A Meditation On Mile One

There's always a mile one. 

Mile one is the distance of resistance. The most difficult mile of all.
That barrier we face, between us and the run.
When the body is in stasis.
But our heart yearns to stride and strike the earth.

100 mile races have a mile one.
100 minute jogs too.
Even 100 second sprints have a metaphorical mile one.
That space between reticent and ready.

Mile one is all the reasons not to.
The why nows
The maybe laters
The warm beds and wet weather and why does it even matter anyway 

Reach. Stretch. Move. Stride.
No matter how far or fast or long you run, there is always a mile one.

Cross the chasm.

Traditions. They not only remind us who we are, but where we've come from. In the sport world, male traditions and historical moments abound. Whether it's breaking the 4 minute mile, celebrating the old silver hares of the Boston Marathon (pun intended), or the legacy of Steve Prefontaine, men frequently own the narrative as far as athletic tradition. And even today, new traditions are being set, like the #Breaking2 event, with no female counterpart.

Celebrating female firsts, women's leadership and sports, and women led traditions is something we want to see more of in the world. So last year, we started giving out The Linda Prefontaine High Flyer Award. Linda, sister to Steve and a friend of mine who I met when we were both starting our businesses, came to our first event in Eugene, and we had the honor of handing out her necklaces as the awards to four recipients: Beth Sullivan, Lauryn Williams, Taylor Dutch, and Allie Bigelow. Each leading in the sport of running in different ways. And this year - we were honored to receive so many stellar nominations!

And the winners are...

CARRIE TOLLEFSON: 2004 Olympian - Track & Field, 1500m

Carrie is paving the way as one the few female track and field/running commentators. Carrie always adds insight and knowledge, and viewers feel more in tune with the deeper story. Carrie also hosts a signature podcast that really stands apart: she tells athlete stories very effectively, often on a 5-7 mile run with them. Creative and great for the whole sport.

ELYSE KOPECKY: Co-Author of Run Fast, Eat Slow

Elyse authentically shares her skills and insights, and enriches (pun intended!) the female athlete’s life. 

Elyse “celebrates indulging in real food, cooking from scratch, and fueling with the right nourishment to thrive.” Elyse’s health-promoting message comes from her individual experience as an athlete and chef. “She discovered that by incorporating more fats into her diet she was stronger, healthier, and happier than ever before.” 

ALI SCHULTZ: Volée Leader Extraordinaire! No additional words necessary...

“Ali uses her positive attitude, her wisdom and experience, her ability to instantly connect with complete strangers, and her willingness to listen to share, support and empower those around her in all situations. Whether it be her personal life, her professional life or within her athletic endeavors, Ali never presents false pretenses or fake garbage; she is always her most authentic and I learn from her every time we are together.” 

“Ali knows that life is fun and not to take this existence too seriously, but she also knows when to put on her GDV and get the work done.”  

“Ali really embodies all aspects of the Oiselle manifesto: from building the sisterhood, to owning the journey, to being a superfan. So lucky to call her a teammate and friend!"

“Even though we had never met, Ali and I started chatting in the finisher's area after a race. I was feeling pretty low, make that reallllllllly low, and she looked at me and said with such confidence, ‘This race is not a reflection of who you are or what you can do. It was a bad day, that's all it is. This isn't you, and you will race again, and run stronger.’ I have held onto those words for the last two years...Although that was the worst race I ever ran, I walked away with a conversation and friendship that I now wouldn't trade for a PR.” 

ZOEY DOWLING: Australian Coach + Run Community Builder. 

"Zoey has created an online community of women who encourage and support each other to move in whatever way makes them happy. Be it running, swimming, cycling, yoga, lifting weights or any of a million other ways, the Operation Move Community welcomes women of all ages, from all over the world, to come together in support of each other. It's a place where we keep ourselves (and each other) accountable on days when we don't really feel like training, go for advice, a boost in our self-belief, and most importantly, to make sure that everyone feels included no matter who they are, their body shape, or what they're doing. Zoey built this community from the ground up, always sticking to her philosophy of empowering women to be whatever they want to be. Zoey gives her coaching and training advice freely to anyone who asks, all the while running the free Operation Move blog and weekly podcast. She is the rock that many of us go to for a coach's reassurance when we're feeling shaky or unsure of ourselves. In short, Zoey embodies all of the values that Oiselle holds dear, often without ceremony. She's given so much to so many women.”

To our winners, thank you for all that you do!

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

We believe in the power of the running retreat. At a minimum, retreats are a weekend away with run friends new and old. But for many of us, they become a sort of sanctuary - a protected space for reflection, goal setting, skill building, and community. It’s everything we love about running, in one high-potency weekend.

That’s why this year, we’re giving one lucky runner an all-expenses paid spot in Kara Goucher’s sold-out 2017 retreat. Open for runners of all ages and ability levels - Kara’s retreat is a space made for focus, connection, and self-improvement. And this year’s theme is strength and empowerment. We can certainly get behind that.

One lucky winner will receive:

• Paid entry to Kara’s 2017 Podium Retreat, October 19th - 22nd in Boulder Colorado
• Door to door transportation to and from Boulder
• Lodging at the charming Hotel Boulderado
• A special send-off surprise from Oiselle HQ (#flystyle included!)

So sit down and sign up! This year’s retreat is going to be one for the ages. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for you.

ENTER NOW

BY: BRENDA ALVAREZ

When it comes to running with my pup Maddy, I like to keep it simple. I’m totally guilty of spoiling the living daylights out of her, but who isn’t? She’s my adventure buddy (oh yeah, and my husband too). Over the past four years, I’ve collected tips + advice from both my vet and fellow dog owners and would like to share what has worked best for me and my pup!

RUNNING WITH YOUR DOG 101

• Wait around 12-18 months before taking your dog on a run. Let those little puppy bones grow! There will be plenty of time to log hundreds of miles together down the line. When in doubt check with your veterinarian. I was super conservative with my girl and waited the full 18 months. Ask your vet about the right distances for your breed.
• Get a correctly sized leash and harness for your dog. The right harness will not only give your dog better range of motion, but it will prevent any unneeded chafing or jerking. A cat or squirrel is always nearby… trust me on this one. (Ruffwear makes some of the best dog gear around. I use this leash and this harness on my Maddy.)

• Potty bags! Be a good neighbor and a good citizen. Scoop that poop, friends! We all get caught without a bag from time to time. Once I had to scoop my pup's business into my coffee cup with nothing but leaves. Don’t risk losing a latte – pack those bags.
• Just like you wouldn’t eat an hour before a run, do the same for your best friend. Be careful not to feed your dog right before or after a run.

SUMMER RUNNING

• Pups do not sweat like people. Most of their sweat glands are in their paws, which is why temperature and surface matter.
• Try and run once temperatures are cooler. Early morning jaunts or pre-dinner hours are best.
• If you must run during the hottest time, pick a nearby park or shaded area. Bonus points if you run near water so your pup can cool off mid or post run!
• Stay off hot asphalt or rocky trails. These conditions can really do a number your dog’s paws.
• Some dogs need more water than others. If yours drinks a lot, be sure to take that into consideration for longer runs. I usually take my hydration pack on longers runs and share with Maddy. Just a quick scoop of one hand and she has an instant drinking bowl.

• Bandanas are a pup’s best friend. And now he or she can rock our Manifesto Bandana! Pro tip: spray them with lavender to keep bugs away. Another pro tip: wrap some ice cubes in the bandana to help your pup stay cool.
• Snuggle the crap out of your pup post run. I praise Maddy during our runs for staying focused on our task at hand vs. chasing cats and squirrels.

Now get out there!

So, you’re a heavy sweater…

Well, have we got a secret for you. This confession is one of the most common things we hear from runfriends shopping at the Oiselle store. Often spoken at a whisper, with eyes darting about the occupied area, being a heavy sweater feels like one of those secrets we all have, but never share.

At the Nest, we have a deep appreciation for the stylish symbols of the work. Garmin tan? Yup. Dirty calves? Sign us up. And sweat is no different. Wringing out a sweat soaked shirt is a proud moment at the Nest. But there are times when being sweat drenched is well… suboptimal. In the middle of a big presentation at work? Not so much. In line at airport security? No thank you. Family photos? Not ideal.

Sweating is normal. And heavy sweating is more common than you’d think. So in the spirit of summer, we wanted to put together a guide for how to sweat hard and look awesome. We call it - "Style Advice For The Sweaty".

Here are our top picks for sweat friendly summer styles!

BREATHABLE BOTTOMS

Summer Rogas - The summer edition of the Roga Shorts you know and love. With a new, lightweight stretch woven and a roomier fit - this style stays breezy by keeping airflow high. Bonus, they’re super flattering.

Flyout Shorts - Inspired by the dynamic movements of trail running, and put to the test by Team Birdstrike in Death Valley - these shorts were made for your longest, sweatiest run. Pro tip - pair the Coast color way with a White Volée singlet for a stunning starting line style.

FLYOUT TECH

Flyout Long Sleeve - While this may be a surprising pick for summer - trust us - this is one of our hot weather staples. Looks like a long sleeve, feels like a tank top. Our Flyout™ fabric with HoverFit™ technology is so lightweight, and uniquely knit, that it hovers above your body - easily managing the movement and evaporation of sweat. This means that it feels like a cloud but wears like a protective shield. Perfect if you ever need to run with a pack, or if you’re craving some extra protection from the elements.

MIO MESH STYLES

Ziggy Tank - Places you can wear the ziggy tank: road, track, trail, sunday brunch with jeans, date night with a skirt, under a blazer with trousers for a power presentation with a pop of color. Seriously… this style breathes like a champ and looks stunning the whole way. Plus it’s washer dryer friendly because duh. This thing is made for a life with sweat.

Mio Mesh Dress - A dress made from athletic mesh. The result is the easiest, simplest, most ready to roll dress ever made. It can go solo, with sandals or flip flops, but also easy to throw on over workout clothes and leggings. Dress-up!

HIGH AIRFLOW TANKS

Pleat Tank - Sweat-friendly meets stylish - this colorful item is a season winner. Partly because the fabric, our Plya™ Veil is what we call "pretty tough" (beautiful AND durable), and partly because the simplicity of the silhouette is made totally unique by the soft draping of subtle pleats. And yes, softness reigns. It's the garment that feels like a cloud, fits like a dream.

Go Tank - There’s a reason this classic shows up season after season - it’s made for the hottest run, sweatiest spin session, and clammiest climates. The Go-Tank’s high airflow technical fabric and fun colors mean it works as a layering piece in hot weather too. Yes, you can have it all!

Spring Wazzie Wool Racerback Tank - Don’t let the racerback’s Spring title fool you - this wool is summer-sweat-ready. The difference is that it's lighter weight than our original Wazzie, thanks to a bit of nylon. But it's every bit as durable, soft, washable. Add the performance, no stink factor - and it’s really all you’ll ever need at your core.

BREEZY TEES

Heather Grid Dolman - An open knit heather jacquard is what makes this piece beautiful and breezy. Add in a dolman cut and you’ve got a tee that’s lightweight, layer-friendly, and ready for any summer run or rumble!

Window Short Sleeve - While delicate in appearance, the mesh shoulders are tough as your run, ready for all the wear and tear and mileage. A tee that feels like a tank, and wears well with jeans? Yes please.

SEAMLESS SHORTS

Flyte Shorts - Comfortably compressive, super wicking, antimicrobial, and made to stay put. An all-season favorite, but an essential for running in the sun.

Mini Stride - Sometimes less is more. These smoking hot minis certainly deliver.

New Strider Shorts - We hate sweat’s uninvited cousin - chafe - so we lengthened the beloved stride shorts to make sure power quads stay perfectly happy in any condition! Sweat on sisters!

AIRY ACCESSORIES

Roga Visor - Made with our winning Roga fabric that stretches and performs like no other. A running visor that is simple but sophisticated, with a just-right, adjustable fit, and a bit of reflectivity. Light, bright, and ready to fly!

Mesh Cap - Breathable mesh keeps you cool and dry, and an adjustable bungee closure makes it easy to find the just-right fit. When the sun hides behind the clouds, the running cap’s foldable brim lets you hold the hat easily in the palm of your hand.

Miir Water Bottle - Hey… hydration looks good on you. Don’t forget to replace those electrolytes too!

But while sweat can be a laughing matter, hydration and sun protection is no joke. So remember to sunscreen up, replace fluids regularly, and stay hydrated during hot months. We found this great guide if you’re looking for a more technical hydration approach.

So sweat on sisters! Fist pump for a summer filled with running and sunning!

Head Up, Wings Out!

Meg & The Nest

It's getting hot out there, so take off all your clothes... no actually keep them on! Racing in the heat can sometimes mimic the effect of racing at altitude. Your perceived effort is higher, your body is working harder to cool itself and thus taking away from helping you to just work to race your best.

• In the 2 weeks before our peak race we like to begin "heat training." This involves wearing extra layers of clothes to mimic training under hotter conditions. Before I raced the World Championships in Uganda in March, my teammate Scott and I wore long sleeves and tights on days that were already warm in Flagstaff.
• During those 2 weeks you need to up your hydration game and make sure you're taking in extra fluids/electrolytes (gatorade, juices, waters) for the extra sweating you're doing. 
• Find ways to keep yourself cool before the race, whether that be in the shade or indoors. Keeping yourself as cool as you can will help a little with dealing with the heat. 
• Control the controllable: yourself. The weather is out of your control so keeping yourself calm and prepared is the best way to cope. Adjust your paces, your goals, and know there will be perfect condition races in your future.

Photo by: Karen Mitchell

RACING IN THE HEAT

World Cross in Uganda ended up being one of the hottest and most humid races I've run in a long time. The senior women's race was held in the late afternoon when it was low 80s, with 80% humidity. I shortened my warm up from a typical 3 miles to about 14 minutes. The purpose of a warm up is to neurologically wake up your body and let it know you need it to perform. This happens within about 3 minutes of running, so the rest is just getting everything primed and loose. After my warm up, I returned to our call tent and stayed in the shade until we were called. We drenched towels in ice water and wrapped them around our necks. I put ice down my jersey and pants (yes I did). We also had these fancy wrist bands that were cooling devices and meant to help cool the inside of your wrist which is a part of your body that helps regulate temperature.

USA OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS

You train, train, train for a peak race getting super fit, preparing for all the scenarios you can. Then the uncontrollable happens. The weather is going to be oppressively hot. The week before USAs for track this past June, we were alerted Sacramento was receiving heat warnings. The week of the championships was to see record highs of 105-108 degrees. Luckily, Flagstaff was warm so we were training in heat, just not that type of heat. I did pretty similar things to prepare the way we did for World Cross. Wore extra layers, hydrated well, and tried to keep calm.

When I arrived in Sacramento I did my pre race shakeout of 4 miles at the hottest time of the day, it was 106 degrees. It was a terrible run and I wouldn't recommend doing this often but I thought... "well at least things won't feel worse at race time." The race was run at 9pm with the sun well down and leaving just a stagnant cloud of heat around 88 degrees. I shortened my warm up to 9 minutes and stayed in the cool gym. I had on the wrist bands and an ice vests. I was as prepared as I could be for the heat. The hot pace was another story.

Keep cool and carry on!

1. Snap is wild. One time during a marathon, this happened.

2. Because it shows up and stands out here…

3. And here…

4. And here!

5. Because chief bird approved this magnificent combo!

6. Plus it gives a tee that special something.

7. Because Kara…

8. It’s been known to spark spontaneous dance parties. 

9. It’s a Destroy//Create special. 

10. “It’s the happiest color in the world!”

11. You can wear it anywhere…

12. It’s death-valley tested, and #Birdstrike approved.

13. Because it shines like the sun (and Jasyoga’s Erin Taylor)!

14. It’s race-ready any day!

15. Because hills need climbing, right Steph?

There you have it! Snap. The official color of summer!

WHO? Lauren, Joyce (Lauren's mama!), Jude, Mel & Collier

WHAT? #SplishNoSplashTour

WHERE/WHEN (...and also another WHAT)?

7/7 LetterKenny, Ireland - Steeple (both!)

7/12 Joensuu Games Joensuu, Finland - C: 3000 M: 1500 or 800

7/16 Savo Games Lapinlahti, Finland - C: Steeple M: 1500 or 800

7/22 Heusden, Belgium - M: 5K

7/25 Karlstad GP - C: steeple

WHY?

C: Why not? We've been talking about this for a while. Mel and I, probably, have been talking about it for years... like half our lives. Europe has always had the post US Championship draw of having a lot of meets all over the place. US Champs end and if you [insert one or all of the following] aren't hurt, didn't make the team (or a final), don't have a college XC season to get ready for but you're pretty fit you just kind of go "well now what?" 

M: In the past one/both of us have been hurt or not fit enough or didn't know how to go about getting into meets or it just wasn't an option for where we were. This year those pieces (with A LOT of help) came together.

L: To show these women the ropes of racing overseas before international travel gets a lot harder with baby #2! These meets can be wacky with weird travel and communal dorms and having a coach on site to help buffer is good.

MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?

C: Different race environments? Venues? Fans? Languages on the sidelines? Are they actually different? I don't even know.

M: The languages, I'm fairly confident, will be different and at the very least accents; but the rest of it I have no idea. Also just the adventure of it; new places, I love a good [I will replace "good" with a more appropriate adjective when I get back] adventure and this is definitely going to be an adventure.

NERVOUS ABOUT...

C: Traveling, which sounds ridiculous; because "Hello? Why are you going to four countries if you're nervous about traveling?" Let me explain. I imagine the travel/race balance will be a little tough; turn around times are tight and the lead up to race days will have an inevitable increase in uncontrollables. So it's gotta be a go with the flow situation.

JOYCE: Making it to the airports on time

JUDE: I'm kinda nervous there's gonna be a king because I don't really think he's going to be nice.

L: Time zone changes and kids. We have to hit the ground running so there isn't time to let Jude settle in easy. We have a couple long drives that could be interesting, on the wrong side of the road in Ireland with about a million roundabouts according to google maps, and with road signs that are unfamiliar in Finland.

C: Probably cinnamon? This should not be a surprise considering how much cinnamon I use.

JUDE: My planets placemat

JOYCE: Myself

L: Enough Picky Bars for Armageddon

GOALS FOR THE TRIP? 

M+ C: Get a PR or a couple, find a leprechaun, have fika in Sweden, sauna in Finland, waffle in Belgium, find a Picky Bar we've put a sticker on (looking at you Sweden), and most importantly (because none of those other things really matter... except the PR that one we really care about) soak in the entire experience and learn as much as we can in every aspect of the trip.

Good luck, Little Wing! Head up. Wings out! 

xo

Looking to beat the heat? Living in states where the average July temps range from 89° to 106° Volée members Ashely, Tara, Allie, Hayley and Holly share their warm weather running tips to keep you running through the hot, hot, heat of summer.

@hill_young

BE A WATER (AND ELECTROLYTE LOVING) BIRD!

TARA: Pre-hydrate (more than usual) the day before a long run and make sure to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate all day after a run and get back inside an air-conditioned area ASAP.

ALLIE: Make sure to hydrate with electrolytes every day in the summer, and when racing add in a hyper-hydration product. I also make sure to have a huge bottle of water with electrolytes waiting for me in the refrigerator when I come back from a run.

HAYLEY: I recommend running short loops so you can get back to your car/house easily and have a verified water stop. Counting on water fountains working is not always a great idea as they are not 100% reliable.

@wotowineglass

RUN WITH(OUT) THE SUN!

TARA: Plan to get the bulk of your miles in before the sun is up. I sometimes do half of my long run outside and half indoors on the treadmill.

ALLIE: Run early or late. This is a no brainer, and unfortunately here in the south it doesn't even help much as the temperatures and humidity remain high. But even if it is still hot and humid the absence of the sun beating down reduces discomfort.

HAYLEY: Living and training in Phoenix can be challenging with the heat. When I’m in true training mode during the summer I wake up very early, around 3am, and try to be out the door running by 3:30-4am so I can be completely done before the sun comes up.

@haypollack

SUMMER SMARTS

HOLLY: Knowing the temperature and humidity level are key for deciding how to approach a workout and complete it successfully. If you heart rate train, stick with same workout zone you would in regular conditions, just know the actual pace will likely slow. It's not you, it's the weather!

HAYLEY: Cooling the body by wetting it down is by far the most effective way to stay cool. The caveat is you need to actually be running. Slowing to a walk while doused in water won’t allow your body to use the air to cool. I like to wear arm sleeves that I drench in water when I'm out running in the sun. It helps keep me cool!

ASHLEY: My favorite use for a Runner Trucker on the run?  Putting ice in the hat, and then on my head! It may look funny but it’s seriously effective. 

@wotowineglass

@haypollack

FLYOUT FEVER!

HOLLY: I'm mostly a member of the #SportsBraSquad when it's hot, but I've been crushing hard on the Flyout Tank this season!

ASHLEY: The Flyout Tank has been my MVP this summer. It's a staple for hot, humid Texas track workouts and a surprise winner on the road too!

ALLIE: When I have to run in the middle of the day I add a light-colored tank top into the mix (like the Go Tank) and white arm coolers that grab the sweat and help keep you cool.

ASHLEY: During the hottest days, I’ll wear the Flyout Long Sleeve in Frost to protect myself from the sun and stay cool! The fabric is perfect for that.

ASHLEY: Some mornings I will start out in a tank, but want to wear a bit less once the paces drop and the temps rise. I'll wear a sports bra with tight, supportive dual shoulder straps...a couple miles in, I'll take off my tank and loop it through the back straps so I don't have to carry it. 

Over the past four years, I have been asked in various settings if I am the mother of: Lauren Fleshman, Sarah Mac Robinson, Christine Babcock, and Kate Grace, to name just a few of many. While it is certainly an honor to be mentioned in the same sentence as these fabulous women, I am barely on the physiologically-possible side of mothering age with the youngest, and well out of possible range with two. It’s enough to give me a complex! Kate once tried to make me feel better: “It’s just because you exude a loving vibe.” Haha, ok...

But it certainly made me stop and think. And then this article came along, about the slippery slope and the collective action dilemma: “If [a] woman ignores the process of aging and eases more honestly into her inevitable wrinkles, belly fat and gray hair, she is liable to stand out as an anomaly within her personal and professional circles.”

Hmm. Well, I have a new grey stripe right over my forehead, and since I’m almost 50 I think I’m done dyeing my hair. And I love being in the sun (especially at track meets!)... I try to be responsible with sunscreen, but I know it ages my skin a lot. The idea of injecting neurotoxins into my face gives me the willies. And I feel like I’ve earned my wrinkles and saggy skin spots the old-fashioned way: with hard work and worry, lost sleep, excessive smiling and laughing, and carrying 3 babies in my body. Life. So, I look how I look.

I guess where I come down is: I believe in aging. And aging in a badass way. I have a great role model. My mom (will be 77 this year!) passed the Forest Service pack test (4 mile hike in 60 mins wearing a 45 pound pack) when she was 62 years old. She has crows feet from smiling and squinting, freckles and age spots from being outdoors, and still goes on weekend 20-mile hike-through camping trips with her women’s hiking group, even after a hip replacement. Go, mom!

I’m choosing not to do things to my body to affect how I look. [I have no problem with women who choose differently. Individual expression and self-confidence should be each woman’s privilege! Go forth and do what makes you happy! ] I’m choosing to do things with my body to affect how I feel. So, you may see me looking older. And hopefully this year you’ll see me continue to challenge myself by:

• Training as hard and smart as possible as a masters runner
• Attempting my first marathon (can Sally drag me through it?)
• Taking risks professionally
• Supporting women unconditionally
• Smiling and laughing as much as possible
• Doing core/lifting at least 2 times/week – because I feel so much better running if I hold myself to that

#WomanUp2.0!

Oh, race day. An entangled combination of excitement, nerves, and expectations. Racing is an opportunity to show off your preparation and push your body to new limits. However, breaking personal boundaries is never easy. So, race day is accompanied, for most of us, with doubts and anxiety. Here are our favorite stories providing race day wisdom to help you silence your inner critic and toe the line with confidence.

DO NOT OPEN UNTIL RACE DAY
One of the most intimidating aspects of racing, is embracing the great unknown. In this race day letter, Kara talks openly and honestly about pre-race emotions. We all have them, we all have to face them. Through this letter, Kara inspires us to leave the starting line ready to seize the moment. 

LET'S REDEFINE SUCCESS AND FAILURE
Part of approaching a race with composure, is not placing excessive emphasis on a narrow view of your success, whether it’s a time or placement. Kelly Roberts explains her experience running the London Marathon, and her realization that success was not solely defined by her achieving her goal of getting a BQ. Instead, success is comprised of the time dedicated for preparation, approaching the starting line, and the choice to take a risk.

ON THE EVE OF BOSTON WITH BETH GILLESPIE
Mental preparation is the best defense you can practice prior to racing. Arming yourself with positive self-talk, will help you combat inevitable negative thoughts that will come your way during a race. Beth Gillespie talks about her mental preparation for Boston and how she planned to race with joy. 

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

Christine Babcock is a running legend (I mean check out her Wikipedia page!). I first watched her race in Eugene at the '08 Olympic Trials, one of a rare breed of high schoolers competing at the pro level. She held the national high school 1600m record (4:33.82) from 2008 to 2014 when Alexa Ephraimson broke it. I followed CB a bit through college at UW, and knew that along with her successes (leading her Dawgs team to an NCAA XC victory!) she experienced the challenges of injury. But it was Kristin Metcalf who in her wisdom got CB together with Oiselle. That woman knows her running, and her people. Oiselle sponsored Christine in 2013, and brought her on at the Nest in 2015 coming off of her foot surgery (navicular fx).

Photo: photorun.net

Christine lived with my family for a bit as she was recuperating from her surgery and I saw her progress from crutches to boot to limping, and then back to running. I also saw her teach my youngest dude how to make the best cookies, saw her nurture all of her relationships with close-knit family and friends, and witnessed her work through a difficult time of self-definition. She gets a gold star for all of it.

We were not surprised she ran 1:15:21 last month for her first half marathon, and we won't be surprised if she decides to put herself on the start line at the 2020 Olympic Trials. Although we will miss her daily presence at the Nest, CB will be an absolutely fantastic occupational therapist. Thank you for being a permanent part of our #runfamily, Christine, and a legendary Nest-er! So much love!

BY: CHRISTINE BABCOCK

The last year has been a year of taking chances. Of trying new things, letting the excitement of what could be outweigh the doubts and fear of failure. As I began reflecting on what sparked this change in me, I know it has everything to do with being surrounded by community.

Watching other people go after their dreams ignited the realization within me that I too should go after mine. The experience of seeing people walk through the emotions of going after a dream and the appreciation they carried for the opportunity to do so, no matter what the outcome, inspired me. The dreams I had been entertaining as “probably not” slowly transitioned into “why not” and “when”. I found myself convinced I should try things I have never tried before, knowing that it might not be perfect and it could go disastrously (or surprisingly well), but that that was part of the process and the fun of it.

I tried road racing. I moved back to Bend. I started trying line-dancing lessons. I decided to run a half marathon. With each decision to take a chance, I gained a little more confidence to step out the next time a “probably not” dream occupied space in my mind.

One of those “probably not” dreams was a dream I have held since 7th grade, the dream of becoming an Occupational Therapist. From 7th grade until college, I said I wanted to be an Occupational Therapist. Then the weight of more schooling, the financial burden of grad school, and the reality of how “adult” that decision felt sank in. My childhood dream became a “probably not” and I threw myself into other opportunities that arose.

Last fall the “probably not” OT dream resurfaced. I found myself entertaining the thought of applying, slightly scared off by the very real potential of rejection, but also intrigued by the possibility of it. Starting this fall, I will be enrolled in the University of Washington’s Master’s of Occupational Therapy program.

With the start of new chapter, comes the close of another chapter. In the summer of 2015, Oiselle embraced me with open arms after foot surgery. They welcomed me in as a member of the Nest and for the last 2 years have entertained my love for baking, supported my running dreams, and cheered me along every step of the way. With bittersweet excitement, today I fly away from the Nest, carrying with me new friendships, an abundance of memories, and immense gratitude.

Head up wings out,