Oiselle HQ will be closed December 24 - 28th for a holiday. Customer service requests will be responded to promptly on the 29th. Thank you for your patience. 

From our family to yours, we wish you peace and joyful miles this season.

As you wind down 2015 and (hopefully) embrace a little offseason chill time, take a few minutes to consider what you can let go of before diving into 2015. Maybe you’re still thinking about a race where you feel you underperformed, maybe it’s some unmet goal, maybe you’re just being too hard on yourself about something… what ever it is, acknowledge it and choose to let it go. Accompany that conscious mental release with a simple twist to help feel more spacious from the inside out — as if you’re literally wringing out anything that’s weighing you down. In doing so, you’ll free up more space to focus on and manifest what you want in the New Year.

1. Sit with your legs extended in front of you and sit up tall — if that feels uncomfortable, sit on a pillow or a couple stacked books. The point is to make sure you’re not flopping forward.
2. Bend your right leg, placing your right foot flat to the floor just inside of your left knee so that your right knee points up. Keep your left leg straight, foot flexed.
3. Sit up as tall as you can (again, if it’s hard to sit tall, make sure you’re sitting on top of something) and gently twist toward your right, resting your left arm around your right leg, and your right hand just behind you for support — resist the urge to use your arms for more leverage, just let them rest there.
4. Gently look over your right shoulder.
5. Feel both of your butt cheeks level against the floor — the twist should be happening in your mid spine, so it should be easy to keep your lower body grounded.
6. Inhale and sit up even taller… as you exhale completely you should feel your abs begin to engage — use that to gently twist a little more.
7. Inhale: feel yourself grow taller… Exhale: release anything you no longer need as you continue to twist.
8. Continue for 5–10 deep breaths…

Have you joined the #holidaysEASEon? Join Jasyoga on Twitter and Instagram (@jasyogaseattle and @jasyogalondon) through New Year’s Day for daily tips to keep you feeling ease-ful this season.

By Christine Babcock, Little Wing

2+2=4, 5+1=6, and 5+4=9. But, ______+_______=running success? For a long time, I believed that running success was a lot like a math equation. I assumed that the most successful people in the running world had found the secrets to solve the equation. Their fast times and victories were a result of solving the secret equation. But as I prepared to enter the professional world, my paradigm was shifted. Running success isn’t like a math equation, it is like baking!! And I LOVE baking!! This realization was really freeing!

For those of you that enjoy baking, you will be able to relate. And even if baking is your archenemy, you too can relate because who doesn’t enjoy baked goods? (If you don’t, we need to talk!) When you bake something, you can use a bunch of different recipes and still come out with the same result—a delicious treat! One day it might be banana bread, another day zucchini sweet potato bread, or Reese’s peanut butter cookies, 7 layer bars, Texas sheet cake, or chocolate chip cookies. There isn’t one recipe that rules all other recipes—each one is unique, successful, and sets off a different taste bud party when it enters your mouth.

The same is true with running. There isn’t one recipe for success. There are a lot of different ways that you can achieve similar results. Some people need lots of speed work, others thrive off of tempos, some fartleks, etc. Then add in the number of days one runs a week, the miles they cover, the speed at which they travel, and the other components they incorporate in (weights, abs, forms of cross training, etc.). If you aren’t convinced yet how many different recipes can lead to success, throw in the amount of sleep one gets, nutritional habits, and the shoes one wears. The possibilities are truly limitless!! But if there is one thing that should be included in every recipe, it would be head-to-toe Oiselle gear (we all need to look good!).

With that said, once I realized that there wasn’t one right way to do it, I found much greater freedom in my training. I didn’t have to do what everyone was doing around me—I had to do what is best for me, the recipes that have worked in the past. While that doesn’t mean I can’t experiment with new things, it also doesn’t mean I need to throw out everything to follow the latest trend. Sometimes certain workouts are like your favorite recipes: they give you the confidence and mental strength that no other workout replicates, so turn to them when you need them. But getting stuck doing the same workouts over and over is like only eating your grandma’s chocolate chip cookies for the rest of your life. Eventually it gets boring and you might be missing out on something amazing, like chocolate chip cookies baked with a one-pound chocolate bar.

So my advice would be: don’t believe the lie that there is one way to reach success. Find the recipes that work for you, don’t be afraid to try new ones, and enjoy the process. And, make sure to eat baked goods along the way—they make life a little sweeter!

Christine's style: Birds of a Feather Long Sleeve, Flyte Short, Wazzie Wool Sweatshirt, and New Lesley Running Tights. 

Going into this weekend it was hard to sit in Seattle and cheer from afar for these women. After competing at Club XC Nationals last year, and seeing first hand what an awesome event it is, I am confident that we will have more Oiselle teams competing at Club XC Nationals in the years to come. Reading through some of our team members' recaps of their races and the experiences they had in Bethlehem, I can't help but feel so proud to be on the same team with such incredible women. Every racer that competed this weekend at Lehigh is amazing to me.

Coaching cross-country for many years, I know exactly how much determination and grit it takes to compete within these kinds of races. From the first to the last person across the finishline, everyone deserves recognition for their hard efforts. As you read some of their post-race reflections, you will see genuine and courageous women who have goals, who dream big, who aren't perfect but who are beautiful in their own unique ways.

Allie Bigelow

Allie with her Bull City TC teammates!

My favorite moment of the race happened about seven hours after the race itself. My Bull City teammates and I came into the race with the very clear goal of finishing in third (we were fourth last year), but after reviewing the results post-race we had ourselves finishing, once again, in fourth. We were incredibly disappointed but were already thinking about what we needed to do better for next year. Imagine our surprise and utter joy when we learned at the awards that we had actually placed second! We are a team of 4 middle-aged moms, none of whom ran in high school or college, and pulling off second place felt like winning a world championship. We are all still grinning! It was also great to get to meet and get to know Jackie and Aysha better as well as spend time catching up with two of my favorite birds, Jen and Jennie!

Jen Found

The meet was amazing: such a fun experience! On Friday I ran the course with two Oiselle teammates: Allie Bigelow and Jackie Gruendel which was so awesome. The race itself was super competitive and all of the fields were phenomenal. I was happy with my 12th place finish, although I would have been even happier finishing in the top 10. Still such an honor to race in such a tough field of masters women.

Vicki Huber-Rudawsky

It has been a long time since I have raced competitively. I try hard to accept where I am with my running and to really, truly run for the love of running and to not take myself too seriously. However, when a gun goes off, there is a big part of me that struggles to NOT compete. So, the entire 6 kilometers of the race, I battled with myself.  Trying to take the pace, as one of my former coaches taught me, as "challenged, but in control", I had a hard time running within myself as others passed me. It was a struggle to find a pace that would get me to the finish line, and in the end, it was a struggle to get to the finish line! Lehigh is flat and fast, not very conducive to those of us who are content to run 8-8:30 pace on the trails three days a week but despite that we all made it across the line, unhurt, and a little humbled. However, once we gathered ourselves, the four of us agreed that we were glad we did it and finished strong.

Jackie Gruendel

Left to right: Faye Hellman, Jackie Gruendel and Aysha Mirza

Wow! I forgot how tough cross-country can be! I haven't run a cross race in four years. The race was not what I had hoped but I do know that I left it all out there this weekend! I was throwing up the last 400 meters and still passing girls. That’s what I love about cross-country: it's all about guts and the elements. It was definitely amazing to meet the other birds. I had a blast hanging out with Allie and Jen. I was glad I did it and I look forward to competing in the masters race next year.

Faye Hellman

When the gun went off and there was a stampede of over 300 women running through the mud and cold air, I smiled and was thankful to be running with so many incredible athletes. I've struggled with many injuries over the past year, and am just trying to get back into racing. My experience at Club Nationals provided the motivation I needed to focus on training this winter, and to hopefully get back to my pre-injury goals. I was so proud to wear the Oiselle jersey and loved hearing the cheers from fellow birds along the course!  

Megan Marshall

Despite a new diagnosis on an injury I chose to compete for my team anyway this weekend. I allowed myself to seize the opportunity over the outcome and I finished strong & had a great time.

Thank you to Jen Found for connecting with everyone traveling to Bethlehem and a special shout out to team members, Sanita Ly and Christine Southwood-Smith for cheering for their teammates and for taking great photos as well.

Here's to more XC adventures in 2015!

Round two snuck up fast because these ladies have so much good info! If you missed Ask a Master - Round 1, give it a read for expert advice from Oiselle masters women. Now for round 2: the quick round.

Oiselle Masters Women:
Susan Empey (45)
Jenny Hitchings (51)
Sarah Lesko (45)
Allie Bigelow (41)
Regina Joyce (57)
Marti Riemer (45)
Jen Found (44)
Kristin Metcalf (41)
Sally Bergesen (46)

QUICK ROUND
How many days per week do you cross-train?  
Susan: 2-3 days I cross-train, but I still run 5-6 days a week too.
Jenny: Eeeek, barely any. I tend to do spin classes 2 x week when I'm recovering from marathons or big races. I tell myself weekly that I need to cross-train.
Lesko: Should do 2-3. Now averaging 1-2.
Allie: At least 3, often 4. But only 1 to 2 days of exclusive cross-training. All swimming.
Regina: I try to incorporate strength training 3 to 4 times per week. Generally don't bike or elliptical unless I can't run.
Marti: Depends on the season, but generally, I run 3-4 days a week and cross train 3 days a week.
Jen: Do naps count? I don’t cross-train.
Kristin: 2
Sally: None

Average recovery run pace?
Susan: 7:45-8:30 / mile
Jenny: 7:10-7:20 (Too fast, I'm sure.)
Lesko: 8-8:30 (9 minutes when I'm by myself and slave to my heart rate monitor.)
Allie: Um, too fast. 7:15-ish on the road, 7:40 treadmill.
Regina: My recovery and long run pace is 9-10 minute pace! Yikes!! never thought I'd run that slow! But using heart rate monitor, that's where I need to be!
Marti: 8-8:20 mile
Jen: 8:15-8:30
Kristin: 8:20
Sally: 8-8:30

Average miles per week running?
Susan: During marathon training, 60-70 miles.  When not training for a marathon, will probably be 50ish.
Jenny: 55-60 miles (in 6 days)
Lesko: 30-55 miles (I haven't figured out my sweet spot.)
Allie: 50 miles
Regina: Not sure, as I go by minutes not miles. Approximately 40 miles per week.
Marti: 26 miles
Jen: 40-50 miles
Kristin: 25-30 miles
Sally: No idea. Maybe 35 miles?

Average hours sleep per night?
Susan: 7 hours per night.  But 8 if I'm really tired.
Jenny: 8 hours
Lesko: 9-10. I'm a sleep fiend. 
Allie: 7 hours
Regina: 8-10 currently but that may change when I get back to Seattle.. try for at least 8
Marti: As much as possible, generally 8 hours.
Jen: 9-10 hours
Kristin: 9 hours
Sally: 8-9 hours

Do you use heart rate training? (yes/no)
Susan: Yes
Jenny: No
Lesko: Yes! It's depressing because my heart rate goes SO HIGH doing everything.
Allie: No
Regina: Yes...have done so for over 5 years.
Marti: Yes!
Jen: Yes, then no. (Tried it for a while).
Kristin: No
Sally: No

Who is your masters idol? 
Susan: Well, that's tough because there are several I respect for different reasons.  Being a marathoner, it's impossible not to have huge admiration for Deena Kastor, not only for her speed but also because she's a great ambassador for the sport.  Sheri Piers also amazes me because she races long frequently and is consistently faster than I could ever dream of.  And locally (and nationally for that matter), Gwen Lapham is amazing.  She works full time, has young twins to raise, and still manages to run really fast, often going head to head with very fast much younger women.
Jenny: I don't really have an idol, but I really respect and look up to any woman over 40 who puts in the time, energy,  and determination into their running, and then exceeds expectations of their age and kicks the open women's butts! (Of course Joan Benoit, Colleen De Rueck, Meghan Arboghast, Deena Kastor)
Lesko: All of you Oiselle masters. Nothing more inspiring than seeing excellence close up and every day.
Allie: Lorraine Young, local masters badass. And Catherine Watkins. Holy speedsters!
Regina: I try not to idolize anyone. but the woman in history I respect as a masters was a woman I watched racing in England as I grew up.. Joyce Smith was one of Britain's top women in her later 30's (first runner I knew who raced after having children - in the 70's).. she made the British Olympic team in the marathon in 1984 at age 46 and placed 12th. She ran under 2:30 in the marathon in her mid- late 40's.. back in the early 80's.
Jen: Regina Joyce and Carmen Ayala-Troncoso (2 of the most bad-ass master's women of all times!)

With Club Cross-Country happening tomorrow in Bethlehem, we caught up with one of our Oiselle Volée team members and Mid-Atlantic sales rep, Vicki Huber-Rudawsky. Not only is she a fabulous member of the Oiselle family, she is an experienced runner with an impressive career. She is racing tomorrow with some of her long time running buds for their local running store and club, Delaware Sports Club.

I have not truly run a cross-country race since 1992, when I placed fourth at the World Cross Country Championships. I have always considered myself a track runner, and having played field hockey throughout high school, I fought the transition to cross. By my junior year at Villanova, I was in love with another side of running. My college career ended brilliantly with my Villanova team winning NCAA XC team title and I won the individual title.

I am 47 now and although my running gals and I run trails three times a week, we do not race cross country except for maybe one race a year at Thanksgiving. However, when my friend and running store owner, Mike, told me that Club XC Nationals were in Lehigh this year, he thought it would be "fun" to send a Masters Women's team.  

When I mentioned this to my ladies, they said they would love to ride up with me and cheer me on. I responded that I needed three more women to make a team, but no one took the bait. As the weeks went by, I kept on them, talking about how fun it would be to race together and how there was no pressure on us to do anything but participate. In the end, we are running Club XC Nationals for Mike and the Delaware Sports Club because he has supported running in our community for over a decade. He truly does not care how we do but wants us to have fun and get muddy!

I am a Volée and the mid-Atlantic sales rep for Oiselle, but the club cross-country rules state that all team members have to wear the same shirt, or they will be disqualified. Knowing this, Mike ordered the Wazelle Long Sleeve tops (my fave!) for us all. In this way, I can represent two amazing dimensions of my running and my life - the Delaware Sports Club, where I started my running career over thirty years ago as a 14 year old and still run with some of the same people I did "back then"; and Oiselle, my employer of over a year now and who continues to amaze me with their dedication, style, quality and commitment to excellence - both the people and their product.

I, and my team, who are quickly approaching fifty, have no delusions of grandeur. The race will be tough, we will hurt in the end, but we will cross the finish line knowing that we took on a challenge that was scary and completely out of the norm for women of our age. In a strange way, that only runners can understand, it will be fun.

Alyssa Royse is the host and founder of Stronger in Seattle, owner and trainer at Rocket CrossFit and an overall fierce woman who empowers women through sport. Needless to say, she has the bird mentality. Taking a moment to reflect on the power of strength, we won't be surprised if you walk away with a bit more motivation for the day. 

"What are you training for?" It's a trick question, really. But I was asked that, years ago, by someone who was watching me workout, and assumed I was training for a race or something. "I'm training to be able to carry my own groceries when I'm 90."

She looked confused, but I meant it. I have one body, and one life. Both of which were almost taken from me in a terrible car accident several years ago. I've always been active, but that accident shook me to my core and made me realize how precious my body is, and how much I want to be able to live my life, in it.

Now, as a trainer, it's a question that I ask the people I train. It's usually in our first conversation, and it leads to some meaty discussion about goals, self-esteem, perseverance and what we value in ourselves.

I have never really trained for a race of any sort. That's just not me. I did used to love doing triathlons, but I would always enter the water last, go straight for the outside so as not to get trampled, and swim as slow as I wanted. I never "raced" per se. I just did it. To gently push myself out of my comfort zone. To strengthen both my body and my resolve.

I don't like to compete. Not because I feel some sort of shame in coming in last, or lifting the least weight, it just doesn't motivate me.

But being able to live independently into my ancient age? That motivates me.

It's a terrible goal, however. A goal that you can't achieve for another 40 years isn't all that motivating today.

As a trainer, I know that people do really well when we work towards and achieve goals. Every incremental step towards achieving a goal is a success. When we have one little success after another, we start to think of ourselves as successful. When we achieve physical goals, we tend to think of ourselves as strong.

Feeling strong and successful helps in life.

As a woman, and a mother, that is the beauty that I see in sport. That's why I've made a life out of not only engaging in sport myself, but also helping others do the same.

But, how do you set goals if you don't care about "winning?" How do you harness the power of sports, and the communities within sports, if being "the best" isn't of interest to you? Or if, although those elite athletes inspire you, you just know you aren't one of them?

I can tell you what I do with the more than 200 people I train.

I have them train for something.

1. Set a BIG goal
Run your first 5k. Squat your body weight. Bike around Lake Washington.  Pick something that seems "impossible" to you right now, but that the "you" you'd like to be would do.  TELL everyone you know about it, and see if anyone wants to join you. People who are on teams, or train in groups do better than those of us who go it alone.  So make a "team" for  yourself.

2. Set 6 MINI goals
What are the milestones along the way to your big goal? Before you can run 5 miles, you have to be able to run one mile. Set that goal. For a long time, my big one was to do a pull-up. Now it's to do 20, at a time. My daughter, on the other hand, is extremely competitive in Olympic Weight-Lifting, and has set the goal of making it to Nationals this year. And every time she gets closer to qualifying, we celebrate. It keeps her focused, and keeps her feeling like she's succeeding.

3. Track your progress
When I train people, I have them keep a journal of EVERYTHING that they do. Why? So that on a day when you think it's all pointless and it all sucks and you don't know why your bothering, you can look back and see what you've done, and how much stronger you are now. A journal is a way to have a hit of success every single time you look at it.

Everything I do as a trainer has to do with setting goals to DO something not BE something. In today's world, we are confronted with a never-ending barrage of messages telling us to BE smaller, BE sexier, BE more attractive, BE something that we aren't. BE something for someone else to judge.

The biggest challenge that I face with my clients is getting them to switch from thinking about what their bodies look like, to what their bodies can do. The good news is that once our bodies are doing the things that make us happy, we tend to love them a lot more.

The only person you can and should compare yourself to - unless, like my daughter, you are competing on an elite level - is you. And for me, that often means just beating the voice in my head that says, "not today, I don't feel like it, I'll train tomorrow."

Set goals to do things that you want to do because they make you happy. Surround yourself with people who support your goals and your happiness.

Because if you were lying on your deathbed - and we all will be eventually - I guarantee you that you won't say, "I wish I had gotten down to a size 2 when I was in my 30's." But you sure as hell might be thinking about that time you did a triathlon and your friends were all there cheering you on at the finish line.

After all, the ultimate goal of life is to be happy. And that means DOING things that make you feel good!

Flow Tights
I fell in love with these tights when I first signed with Oiselle. The inside is so soft and the length looks great on everyone. They are perfect for running but also for running errands around town, or dressing up with a nice sweater. (Kara is also wearing the Wazelle Short Sleeve and Cable Knit Arm Warmers).

Lux Arm Warmers
Lux is the most perfect fabric ever made so these are the most perfect arm warmers. Warm yet totally breathable. They also move and stretch nicely so you don’t feel like your elbow is suffocating. The bees knees in arm warmers.

Scantron Tank
The Scantron is the perfect layering tank as winter rolls in. It’s longer length allows a pop of color under your long sleeves. It fits sleek so you won’t look like a jet puffed marshmallow man. It's slimming and flattering on all runners.

Fly Above Raglan
Who doesn’t love a super cute tee? And the neckline allows you to show a pop of flair from a Verrazano bra. Cuteness.

Trials Hoodie 
I'm loving the new Fast Red. Beautiful, comfortable, soft, happiness. This sweatshirt is literally happiness. Seriously, put it on and see that you don’t feel happy. I dare you.

Livinit Jacket
This jacket is surprisingly warm and crazy comfy. It is so soft you want to cuddle in it. The cut isn’t super long so it doesn’t swallow you, plus you can show off all your cute layers under it.

Off The Grid Stride Short
Could there be a more breathable, flattering, and fun fabric? I don’t think so. These give you full coverage while being lightweight and fashionable. The waist band is low and wide and won’t give you muffin top. The length is perfection - not so short you keep yanking them down, but not so long that you are wondering why you’re not just wearing capris. I have a hard time taking these off. They are amazing.

Oiselle + Soleus Watches
The best watches in the athletic world joining forces with the best apparel in the athletic world. Get ready for a stylish and functional collaboration of love.

New Flyer Jacket
Aside from this coming in a new amazing shade of pink, the fabric of the New Flyer Jacket has had an upgrade. It is more breathable than previous versions and yet warmer at the same time. While still featherlight, it gives a bit more protection from the elements, but breathes well so that you don’t get moisture buildup. And the color of both jackets pops well against the winter landscape. It’ll make you feel happy to run in this jacket. (Kara is also wearing the Lux Funnel Neck, Scantron Tank and Flow Tights)

Time Out Sweatpants
No lie, I sent my sister a pair of these and she said they were the most comfortable, best fit sweatpants she’s ever worn. She’s had a LOT of sweatpants in her life so I feel like it needs no further explanation. 

Today only, shop Kara's Pro Picks at 15% off + each order ships with her personalized fan card. Use code KARA at checkout. Ends midnight PST on 12/11.

Lesley Knickers
Capris are a no brainer. They are the perfect solution to "oh it's a little chilly but I want my legs free for this workout." The Lesley Knickers let you have all the fun of tights without covering up your entire leg. The waist doesn't ride up or down (a rare find in capris) and the satin material might make you feel your booty a few times on your run, just sayin. (Steph is also wearing the Suspension Shimmel)

New Lesley Tight
Run, coffee, repeat. I've stayed in these pants all day and never felt the post run cold that hits if you don't shower. The lining is so gentle and soft you can't even feel when you haven't shaved your legs for 2 weeks..oops. 

Pickybird Raglan
I'm partial to the Pickybird Raglan for a number of reasons. Of course it's half Picky Bars so the shirt is freaking science. Its fit is flattering yet comfy with its scoop neckline and soft cotton feel. Lounge around the house paired with sweats or throw it on over your Go Joggings and meet a friend for coffee.

Wazzie Wool Base Layer + Track Attack Pants
Do I even have to give a reason why Wazzie Wool is one of my top picks? I mean just order it, feel it, enough said. For reals, it's like hugging your best friend all day long. It layers well over t-shirts for cold temp running and under the Katron Vest making a serious fashion statement. My favorite look is the over kill burgen with Track Attack Pants + Katron Vest, seen here staying cozy before my 16 miler in 20 degrees.

Charcoal Joggings
These should be nicknamed "Casual Joggings." I love that you can finish a run in these, with no residual butt sweat, throw on some boots and a vest and boom you're dressed causally. This is exactly what I did when I had to rush to a Rock n Roll expo and speak on stage. 

Stride Short with Zip Pocket
5 months pregnant ran mile race - 5:45! Riley's mile PR. Don't ride up, don't ride down, can wear while growing a human and they grow with your expanding hips.

Katron Jacket
The obvious reason this is my favorite piece of gear is it's warmth factor. I live and train in Flagstaff where winter temps reach below zero so to have the Katron keep me warm without the bulk of a snow suit is a big plus. However the versatility in the styles makes my morning outfit choice tough. Hmm black, burgen... pullover, vest.. crap I'm late.

Suspension Shimmel
The suspension shimmel keeps everything in place when I hit the gym for my core and strength routine. It fits snug where you want, around the chest, shoulders, and back but loose over the abs so you're not showing some skin during planks. If you wanted to do that you would have worn just a sports bra!

Shop Steph's favorites at Steph's Pro Picks.

Last month a group of our local birds met at Lincoln Park to cheer on three of our teammates: Lauren Fleshman, Laura Hunter and Cathleen Knutson at the Club XC Regional Championship in Seattle.

Watching these women trudge through the mud with determination on their faces took several of us back to last year’s Club XC National Championship in Bend, OR. Also fighting the elements but much colder than our Seattle rain, we came away from a challenging course with a sense of accomplishment from being a part of a team that was committed to racing hard. We walked away with a memory that would stick with us forever.

This year’s Club XC Nationals Championship is in Bethlehem, PA at the Lehigh University XC course (12/13/14). We will have several women from our racing team competing there. Some of them will be scoring for their local XC teams others will be representing Oiselle unattached and not scoring for a team. We have one scoring team: Oiselle-New Jersey. Some of these women are XC veterans, several are racing their first XC race ever and for some this is their first national XC meet. We will be cheering enthusiastically from a far as they “Dash through the Mud or Snow!”

OISELLE TEAM LINE UP

Jen Found
Oiselle-New Jersey

How many Club XC Nationals have you raced? 
I have run six Club XC championships: Montana, Stanford, Portland, Tacoma, Long Beach, and Vancouver. A few of those were club/world champs selection combined before they split them.  Vancouver and Tacoma were straight up Nationals not club champs.

Goal?
To race like a badass!

Most memorable XC race for you?
Being 2 time 4A Kansas state champion in 1986/1987 (87 season I was undefeated) and finishing 19th in Vancouver at USATF XC Nationals back in 2001.

Allie Bigelow
Bull City Track Club Masters Team

How many Club XC Nationals have you raced?
This will be my fourth!

Goal?
My team wants to avenge our fourth place showing from last year and crack the top 3.

Most memorable XC race for you?
Honestly, it has to be racing last year on that dreadful course in Bend but having both my BCTC and Oiselle teammates around me and all the Oiselle Open women cheering wildly for us Masters Women! It was an epic day, to say the least.

Jennie Kormanik
Team Ohio-Oiselle

How many Club XC Nationals have you raced?
This is my second.

Goal?
I'll be shooting for a top 30 finish, but when it comes to XC the primary goal is always to just to stay tough the whole way!

Most memorable XC race for you?
1997, Barnesville HS, freshman year. Our team was DIII state champs. We worked hard, and laughed hard all season long, and it paid off!

Strong women, left to right! Mel Lawrence, Kara Foster, Caitlin Comfort, Lauren Fleshman.

Kara Foster
Unattached-Oiselle

How many Club XC Nationals have you raced?
This will be my first!

Goal?
I would love to be in the mix of things in the lead pack.

Most memorable XC race for you? 
I don't think I can say any one memory is specifically my favorite, but I can say that my favorite thing about cross country is that personal bests and specific events don't seem to matter. When everyone steps on the cross-country start line, they are cross country runners and previous performances and times on the track or other courses mean almost nothing. Everyone has an equal playing field and that is the course in front of them.

Lauren King
Oiselle-New Jersey

How many Club XC Nationals have you run?
This will be my first Club XC National race. I'm excited to be racing on a team filled with such great women.

Goal?
My goal for this race is to run fast enough that my college coach (I ran track and field at Lehigh) doesn't say to me: "Kinger, this is why you were a high jumper/sprinter."

Most memorable XC race for you? 
This will be my first XC race as an adult. However, I did run for two years in high school. My favorite race was my last, as a senior at Holmdel Park NJ.  It was the state championship race and the stuff XC is made of: hills, rain, mud, and guts! There was so much camaraderie on the course, because everyone was going through the same struggle.  It was a beautiful thing and the perfect cap to my high school career.

Aysha Mirza
Oiselle-New Jersey

How many Club XC Nationals have you raced?
This is my first nationals ever and I am terrified!

Goal? 
To leave my heart out on the course. To give it everything I have and then some. This is my goal race for the year. I am nowhere near racing at the same level as my 16 year-old HS XC self. That's the goal for next year. I miss those times, I miss that girl, but for now I can give it everything I've got.

Most memorable XC race for you?
I have two: Having the fastest course time going into county champs senior year of HS and winning the first xc race of that same season. My coach kept telling me all season that every girl I was up against was faster than me, and every race I took the lead and proved him wrong; Reverse psychology, anyone? The first race was crisp, clear, and my coach told me that the first girl on the opposing team was too fast for me. We toed the line, the gun went off, and I took the lead. She stayed with me, but I broke away. At an out-and-back point, my sister, racing quite a bit slower than I (whom I had guilt-tripped into joining the team) said to me, through the fence, with such conviction: "Aysha, you can do this. She's behind you. You're so far ahead. Keep going." I'll never forget her face, her words pushing me forward; the memory itself brings tears to my eyes, every time. I remember finishing, watching my competitor come in after me, and saying to myself, I can do this. Senior season is mine. The final dual meet of the season, I won by such a large margin against a girl that really should have taken it... I remember finishing the race, turning around, and then standing, shocked at how far ahead I had been. I couldn't have won the last race without winning the first. There's no way I would've had that confidence. My heart and soul loves XC. Those final straightaways, they're my favorite. December 13th, I'm giving it all I've got. Legs, don't fail me now.

Megan Marshall
Nittany Valley Running Club

How many Club XC Nationals have you raced? 
None, This will be my first one!

Goal?
PR & have fun!

Most memorable XC race for you?
Running at Division II Regionals in Nebraska for my 5th year of eligibility.  It was cold & windy, but the team still stuck together in a pack and had fun! We missed Nationals as a team by one spot!

Beth Gillespie
Oiselle-New Jersey

How many Club XC Nationals have you raced?
This will be my first XC race ever!

Most memorable race memory?
It was a perfect day for a race. The sun was shining, the sky a perfect fall blue, and the temps comfortable. I was one mile from the finish line, my legs getting really heavy when the ground turned from grass to a sand mix. I knew I was on track to set a PR but I had to figure out how to hold on. I had been chasing my best friend for most of the race, but she had pulled ahead of me. I was considering slowing my pace when through the trees her voice floated back to me "Come on Beth. Let's finish this!" Her encouragement filled my heart with courage, and gave my spirit the push it needed. This was going to hurt, but I knew I could do it. I felt like I was literally flying as I neared the finishline. The PR was mine, and my favorite blonde runner was cheering her head off as I finished.

Laura O'Mara
Delaware Valley Track Club

How many Club XC Nationals have you raced? 
This is my first club nationals. I haven't run a XC race in 5 years!

Goal? 
Have fun, establish a competitive racing team with my club and run around 25 minutes. 

Most memorable XC race? 
Just being a part of a team all 4 years in high school & college.  My sister and I were teammates throughout both and I loved racing with her. She & I are racing on the same team for Club Nats.

Faye Hellman
Unattached-Oiselle

How many Club XC Nationals have you raced?
This is my first!

Goal? 
As this is my first XC race since high school, my goal is to enjoy the competition and to fuel the fire for more XC races - and to not get spiked!

Most memorable XC race?
My best XC memory was when a teammate and I worked together throughout a race so that we both obtained PRs and placed in the top ten.  

Birds of a Feather Long Sleeve
Birds of a feather is the prime example of 'look good feel good'. It's a detailed, gorgeous top - a great #flystyle option. But then take it on a tempo, and it makes me want to fly.

Lace Tags
Lacing up flats before a race or workout, I get a glimpse of the tag, and it's like a secret smile spreads through my body. It's a reminder that what I am doing is my own... I have chosen this... I love it... and there are people out there who understand... who share in the secret.

New Scantron Bra
The colors are like candy. I didn't think it was possible to improve on the design of the first Scantron strappy. Lesson learned... never doubt Bergesen. The straps are thinner, which creates a beautiful outline. But it still gives great support. (My metric is the period test. As in... when it's that time of the month, and I want to avoid bouncing at all costs, the New Scantron is the only bra I will wear. Run without fear of boob pain!)

Moto Lesley Knicker
Knickers are awesome for cool weather workouts. They keep leg muscles compressed and happy, but I never overheat. And the design on these is beyond flattering. (Kate is also wearing the Livinit Jacket and Wazelle Long Sleeve)

New Lesley Tights
Lesleys are really the only tight I run in when temperatures go super low. Warm and insulating, but not over the edge of too bulky. (so, I don't get that feeling of sluggishness from all the winter layers).

Katron Pullover
Katron pullover and jeans = winter uniform.

Lucky Long Sleeve Top
What I love most about this top is the neck and collarbone details. Subtle but adds a feminine side to such a technical top. 

Wazelle Long Sleeve
A great long sleeve shirt is everything. Seamless, wicking and antimicrobial....this is a great long sleeve. (Kate is also wearing the Moto Lesley Knicker)

Charcoal Joggings
Loving all the tights this season, but the Joggings are my original "going out" leggings. As in... I would much rather grab these than a pair of jeans when heading to do errands. 

Wazzie Wool Sweatshirt
Woooool. When my mom moved us from Los Angeles to Utah, I had to do a crash course in how to survive (thrive!) in a winter climate. Enter: the magical wool base layer. The material is the ultimate example of how you really can't improve on what nature has made. Wicking and insulating, I plan to live in this all winter. 

Today only, shop Kate's Pro Picks at 15% off + each order ships with her personalized fan card. Use code FASTK8 at checkout. Ends midnight PST on 12/04.

Christy Cazzola is one of the most distinguished and decorated NCAA Division III track and field athlete in history. She graduated last spring from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with 17 national championship titles. She was a standout high school track athlete from the start: winning a state championship in the 800m as a freshman and then a cross-country state championship as a senior. When I first read about Christy what inspired me the most was her dedication and commitment to pursuing her dreams

What some people might not know about Christy is that she took a very non-traditional path to her current track successes. She decided as a senior in high school that she wasn’t going to go to college right away and take a scholarship to run. She decided to wait and take some time in the real world first to find out who she was and what she wanted to be. And that is just the beginning of this amazing women’s story: During that time Christy worked different jobs and in the process met her husband Shuma. Three years after her high school graduation she had her son Noah in 2006. One and a half years later she decided to go back to school. It was that year that she tried out for the Oshkosh cross-country team and ended up helping her team get to the 2008 Cross-Country National Championship race.

KMet: Christy, tell me looking back on that first year of college and training for cross-country, how did you juggle all of that: 1 1/5 year old, college classes, training schedule, husband, working full-time? I think of the typical college student and you seem far from that…what was it like?

CC: It wasn’t always easy, but I was excited to learn and challenge myself to succeed in ways that I had not tried before.

The next interesting twist to her story: At the NCAA Div III cross-country meet – Christy knew that she was pregnant with her soon to be daughter, Kaya. When Kaya was born the next year, Christy took a break from running while continuing her education and then two years later was back at it: her second season of collegiate cross-country and later in the spring her first season of collegiate track.

KMet: Once you came back for your second season of running after having your second child what was it like being around teammates whose lives were very different from yours? Was it hard to relate to each other?

CC: I think I always stood out as different. I never let my teammates get away with making excuses. I was always honest about the process and the path that we were on. I wasn’t accepted by everyone, but I was respected and made lasting friendships with those who treated me as part of the team.

Over the next three years Christy claimed 16 national championship trophies. Her senior year she won three titles in indoor track (Mile, 3k, DMR) and three in outdoor track (800, 1500, 5k). Along with that she set 2 National Division III records in the 800 (2:03:45) and in the 1500m (4:14:20). After both the 2013 and 2014 collegiate track seasons, Christy qualified for the USA Championship. It was last spring where we met up with and spoke with Christy regarding her potential future with Oiselle.

KMet: Knowing your story one of the things that became very apparent to me was the fact that you must have a strong internal drive to set goals and get things done. What kept you motivated throughout your college career especially with the breaks that you had between kids? What motivated you along the way?

CC: My vision. I have a picture in my mind of what I want to achieve and I had to remind myself, in the very difficult moments of my career, that I have to always remember and focus on my dream and my vision. It is MY place in the world and that’s where I want to see myself.

KMet: If you were to give advice to a runner who is working full-time or going to school full-time and who also wants to train at this next level what would you tell them?

CC: The best thing you can do is prioritize and plan everything out. In order to do that communication is key in connecting all the people involved in the process that allow you the time and places to achieve your goals.

KMet: You had to spend a lot of time building strength back up after each child, what specific things help you get back in running shape and helped strengthen your core?

CC: I think being patient and listening to your body is most important in getting back into shape after giving birth. I had to take my own “baby steps” to get stronger and more fit. I would do wall sits or leg lifts while the baby is napping or while they are doing self-play. I remember strengthening my own back when placing my babies face down on their stomachs. All parents do this to challenge and strengthen babies, it’s also how they learn to roll over, so don’t be weirded out, those of you who are not mommys.

KMet: Did you have a role model that inspired you along the way? Someone specifically who inspired you?

CC: I have had several women inspire me and I have had so many mentors and role models that have helped me develop into the person I have become. My high school coaches, taught me to make goals. My college coaches showed me how to use dynamic social situations to create competitive environments and how to be political with my speech. Really, everyone in my community whether they accept me or not played a role in shaping me as an individual.

KMet: Now after graduating from Oshkosh in the spring and getting started with your professional running career, what does your typical day look like now?

CC: Right now I am just getting back into training. I have been swimming and lifting a lot with a basic running program. I usually get up at 5:30 to work out and then I do homework until I go to work in my graduate assistantship at the educational leadership office from 12-3. Then I go home to my children and we spend time together and prepare for the next day. That is what a normal day looks like, but as we know things tend to change, especially when training is dependent on weather here in Wisconsin.

KMet: Tell us what your fans can look forward to this spring? What races are you most looking forward to?

CC: I am excited to work hard and improve my times. I am still working and planning my schedule for Spring, but the goal, of course, is to make another appearance and place better than the last year at USA National Championships!

This weekend Christy will be racing at the Race for Light in OshKosh, Wisconsin. Follow @oiselle_team on Twitter for racing updates on @fivecraycazzola and more!