BY: DEVON YANKO For most of my running career, I feel like I've been harboring a dirty little secret: I take rest days. Not sometimes, not as needed, like religiously take rest days. Complete rest, unless you count walking to/from my car to get a massage. It is almost incomprehensible for me to run on Mondays. I manage to be a high mileage runner and rest like a boss once a week. But I never felt like rest was something that was celebrated in social media. Much like being “busy” has become a weird status symbol, so did not resting. When I was working on 3am bakery shifts and running to the bakery at 2:30am after 4 hours of sleep, I was constantly told how badass it made me. It didn’t feel badass, it was necessity and always grinding without rest, recovery or sleep simply made me physically deteriorate. I couldn’t race well during those years because I wasn’t resting. And without rest, you cannot be the athlete you work so hard in training to be. So why isn’t it celebrated, hash tagged and splashed all over social media? Thankfully I am not the only one who thinks this way. Enter #restdaybrags. Created by my friends Amelia, Jonathan and Caroline to glorify rest. Rest day brags is making resting great again and encouraging more people to enjoy their rest days and see it as a crucial part of training. I for one have enjoyed following their Instagram and seeing so many people embrace the movement. For my part, it has made me consider even more how to make my rest day brag worthy (room service french fries, anyone??). We interviewed the Rest Day Brags team to learn more about the message and movement (errr… you know what we mean).

DY: Tell us the idea behind Rest Day Brags? Why this hashtag? Why Now?

CB: #restdaybrags is just that…bragging (in a classy way, of course), and glorifying REST as a crucial part of training. A rest day is a FULL day of NOTHING, in order to allow the body to decrease inflammation and come down off of the high intensity training that it has undergone the days prior. The hardest part about taking a day off (as we all know), is the mental aspect of taking a day completely off. It actually ends up being the best training of it all - to learn and train your brain to view a rest day as PART of “training”.

When your idea of productivity clearly doesn't match what Garmin considers being productive... #epicrestdays #restdaybrags pic.twitter.com/sqiHycDLub

— Rest Day Brags (@restdaybrags) May 16, 2017

DY: How did you three find yourselves working together?

CB: JL you’re good at this answer….

JL: Well, believe it or not it all came together because of a pair of taco socks. I was racing The North Face California (wearing a taco themed team uniform in the marathon relay, of course) and Amelia and Caroline were watching the 50 miler (with Devon!). Caroline saw the socks and said something to Amelia, and the connection was made later that day. God bless tacos.

Jokes aside - a tweet from Amelia’s coach to which Amelia responded to saying “why do the hard days get all the love? What about the off days, where the recovery and gains really happen??” which was incredibly well received, and a movement was born.

When my Garmin tells me to "Move!" all day after a hard workout pic.twitter.com/yQgSdV3Enh

— Sally Bergesen (@oiselle_sally) July 6, 2017

DY: It’s becoming quite the movement - why do you think it’s catching on?

CB: #restdaybrags catching on because people are starting to feel the effects of burnout and adrenal fatigue more and more due to high amounts of volume in training, paired with work, life, and other stressors. It is a REAL thing, and when it is finally identified as something that is affecting multiple areas of one's life, it

AB: And whether or not we like to admit it, people look for a way to receive validation for their training on social media - it's why there are accounts with tens of thousands of followers where it's just pictures of run statistics or a snap of their Garmin with their "epic" runs. Celebrating rest days gives folks another way for validation - it gives them a means to connect with others, and to know that part of training IS resting.

JL: Totally. People feel a connection to another sense of community, just in a very different way. People are cheering each other on for taking that extra (and necessary) day off, or eating that comfort food that brings us so much pleasure. Amelia’s coach prescribes “Burger Sunday” (or a plant based alternative) which is a high quality Rest Day Brag in and of itself, giving honor to your body by fueling it with what we need to recover, and if something brings you joy, there’s no reason to limit / restrict it. Part of what we’re trying to build here is the understanding that food/nutrition is such a key aspect of training, and so many athletes are underfueled, so we want to help remove the stigma there too.

DY: Favorite Rest Day Brag to date?

Brunched too hard. #restdaybrags pic.twitter.com/70Dp8facU5

— Rest Day Brags (@restdaybrags) April 1, 2017

CB: One Sunday, I forced myself to do absolutely nothing. I moved 189 steps and I talley’ed up 11 hours on the couch that day, along with 5 meals and some Dairy Free Coconut Cool Whip. Does that count? ;)

JL: Resting so hard today I can’t even be bothered to clean, so I hired a maid. #minimalenergywasted”  

AB: the one that started it all - beers in the shower, just because.

Clear my schedule, you can find me on this couch all day today. #Friyay #restdaybrags pic.twitter.com/sig7iWcktn

— Rest Day Brags (@restdaybrags) June 2, 2017

DY: Wish / message / promise to the over-spent, under-rested runner? Why should they #restdaybrag too?

CB: Runner, swimmer, CrossFitter, badminton champ….it is all the same. Overtraining is like dehydration… by the time you start to notice it, you should have already began to make a change. SO, incorporating rest into your routine (even when you “feel” like you may not need it), is necessary because it then prevents you from getting to the point of no return. #maintenanceiseverything

Our friend Brad Stulberg says it best in his book: “stress + rest = growth” The rest days are where the magic happens. If you can’t run fast on your fast days, it’s probably because you’re doing too much on the easy/off days! Let’s remove the stigma of “more is more” and help people feel better about making the smart (and often harder) decision to listen to their body!  

So, there you have it. The rest days are something to be respected and celebrated, so go forth and give yourself those well deserved days off!

BY: MARIA MICHTA-COFFEY, OISELLE HAUTE VOLÉE

This year has been the strangest year. For starters it was the season that wasn't supposed to be, because my husband and I planned to start a family. But if there's one thing that holds true: life is what happens while you're making plans.

The hardest struggle was physically training for a season that I believed I may not have. I positively reinforce and visualize myself obtaining goals. The problem: I couldn't visualize myself being pregnant mid workout and expect that to push myself. And on the flip side if I visualized myself racing in London was I mentally stopping myself from conceiving?

It wasn't until sometime mid January when I realized I needed to totally let go of all hopes, plans, and expectations. I needed to get comfortable being uncomfortable, with no well defined long term goals. I focused more on the now, the moment, the daily trials and tribulations. I took life (training, teaching, and personal) day to day, no more than a week at a time. I call this period of my life: limbo.

I hesitantly waded through this limbo. Like running on a trail at dusk, you ultimately know what will happen but you are way more cautious and calculating because you can't clearly see the path in front of you. You don't appreciate the beauty around you because you are so focused on having that foot land on stable ground.

Since I'm off to represent Team USA at Worlds it's safe to say we are still a family of two. And now that I've had some practice at this whole limbo thing I've gotten better at handling the unknown.

April started off well. I qualified for Pan Am Cup off of a race that I felt underprepared for. And then boom, in a blink of an eye my head is coming up, my body thrown back into my seat and my car is in the back of the car in front of me. I had my first car accident. While in the scope of things it was very minor, it left me with possibly several broken ribs.

Then was the call from my doctor with my MRI results. Unfortunately, I had a tear in my meniscus that would require surgery. I don't know why hearing that made me want to break down in tears. I had already raced on the knee to qualify for Pan Ams and was having no pain at all just persistent swelling. But I guess actually knowing there is something wrong and thinking it's a possibility just sit differently. And so I hung up the phone and tears streamed down my face and I clenched my ribs because I still wasn't well enough to cry without pain. And that was the lowest point of my season.

Credit: AP/ MOLLY J. SMITH / Statesman Journal

But when life is busy, it continues on whether you're ready or not. You find the strength to persevere and push on. My chiropractor left me with powerful words, "we don't treat the MRI we treat the patient." I was going to have to be smart with my knee, but the greatest challenge would be not to let it mentally get the best of me. It's funny my knee made me feel vulnerable despite not actually causing pain, while my chest that hurt so bad I couldn't laugh but made me feel determined. It took almost three months to be able to get through training with out feeling my ribs, to be able to sneeze, to be able to wear a heartrate monitor and more than half of my Oiselle bra collection (lived in the Lux Verra Bra for a few weeks!).

Since outdoor nationals where I officially qualified for Worlds I've had a solid string of training. The heat and humidity has been in really challenging here in NY. But just like every other adversity it only seems to make me stronger. How do you know you are heat adapting? Well when it's 68 degrees outside and you're cold enough to put on a hoodie! 

I'm really psyched to be headed back to London. I have such fond memories from my 2012 Olympic experience. Just thinking about being back makes me giddy with excitement. I think one of my keys to success there the first time was I soaked it all in, appreciating and savoring every moment. I never worried about how I was going to do or what people wanted from me. I just enjoyed every opportunity that came my way and capitalized each to the max, including my race! I focused on what I could control and rolled with what I couldn't. You can accomplish a heck of a lot with the right attitude focusing on what you can control and being flexible with the rest!

Credit: AP/ Charlie Riedel

It's always interesting to talk about goals before a major championship. I have both tangible and intangible goals. The first is always is to make myself proud, to never give up or in, dig deep, push on forward and earn a smile when I cross the finish line. That's the only goal I can be 100% in control of, and I can achieve that goal anywhere any time. At World's I get a rare opportunity to battle it out with the best of the best. I always thrive in a competitive racing environment.

My next set of goals come in two flavors, time and place. Time is dependent upon external conditions such as weather which while London typically can provide a favorable climate (like in 2012 for my Olympic race) our race is brilliantly (insert sarcasm read with British accent) scheduled for 12:20pm, the heat of the day. I know I have a personal best performance in me and in the right conditions am capable of breaking 90min (~7:15mile pace). My season best is 92:46, PB 90:49, and world championship best 93:20.  As far as placing goes I would love to be in the chase pack mix, hunting down people who went out too fast and finish top 15. In 2015 I had a conservative start due to weather conditions and closed strong to finish 20th, my highest finish. But you can only control you and I'm out there to race, to battle and to beat as many as possible being the fiercest version of myself.

I thrive off of positive energy. London 2012 was the best race of my life (PB at time of 92:27) because my entire family was there cheering. I fed off their excitement and beamed in a smile every time I passed them. In fact I drew energy from seemingly the whole crowd, those cheering for me directly, for USA, and even those screaming for the Irish girl racing next to me. Tapping into the energy of the crowd really made me enjoy the race in the moment, even if my body inside was suffering. It's amazing how a simple "go Maria go!" or a "U-S-A" can really strike a chord mid race! I hope to do the same again, spotting my husband and TEAMmate Miranda's parents in the crowd as well as the Lesko's. I look forward to being empowered by their cheering and the positive vibes of everyone back home. When I race it's not just for me, and I really mean it, the  "U" in USA is for all of YOU back home! 

I can't wait to take you all with me on my journey and draw strength from your encouragement and positive vibes. So cheers to seizing the moment, enjoying the ride and earning that post race smile!

"There is no absolute standard of magnitude." - John Gardner

On August 21st, there will be a total solar eclipse — the first of its kind since 1979. It will be visible within a roughly 70 mile wide path, which looks a bit like a homecoming sash across the United States. It will last 2-3 minutes, depending on location.

​Oh Eclipse. How magical you will be.

And while your astronomical roots are fascinating, yours is also a tale of understanding light, dark, and relativity.

Historically, the term eclipse, or to be eclipsed, is a negative; meaning to be blotted out, covered up, or overpowered.

An eclipse can take the form of a personal struggle, a setback, a loss. In sport, it can be injury, age, loss of motivation. These events blot out our light, our sun.

Bae Bra

But to surrender to the notion that these darknesses exist in totality - and are permanent - would be as foolish as to believe that the moon is as big as the sun. And that darkness will never subside.

Like the moon in its two minutes of fame, problems can feel all encompassing and total. We can be gripped by apprehension, anxiety, and a throat tightening fear that this is it… this is my unhappy reality… forever. But then it passes. Or we learn how to survive, and change.

I’ve had many eclipse-like moments in my life. A broken heart, a death in the family, a lost job, or a convergence of bad news. And always that stomach gnawing, head-pounding end-times anxiety “I feel _____ (sad, scared, afraid, broken, etc). Will it ever go away?!”

But the sun and the moon get the last laugh.

They continue on their paths.

And the light returns.

Lesko Bra and Pocket Jogger Tights

Eclipse is a call to persist.

As women, as athletes, as runners, we know that we can endure. That we have an unholy capacity to keep going (some say it’s a result of our biology; able to create life, withstand childbirth, and provide for offspring). Women are strong as hell, burning bright and with constancy like the sun.

Eclipse is a dare for acceptance.

When we’re tested, it’s not just about squeezing our eyes shut, waiting for the threat to pass. Like the protective glasses we’ll wear on August 21st, we learn to welcome the darkness. Or, like the elite athletes in my life have taught me to do, we invite the (pain, fear, darkness, etc) into the core of our being, and in doing so, take away its power.

Eclipse is a reminder of female complexity.

Women are complex. And diverse. And flawed. And contradictory. We have great powers for good, but we are also fallible. Eclipse, and the incongruence of light and dark, reminds us that we have more work to do. Culturally, we need stories, heroes, athletes, narratives that cast women beyond stereotypes such as the good girl, the temptress, or the earth mother.

Verrazano Bra and Hi Ten Bra

Eclipse is an invitation.

From us to you. To keep running through every spectrum of light and dark. And as the season goes on, and the days get shorter, to continue. To embrace the winds. The cold. The long trails, and nearby roads. To be able to venture out solo, or to stick together - with your crew - through the short, cold hours.

It is the thread through darkness. From us to you, and from you into the world…your beautiful, temporary, dark and lovely ECLIPSE.

Sports bras are tricky technical pieces. You want them to be tight, but not so tight you are sneakily pulling your chest band away from your body for a decent breath of air. You want coverage, but not so much coverage that your armpits become rubbed raw by an intrusive high seam. Finding a trusty sports bra is a complete balancing act. But once you find the right one it becomes a longstanding friendship filled with a whole lot of sweat and love.

Here is the complete breakdown of our bra lineup, including two new additions - the Brilliance Bra and the Bae Bra! Our design team gives us the highlight of each bra, as well as a guide to compression and support levels.

THE OISELLE BRA LINEUP

BRILLIANCE BRA

Every season we strive to develop a bra that works for more body types and although we know there are still improvements to be made, we feel good about the steps we're making. For F17, in addition to market research, we also reached out to some local Volee members to get feedback regarding their current running bras- pros, cons, wants and needs. Some of the details we added to this bra included more supportive, wider, cushioned straps, an adjustable chest band, and a higher neckline. Visually, we really wanted this bra to look equally as good on the body as it did function for the body. Some of those details included mesh paneling, angled design lines, and shaping seams. This is officially our most supportive bra yet.

LESKO BRA

The Lesko Bra was designed to be a staple sports bra ready for any activity. With its simple racerback design it can easily be worn with any top. Another compression level 2 bra that balances support and comfort.

BAE BRA

The Bae Bra was an update to the Hi Low Bra which we have had in the line for a few seasons. We wanted to keep some of the details such as the adjustable straps and contrast side fabric, but update it with a higher, more supportive neckline, and back mesh detailing that is flattering, breathable, and still holds structure. This bra is a level 2 compression- great for B-C cups. 

VERRAZANO BRA

The Verrazano bra is one our classic styles that is perfect for any distance. Designed with four straps to reduce pressure points and now available in Paintbrush Reflective. Also, a level 2 compression bra, it is a great choice for A-B cups, but can also work for some gifted Cs!

HI TEN BRA

The Hi Ten is an ideal run to rumble piece. At a level 1 compression, this bra is a perfect fit for A-B cups. We designed this bra to be supportive while having minimal coverage, and a lightweight feel. Fun fact: it’s not uncommon to fall in love with the comfort of the Hi Ten and replace all your casual wear bras.

For even more information on bra fitting visit our bra size information page.

We hope this provides you all the bra information you need to go forth and find a fit that lifts you up, holds you tight, and makes you feel ready to run!

Heather McWhirter! You all may know her as a one of the women behind the lens of the Eclipse Collection. But, not only is she an insanely talented photohrapher currently pursuing an MFA in Photography at Academy of Art University in San Francisco... she is a wife, mother of two 2, 2016 Olympic Trials Qualifier in the Marathon, instructor at Plantlab, graduate of Colorado Institute of Massage, and has completed 10 marathons! Wow. Crushing it. Get to know her a little better...

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

HM: My backpack has my camera gear. Ready to go at all times! Along with my wallet, phone and keys. Oh and emergency Picky Bars (which my kids often snag) and a water bottle.

JB: WHAT DO YOU DREAM OF? 

HM: In my youth I dreamed of making the Olympic team as an athlete. As my life evolved, so did my dreams. It’s still being a part of the Olympics, but now on the sidelines. With a camera in hand capturing heart-bursting moments of the Olympic Games.

JB: WHAT TIME DID YOU GET UP THIS MORNING? 

HM: 5:30. I need quiet time to myself before my family awakes. This helps me maintain some sanity through the day. Quiet time is hard to come by in my house. I have two very rambunctious little boys. The world is mine for that hour! I’ll enjoy a cup of coffee while I read. Go for a run. Or I’ll be out taking pictures at the beautiful “golden hour.”

JB: WHO DO YOU ADMIRE?

HM: I admire my family and all of the incredible friends I’ve been blessed with in my life. They all have taught me so much about life in different ways. All of which I appreciate so much. I wouldn’t be who I am without them.

JB: WHAT IS YOUR SECRET SUPERPOWER?

HM: I have an uncanny sense of smell. Which I have to admit was a terrible superpower to have while pregnant and the years of daily diaper changes. Overall, it’s kind of an awesome superpower to have. It’s come in handy many of times.

JB: WHAT ARE YOU LEARNING RIGHT NOW?

HM: Photoshop. It’s a beast of a program to learn, but oh so worth it!

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

HM: Seattle and the San Juan Islands to photograph Oiselle’s badass women athletes! #badassladygang

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

HM: Definitely, my husband. He is my muse, my best friend, my sounding board, my partner. He’s patient with my 1001 ideas and questions. He truly makes me want to work harder and be the best version of myself every day. Always supporting me through any endeavor. We are a great team!

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

HM: Back to school for the kids and me. As my son recently said to me… “This was the best summer ever!” I couldn’t agree more!

Big thanks to Heather McWhirter for crushing it. Keep your eye of for more of Heather's photgraphy throughout the Fall season. 

FEEL LIKE A FRAUD? YOU ARE NOT ALONE

BY: LAUREN KRAFT

There’s a tipping point, in any sport, where a woman feels that they can stake some kind of claim to their title. But, for some of us, the idea of laying claim to honorifics like Runner, Athlete, Sprinter, Distance Runner, Ultra-Runner, seems incredibly lofty, especially if we showed up late to the party. Some of us grew up playing sports, so the feeling happened when we were young and without too much work. I’m the guy who showed up late. 

At 25 years old, I was 85 pounds overweight, pack-a-day smoker, heavy drinker and terribly depressed person. I was managing a restaurant. I had no real hobbies. I lived only for the pleasure of the day-to-day. I had no ability to see beyond whatever was on deck for evening plans.   

I joined a weight loss program and the first chunk of pounds just fell off with healthy eating. But eventually, I plateaued. I arrived at the dreaded stuck point. Still a smoker and quite sedentary, I was still averse to becoming one of those people. You know, the women with the bouncy ponytails and the bright clothes and a zeal for life that can make one uncomfortable. I hated those people. 

But, when I return to that feeling and ask myself why, I come to a clear conclusion:  I was jealous. 25 year old me would have fiercely rejected this answer, but in the end, it is the truth. I hated them because I didn’t know how to become them.  That kind of life seemed so far beyond my reach.  I had never cultivated any kind of discipline. I was completely unaccustomed to discomfort. I didn’t know a thing about pushing myself other than to get myself out the door at ten pm on a Friday night.    

I’ll tell you the truth of the matter, and I’m not proud of it:  the initial desire sprang from sheer vanity.  I was drinking at a bar with my sister and this hot little 22 year old girl with a mini-skirt the size of my headband turned to me and said, “Ya know, you look like somebody famous”. I was enthralled. I had been feeling so low, uncomfortable in my own skin and was preparing myself for a compliment.    

“Oh, yeah? Who?” I smiled. 

She hiccupped out the name of an extremely overweight actress. That was it. It was all I could take not to cry right in front of her.    

The following morning, I dug out an old pair of swishy shorts from my closet. I walked onto my porch, (a place typically reserved for drinking beer and smoking cigarettes), stretched out the ‘ole hammies and set out on my maiden voyage. I made it about six houses before I felt like absolute garbage. My stomach itched, my lungs burned and my legs felt like logs. 

Upon my return, I spotted a young neighbor boy perched in a busted lawn chair, “Did you just go running?” 

I think I did. 

I will tell you: it sucked for a long time. I didn’t wake up and magically sprout wings. I struggled on the struggle bus for months, maybe longer. And I didn’t always get it right. I tried (even triathlon). I failed (I can’t swim to save my life). I asked questions (how do you stop all your parts from rubbing when it’s 90 degrees?) I ran a 5k in three layers of FLEECE. (Lord Jesus, how did I not die?)

After sticking with running and cycling for a while, the last few pounds came off. But despite shedding the weight, the feeling that still clung like fly paper was that I was a total fake. They were going to find me out.  They were going to show up to my race, see the blackness in my lungs, the extra skin hanging on my belly, the crappy 90’s workout wear and they were going to call me out. “TOURIST!  IMPOSTER! FAKE! THIS PLACE IS FOR REAL RUNNERS! OUT! GET OUT!”

I had worked hard. I had achieved so much.  And yet, my grasp on any kind of title felt so tenuous. I ran my first half marathon, my first 50k, my first hundred mile race. And still, I felt like a girl who invited herself to the party. I felt like I could wake up the next day and it could all be taken away, every medal, every achievement, all of the weight loss.  And the reason why I could not celebrate myself was because I felt intrinsically unworthy. Now what the hell sense does this make? I was out there moving my actual body through actual space, sweating, grinding, and working my ass off! Why could I not roll down the windows of my car and scream, “I AM A RUNNER!”? 

Because I was taught not to. I was taught never to cheer myself on. I was taught that self-love was synonymous with egotism. 

Ten years later, I have learned an incredibly valuable lesson. I learned that every single woman on the track or the trail fears the same things that I do. I know you don’t believe me. But I swear on my life it is true. Elites? Olympians? The women you run with every week that you think, she is so fast, I bet she never doubts herself.  ALL OF THESE WOMEN FEEL WHAT YOU FEEL. I met my running hero a few weeks back. And you know what she told me?  She told me that she had doubted herself. That she had felt every single dumb thing that I ever feared: You are fat, you are lazy, you are old, you are slow, you are not worth it. And for a moment, it totally broke me. This was the strongest woman I have ever known. How could she feel these things? It’s not possible. But after a minute, I realized something. I realized how incredibly united female athletes are. We are united by unspoken shame.

And you know what that made me wonder? WHAT WOULD WE BE CAPABLE OF IF WE ACTUALLY BELIEVED IN OURSELVES? Our bodies can recover from the damage we cause in a race. But, the damage we do to our spirit when we tell ourselves we are not good enough is indelible. I want female athletes to unite for our strengths. I want us to stop apologizing. It is so easy to make a list of things we don’t like about ourselves. Make a list of the things you are the master of. 

I am so grateful to running for all it has given me. I have learned so much from the glory of a win and, even juicier and more potent: a miserable failure. I know now that I started for all the wrong reasons.  But I stayed for all the right ones. Running has granted me transcendence. And that has more staying power than anything vanity could ever afford me.   

After ten years of running I have finally discovered that an athlete’s acceptance into a sport is not based on her ability; it is based on her attitude. Sometimes, I regret that it took me so long to learn that.  What I don’t regret is the scar that shame and unworthiness has left on me. Because the scar reminds me to tell every woman I meet that she is, without a doubt, worth it. 

With the Eclipse Collection having just launched, there are a variety of new styles that need to be formally introduced by our fellow birds! From new tights to our ultra-soft Lux Tanks in stunning new colors, our Volée team members put them to the test. 

MORENA -  POCKET JOGGER TIGHTS (yeah, you heard that right... tights)

CAN YOU GIVE US YOUR BASIC RUNDOWN OF THE POCKET JOGGER TIGHTS?

I predict that the Pocket Jogger Tights will quickly take the place of my Go Joggings as my go to cool weather running and soccer game spectating tights. I tried the Burgen Pocket Jogger, a color that is always a favorite because it seems to fit into my wardrobe (running and non-running) almost as easily as black items. These tights fit me lengthwise similarly to other tights--they hit just at my ankle. The fabric is compressive in a way that makes my muscles feel as though they have just a smidge of help as I run. These observations aside, the feature that makes these tights a true winner is pockets. The Pocket Joggers are a longer-legged sibling of the Pocket Jogger Capris with the same large zipper pocket at the back of the waist--similar to the Go Joggings' pocket but with the zipper placed horizontally at the top rather than vertically on the pocket side. The second, third, and fourth pocket are also the same. The perfectly-sized-for-a-phone pocket on the right thigh is doubly neat because the pocket fabric is reflective.

WHERE DO YOU WEAR THEM?

Well, it has not been cool here is Seattle so I have not yet worn the Pocket Jogger Tights for a real run but they feel so much like other Oiselle tights that it's the other features (pockets!) that will make me pull them out of my drawer early in a laundry cycle. I am looking forward to doing a run in these tights at 45 degrees. They have a solid feel that I think will double as great tights for fall soccer game sidelines. That said, the technical details that make these tights great will also preclude me from wearing the Pocket Joggers to work. I just don't think that I will be able to get away with boots and sweaters paired with the reflective phone pocket.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THEM?

I love the details that go into making these tights comfortable. I'm into the waist height of these tights because they don't hit my gut in weird places and they stay put once I've pulled them on. I'm definitely into the pockets on pockets on pockets. I feel good in, and good about, these tights!

ANDREA - THE FLYOUT SHORT SLEEVE (same great fabric, updated length)

CAN YOU GIVE US YOUR BASIC RUNDOWN OF THE FLYOUT SHORT SLEEVE?

Flyout tee—what more can be said about the quality of this fabric? It's light, comfortable, and moisture wicking. I usually wear a 2 in Oiselle tops, but this size 4 was still a flattering fit on me. I'm a crop top lover, and the length was perfect for tying into a side knot. +1 for versatility! My favorite thing about this top is its color. It is a beautiful periwinkle. The moment I saw it, I already knew that it would pair well with all my other Oiselle items.

WHERE DO YOU WEAR IT?

This is a true work-to-run shirt. The color is elegant enough to wear to work, which I did (and it's wrinkle-free!), and then perfect to match with whichever bottoms you throw into your bag for running afterwards. One negative about the color is that it showed underarm sweat; however, the shirt dried quickly and didn't smell, so I'm back in love with this color and this top!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT IT?

I love this shirt because of its versatility: You can run to work in it, wear it at work, and then wear it on your run back home. Maybe I'll test this out...;)

MEGHAN - LUX SATELLITE TANK (Lux, on Lux, on Lux)

CAN YOU GIVE US YOUR BASIC RUNDOWN OF THE LUX SATELLITE TANK?

You literally can’t go wrong with a basic racer-back tank. That style paired with the Lux fabric... well enough said! I’m a sucker for anything Lux. That soft, brushed fabric is heaven on my skin. When living in the Pacific Northwest I practically lived in the Winona Tank – Oiselle’s first Lux fabric, racer-back tank. Now paired with the Satellite silhouette you have another great staple to add to your wardrobe. Compared to the previous season’s Satellite tank the Lux version fits a tad tighter. It is a very comfortable and moveable fit – not baggy but not tight either. In addition, I think the nature of the fabric makes it feel slightly warmer. It will be the perfect Fall tank when temperatures can’t decide between warm and cold. As someone who prefers tops to hit right at my hip, and as someone who is average height (5’7”), I think this tank comes in a bit long. That said, the length definitely makes it the ideal tank to pair with tights on a casual day!

WHERE DO YOU WEAR IT?

This is quickly becoming my go-to casual tank that I wear EVERYWHERE! It pairs well with jean shorts to head to the beach, or the Roga skirt for a flirtier look. Since I’m no longer in the cooler temps of the Northwest this tank doesn’t often make it into the rotation for runs. Eighty degrees and humid is NOT the ideal temp for this layering piece but you can guarantee that once I see 60-degree weather again this will be my run tank for sure!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT IT?

Simplicity. I can’t emphasize enough my love for a simple racer-bank tank. It’s straightforward, no fuss, all business, and stylish. It meets every need – from high-demand workout to lounging at your favorite coffee shop. Pairing that with the Lux fabric was simply meant to be. How can you elevate a basic style – Lux it up!!

It’s 5:45 am and we’re standing amidst rabbit holes in a field on San Juan Island. The athletes in our photoshoot are doing some laps along the trails to warm up, and suddenly, the scenery stops my heart mid-beat. These women, dressed in the colors of the new fall collection, are wearing the sunrise. It’s an absolutely breathtaking sight.

As employees of HQ, we’ve had a bit more time with the line. We’ve been given the gift of seeing these styles hanging on the racks within our office. We’ve gotten to wear test them out in the world. And we’ve seen how they look and perform in the great outdoors. One of my favorite qualities of the Eclipse collection is how the colors call to be worn in the natural world. Somehow, the already stunning colors are even brighter, bolder, wilder in these landscapes. But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to begin. Here are some of our favorite color combinations from the Fall Collection.

SLATE + EMBER
Wear the sunrise as the morning sky rises. Some of our favorite items are the Hi Ten Bra in Ember paired with our Flyout Shorts in Slate. The Flyout Short Sleeve in Slate with any Ember bottoms (New Jogging Tights, Aero Tights, Aero Capris) are equally stunning.

SLAY STRIPE + SNAP
Bright and punchy. Made for a blue summer sky, but easily complements the reds, yellows, and greens of changing foliage. Roga Shorts in Snap and the Luxie Tank in White Slay Stripe are a combo worn often at the Nest.

TIDE + CURFEW
Let me sing the blues — these colors are subtle, sophisticated, and oh so interesting. The design team wanted a new take on navy blue this fall and Curfew certainly delivers, especially with the beautiful sheen of the fabric’s finish. The brightness of Tide and reflectivity in the Curfew Paintbrush Print make this  a great combo for larks and our owls alike. Some favorites include the Lux Satellite Tank in Tide with the KC Knickers in Curfew Reflective Paintbrush, as well as the Verrazano Bra in Tide with New Stride Shorts in Curfew.

SNAP + EMBER
Woman on fire, you wear those flames like the ones you stoke within. Ember Aero Tights with our Verrazano Bra in Snap are a winning look, as well as our Heather Ember Homerun Half Zip with Snap Rogas on the bottom. I believe that somewhere, Daenerys is running in this combo.

TIDE + BIG BLUE + BLACK
Rounding out Big Blue with hints of Tide and Black is one of our favorite styling moves this season. Bonus - Burgen works well in here too. Big Blue New Jogging Tights, our Verrazano Bra in Burgen, and a Tide Lux Satellite Tank — finished with a new Runner Trucker is a trail combo we can’t resist.

We can’t wait to see how you’re wearing the Eclipse collection! Post your pictures in Twitter and Instagram with #Flystyle to share your favorite looks and combinations.

Head Up, Wings Out!

A core component of our brand identity is being by women, for women. We consistently find ourselves starting brainstorming by asking, "how can we better serve women?" Ideas at the Nest often pass between desks through creative conversation that evolves into excitement, and then into a tangible idea. That very process is what led us to realize the obvious: we needed to have an all women photography team shoot our fall concept. We needed the female perspective to capture both the emotional and technical qualities we saw in the Eclipse collection.

Just like that, we sent off emails and by the next month we were crammed into vans, bags of products pressing the ceiling, spilling onto laps, and on our way to Friday Harbor. All female photgraphers, all female models, and an all female operational team. Here are the photographers who took the themes of the Eclipse Collection and brought them to life. 

Talia Green: "My imagery is typically very warm and features predominately women. I talk a lot about the female gaze and the reclamation of our space both in front of and behind the camera. I’m inspired by the beautiful complexities of women and the opportunity to capture those complexities from a fellow female perspective. My goal is always to explore themes of strength and intimacy – qualities I find to be both formidable and abundant amongst women. Aesthetically, I describe my imagery as a meeting point between analog aesthetics and digital execution. Although I do shoot on film, the majority of my work is digital – and I love pulling those film-like qualities across mediums."

Heather McWhirter: "I’d like to think of my style of photography as authentic. Capturing the moment so my photo "tells the story in itself." I enjoy reproducing the unanticipated stories of physicality and raw emotion. I try to find the in-between moments that go beyond the obvious that will have a stirring impact. I feel my most successful photographs are when the moment is recaptured as natural and uninhibited, as if my camera isn't there. I’m inspired by the moments we lose to memory." 

Jess Barnard: "I want to create what I cannot find. I don't care much for the shot of the perfect stride or the power pose or the staged calf stretch. I want the intimate moments - the pinning of the race bib, the last still moment before the gun goes off, the down on your hands and knees after a gut-wrenching effort. There is so much beauty + grit in those moments. As a new photographer, my work is constantly evolving as I discover my own truth as an artist. Inspiration is everywhere and I find it easily in the strong women around me."

The Eclipse Collection was designed to inspire women to run outside despite the various conditions of Fall and Winter. We want women to embrace the wild outside, and the wild within. Was there any idea or emotion in particular that you wanted to capture?

TG: Often, as women, we are forced into binaries. We’re labeled quickly, and categorized as either this or that. The beauty of this campaign’s concept, was that it embraced our complexities. This project provided the space to be vulnerable yet strong, to be tender and still powerful, and to find beauty in endurance and exhaustion. I think what resonated the most for me was the trust each of us offered and the space to be more than one version of ourselves. I walked away inspired by the environment of support and openness we created – not to mention we got to run around a gorgeous island filled with tall grasses and beautiful beaches. It was wild, for sure.

HM: My goal was to capture the raw beauty of each scene and appreciate the land we live in and around. I strive to capture those moments in such a way that the viewer of the photograph could imagine they were there, taking it all in and feeling the emotion. My goal was to create photographs that united both the emotional and physical demands, presented in nature, for the perfect point in time to capture unique and lasting memories.

JB: I had the pleasure and unique experience of documenting the experience as a whole. I was able to capture the connection, collarboation and creativity that stemmed  from this group of talented women. The emotion I strived for the most? Passion. Talia and Heather's passion to seize the light + darkness. Megan's passion to create + lead. Our models' passion for running + life.

Was being part of an all women photography team a unique experience for you? And if so, how did it influence your photography?

TG: Women supporting women. So much yes! I can honestly say that this was the first entirely female photography team I have ever worked with. And it was a dream. I’ve never left a shoot feeling more empowered by a community of women that I got to work with. I felt taken care of by my team, and I know they felt cared for behind my lens. It’s hard to be photographed – I think everyone can relate to that – and a huge part of what I do is to create a space where my subjects can open up to me in a way that feels safe and supportive. Beyond the incredible women in front of the camera, being one of three female photographers on this team felt like I was working alongside close friends and allies. There was no sense of competition, only support. We’d share images with each other after sessions, swapped gear when needed, and talked through shots and set ups that would elevate each of our imagery. 

HM: Being part of an all women photography team was a unique and wonderful experience! I left feeling inspired to take risks. I learned it's ok to go beyond the boundaries. I found myself even more passionate about supporting programs that grow female empowerment. I left this experience knowing that absolutely anything in this world is possible. Anything. 

JB: This was my first time working with a team of photographers and I wouldn't have it any other way! I was constantly learning - both Talia and Heather so freely offered help, advice, and anything else I needed. As a new-ish photographer, imposter syndrome set in quick, but was immediately diminished the second we all began collaborating. Heather let me borrow her Canon 5D Mark III + lens (I squealed), Talia leant me a memory card when mine suddenly went on the fritz mid session. Working along side them was a dream. 

From 4am mornings, to afternoon runs, and about five cups of coffee per day, we packed a lot of action into one weekend. What was your most memorable moment from the photoshoot?

TG: First things first, we did wake up at 4AM the entire weekend – and waking up before the sun on a regular basis is not my normal. But waking up to a creative director having prepared a full breakfast for a dozen people, is rare to say the least. We were all in it together and the excitement energized everyone. It was that sense of comaradery and general care for each other that got us all hyped for the long days of shooting.

In general, the highlight of the trip was the constant exchange of stories between women. For example, when we started our drive to the island, I had just been introduced to the six ladies riding in the car with me. After about two hours and a couple road trip games, we started exchanging stories that got personal very quickly. One of the women started talking about two runs in which she experienced hypothermia. Before I knew it, 30 minutes had gone by and I was playing back scenes from her story in amazement. She shared with all of us an experience more intense than I think most people know in their lives. Stories of endurance, sisterhood, and dedication framed the whole trip and made it more than memorable.  

HM: All the moments of laughter… those deep belly laughs! Being surrounded with an awesome team the whole weekend. The beautiful light we had during our photoshoots. It made the early mornings totally worth it! 

JB: Going off of Talia, it's pretty amazing how quickly the group bonded. The jokes, the stories, the why-the-hell-am-I-up-at-four, the car rides, the countless bags of Juanitas Tortilla Chips, the nicknames... For me, the most memorable moment was our last group photo together before we all took off. "I can't believe it's over!" "What's your Instagram?" "You better tag me in that!" "Call me if you need any adivce on your first ultra!". 

And last but not least, what’s the one Fall 17' item you can’t stop thinking about?

TG: The Flyout Shorts definitely made a lasting impression. As someone who does not identify as a runner, seeing the ladies fly through fields of grass and up mountains of sand made me want to run just so I could feel as strong as they looked in these shorts. 

HM: Aero Tights in Big Blue!

JB: Mile One Pullover in Black. Wearing it with my mom jeans as we speak!

In 2007 I ran the 10,000 meters in the World Track and Field Championships in Osaka, Japan. It was my first World Championship team and I was nervous and excited. On paper, I was only ranked 25th – easy to dismiss. But my training had been going well, and my coach and my husband wanted me to take a risk that race. If I bombed, no big deal. But if I put myself in a position to be in the top 5, and tried to hang on, something special might happen. Something special did happen.

I remember standing on the starting line – I was nervous. And intimidated. But as soon as the gun went off it was like any other race. We were running really slow, and the pack was huge. I was getting pushed out to lane 3 and decided to move to the front, sit in 3rd, and get on the rail. I couldn’t believe it when we had 3,000 meters to go and I was still holding 3rd. At that moment, two women took off and I led a pack for the third position. Jo Pavey passed me with a half mile to go and I was just hanging on. But with 200m left, my mind was made up. I couldn’t stop thinking about how hard I had trained for this moment. One of us was going to medal and her life would change forever. I mustered up everything I had and passed Jo as we went around the curve, sprinting my way to the bronze. I was in shock at the end – going crazy – acting like I won. It was the first US distance track medal at a global outdoor championship since Lynn Jennings won bronze in the 10,000m at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. I made history. What I had accomplished seemed impossible. That moment changed my life. I felt extremely lucky, and proud.

Kara recieving bronze at the 2007 World Championships: PhotoRun

I first heard about the disqualification of Elvan Abeylegesse back in August of 2015. A reporter texted me that her retest was positive for a steroid. I couldn’t believe it. I cried. I called my family. I was in a dark place – going through a very public battle with my former coach at the time – and the news gave me hope. But that hope quickly unraveled into frustration when weeks went by without hearing from the IAAF or USATF about the situation.

Then, in March of this year, Abeylegesse was officially stricken from the records. Again, I learned this from the media, not a governing body or authority within the sport. The more I read, the more frustrated, confused, and unsure I became of my own situation. What was going on? But this past Saturday I received an email from the USATF with a forward from the IAAF saying that I was officially the silver medalist. They were inviting me to take my place in an award ceremony in just 14 days in London. I was totally shocked and overwhelmed. It was a very emotional afternoon.

Celebrating after finishing the 10,000m

I have had moments when I get upset. I think about the money I’ve lost out on – prize money and bonuses that day, appearance fees for years afterwards. But the real tragedy is that I never believed I could be the best in the world. I felt so lucky to have won that bronze and I hoped for another opportunity to “sneak in” and nab it again. Had I finished 2nd, with only one person standing between me and a world championship, I think I would have believed in myself more. Maybe even truly believed I was one of the best. It has been painful and frustrating at times. But mostly, this experience has been good. I believe in clean sport and I believe that we should right every wrong that we can, even 10 years after the fact. I feel so grateful that the IAAF is giving me the opportunity to have my rightful spot on that podium. I feel like our feelings and frustrations have been respected and they are doing the best they can to give us that moment back – even if it is different and not the same.

This has been a crazy journey for me. It has changed my memories of the event - made me look at a race and experience that I had remembered so fondly, and now look back at it with pain and loss. But this gives me closure. I get my medal, my moment, and I don’t have to carry around that anger anymore. I don’t want to carry it around anymore. 

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. My 39 year old self appreciates this so much more than me at 29. And though it took 10 years, it is paying off to follow the rules and live with integrity. I am so grateful and humbled to have this opportunity. I love my sport, and this makes me love it even more.

We must remember...

On the days where the world is dark, and the air is biting, and the skies growl with a carnivorous hunger – that it is worth it. On the days where the bed is warm and the work feels futile and it’s easier to hang up the shoes and hibernate – that it is meaningful. And on the days where doubt and distress are abundant, and we’re not sure we’ll succeed – that we are strong.

Because behind all the hard – the dark, the cold, the wet, the hurt, the days spent tilling and toiling in a field we may never reap – are gifts big and small we can only reach with the key of commitment. The daily gifts of discovery. The seasonal gifts of transformation. The lifetime gift of a practice that teaches us as much about the world as it does ourselves. The light and the dark. This is running. Obstacles are the invitation. Persistence, the pathway. And what’s on the other side is ours for the taking.

Rise. Risk. Persevere.

LESKO BRA, FLYOUT SHORTS, POCKET JOGGER TIGHTS

ROGA SHORTS

SARAH ATTAR MUSCLE LONG SLEEVE, NEW JOGGING KNICKERS

NEW AERO TIGHTS, FLYOUT SHORT SLEEVE, MILE ONE PULLOVER

HI TEN BRA

LESKO BRA

VERRAZANO BRA

Sometimes the magic of a race doesn’t lie in the performance. Sometimes it’s the race itself that creates a magnetic energy pulling you towards a great performance. Those road races next to oceanside views. Those trail races that lead to peaks where views of mountains stretch on. Maybe it’s the fact you get to own the streets of a beautiful city just for one morning, or maybe it’s the fans that unwaveringly cheer and cowbell you to the finish. We want to hear about those races, the races you would sign up for without hesitation. The starting lines you want to toe year after year. 

Fearless Volée leader, Steph Willett, and I share our favorite races (besides the very obvious choice, The Tenacious Ten) to get the ball rolling!

STEPH'S FAVORITE RACE: AROUND THE BAY ROAD RACE

DISTANCE: 30 km (18.6 miles)

DATE: Last Sunday in March

LOCATION: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

RACE MAGIC: This race is amazing for so many reasons! The first running of Around the Bay took place on Christmas Day way back in 1894 which makes it “Older Than Boston” - one of the races many claims to fame! Since it’s been around for over 120 years, the race has had some time to develop some pretty unique race day traditions, but there are two which are my personal favorite: 

• The finish line: The race ends inside First Ontario Centre (the city’s main stadium). As you round the last corner, you sprint down the loading dock ramp and then you find yourself face to face with your face on the arena’s big screen as you sprint the last 100 yards of the race on the stadium track. This is the closest I’ve ever come to feeling like I’ve been in a final Olympic sprint!  
• The Grimm Reaper: Yes, you read that right, the Grimm Reaper! There is a notoriously big hill within the last few miles of the race. If you are lucky enough to make it up the hill you’ll be faced with the Grimm Reaper. As you run by him, he mumbles his signature discouraging taglines – “You’re not gonna make it…” “It’s too far…” “You’re gonna quit before you get there.” Sure, it’s a little morbid, but it’s somehow a super fun, long lasting tradition. Once you see the Grimm Reaper, you know you’re almost there!

HANNAH'S FAVORITE RACE: RAINIER TO RUSTON

DISTANCE: 50 mile ultra or team relay

DATE: First weekend of June

LOCATION: Carbonado, Washington

RACE MAGIC: For starters, it's almost all downhill, starting from a high point near the base of Mt. Rainier, all the way to the waterfront of Tacoma... and I will never say no to a good downhill. Second, it's a family tradition and nothing is more fun than teaming up with my equally ultra competitive family members (let's just say if you're on our team even the car ride to hand off zones is a race). The race is a smaller local race if you are looking for an alternative to a big relay race ike Ragnar. The race divisions include the ultra and the relay teams conisisting of two, four, or six people. The course has an awesome variety of surfaces from road, to paved trail, to dirt trails. Also, a variety of views make this race interesting because at one point you can be running through trees in the cascades (next to a man in a sasquatch costume), and the next you are sporadicaly running through the streets of Tacoma trying to avoid stops at the crosswalks. After finishing the race you get to enjoy beer from local breweries and grilled cheese. Win, win.

Now we want to hear from you! Help us make a complete race map by sharing the races you keep coming back to. Share on Twitter or Instagram, tagging #favflyte to help us build a comprehensive race calender for all months of the year!