I’m an Anne Lamott fan, and there are two passages from her book, Bird by Bird, I have always held dear:

“Thirty years ago, my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report written on birds that he'd had three months to write, which was due the next day. We were out at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books about birds, immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead. Then my father sat down beside him put his arm around my brother's shoulder, and said, "Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.”

And:

“Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life, and it is the main obstacle between you and a shitty first draft. I think perfectionism is based on the obsessive belief that if you run carefully enough, hitting each stepping-stone just right, you won't have to die. The truth is that you will die anyway and that a lot of people who aren't even looking at their feet are going to do a whole lot better than you, and have a lot more fun while they're doing it.” 

A lot has been written about goal setting. There are books and seminars and retreats and gurus. But what I’ve found to work, both personally and professionally, more than anything else is the simple premise of daily dedication combined with a willingness to be vulnerable and even fail.

What if we set goals while being free of fear?

What if we chased success, but also knew failure could make it an even better story?

What if we always remembered, as Lauren Fleshman says, that the best of sport is a playground, not a proving ground?

So it’s 2018.

And we’d like to get things kicked off - and ask for your help in creating a community "Prologue." In literary terms, a prologue is not just an introduction, but more importantly, a setting of the stage. It’s the pause before the first step. For running goals, we see it as a gathering of ideas and information – and dreams and thoughts. It can be for the year, or simply the near term. It can be big and dreamy. Or it can quiet and personal. It can be something you share. Or it can be a secret note to the self.

But there is always a goal. And a moment of knowing…when you go from turning it over in your head, like a smooth rock found on the beach, to something you can see with your eyes, and feel in your heart. Something that lights the horizon.

The last couple weeks of 2017 had me dreaming about goals in a way I hadn't done in awhile. My eyes lifted, and I got excited to refresh the things that fuel me (writing; could I do it daily or weekly?), to see the people that inspire me (run lovers; as a brand, could we show up big for our team, our community?), to keep fighting for equal rights and visibility (feminist voices rising), and yes, to do those small, bird by bird activities that ultimately form the bigger picture.

Prologue. The start of a story. The story of 2018...

We hope you’re scheming and dreaming on some goals for 2018. To help you on your way, look for limited edition Prologue cards in web orders starting this week. Or download here. 

Dream them and write them. And share with #MyPrologue. The story is just beginning, and we can’t wait to hear yours.

Happy New Year friends! I hope to see you on the road, track, and trails sometime soon.

Xoxo

We are proud to say we have had another wonderful year at the Nest. We’ve shared wins from hosting our first race, to growing our run community, getting sports bras in the hands of young women, and stretching the boundaries of design. But it would be amiss to say that 2017 didn’t throw some shade our way… As Sally likes to say, “let’s share our highs and humble pies!”

So here it goes, our highs and a couple bonus humble pies…

"Landing an awesome job as Volée ringleader at Oiselle! And, launching the hub for all things Volée, The Arbori!" - STEPH WILLETT

"Wilder Running Retreat: I broke my toe the week before the retreat and couldn’t run at a running retreat, so I had to find peace with my body, which set me on a path to do the same internally. Much needed in a turbulent year!" - DAVID 

"The ever-growing community that Thursday Night Flight Club (TNFC) brings to Oiselle is always a high. After hosting our high school team nights this fall, we were approached by one of the coaches about having students join our weekly run at the store after the season had ended. I felt it was such a compliment to have young women want to be a part of our group on the regular. It really shows the inclusivity for all to join TNFC is working. No matter your speed, size of your clothes, if you run with a pup or with a stroller, young or old -- you are welcome to join. So proud of what Brenda and I have created and its evolution. Also, winning the University Village Halloween contest, so fun! and so proud!" - VALERIE

"Having Ally join us at the Nest on the Customer Care Team has been a true highlight of the year. Because of Ally, Oiselle delivers the best customer care - and we just love her! Another high was meeting Volée members out on the trails. To be able to recognize that you're teammates, and share that special bond instantly, is one of my most favorite thing about the Volée." - BETH

"Running the Boston Marathon!!! Qualifying for Boston in 2016 was so exciting, so the anticipation of finally getting to run this historic race was an awesome experience. Meeting and walking to the start line with fellow Volée members, seeing Lesko and Heather at Cowbell Corner, and my family at mile 22, made the day that much more special! A runner high that lasted a long time and still gives me chills of excitement when I reminisce." - JENNIFER 

"I love being a part of a team that shows up for each other - and knows how to do shenans as hard as they know how to hustle." - ALLY

"Getting engaged and buying a house! Also, welcoming Libby to the team and turning responsibilities over to her capable hands. Bonus humble pie: Our orders from wholesale customers had a snafu that led us to redo everything for a week!" - MARYANN

"The people! The best thing about working at Oiselle is the people we get to work with every day! We welcomed several new people to The Nest this year, and meeting and getting to know the new HQ Nesters (Steph, Rachel, and Ally), plus getting to work more closely with people in new roles (Hannah, Kristina), has been wonderful. Another highlight was Muse Conference in Bend. What a fun weekend! Seeing Sally present in front of a room full of hundreds of women is always a treat. Combined with the road trip and Nest adventures (Smith Rock, team dinner at Picky Bars HQ) it was one of the best weekends of the year. By the end of the weekend, everyone was exclaiming (led by Beth McAlpine) – I LOVE Bend!" - KATIE 

"My top product related podium moment this year was the launch of our Flyout Collection. I'm a trail runner, so creating technical product made for running on trails and in the mountains was close to my heart. Our team did a great job of finding innovative fabrics and creating beautiful designs that perform and feel amazing on your body. I've run (and skate skied this winter!) in our Flyout styles in all weather and they've become my go-to Oiselle pieces." - STEPHANIE P

"We donated a collection of styles to people in Ukraine, who have lost their homes, belongings and in some cases, families. We helped an orphanage filled with teen age girls who were in need of functional apparel as they had lost everything. And, my rockin’ niece Emma! She graduated from high school and had her first grown up professional experience as an e-comm assistant, preparing photos for our site, supporting Volée operations, etc! Bonus humble pie: Surprise styles! Were a surprise hit, surprisingly popular, and in some cases, surprisingly repetitive (uh three same pants?) ...thank you customers, for your patience with us, as all we wanted to do was to surprise you with the best product at killer prices, and it came with a little um baggage...?" - ATSUKO

"Where do I start? Getting to photograph the Fall 17 line alongside two incredible photographers and an amazing crew of women in Friday Harbor, watching my two best friends kick ass at USA's, photographing both the Wilder Running Retreats and the Kara Goucher Podium Retreat. My favorite: shooting the Holiday 17 campaign! Bonus humble pie: Not paying enough attention to water intake at USA's (Sacramento summer heat) and coming back home to Seattle with a severe case of dehydration... oops." - JESS

"Going from the amazing Oiselle store, to an internship at the Nest, to graduating from college, and then to my full-time dream job was a clear win for 2017! Bonus humble pie: I forgot all the outerwear... to an outerwear photoshoot... on Mt. Rainier... Over two hours away..." - HANNAH

"My first great moment I’m really happy about in 2017 was training for, and completing, my first 50K the Chuckanut. Bird camp in Wisconsin was also great! Getting to know Volée team members better and experiencing the greatness that the team creates." - ALISOUNE 

"2017 was a big year of change for me. My oldest baby flying out of the nest and into college. I was prepared for thinking about how it would change her life, but hadn't focused as much on mine. Woah. My heart ached, tears on the pillow, everything. And yet, seeing her take hold, especially within her soccer team, led by a woman coach, has been mom bliss. It also reminded me to cherish the next four years, with the younger one still at home. It sounds cliché, but the beautiful imperfection of each day, year, moment...is everything! Bonus humble pie: there were parts of community building that perplexed me in 2017. I saw that one of the biggest fights for women's equality is often among women. At both conscious and unconscious levels (and I include myself in this), we have to unlearn what modern culture teaches us... to see each other first as foes, and only later as friends. As I look forward, I want some Wonder Woman-level duality, accepting girls and women for who they are, while also fighting hard for the tenets of feminism (equality for all women). As Emma McIlory, founder of Wildfang said to me once, 'I show up for people, and show up big.' Yes please." - SALLY 

Thank you 2017 for teaching us through all the highs and humble pies. We welcome 2018 with lessons learned, experiences gained, and an uncontainable excitement!

A big thanks to our community for always sharing their best flystyle mixes and matches. Here are just a few of our favorites from 2017!

We look forward to seeing even more iconic Oiselle styles in the year to come #FlyStyle 

Hey O! 

This is it friends our last TNFC of 2017! We did it. You did it. Week after week, you showed up. You tried new routes and luckily no one got terribly lost (as far as I know). You muscled through some crazy yet memorable hills and had no reservations letting me know how you felt about said hills. Your candor made me feel right at home.

Throughout the year you all indulged our little bird brand and said yes to so many crazy Flight Club shenanigans. You participated in our first scavenger hunt. You were adventurous and went on field trips during our traveling summer series. You ran during the awful wildfires, as well as record hot days and frigid temperatures proving that the elements were no match for your drive and discipline just to run. 

We grieved local and national events together and just kept showing up for each other. Some of us experienced loss. Loss of a family member or beloved pet. Loss of a job or friendship that no longer nourished us. Some of us had health challenges and injuries. When words failed us, companionship saved us. When we felt lost or helpless our legs kept showing us the way and we kept running. 

Together we celebrated birthdays, promotions and the arrival of baby Jack (Paula's son). Some of you ran your first 5k, half marathon or the whole enchilada (a full marathon). Others ventured into ultras, team relays or volunteered at races. Time and time again you showed us that no distance or subject matter was off topic for you. 

The greatest sign of trust came when you brought your friends and loved ones to the store. Sometimes you brought them for a run, other times simply during business hours. You wanted the people you love to know how important this space and community is to you and for that we are grateful. Thank you. 

Thank you all for flying with us this year. Join us this Thursday as we reminisce and reflect on 2017 as well as scheme up adventures for 2018. I'm all ears! Here's to a joyful and healthy 2018! Happy New Years friends! 

Brenda Alvarez

From falling back in love with running, to receiving a silver medal, to hosting another running retreat, the past year definitely held some special moments.

Here are Kara's top moments in 2017 -

1. RUNNING THE GARY BJORKLUND HALF-MARATHON AT GRANDMA’S MARATHON. 

I loved running this race!  It was so wonderful to put on a uniform for the first time since the 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials. The city was so supportive and it just reminded me of why I fell in love with running in the first place.

2. RECEIVING MY SILVER MEDAL IN LONDON.

(Or receiving a silver medallion while the IAAF still tries to get me the actual silver medal). This was an incredibly healing moment for me.  I have waited 10 years to be the rightful silver medalist and although it doesn’t fix what was lost, it was a very special moment for myself and for clean athletes. I really appreciated it.

This experience has also been amazing. Important. Productive. It has taught me patience, to stay true to my beliefs, and to have faith in the good of others.  Although there is so much that I missed out on, I get to share this most incredible moment with my husband AND son.  It means so much more to me today - after all I’ve been through fighting for clean sport the last few years - than it ever could have before. - Kara on Silver Medals and Silver Linings

3. MY PODIUM RETREAT 2017.

I don’t know if it was the thin mountain air or if we just had the best retreaters ever, but the vibe at the retreat this year was off the hook. There was so much sisterhood and positivity - I am still feeling like I’m on a high just remembering it. It makes me feel like I’m truly contributing to the world in a positive way and it gives me purpose.

My retreats are probably my proudest accomplishment. Women empowering women.

& that's a wrap on the year.

Welcoming a baby girl into the world, adding to the Picky Bar line, and the returning to the familiar feeling of a joyful run.

Here are Lauren's favorite highlights from 2017 - 

1. THE BIRTH OF MY BABY GIRL

20 minutes before she was born, I was told I was ready to push and everyone started readying themselves around me. Carts wheeling, supplies laid out, doctor getting prepared. I just held Jesse's hand and started to cry from relief. We got this far. She was going to be ok. She was going to be born soon. Pregnancy was going to be over. Life would never be the same. I knew this is a way I didn't when my first child was born. It felt so incredible to anticipate the magic. And there were of course, many many tears once she came out. All the kinds.

2. LAUNCHING PICKY OATS

After seven years in business, we had launched new flavors of Picky Bars, but never a new product line. I was nervous. Obsessive. Then we put ourselves out there to raise money from our community on kickstarter and I got even more freaked out. But then the packages arrived, beautiful and stark. It tasted exactly the way I hoped it would. Sweet sweet relief! Followed by a huge rush of excitement. We finally had Oats! 

3. DECEMBER 10TH RUN. 

After 5 weeks of tiptoeing back into running after 6 months off, a totally inactive pregnancy, and recovery from birth, I had just about gotten used to running feeling pretty awful, but loving it anyway. I was grateful for movement, even if that movement was lumbering along feeling uncoordinated. But then there was this run. I had to talk myself into continuing one mile at a time for four miles but then I just started flying again. I slipped into a new gear, I felt coordinated, the ground was giving me something back for a change. It lifted my spirits so high I felt brand new.

Every year has a different flavor, and a different end-of-year feeling. 2017? Well, I’ll classify it as a growing year. And growing can feel uncomfortable in that breaking the husk, sending out shoots kind of way.

1. Transition to Haute Volée Team Manager.

I knew it would be hard to fill KMet’s shoes. She is the gold standard of emotional intelligence and straightforward support. But I am so thankful to be in this role at Oiselle. What a gift! I love hearing from the hundreds of talented women who write and call in (although I do wish we could sign each and every one—Bob told me I’m basically a crazy cat lady but instead of cats it’s women runners. I planted a money tree and when it starts flowering, get back in touch with me!).

I love meeting my heroes and getting to chat them up about their track and field journeys. I love hearing our elites’ ins and outs of training, injuries, and life. And nothing beats the thrill when someone has a breakout moment. [Lyndy Davis, I’m looking at you!] It’s a huge honor to be on this ride and to play even a small supportive part in our Haute Volée’s personal successes. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And thank you, Volée, for supporting our team.

2. Embracing Change.

Ugh. Change is hard, right? But what I’ve seen over and over is that change can be so energizing. And it is NECESSARY FOR GROWTH. This year I’ve really tried to roll with the punches. Heather Feather leaving to WeRoam the world? Mother-F yes we miss her but without her leaving I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to work with the gift of Steph “best Sally Rabbit portrait” Willett. (The glasses definitely gave her portrait an unfair advantage.) Love that woman.

Deciding to go with one BigBirdCamp2018 instead of our awesome Regional BirdCamps? Scary! But our preliminary planning has me so excited and motivated that I can’t wait for next August! Take me to Pennsylvania right now haha!

Instead of trying to chase past moments, I’m working on being open to what is next. Change = opportunity.

3. Now I’m just going to cheat and list all of my other favorite moments of 2017.

In typical Oiselle fashion we did so many things I can’t even remember them all, so I have to audit my pictures.

The Tenacious Ten: our first race baby! Don’t miss it in 2018.

Track and Field World Championships in London. A perfect vacation, my 25^th anniversary present, 3 hours of the best T&F every day and that steeple final. 

The eclipse, Zadie Thomas entering the world (!), and my boys: I love you! 

And, I can't leave out Bras for Girls! My favorite Oiselle program. 

2018, let’s see what you got. 

Oiselle has always believed in putting athletes on the runway. Real athletes. Real apparel. We first went to NYFW in 2013 (remember Lauren Fleshman's abs?)

When we returned to NYFW in 2014, Kara Goucher joined us, and our ten athlete models made such a memorable experience. 

Since then, we've been looking for the next idea, without simply repeating the past. Then 2017 happened. And we decided to go a step beyond putting athletes on the runway: we're giving those athletes a voice on the runway. 

Oiselle is excited to present our first Runway Slam on Saturday, January 13th in Seattle: an intersection of sport, feminism, and fashion. 20+ athletes and leaders will help us launch our Spring '18 line by wearing new Oiselle and delivering a spoken (or musical) piece. You're not going to want to miss this. Our presenters include Lauren Fleshman, Charlotte Austin, Kelly Herron, Tori Franklin, and many many more. We hope to see you, please purchase your ticket here, spots are limited!   

It has been Oiselle’s absolute honor to sponsor Stephanie Rothstein Bruce since 2014. From her refreshing openness regarding her running (and momming) to her passion and involvement with our team, Steph has been a fantastic role model for all of us. We know Steph will continue to inspire and fly, and will always be part of our run family! We love you, Steph! 

For the last 3 years of my professional running career, I have been fortunate to be part of 2 companies, 2 families. Oiselle and Hoka One One. I say fortunate because it is atypical to have 2 main running sponsors paying you very well. Both of these brands supported me 100% through a situation that is not very common in our sport. After I gave birth to my 1st son Riley, I signed with Oiselle with their belief that I could come back from pregnancy and return to competitive training and racing. Bob and Sarah Lesko supported me in a way that allowed me to not rush back, avoid getting hurt, and provide me with the time I needed. Shortly after, I began working with Ben Rosario as he guided me week by week in my post partum comeback. He was beginning to form a group of professional distance runners alongside his wife Jen, out of their own pockets. He had faith in each person he brought on the team, and within a short time, the team starting winning cross country titles and running huge PRs. HOKA ONE ONE came on and signed our group and thus Hoka Northern Arizona Elite was born in Flagstaff, AZ.

If you followed my career you'll know that as I was making my way back to fitness in 2015, we got a little surprise. I found out I was pregnant with our 2nd son Hudson. At a time when athletes were either not stopping their careers to have babies, or penalized for getting pregnant in the running world, both Oiselle and Hoka said "congrats once again" and "we can't wait for your return after baby #2". I have come to know and love both brands, beyond just the shoes on my feet and the singlet on my chest. Yet I have hit a cross roads and a choice was always on the horizon.

Starting in 2018, I will be partnering with HOKA ONE ONE as my exclusive footwear and apparel sponsor. I am grateful that for the last three years I have been able to represent two awesome companies, HOKA and Oiselle, in what was a unique situation. Once HOKA launched its apparel line, however, that situation was no longer viable. And since HOKA sponsors my team, it made the most sense for me to remain in my current training environment and with my current training partners. I am excited to begin wearing the HOKA NAZ Elite kit in races and HOKA apparel for all of my training and grateful for HOKA's support. I hope all that makes sense; I feel like I'd be remiss if I didn't stay on the transparent course I've always committed to and share my decision with you.

I want to thank Sally and the Leskos. The last time we were together we shared a big hug and tears as they told me good luck and that they would always be superfan-ing me. Thank you to Heather, Meg Murray, Sarah Mac, Katie G, Lauren, Kara, all the crazy cowbellers, and all the Oiselle fans who have cheered and supported me so passionately and loudly over the last few years. It truly made a difference. I hope I gave back just a fraction of what you gave and left a piece of me with all of you.

Here's to a new and exciting chapter with the Hoka Team, coach Ben, and my NAZ Elite squad.

In the call to write a company’s annual recap, is also a call to remain perfectly centered, unimpeachably rational, and – often for women – to always be positive and pleasant, just like the commercial world likes us best.

But you know that’s a call we don’t always pick up! And we’re pretty far down this path of keeping it real – just like the sport of running taught us to do.

Truth be told, 2017 changed what it meant to be a women-led company.

Somehow, the top things we loved about running, like the niceties of daily exercise and hanging out with friends, became radically new and turbo charged. We sprouted jet packs and capes. We filled theaters with wonder women, and flooded streets with marching feet and rising arms. We spoke out and we woman-ed up.

Some people asked if this was our place. “Stick to sports, stick to clothing, stay in your lane, don’t weigh in…” they said in the comments. But it was too late. Our hearts were already on our #flystyle sleeves.

Yes, 2017 was different.

But just like every year for a growing business, it was a mix of wins and losses. We had highs… like hosting our first road race in Seattle (Tenacious10), launching innovative new fabrics and styles (hello Flyout), and cheering on athletes in Boston, Sacramento, Chicago, New York, and Richmond. Our online community and business continued to grow in the double digits. And we launched the Podium Project, plus a sports bra donation program for middle school girls, and celebrated traditions in women’s running (sub-4:30 milers, we're tracking you!)

And of course there were lows. The retail environment continued to be challenging, brick and mortar chains closed, and social media platforms made it harder for businesses like Oiselle to be seen (even by our own followers). We saw changes in staffing too – but also brought on new women with fresh energy and viewpoints. Lesko and I started to see change as an opportunity, even as that change felled her with a six month ankle injury.

2017 was also the same in some good ways.

Oiselle’s direction remains true. We love designing beautiful, hard working, technical product. We love growing a team of badass women. And we believe in the sport at every level. We’re honored we got to do that in 2017, but look forward to doing even more in 2018, and as we stride toward Tokyo 2020!

Every year -- any year -- is only made possible by our believers. Our friends, family, customers, teammates, allies, supporters, the people who know that in life, and this sport we love, there is no secret, we just keep going. I can't over express my gratitude. I hope to cross paths with you early in 2018. 

Until then...Head up, wings out!

BY: KENDRA CHAMBERS

Change. 

It can be scary. Change is defined as: to give a different position, course, or direction to. Some people hate change while others crave it. In our sport of track and field change CAN come swiftly and fast and sometimes unexpectedly. One minute you're in front and the next you are in the back; or one season it’s working out great when in another season; eh, not so much. So, for elite athletes change can be a way of life.

My biggest change of 2017 was to end it and start out 2018 with a completely new life. Although I am a big fan of change and have been known to enjoy big changes especially when it comes to my track career, this was by far my biggest yet. I was raised and lived the majority of my life in Texas. My comfort is there including friends, family, familiarity, my alma mater (HookEm!) and life as I’ve always known it. After a disappointing 2017 season, I decided to move to a new training group in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I decided on this big move in about two to three weeks time and set deadlines and move-out dates immediately after the decision was made. Even though it may seem like I had it all figured out I honestly didn’t. I hit the panic button and had no idea where to start, how to truly just say goodbye to my home for last 20 years and just… leave. 

Neale Donald Walsch once said, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” 

I want to continue my climb to the top in the United States as one of the best 800 meter runners, so I knew this was the move I had to make. I truly know that I haven’t reached my full potential and I need to be surrounded by the best of the best. So what better place was there to go than to train with two of the best women in my event? I’ve always eagerly tried to put myself in situations where I was surrounded by the best in all aspects of life. I am a sucker for challenges that seem out of my reach. All along I’ve used my faith in my God and His will over my life to combat doubters and my hard work to show it rather than speak it. This is just another challenge that I am embarking on and now I have the beautiful Oiselle Nest of sisterhood and support to share this amazing experience with me.

I honestly haven’t done much exploring but I have gotten a dose of the snow, cool air, fall leaves and snowy and muddy trails. Philadelphia is diverse in its landscape; full of big rocky hills and mountains, tall trees, and small rivers, all located in the city outskirts all while having a scenic and bustling city center just a few miles away with tourists and visitors. It is such beautiful city with rich culture and a lot of history, full of helpful and diverse people. I’ve enjoyed getting lost driving to practice trying to memorize my routes. I’ve enjoyed the feeling of change and newness. The snow, cobble stone, the churches, the big bridges, crazy traffic and city lights make me feel like a real city girl now. 

I’ve been able to wear my awesome Oiselle gear that keeps me warm on long run days and track days when the high is only 30 degrees. The entire dynamic of my surroundings have changed but ONE thing has not: my goal. I continue my search in finding the strength to adjust to a new and tough program all while being patient with myself and not rushing true growth and lasting transformation. I must say the best part of my days consist of getting to know my new training partners. While some of us knew each other prior to my big move, getting to know and meeting new people is what life is all about. My new training group is filled with beautiful and special people who I’ve come to cherish and respect over a short period of time. The warm welcome from my new coach and team has been an amazing one and I can't wait to show the fruits of our hard labor on the track in our upcoming seasons.

Change. It’s an interesting concept and if you have anything in your life that you’re unsure of: you already know the answer. Long before the choices sit before us we know what our hearts truly desire. Risk it all, every damn time. Regardless of the odds, what people say and what it looks like on paper. My God is greater and little is much when God is in it! My journey has taught me lots of things. The most important is by far: change is inevitable. At some point the race will change, the training will change, the weather will change and life will change too. We can often fight or resist change when it seems scary or too much to handle. 

The great Barack Obama said, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” Look deep inside and actually live, no more waiting. I promised myself when I began this journey in 2014 of attempting to be the best professional 800 meter runner that I, Kendra Chambers could possibly be, that I would give it my all and when I was done I’d be able to look back and say: "Ok, you gave it all you had” with no regrets. 

I will forever fight for my dreams and goals. Change is part of life, it can look ugly and unappealing or it can come disguised in a pretty package. Regardless, take it in stride, take it in at your own pace and never run away from it, for change truly is what keeps the next chapter interesting. Sometimes life will throw us an opportunity to present a different position, course, or direction to take our journey. Take it! I am truly blessed that this opportunity came knocking and I will not take it for granted. Change is the answer to your question, your desire and your goal. It is truly a beautiful thing!

Kendra

“I run because I can. When I get tired I remember those who can’t run, what they give to have this simple gift I take for granted, and I run harder for them. I know they would do the same for me.” - Unknown

I lost my leg to cancer in 2001 and I always worked hard to make sure I could do everything the same way that I did before the amputation. I wanted to stay “normal”. That is why I started running in 2016. I also thought it would be something nice to do with my husband who has been a runner for years. The only problem was that I didn’t have a prosthetic leg to run with and my walking leg was heavy and uncomfortable. So, I started to search for a prosthetist who could make me a running blade. The problem with getting a running blade is that it is very expensive. I was lucky that my insurance was willing to cover part of the cost, but I still had to contribute a few thousand dollars to the leg. I had to be very sure that I wanted to run. It isn’t like throwing away a pair of running shoes you don’t like. With a blade you invest a lot of money so you can’t just decide that you are not running anymore. Luckily from the first time I tried on my blade and took a few runs, I fell in love with running and I truly felt like I was flying.  

I started with running short distances and I had convinced myself I would only be a short distance runner. I really liked the 5k distance. I seemed to find this distance easy and I even started winning races in my age group. It was an amazing feeling to compete with “normal” runners. I've never wanted anyone to feel sorry for me and that is why I work so hard. I added a bit more distance to my training program and I started running 10ks, but I never ran more than that. In December 2016 I ran my first Half Marathon. I actually signed up to run the 10k but the day before the race I thought why not try the Half Marathon and see how my blade and body handle the distance. WOW, I totally surprised myself. It’s amazing what the body can achieve if you put your mind to it. I finished that race in 2:06 and for someone who was running on a blade, had not trained for a Half Marathon, and had never run that distance before, I thought the result was pretty good. I have now gone on to run a sub 2-hour Half Marathon, which I would never have dreamt a possibility as an amputee. Oh and ironically, I absolutely hated running when I had two legs.

I started to enjoy Half Marathons and I thought I would stick to this distance. I always thought a Marathon is for the really fast and good runners and people who have been running for years, but an opportunity came up for me to run the Chicago marathon and I honestly thought again “why not? Let’s see what happens”. I obviously didn’t think clearly about what it would be like to train during the summer months. Living in North Carolina the summers are brutally hot and humid. I started my training journey and to be honest, some runs were just awful and I sometimes wondered why I am doing this. Then I would get days when I went for my long run and everything just came together and my run felt amazing. I was on a runner high for a few days after my first 20-mile run. Nothing beats that runner’s high.

The Chicago Marathon was amazing. The crowd support helped me get to that finish line and I still can’t believe I actually did it and I am now a Marathoner. It is seriously one of the best feelings in the world. I remember thinking to myself at mile 20 “why am I doing this?” because I felt like I couldn’t lift my legs anymore, but I pushed through and finished the race. When I crossed the finish line I felt so incredibly proud and I qualified for Boston too. I knew then that I will definitely be running more Marathons. So now my training starts for the Boston Marathon in April 2018 and I am so excited. I have a huge race goal but I am willing to fight for it. My goal has always been to inspire others to run and I do hope that with them seeing me out there running that they will do it too.

The best thing about doing any race is the support I get from my fellow runners and that I can inspire them to do better. I can’t even count the number of people who came past me and patted me on the back during the Chicago marathon. People saying things like “You go girl”, “So inspiring” or “ You are such a bad ass”. I also get a lot of feedback on my Instagram account about people who didn’t feel like running, but when they see my post they put their running shoes on and go out for a run. I’ve had runners comment that they saw me at a local race and they were so tired, but when they saw me they realized that if someone can push through the race with one leg, then what is their excuse. That is why I continue running races. I also have my motto “What is your excuse?” on the back of a few of my running shirts. 

I’ve been asked a few times by others, what it feels like to be an amputee runner and if I am prone to more injuries. You can compare it to wearing a really nice pair of cushioned shoes that give you a really nice bounce, but you have to get used to it and it takes time to build up trust with the blade. I get injuries just like any other runner, but a lot of injuries will normally happen on my good side as my good leg takes more of the impact when I am running. I normally wear a thigh compression on my leg to protect my IT band. I also get issues with blisters on my stump which can seriously knock you for a few days as you can’t put a band-aid on it and continue but thank goodness that doesn’t happen often. The weather does crazy things to my stump. In hot weather my stump gets swollen so my leg doesn’t always fit well. In cooler weather my stump shrinks so my leg can slide off. Actually this has happened before. I have learned to work around it. In Summer, I sleep with a compression sock on my stump to keep it from swelling too much. In Winter, I just go with the flow. Sometimes I have to stop to pull my leg back up. Thank goodness I have never fallen flat on my face, ha, ha, ha

People ask me if I need to buy both shoes. Unfortunately I do, but I always ask the shop assistant if I can get half price. It is hilarious to see their facial expression as they don’t know what to do. They don’t want to discriminate against an amputee, but they have also never dealt with a question like that before. I have a lot of brand new left shoes in my cupboard so if anyone is looking for size 9.5 left shoes, please contact me!

Happy Running!

Jacky Broersma