, knowing I was so far off my goal. I felt like I failed my coach and myself, wasted all those weeks of training. I had no joy in my body. And when my husband hugged me at the finish, I cried. I cried hard. 

Was I on my feet too much? Did I not drink enough water? Did I drink too much water? Did I eat enough? Could I have tried harder? Did I train too hard? Did I get enough sleep? Did I sleep too much? Way too many thoughts raced through my head leaving the finish line, heading back to the hotel. I could analyze the past days and weeks and months leading up to Boston until I make myself crazy, but there is no point to that. All I know is that with the day I was given, I couldn’t execute. And it hurt.

(Great shot by Kevin Morris)

But when I made it back to the hotel and started reading all the messages from friends, family and online followers, the perspective of the day came into focus. I just ran the Boston Marathon as a sponsored elite runner. My name was on my bib. I was on national TV running behind the best of the best. I heard my name screamed by hundreds of people. I ran down Boylston Street to the finish alone. As someone who came into this elite life just a year ago, those experiences are pretty damn incredible. I may not have reached my goal, but in my world, this was just one day...a day full of lessons and heartbreak, but a day full of memories. 

I will move on from this and run again. I will find the fire again and push harder. Boston was a stepping-stone to the bigger goal of the Olympic Trials, and I know the coming months to that day in February will be full of ups and downs. But no one can take away the experience I had in Boston, and when my kids tell me they are proud of me, there is no way I can look to Marathon Monday as a failure. 

So as Jay-Z says, “On to the next one”...

Updated 4/20 with full results. Congrats racers!

Excitement and energy has been building all week for Boston Marathon Monday. On Thursday we were extremely honored to announce our newest team member, Sarah Attar who will be racing the marathon as well. Saturday we had a handful of women take the streets of Boston in the BAA 5k. This year is by the far the largest group of birds gathered to race the marathon for us: 15 states represented and 33 women total! At the front of our flock will be Haute Volée runner Andrea Duke. Seattle area fans will be gathering together on Monday morning in a local coffee shop close to the Nest to watch the coverage and follow our athletes (RSVP details below!). We are so proud of everyone who has been working hard over the winter and spring to prepare for their races. Have fun out there! Boston Strong!

CALIFORNIA 
Christina Dicker - Goal time: sub 4:00. Her first time racing Boston. (final 3:47:17)
Michelle Chang - Goal time: 3:30 (final 3:32:27)
Emily Stone - Goal time: 3:30 (final 3:29:30)
Robin Kutner - Goal: a solid injury-comeback marathon and fun first Boston. (final 3:23:40)
Jenny Hitchings - Goal: 2:55 and an age group win. (final: 2:52:51)
Sara Randolph - Goal time: 3:15. Just completed a half-ironman last Saturday! (final 3:17:46)
Jody Stoops - (final 3:39:00 - PR!)
 

Julia Bez at her tune up race to Boston, the NYC Half Marathon. Bonus: she PR'd!

NEW MEXICO
Natty Plunkett - Goal: 3:05-3:10 (final 3:07:27)

NEW YORK
Aubrey Jing Faber (3:53:06)
Julia Bezgin (final 3:14:47)
Chloe Lasseron (final 3:20:11)
Stephanie Viloria (final 3:40:04)
Amanda Scheer - Goal: enjoy each mile and run my legs off! (final 3:15:49)
Jenny Donnelly - Goal: 3:05 - 3:10 (final 3:14:18)

Mom + daughter duo: Jennifer Donnelly and Judi Donnelly. Both raced last year and they're gunning for another solid race again this year.

NORTH CAROLINA
Mary Winchester - Goal time: 3:55 (final 4:16:35)
Carolyn Huang - Goal time: 3:30 (final 3:32:18)

OHIO
Brooke Meadows - Goal time: 4:00 (final 3:41:02)

PENNSYLVANIA
Barclay Cunningham - Overcoming injury, may be cheering on Monday! 
Katharine Reilly - Goal time: 3:15 (final 3:14:38)

Left: Sara Bradley at her recent tune up race, the Eastern States 20 Miler. Right: Jennifer De Hueck from last year at Boston, her second marathon and first at Boston! She's hoping to go sub-3 this year.

SOUTH DAKOTA
Jennifer de Hueck - Goal time: sub 3:00 (final 2:51:52)

TEXAS
Randi Burnett 
Andrea Duke - (final 2:58:55)
 
COLORADO
Bret Scofield - Goal: party time! Not sure on goal time. (final 3:10:28)

CONNECTICUT
Mary Johnson - (final 3:08:47)

Remember that East Coast winter that seemed unsurvivable? Julia Bez and Amanda Scheer made it through! 

WASHINGTON 
Jen Major - Goal time: 3:20 (final 3:24:45)
Jennifer Favre - Goal time: 3:30 (final 3:28:28)

FLORIDA
Kristin Bold - Goal time: 4:30. First Boston and charity runner for Travis Roy Foundation. (final 4:25:46)
Lindsey Finnegan 

GEORGIA
Rachelle Kuramoto - Goal time: 3:20 - 3:25 (final 3:20:18)

Stephanie Ridgway from the Shamrock Shuffle in Chicago and Brooke Meadows at her tune-up to Boston, the Little Miami 10 Miler in Ohio.

ALABAMA
Stephanie Ridgway - Goal time: 3:07 (final 3:23:34)

Mary Johnson after Boston 2014 and Robyn Kutner. 

MAINE
Sara Bradley - Goal time: 3:40. (final 3:33:07)

MASSACHUSETTS
Sheri Dion 
Judi Donnelly (final 4:06:19) 
Claire Wallace - Goal time: 3:19 (final 3:16:37)
Stacey Hedman - Goal time: 4:00 (final 4:31:25)

If you would like to join us in Seattle at Fix Coffeehouse this Monday at 6:00am to watch Boston coverage, RSVP + find out more here!

Sarah Attar here. Words cannot quite capture my excitement, but I am so honored to join Oiselle and share some of my story here.

In the London 2012 Olympics I had the opportunity to compete as one of the first females ever for Saudi Arabia, along with Wojdan Shaherkani. Not only was it the first time that Saudi Arabia sent women, but it was also the first time that all countries had women athletes represent them in the Olympics. It is truly incredible to have been part of such a historic event. 

My journey to the Olympics was quite unusual. I never anticipated that I would run in the Olympics. It wasn’t something I was pursuing, but rather the opportunity presented itself to me. I didn’t qualify, but was invited. I received the invitation from the International Olympic Committee only a month and a half before the opening ceremony. I’d be running the 800m, a distance I only raced once or twice in high school, and running for Saudi Arabia, which no other female had done before. Sometimes (most times) it still blows me away and all seems pretty surreal. But it is real, and has brought me on an unexpected beautiful journey, constantly showing me the power of sport and that you never know where the path may take you when you do what you love. My participation is so much bigger than me though. It represents new opportunities, groundbreaking steps forward, and a shift in the status quo. There are now generations of girls in Saudi Arabia that will grow up with the possibility of competing in the Olympics as an option, and that is powerful.

During my most recent trip to Saudi Arabia, my sister Amira and I were determined to get a run in. We took to the Corniche, an awesome coastal road in Jeddah along the Red Sea. We were fully covered in our abayas and embraced each step on this run. There weren’t many others out running, and definitely no other females running. When you are passionate about something you will find a way to make it work. There is a growing running scene and I’ve had the opportunity to connect with some of these groups.

I also had the opportunity to speak at my cousins’ all girls’ school in Jeddah. It was to an auditorium of about 700 girls and I was so inspired to see how they look up to me. I felt like a celebrity, they all wanted my autograph and handed me letters and posters they made with some of the most inspiring messages about how they were motivated to participate in sports. When I was speaking to them, I asked them who would like to compete in the Olympics someday, and all of their hands shot up and the room filled with shouts of excitement. This type of enthusiasm doesn’t fade. Experiencing this influence first hand showed me the transformative power of sport, and of my participation.

Just a month or two after the Olympics I came across a picture on Twitter of me from the race depicted as street art in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This was the coolest thing, and kind of blew me away. The artist goes by the name Shaweesh and I actually had the opportunity to meet him and see the street art in person.

In April of 2014 I graduated from Pepperdine University where I studied Art, Art History, and Multimedia Design, and also ran on the track and cross country team. I love expressing myself creatively, and have often felt that running might be my medium as I explore that intersection of running and art. I’ve always been drawn to the longer distances and have completed 5 marathons, and a 50k trail ultramarathon. I love getting out on the trails and I am so inspired by the incredible places that running takes us. This love of the landscapes is what inspired me to sign up for the Big Sur Marathon, my first, which took place in April of 2012. I kept reading that you’ll want to bring a camera because it’s so stunning, but knew that because of my love for photography, I would be distracted if I could take unlimited pictures. Rather, I carried one of those disposable cameras with only 27 exposures, and took one photo each mile of the race.  This was such a fun and meaningful way for me to document my first marathon and connect with that race. 

It was on this course during my first marathon that I qualified for Boston and ran in the 2013 Boston Marathon (completing the Boston 2 Big Sur Challenge). I finished before the bombings but was deeply affected by what took place. Seeing the community bond together and become stronger through the tragedy though was extremely powerful. I was thankful to return in 2014 and experience the Boston Strong movement and the incredible energy in that race as we took back the finish line. Competing in this event as well as the Olympics less than a year prior really connected me to the sport in a way like never before. Seeing the power of these runs and participating in them first hand really showed me the impact that sports can have in our lives, and the communities it can build.

This will be my third year in a row taking on the Boston 2 Big Sur Challenge. I love both of these races deeply. I enjoy Boston for the atmosphere, the awesome crowds and support, and Big Sur for the quiet and incredible landscapes. They’re completely different races but equally awesome. I am honored to be featured on one of the Boston Banners that are displayed throughout the city this year! (How cool is that?!)


I was initially drawn to Oiselle as soon as I tried on my first garment. The fit was incredible and I received many compliments when I wore it to practice. The more I read about the company, the more I felt a deep connection to what they represent. It’s so much more than an apparel company; it’s about the transformative power of sport and what that power can inspire. At Kara Goucher’s Podium Retreat in August 2014, I had the opportunity to experience an incredible weekend full of inspiration and such a positive supportive community. I also got to meet and chat with Sally. There was instant and mutual admiration about the sport and the strides each of us had made to encourage and inspire others. The conversation continued past that sunny day in Napa and I am so thankful it has. Connecting with Oiselle feels like those runs that just flow, when everything feels right and you’re beaming with excitement, smiling ear to ear. I’m honored to be part of such a stellar community and can’t wait to see where we fly.

Will you be in Boston this weekend? We have a challenge for you! Sarah is on Boston Marathon street banners hanging proud throughout the city. Snap a photo with one and you could win! Here's how to enter: 

1. Find Sarah's banner. Photo below.
2. Snap a pic.
3. Share it with @oiselle (Instagram or Twitter) + the hashtag #selfiewsarah.

One lucky runner will win the ultimate Race Day Kit announced Tuesday morning! 

I’m excited to meet and cheer my heart out for Oiselle teammate Andrea Duke in Boston. Like you, I follow the fast, leggy Texan on social media. What I know of her from the little screen is that her #flystyle game is on point, she’s a racing machine with an OTQ in the marathon, a mama of two and a WWE fan. But who is Andrea, realllly? She made time for an email interview despite her busy schedule (training, two jobs AND two kids). 

Hi Andrea! You’re headed to Boston this weekend, is this your A marathon for spring? I mean you race quite a bit, is this the big goal?
Yes, this is my Spring "A" race ... but my total focus is the Trials in February 2016. I skipped the chance to run LA a few weeks ago so I could run Boston, as this has been and always will be a special unicorn race to me.  

This is your second Boston...when was your first? 
My first Boston qualifying race was in 2008 four months after having my son, so I ran my first Boston in 2009. My chubby little 9 month old was at the finish, with my dad, and it was incredible. I ran with my husband, who was there on a charity slot, and we ran to have fun ... so I high-fived all the kids and frat boys, relished every spectator. I think we finished a little over 4 hours.  

What are you looking forward to most about this time around? 
By far, it will be the experience of being an elite runner. I've watched the Boston Marathon for years as a fan, cheering on the men and women at the front ... and now I am a part of that. It's still very surreal to me, as this journey is so new for me, and I plan to soak up the entire elite experience.   

Fellow teammate Jen Bigham walked me through your career and I was blown away. Remind me, what was your first marathon and finishing time? 
After 9/11, I decided to take running back up after some time off, and trained with my dad for the Inaugural Washington DC Marathon in 2002. MY longest training run was 10 miles .... so YES, the wall and I became best friends around mile 15. But we finished in 4:32. I told my dad I never wanted to run another marathon again ... ha!

So you didn’t immediately know you wanted to qualify for the Olympic Trials? 
Oh no way!! When I won RnRNOLA, I had a good friend say to me, "So you are going to go for the standard, right?" And my answer was, "What standard?" I didn't even know about the standards ... and then when a local reporter asked me the same question, I answered, "Yes ... No ... Maybe???" It took me a while, and many conversations with my husband, to say "YES I WILL TRY." Luckily, my family, friends and coach supported my decision.

When did you start setting goals, how did you start chipping away at them? 
I took a HUGE risk at Chicago, given that I was hoping/planning to run 2:50, as my previous marathon time before was 2:57. For me, I need little races and goals along the way as testers and confidence builders in order to go for the big one. So, it's with training and confidence that I start to chip away.

I saw on Facebook that this is your first time decorating elite bottles. We gotta know, what are you using? 
HA! Knowing me, my kids will get the job of decorating. So it will be lots of pipe cleaners and "Frozen"/Avengers stickers.   

Also what’s in the bottles? 
NUUN! Maybe some caffeine for the last drop to get my body moving.

I thought the last one would be champagne! 
AWWWW YEA! Don't give me any ideas ... but I'm saving that for after! 

Who coaches you? 
The incredibly awesome Ben Bruce. We met at RnRNOLA and then again at RnRSD, and then I took the jump and emailed him to be my coach ... so glad he said yes. Been with him since July 2014, and he has taken me out of my comfort zone more times than I would like, but it's paid off big time.

It looks like you fly solo most of the time, is that true? 
Yes ... I've always been a loner in training. To me, racing is an individual sport and we may be out there racing alone, with our thoughts, and so I would always replicate that in training.  Plus, with two jobs and two kids, I like that alone time ... it's my therapy. But lately, I've tagged along with some local runners to help with workouts and pacing, and it's been very fun, very helpful. I owe a lot of my recent progress, both mentally and physically, to them and their encouragement.  

Does it ever get boring? How do you entertain yourself? 
Yes, it gets boring, but that's what racing can sometimes be like. But the "ME TIME" is always needed. For entertainment, I use music ... or I try to solve life's problems ... 

So you’re not against running plugged in? 
NOPE ... and sometimes you may even see me dance-running!

How many days do you lift? 
I lift twice a week with my strength coach. He used to live in town and we would work together - now, he sends me the workouts and I lift alone. His philosophy of functional strength training has really taken me to the next level.

Okay and speaking of getting the pump, I gotta know why the love for WWE? 
One of my past students in my Sport Media class did a presentation on WWE for his final paper, and I was completely enthralled ... the drama, the physicality, the stereotypes, the business ... it was my entertainment/sport education wrapped into one entity. I started to watch because of him and GOT HOOKED! My fandom levels are off the charts, and I am totally comfortable with that! Keep an eye out for my John Cena wristband in Boston, which I wear for my son ...

Who’s your favorite wrestler? 
Oh, that's a tough one ... I go through phases based on the story lines, but now, I'm loving Brock Lesner and have been channeling his BEAST mentality for this cycle in training. I even have his entrance music for my ringtone! His motto "Eat, Sleep, Conquer, Repeat" is my motto for Boston.  

Let’s go to the LIGHTNING ROUND! 

Burpees or yoga? Burpees
Workout or easy long run? Workout
Salty or sweet? Yes
Twitter or Instagram? Instagram ... love me some timer pics ;)
Pre-race meal? Salad and Ice Cream
Pump up jam? "Lose Yourself" by Eminem 
Mantra for when it gets tough? "Let It Go"
Who would you wish was cheering for your at mile 20? My kids 
What should they say? FASTER MOMMY FASTER!!
Goal pace per mile? A: 5:55, B: 6:05, C: Finish
Goal finish? A: PR, B: OQT, C: Controlled race
Are you taking a day off after this? Ben is forcing me to take time off ... I'm not good at that ...
What will you be wearing on race day? The beautiful kit top and black stride shorts

And a bonus, we gotta know who gave you the nickname Dr. Dre? One of my students ... Mix my PhD with always using music to teach ... Dr. Dre was born.

Get ready to cheer Andrea on from near or far on Marathon Monday. And follow along with her journey to the Olympic Trials Marathon on Twitter and Instagram. 

We know you saw the big news from Lauren Fleshman last week… Fleshman: “I’m going to the SHORTY AWARDS!!”

The Shorty Awards are like the Academy Awards of social media, representing the best of the best who produce real-time short and ahh-mazing content daily. Millions of people participate each year and contend for top “social” dog within their respective category, and this year (the 7^th annual) LF was voted + nominated into the “Athlete” category. No surprise! She’s the hottest follow on the Internet. We know…we’ve been stalking her since she was still running for a shoe company!

What does this mean? And who is the Flyer up against? Let’s walk through the six other finalists in the “Athlete” category.

Note: three were selected by the Shorty Awards Nominating Board, three by popular vote, and one by the Nominating Board from among the top 25 nominees, the Wildcard Finalist. 

Tom Daley
Only 20 years old with two Gold medals under his belt, this English diver specializes in the 10 meter synchro and individual diving competitions. And, diving isn’t Tom’s only talent. He made his first appearances as a TV personality on the hit TV show Splash! following his success at the 2012 London Olympics.

Caroline Wozniacki
Danish pro tennis player, Caroline Wozniacki, was a former World No. 1 on the WTA Tour and the first woman from a Scandinavian country to hold the top ranking position. She’s played all of the big tennis tourneys from the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbeldon and the US Open…and we know she’ll be up for a volley at The Shortys.

Kevin Durant
B Ballers know this one. Kevin Durant is an NBA all-star for Oklahoma City (yes, basketball). He was a first round draft pick post-college by none other than the Seattle SuperSonics. Career highs: Lead the NBA twice in scoring before age 22, won Gold at the 2010 World Championships in Turkey and yet another Gold at the 2012 London Olympics.

Oliver Campbell
Fiction author, endurance cyclist, Renaissance man and most recently, a game reviewer. He has lived with Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome throughout his cycling career, and powers through. As his social media game goes, “If you believe that I provide value in your life with the things I saw, then you should (follow me). If not, don’t.”

David Luiz
He’s a Brazilian pro soccer player (football if you will) currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain. He’s earned over 40 caps, number of appearances at the international level, and serves as vice-captain for the Brazil national team, winning the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2013. His fans call him the best defender in the world…but can he steal the Shorty?

Natalie “Nattie” Neidhart
Her ring name: Natalya. She’s a Canadian pro wrestler and was the first “Diva” to qualify for the WWE Divas Championships back in 2008. She’s known for her headspring kip up move in the ring and her multiple TV show appearances.

Who will win? Who, who, who?! Will she show up in Go Joggings and a pair o’ sneaks? Or will she go red carpet diva? You better watch with us. LIVE viewing on shortyawards.com, or of course go BIG and get tickets to the ceremony in NYC. Tickets are still available for a pretty penny…

Lauren’s +2 at the gala event on April 20^th in NYC will be her wing-women, Sally and Dr. Lesko. Follow along with @laurenfleshman and @oiselle on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook…you get the picture. #shortyawards

GOOD LUCK FLYER!

Marathon Month is here and you know what that means: taper time.

Before you throw a taper tantrum, consider the simple fact that you have to rest easy to be able to go hard. Recovery should be part of your plan and if you don't embrace it and approach it with the same focus and commitment you give the rest of your training (and racing), you can't meet your potential on race day.

This 13-minute video will help you embrace the taper by reducing any tension in your system so that you can recover effectively, rather than ending up halfway tense all the time.

Taper with new Jasyoga videos at jasyoga.pivotshare.com and use #BalanceFTW...

For the second year we're flying to Boston for marathon weekend! We'll be partnering with City Sports at the expo and yes, the coveted Believe in Boston (#believeinboston) tees will be there in updated colors and cuts! Get there early - these tees flew last year.

And while Kara and Lauren won't be in the booth this year (I know, I know) I am so excited to be on the floor Friday, Saturday and Sunday! We'll also have a great crowd cheering in Wellesley (Cowbell Corner coming to Boston)! And a shake out run on Sunday AM. Can't wait to meet you and soak up the thrill of Marathon Monday! Full schedule below:

Expo Hours
2pm - 7pm

Mac @ City Sports Booth
3pm - 7pm

B.A.A 5k 
8am (Mac getting that second 5k post PJ.) B.A.A Event page.

Expo Hours
9am - 6pm

Mac @ City Sports Booth
11am - 6pm

Oiselle Shakeout Run
9am all welcome! Meet at the Tortoise and Hare in Copley Square. Oiselle giveaways and a few miles to shake out the legs and nerves. RSVP here!

Expo Hours
9am - 6pm

Mac @ City Sports Booth
11am - 4:30pm

Cowbell Corner Wellesley
We'll be cheering near the Wellesley Starbucks. Free Oiselle Cowbells while supplies last!  RSVP here!

Seattle Fangirl Party (brobirds welcome)
6am PDT at Fix Coffeehouse, Green Lake: 6900 East Green Lake Way N

Race Day
All the racers crush 26.2 miles and celebrate a great day!
 

Be sure to follow @oiselle and @oiselle_mac for all updates on the schedule. Can't wait to meet you and good luck to everyone racing!!

Hello, this is Shalaya. I’m so excited to be here, I’ve never been part of a flock before! And what an amazing flock I get to join! I’ve been an avid bird watcher for some time, but now I get to put my binoculars down and sprout some feathers!

Call me a waterfowl because I do my racing on the track and most of the time with obstacles in the way - I’m a steeplechaser. For those of you who are not familiar with the steeplechase it is a track event ran at the 3000-meter distance with five barriers (hurdles that do not fall down) per lap. One of the barriers is followed by a 12-foot-long pit of water called the “water jump,” it's the best place to capture awkward face photos.

But I’m getting ahead of myself, let me begin with who I am.

I am, of course, a runner...and like many runners who each have their own reason to run, each just a valid as the other, I have my own. On some level, I run because I want to do what hasn't been done before, even if its just for myself. There's a new place to see, a new journey to be taken, on every run. I think all runners feel excitement of preeminent adventure by just starting a watch on a trail that's never seen my footprints before, even if they are footprints on the moon. That's why they call it a personal record. Because even if you're not the fastest, there's nothing else like pushing yourself past that frontier of what you were previously capable of. What even matches that sense of accomplishment from running faster than you were before, than everyone in your age group, than everyone in your state, or than anyone who has ever tried that run before?

Maybe now you sort of understand why seven years ago, I ambitiously told my high school cross country coach, Tom Porter, that I not only wanted to win the state cross country championships, but I wanted to break the Utah state course record while doing it. Nevermind that the record at the time, 17:40, was the 30 seconds faster than the time I ran it the previous year.

I've always been ambitious, when I was in 4th grade I filled out my homework sections on goals as: wanting to make the Olympics. I had already memorized the color and order of the Olympic rings a year earlier.

I get that tenacious drive from my mom, who's one awesome mama. When I was a toddler, she'd let me play in the long-jump pit (it's a giant sandbox, you know) while she did intervals around the Skyline high school track where I'd spend so much of my time preparing for the state meet.

On the day of the Utah high school state cross country championships, I felt in shape, healthy, and in other words, ready to run faster than I or any other Utah high school girl had ever run before on that course. But as all runners also know, not every race plays out how you plan. I crossed the finish line in 17:43, three seconds off of the record, and two seconds behind the finishline tape breaker. But it was still more than a 30 seconds faster from the year before on that course.

I was already down, I had been focused on this goal for so long and I came so close. Then the PA system blairs for the Skyline coach to report to the officials, and Coach Porter return news that would make me feel even worse. I had been disqualified because I had rolled the waistband of my shorts to make them fit tighter, and I was the only girl in the race to be DQ'd for such a violation.

Since I was a freshman, our team had these big, baggy track shorts we called parachute shorts for the drag they must of produced when anyone tried to run on them. Let's just say MC Hammer would have digged them. What's worse is that they also chafed wickedly. All the girls on the team rolled them up to make the best out of what was so obviously small men's shorts, and girls on other teams unfortunate enough to have the same race-day shorts in a different color also rolled them. When the newspaper published their story about the cross country race, and how the second place finisher was disqualified for rolling her shorts, the main image had an image of girls running where half a dozen girls with rolled shorts.

But afterwards, Coach Porter told me something I haven't forgotten:

No matter how bad your race goes, even if you're DQ'd for something as trivial as rolling your shorts, there are going to be other, bigger, and better races in the future. And instead of feeling sorry for yourself, now is the best time time to start getting ready for those. In running, there's a new adventure around every turn.

And he was right. I've worked hard enough and been lucky enough to wear University of Colorado Buffalo race shorts at the NCAA championships and wear red shorts reading USA at the 2012 London Olympic Games and again at the 2013 Moscow World Championships. As of now, I'll proudly be wearing Oiselle shorts at the US championships this summer and hoping to get into another pair of USA shorts at the 2015 Beijing World Championships and again at the 2016 Rio Games. But I've never, ever, ever rolled my shorts for a race again. :)

I’m so excited to join this new team and hope this little anecdote has helped you to get to know me better! I can’t wait for the new journey ahead!

For the second year we're flying to Boston for marathon weekend! We'll be partnering with City Sports at the expo and yes, the coveted Believe in Boston (#believeinboston) tees will be there in updated colors and cuts! Get there early - these tees flew last year.

And while Kara and Lauren won't be in the booth this year (I know, I know) I am so excited to be on the floor Friday, Saturday and Sunday! We'll also have a great crowd cheering in Wellesley (Cowbell Corner coming to Boston)! And a shake out run on Sunday AM. Can't wait to meet you and soak up the thrill of Marathon Monday! Full schedule below:

Expo Hours
2pm - 7pm

Mac @ City Sports Booth
3pm - 7pm

B.A.A 5k 
8am (Mac getting that second 5k post PJ.) B.A.A Event page.

Expo Hours
9am - 6pm

Mac @ City Sports Booth
11am - 6pm

Oiselle Shakeout Run
9am all welcome! Meet at the Tortoise and Hare in Copley Square. Oiselle giveaways and a few miles to shake out the legs and nerves. RSVP here!

Expo Hours
9am - 6pm

Mac @ City Sports Booth
11am - 4:30pm

Cowbell Corner Wellesley
We'll be cheering near the Wellesley Starbucks. Free Oiselle Cowbells while supplies last!  RSVP here!

Seattle Fangirl Party (brobirds welcome)
6am PDT at Fix Coffeehouse, Green Lake: 6900 East Green Lake Way N

Race Day
All the racers crush 26.2 miles and celebrate a great day!
 

Be sure to follow @oiselle and @oiselle_mac for all updates on the schedule. Can't wait to meet you and good luck to everyone racing!!

Running the Boston Marathon has been an unbelievable experience for me. In 2009 I went to Boston with the dream of ending the drought of American victors. Although I fell 9 seconds short of that goal, it was an experience I will never forget. I headed back in 2011 with my 6 month old son, and Boston awarded me with a PR of 2:24:53. I returned again in 2013, a bit banged up and not as fit as I should have been, but had a great time running with the lead pack for about 22 miles.  

I used to be obsessed with winning Boston, I felt that I had to do it for all that loved me and supported me. It began to be a bit unhealthy, and although I plan on returning to Boston again, I no longer put the pressure on myself that I must win to complete my career.

While I may not obsess over Boston day and night anymore, it is still one of the greatest Marathon venues in the world. Anyone who races Boston gets to experience its magic. There really is only one Boston, and if you get the chance to run it, you won’t regret it. But, it always helps to be prepared, so I give you my guide to running Boston.

RIDE THE ROAR
Get ready for some of the loudest cheering you’ll ever hear in your life. The first time I ran through Wellesley the screaming was so loud it was deafening. I couldn’t help but smile. The fans are so intense at Boston. They know the history and they appreciate the race in a way that is special. I was shocked at how loud the fans were and how the cheers extended the entire course. Wellesley and the final mile bring the largest crowds, but the entire course is lined with spectators. That is pretty amazing.

ABSORB THE ENERGY
Once you make it up the Newton hills and turn left onto Commonwealth, you have about 6 miles to go. This is where the crowds really start to build in consistency. At this point the course is mostly flat. Only running up Hereford less than a mile from the finish is a hill. Take this section in. The crowds are outrageous, you are running with history. Really pay attention to the energy at this point.

BREAK IT UP
I like to break Boston down into sections to make it feel mentally easier. The first section would be through Wellesley which is about the halfway point.  So you are going a half marathon through rolling terrain. There are some uphills, but there is an overall net drop in elevation. Hold back the first half, this is where people can get into trouble. Enjoy how good you feel, how fast you are moving along. The next section is from about 14-20. This is where the race gets a little tough. You have to cross over the highway which is an uphill section that no one talks about. And then you start approaching the Newton hills. This is the hilliest part of the race. Remember, after each of the Newton hills there is a nice flat section to recover. Three big hills with recovery stretches between them. Once you take a left on Commonwealth you have about six miles to go and now is the time to go for it if you have anything left. Remember, there is one more hill with about a kilometer to go. I call it Mt. Hereford. It doesn’t seem like a hill until you have 25+ miles in your legs. Once you get up Mt. Hereford you take a left on Boylston St. At this point you are home free. It’s a straight shot home.  

LET GO
The weather in Boston is unpredictable. You can’t control it. Just be prepared for anything and know that everyone else has to deal with the same elements as you.

LAYER UP
If it is chilly, be sure to be layered up with lots of items you can easily discard. A head band or a hat, gloves, arm sleeves. Items that are easy to toss off but will keep you warm as long as you need them.

FALL IN LOVE
Finally, get ready for the intimacy of Boston. I fell in love with the Boston Marathon course training there before I raced it in 2009. The course is very intimate. For the majority of the race you are just running through neighborhoods. I actually love the section of the Newton Hills because it reminds me of my hometown in Duluth, MN. One of the things I love about Boston is that it feels like you could be out for a run from your very own home. The neighborhood and trees lining the course makes it feel intimate and less daunting.

So there you have it! My guide to the Boston Marathon. Good luck and enjoy the ride!!

More from Kara...
Kara's Favorite Race Day Layers
Kara Talks Sports Bras
Kara's Core Routine - Take It Inside

I can’t tell you how excited I am to announce that Oiselle has renewed and expanded our contract with elite runner and 2015 indoor track champ Lauren Wallace, who trains with Drew Wartenburg’s standout group, the NorCal Distance Project in Sacramento. 

We first met Lauren and the NorCal group at the 2013 USA Outdoors in Des Moines. The epic year of team-building, fan-girling, and swassing it in the stands.

It was our first year of “signing” athletes (following Fleshman’s on-boarding in January), which probably explains my awkward arm position in this pic (someone needed to tell me that “elbows out” was for the track). But as you can see, Lauren was a natural, and when she said she also spoke French, well, bien sur! It was a match.

Since then, it has been such an honor to see Lauren continue to evolve as a competitor. I got to watch her in January 2014, light up the Dempsey here in Seattle. And then I got to see her again at Payton Jordan and USA Outdoors in Sacramento where she PR’d in the 800 – in the broiling heat of her hometown!

The most exciting race in memory, however, has to be her recent win of the 1000m at the USA Indoor Track Champs where she snuck up on the front pack on the inside lane and surprised everyone, including herself. It was such a pure show of finishing strength and internal confidence – it was truly beautiful. Never, ever give up!

So I’m incredibly happy that we’re able to continue this journey together. And by “we,” I mean everyone at The Nest, but also and especially Kristin Metcalf and Bob Lesko who are the leaders of our athlete team.

When I caught up with Lauren this past week, I asked what the highlights have been for her this past +1.5 years and she said:

1. Having USAs in Sacramento was exhilarating. I grew up in Northern California and a lot of my family still lives in the area. Combining the world of track and field with those closest to me was something entirely new and exciting. I PR’d in the 800m and finished 11th overall. Although I didn’t make the final, the experience was priceless.
2. Racing in Europe for the first time. I learned so much and met so many great people. I came away with two wins of the three races I competed in.
3. Altitude camp in October. Altitude gave me a new found respect for oxygen and running in the mountains. It laid down the ground work for my indoor season and set me up to PR in the 5k at the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot.
4. Winning USA indoors.  My season didn’t play out entirely how we had planned. We adapted, changed some things around and in the end, everything worked out in our favor.

Onward and upward! Thank you for believing in us, Lauren. We are your biggest fans, and will be there cheering -- loud and proud!