Tips to Keep Your Run Streak on Course

Day 30. I have run at least one mile a day for 30 days in a row. And I'll be out there again tomorrow.

Before this, I've never run more than 6 days in a row, and that wasn't all that long ago.

If you've known me for a while, you know I've had more stress fractures than I can keep track of, which scared me into a routine that only allowed for a few days of running each week. Thankfully it's been quite a few years now since my last and I've been feeling pretty good about how things are going (knock on wood), so earlier this fall I decided to test it out and run 6 days a week, or close to it.

Since that was going well, when the Runner's World holiday run streak popped up in my Twitter feed, I decided to give it a try. Adding just one more mile a week didn't seem like such a big deal and my schedule is a bit more flexible than usual right now, so this was the time to do it.

Since today is day 30, you can probably guess it's going pretty well and I'm enjoying the extra day of running. Running is my time to clear my head and soak in some energy from the warm Colorado sun and crisp air.

For me, I think what's helped is rolling out and stretching religiously to keep my legs feeling good, switching up my routes often and running with a friend.

Being a first-timer and looking ahead to holiday travel, I know I have to be strategic and plan ahead to make this work. And since we're half-way through #RWRunStreak, I decided to ask a few friends who are much more experienced at this than I am, for their tips and why they run every day.

Here's what they had to say:

After giving birth to her first baby in July, Lindsay is taking on this run streak as a way to get back into running and take care of herself. Lucky for me, we've been able to log some miles together these past few weeks, making the miles go by a bit faster. As a wife, new mom, and NFL reporter who spends many weekends on the road, fitting in a run each day can be tricky.

Mix it up. Running every day can get really stale if you travel the same route from your house every day. There is something nice about knowing that one-mile loop from your house when you need to squeeze it in early morning or at lunch or after work, but if you can, get out and explore. Try a new park or a new trail, it will help make the streak seem less monotonous. During my first two streaks, I ran through the NFL season/postseason. That included lots of travel, so I got to run in so many different cities from coast to coast (and the airport in Amsterdam!). Lots of business travelers might look for interesting restaurants or bars to visit while away from home. I look for cool running spots.

Listen to your body. Even if you have a good base, running every day, even if some days is just a mile, is a shock to your system. Expect to feel tired, heavy legs. Expect to feel some weird twinges and soreness and maybe some pain. But really pay attention to notice if something is just sore or if something is an injury coming on. Don't feel bad about dropping down to a mile for a couple of days to see if the pain goes away. I did not do this during my longest streak and kept running as pain got worse in my foot. I ended up with plantar and had to take some time completely off running. I kept going too long just for the sake of the streak and probably made it worse in the process.

Engage on social media. Find other streakers on Instagram or Twitter and use them as motivation. There will be days when you don't want to get out there, but if you check the #RWRunStreak hashtag and you see other people who have already run in the snow or the dark or pushing the double stroller, you'll be more likely to get out there and join them.  

Read more about Lindsay's run streak adventures in this Zelle article by our teammate Anica.

Jenna, an off-Broadway theater exec from Brooklyn, and the sweetest bad ass I know, is approaching the 3 year anniversary of her run streak. What started as a challenge to see if she could stick with something, has become her daily check-in with her body and her time to meditate. She knows that even on a tough day when it feels like nothing has gone right and she hasn't accomplished a thing, she has finished that mile. It's her ongoing commitment to have running in her life, even when life and other priorities take the spotlight.

Do it in the morning. Do. It. In. The. Morning. You never know where your day will take you, and even if you are fairly certain you will have time for a longer run later, get that single mile in during morning hours. You don't want to be painfully jogging 1600 meters at 11:30pm after Vietnamese dumplings and cocktails (been there...). The easiest way to do this is to make a mile route from your home and have that be your go-to that you can reliably run sans watch and GPS.

On days when you're only running the minimum mile, give yourself permission to fixate on something that's bothering you. Be it a work project or a social conflict or any other kind of stressor, allow yourself to give in to the negative thoughts just while you're running, and tell yourself you have to snap out of it at the end of the mile. More often than not, you'll end up either finding a solution to the problem, making a productive plan, or just venting out the negative energy. A single mile can be a productive time!

Photo Credit: Mindy Morain

A lawyer, mom to a most adorable Corgi, and 7-time marathoner, Mindy is on day 1,483 of her streak. Yes, you read that right. She's been going strong for more than 4 years. When you're celebrating New Years Eve, please toast to Mindy and her 1,500 day of running. I'm in complete awe of her dedication and commitment. Through a demanding work schedule, travel and training for races, she's become addicted to the streak.

Why she runs each day: "It's a guaranteed 10 minute daily self check-in"

What's most difficult about the streak: "Getting started, the longer I go, the easier it is"

Top tip: "Always run early" 

So there you have it. Tips from three great women and pros when it comes to run streaks, who I'm thankful to call my friends and teammates. Now, lace up your shoes and go for a run! (Just a mile is all it takes!)

Have your own favorite tips or reasons for run streaking? Share them with us!

6 Things To Help You Through Your Run

I woke up this morning and practically ran to the TV to catch the start of the live NYC Marathon coverage. Marathon day was always my favorite day of the year when we lived in NYC and even now, I soak up as much of it as I can. Watching the live stream on TV and the ESPN app (so I can see & hear the commentary), track my friends on the TCS NYC Marathon app and am glued to social media all day following along. Anyone else obsess about it like I do? Maybe one day I'll get back there and take the most amazing tour of New York City again.

So, in the spirit of the most awesome day of running each year, I thought I'd share a few items that help me get through my runs - the easy ones and the tough ones. One of the best things about running is that all you really need is a pair of running shoes, but other things like great socks, layers, and more, can help make the run a bit easier and enjoyable.

Quick note: all of these items are mine and none of these brands know I'm writing this. I just really love them and want to share. 

This time of year, layers are a must for runners. I love these pieces because they fit well, work for the in-between weather days, and super cute. As you know, I'm a big fan of Oiselle - two of my favorite pieces are the lux layer long sleeve, which is incredibly soft and the perfect weight, and the aero tights for their moto design, ankle zips, and a back zip pocket that even fits my xl Galaxy S7 phone and holds it tight while I run. I've worn these for training runs and races for over a year now and always get compliments. I've also been wearing Stance socks over the past year and love them for the great feel, how they hug my feet, ideal thickness, and that they come in several different heights and fun designs.

Momentum Jewelry was one of our BirdCamp Colorado partners this year and provided us with these great motivate wraps for all the campers. I love mine and this one speaks to me strongly right now. They are lightweight and comfortable so you can forget you're wearing them during your run till you need a little boost. After seeing Rebekah and her husband wearing Qalo rings, I was intrigued because my fingers always swell when we go hiking and trail running. I got rings for Matt and myself for our wedding anniversary this year and we both wear them often. They come in a ton of different colors and are really inexpensive and virtually indestructible; both excellent qualities. Last, but certainly not least, is the UD Jenny Clutch. I was looking for a new handheld before we went to Breckenridge for a trail run this summer and I'm in love. It's lightweight with a soft and collapsable, 17oz bottle, has never leaked, and the pouch is quite big and easily fits our VW key plus more.

While not all of these items are essential for running, I do enjoy using them when I'm running (and when I'm not). Maybe there's a great holiday gift in here for one of your friends - or for your own wish list.

I'd love to hear what some of your favorite items are right now that are helping make your run life a bit brighter.

If you're a marathon runner, what's your top tip for runners training for (or thinking about) their first marathon?

A Totally [US Olympic Team] Trials 2016 Recap

To say I was exhausted Thursday morning would be an understatement. The day was spent in a haze that can only be described as a Totally Trials Hangover.

While there are a lot of questions and concerns surrounding the Rio Olympics, one thing is for certain: thousands (maybe hundreds of thousands) of athletes have spent years training and dreaming about those two weeks in August.

Wrapping up today has been a week of track and field events in Eugene, Oregon which have determined Team USA. A week that has seen all the emotions.

Matt and I were lucky enough to spend the start of the week in Eugene and attend 2 days of the Trials at Historic Hayward Field. This was our first trip to Eugene and our first time attending Trials - for any sport. And let me say, it was amazing.

Oiselle was out in force, and Matt and I were proud to be part of the crew! While we all know Nike is everywhere when it comes to USATF, I don't think I'm biased when I say Oiselle was in close second when it came to strength of presence in the crowd. We were loud. We were excited. We were certainly the best dressed.

[You may have seen some of the news coverage and social media posts about Oiselle's latest run in with the USOC. The situation is ridiculous, to say the least. While I could write an entire post on the topic, I'll point you to THIS solid article if you're interested in reading more.]

And we were there to support the 14 Oiselle athletes who showed incredible grace, strength, grit, power, and incredible talent!

Oiselle Birds Megan Rolland, Shalaya Kipp, and Mel Lawrence in the Steeple 3000M first round. Each of these 3 women achieved PRs!

Kate Grace (in the center) on the last lap!

That's MF Fast Kate talking victory, Rio and giving major props to her Tribe!

Two things I know for certain after our trip to Eugene:

1. My love for Oiselle - the people behind the brand and my teammates - is stronger than ever. These are amazing, strong, and inspirational women. Each with their own story and own goals. We come from all walks of life, cover all distances and speeds. We support and push each other to be better, even if we've only just met.

2. I need to go back to Oregon so we can get to the coast and spend more time exploring! What a cool state!

While in Eugene, we did some running of our own - including a Oiselle run on Pre's Trail and the Butte to Butte 10K. Matt got another PR and I had my fastest 10K time in more than 5 years, which I'll attribute to the warm-up led by Lauren Fleshman, and to my teammate Rebekah, who stuck with me to the finish line.

We were able to catch quite a few events over two days, including the women's high jump, Men's and Women's 100M and 400M, 2nd Day of the Men's Decathlon, Men's Pole Vault, Men's Javelin, and of course, the Men's & Women's first round 3000M Steeple Chase and the finals for the Men's and Women's 800M. It was just amazing watching these athletes - the best in the country - compete. All of them, whether they're going to Rio or not, are incredible. (And when I say "all", I really mean, all the clean athletes)

The decathlon guys had a little fun and took a dip after Ashton Eaton claimed another national championship.

There were also some fast guys in Eugene - including Bernard Lagat and Galen Rupp, who ran this heat for the 5000M first round on July 4. As you likely know, Lagat went on to win the 5000M finals at the age of 41. Pretty incredible.

Beyond running, I spent some good times connecting with Birds and we were sure to enjoy Oregon beer and wine (we may have brought some back with us), and visited the Rose Garden in Portland. Just enough time to know we need more time in Oregon!

Only one month till the Olympics begin! Let's hope for everyone's sake that Rio can get their act in gear and make it a great event for these incredible athletes!

What are your favorite Olympic events to watch?

Check out Oiselle's final wrap-up of Trials HERE.

BirdCamp Colorado

As I sit on our back deck thankful for shade and a big glass of ice water on a crazy hot day, it seems like a particularly very cold and snowy weekend in April was years ago now. But, let's take a little trip back in time for this quick recap of the first Oiselle Volée running camp in Colorado, as it's long overdue.

As many of you know, I've been running for Oiselle for several years now. I first learned about the brand back in 2011 when Sarah Mac, their marketing director at the time, reached out about a giveaway (here's a good flashback) and later that year became an ambassador. The team structure has changed quite a bit as the company has grown. When I started, there were a few dozen ambassadors across the country, now there are more than 2,000 Volée members across the globe! Not to mention the Haute Volée and professional athletes on Oiselle's roster. It's been incredible to see the brand grow in such an extraordinary, inclusive way.

One thing many people don't know is that while there are so many of us running for Oiselle, wearing the singlet at races and attending meet-ups and group runs, the team in the Nest (Oiselle vernacular for headquarters) is still pretty small. So to manage the huge team, there are regions with Volée leaders organizing local events on a regular basis and this year, regional camps. I'm thankful to be one of the leaders for Colorado, along with another longtime Oiselle runner, Rebekah.

Back to BirdCamp.

In April, we hosted BirdCamp Colorado: three days and two nights of running, food, learning, bonding, food, yoga, food, and fun. (Did you catch the part about the food? Runners love their food!) April in Colorado can be gorgeous, sunny and warm, or biting blizzards. Unfortunately for us, we had the latter. But we didn't let that stop our energy or spirit. More than 20 women from Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Washington gathered in Colorado Springs for the weekend.

We had great sessions led by experts in their field including a sports nutrition talk by Nuwanne Kirihennedige from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and a physio therapy discussion led by Heather North. We proved that runners can do yoga during an incredible class at Yoga Studio Satya. A Q&A session with Oiselle Haute Volée runner Shaluinn Fullove gave us insight into the life of an Olympic Marathon Trials runner, and the whole weekend started off with an ask-anything session with Kristin, JJ, and Jenn from the Nest. 

Even with the feet of snow and runs that involved being pelted with ice, I loved getting to know more of my teammates. They are all incredible, kind-hearted and goal-oriented women with inspiring stories. Sometimes we get into our routines and feel like we're just getting by or just living life, when in reality, we all have something to offer others. We all have an opportunity to inspire something in someone else. It might be your easy-going attitude, cooking skills, dedication to running 13 miles on a treadmill while others are eating eggs and bacon upstairs, kindness, ability to juggle work, kids and training, or how you give back to others by volunteering for Girls on the Run. Everyone has their own story and I felt so blessed to learn more of those stories during BirdCamp Colorado.

Photo by Rebekah (The Blonde Runs)

Haute Volée runner Shaluinn Fullove and Kristin Metcalf

That's me, JJ, Kristin, Jenn, and Rebekah

I would be an awful camp organizer if I didn't thank our partners for supporting the weekend our. Of course, there's Oiselle, without which camp wouldn't exist. But we're also immensely lucky in Colorado to have countless fitness, outdoors, and running-focused companies who are generous and willing to support groups like ours. Go check out these great companies....

Colorado Runner Magazine
Celestial Seasonings
Erica Sara Designs
FlapJacked
Hank Orange
Hope Foods
Justin's Nut Butters
Love Grown Foods
Momentum Jewelry
Noosa Yoghurt
Nuun
One World Running
Picky Bars
Point6
Run Gum
Run Steep
Stance
Tailwind Nutrition

All Eyes On LA This Saturday

This weekend is a BIG weekend. And no, I'm not talking about Valentine's Day. The day before is much bigger - or should be anyway. It's the day when hundreds of men and women, who have sacrificed, pushed their limits, and dedicated countless hours, will line up outside the LA Convention Center to go after their dreams.

I'm talking about the Olympic Trials Marathon

These runners represent the very best, the fastest, distance runners in our country. But they're not all professional runners. Many of them are just like us (only much faster). They are wives and husbands, mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers; they fit their training into their lives juggling many responsibilities. They have support systems that make it possible, and those people are the unsung hero's who get them to the starting line. 

By the end of the day, we will know who the first 3 female and 3 male runners are, who will represent the United States in Rio de Janeiro this August. 

Some Firsts

For the first time ever, the race will be televised live across the country! This is spectacular news for those who don't love trying to watch a big race through an internet connection that may, or may not be, super reliable. Everyone can watch the Olympic Trials Marathon starting at 10:00am PT / 1:00pm ET on NBC (how to watch).

And when those first few runners cross the finish line, they're also going to take home record prize money. Across the top 10 female and male finishers, they will take home a total of $600,000. What I love most about this is that the women will take home exactly the same as the men for each place. 

I'm more excited than ever this year for the Olympic Trials Marathon because 18 of the strong, fierce, and courageous women who will run Saturday, run for Oiselle. 

If you can't tell, I'm pretty amped up for the race on Saturday. I'll be meeting up with several of my Oiselle teammates here in Denver for a run, potluck brunch and watch party. I hope you can make time to watch it, too (on NBC).

I can't imagine having the talent and speed to compete at this level, but it will certainly be a lot of fun to watch - all of the athletes on the road Saturday will be putting their hearts, minds, and years of hard work and effort on display for all of us to witness.

For a little extra reading and watching inspiration: 
Kara Goucher fans should check out this video by Oiselle on her journey to the Trials
Sarah {Mac} Robinson does the one week countdown
And Runner's World helps us remember why we all love Meb so much (which really isn't that hard)
Pretend you're there & comb through out the official race program

To all my teammates running Saturday,

Give 'em hell, Oiselle!

Will you be watching Saturday? * What summer Olympic sport is your favorite to watch?

A Secret to Happy Running

While we're about to find out what challenge #7 is for Oiselle's #RunLoveChallenge, last weekend Matt agreed to complete #5 with me: Run Discovered (go out and explore undiscovered territory). My challenge partner, Lindsay, and I unknowingly got ahead of the game with our run the weekend before through a few Denver parks, but life is boring if you stop exploring. In fact, so far for me, 2016 has been the year of Run Discovered. I've been bored with my normal routes around Denver so I've been mixing things up a bit this year.

Last Saturday was perfect for a morning run - the temperature had hit the mid-40's before we made it to the outskirts of Boulder, which is jam packed with open space and mountain trails. We rarely make our way there to run but I'd had this one particular trail on my list since I ran a small section of it a year ago with several Oiselle teammates before we spectated the National Cross Country Championships. 

There's a small parking lot off Baseline at the Bobolink Trailhead of the South Boulder Creek Trail. It was a bit muddy but not too bad and we got on the trail before it got too busy. Unfortunately my legs were not feeling it and I was on the biggest struggle bus from the start. As beautiful as the trail is, my mind was focused on how hard it was to run. 

It was a big departure from the last few months as I've noticed how well my legs have been reacting on my runs - but it hasn't always been the case. There was a substantial period of time several years ago when I popped ibuprofen daily and rarely left for a run without taking an Excedrin. There were several reasons for this including chronic stress fractures, over training, not recovering well - but thankfully I got off that bad habit a while ago and it's long behind me. Although I did continue to deal with heavy legs.

When I was down and out last summer with a popliteus injury, I was forced to refocus on stretching and strengthening. My PT told me she spends 10 minutes a day with a foam roller, which has stuck with me; if she can find 10 minutes each day, I can find at least a few. 

I believe that taking time to roll out before and after each run is why my legs have felt so good lately. Most of my weekday runs happen at the gym this time of year so I've made a habit of heading straight to the studio for dynamic stretches and a few minutes of rolling before I get on the treadmill. This is crucial because we're at the gym at 5:00am, only 20 minutes after we wake up and I need to wake my body up a bit before I put it to work. Also, we have our roller and a yoga mat in our living room so it's impossible to forget before weekend runs. This has made a world of difference.

Of course, that is, except for my run last Saturday. The first three miles really just sucked. There's no other way to describe it. One of the great, and frustrating, things about running is that you never truly know what kind of run you're going to end up with. While I had hoped we could have gone longer to enjoy the beautiful views, I had to turn back at 3 miles. It got better a few miles down the trail, but some days just aren't great. That said, a less-than-ideal run is still better than sitting at home! And a delicious brunch on Pearl Street helped me move on pretty quickly.

This past week I've been more focused on rolling out and took a step back on mileage during the week hoping it would help me out today, which it did. The key to all this is consistency, so making it as easy as possible (like keeping the roller in the living room) is important.

How do you get over lousy runs? * What do you do between runs to help with recovery?

Join The Challenge and #ChaseTheBird

We’re just over 3 weeks away from Thanksgiving. Travel itineraries are set. Meal planning is under way. The holidays are upon us, and along with the holidays come parties, cocktails, delicious meals, and celebrations with family and friends. But for some, the fun stops when we step on the scale or try to zip up our favorite jeans.

My legs weren't feeling to peppy during my 5am workout, but I pushed through a strength session to start the day a little bit stronger. #ChaseTheBird day 3. #fitness #gym #morningworkout #healthy #strength #oisellevolée #runstrong

A photo posted by Lisa Alcorn (@lmhalcorn) on Nov 3, 2015 at 7:46am PST

Thankfully Oiselle has stepped in with a fun way to help keep us motivated to stay the course - or get on board - with our training or general fitness routine this month. At the start of November Oiselle launched a month-long challenge dubbed #chasethebird. 

It’s super easy and definitely not too late to join in. All it requires is 15 minutes of physical activity - any kind of physical activity - every day. You can run, lift weights, take your dog (or cat if you prefer) for a walk, hit the stairs, do burpees, or a yoga video for 15 minutes and log it on social media with the hashtag #chasethebird.

As an extra incentive, Oiselle is randomly selecting winners to receive fun prizes and whether or not you win, you’ll still find loads of inspiration in the other tweets, instagram pictures, and Facebook posts.

All it takes 15 minutes!

Coldest run yet of the season but a beautiful morning to #chasethebird for 8 miles on the streets of Denver. #OiselleCO #Denver #runhappy #run #fitness

A photo posted by Lisa Alcorn (@lmhalcorn) on Nov 7, 2015 at 9:16am PST

And as you can tell, vegans can #chasethebird too! I hope you'll join me in this challenge.

What are your biggest vices during the holiday season? * What is your approach to staying healthy but also enjoying the season?

No. 4: Fly With The Winners

Earlier this year, Oiselle put out the Flight Manual. The Flight Manual puts forth a set of ideas meant to create success in running and in life. As I've read these ideas, certain people, friendships, experiences, come to mind. It's an interesting way to look at how we approach our every day interactions, who we want to be and what kind of impact we want to make. Number 4 is fresh in my mind today.

It's so true that who we align ourselves with is incredibly important. Life is short and we only get one go at it, so why not drench ourselves in positivity, strength, and fun? "The Winners" aren't always the one crossing the finish line first or making the most money. "The Winners" as I see it are those who make me stronger, happier, and more fulfilled. 

We recently had the amazing good fortune to have an event with Sally Bergesen, Founder + CEO of Oiselle, and Kara Goucher. Both Sally and Kara talked about the importance of women supporting other women, in running and in life. About the importance of being true to oneself, not being afraid to go after our goals, and not being afraid of accepting help and support. We all need it. Thankfully, I have girlfriends who I can count on no matter what. To laugh with, cry with, and celebrate with. The evening was unforgettable, filled with laughter and new friends. Once again, I feel blessed to be part of this team, but even more importantly, proud to support this company.

I thought this would be the perfect time to share a couple of my favorite Oiselle gear! When I first got hooked on Oiselle back in 2010, the line was pretty limited - some shorts, 50/50 tees, and running tops. It's been fun, but also a bit overwhelming, to see all the great stuff coming from the brand lately. Here are two outfits I'm loving for fall, which go seamlessly from the road to the farmers market. 

The Lux Layer is amazing (think soft and silky) and I think I'm on fall #3 with these Flow Tights (light fleece lining, 3/4 length perfect for those cool morning runs). 

I've had the Tracker Jacket for about a month now and have probably worn it at least 20 times. It's lightweight, comfortable, and I love the asymmetrical zip. The O Snap tank - also lux fabric - is fitted, but not too fitted, with a keyhole back. And the flow tights are a perfect match. I wore this to the gym so I could watch the TCS NYC Marathon coverage while getting some miles in on the treadmill before we headed to the farmers market to pick up apples and a huge bag of veggies. 

The NYC Marathon holds a special place in my heart. A big congratulations to all who ran it on Sunday, especially my good friend Grace who finished her 4th NYC marathon!

What are your go-to fall weather running pieces? * Did you race this weekend? How'd it go?!

Cowbell Corner, Every Day

Most of the time I run alone. It's not that I don't enjoy running with other people, rather I just find it easier to run on my own time, at my own pace, and along the route of my choosing. Well, that sounds a bit selfish, doesn't it? That might be true, but what it doesn't mean is that I don't find the occasional jaunt with friends to be fun, challenging, and a nice break from the thoughts running through my head. 

While this is one of my running truths, another is that even though I often prefer to run on my own, I also love being part of a team. You don't have to run with other people every time you put your running shoes on to be inspired, and pushed forward, by others when you're out there logging miles. 

But being part of a team isn't a one-way deal. It's not just about taking inspiration from your teammates, but it's about giving back to them. And I'd dare say we should give more than we take. Being there to provide them what you have to offer. They might be faster, more experienced, but you can still be there for them. 

A sympathetic ear when someone's injured or struggling; celebrating their great workout or race. Both the little and the big things matter. When you're part of a team - an organized team or a team of friends - comes with that responsibility.

This weekend I had the opportunity to give back to my teammates by cheering and ringing a cowbell so hard and so long my fingers hurt. And I loved every minute of it!

How do you give back to your team? (whoever that team might be)

Race Recap: Louisville Trail 10K (2015)

My alarm went off this morning before 6am. Most of you know what that likely means for a runner. Race day!

Woody and I ran the Louisville Trail 10k last year and very much enjoyed the small, and well run, race that's held about halfway between Denver and Boulder. We knew last year's course was changed due to lingering damage from the 2012 flood, and personally, I welcomed the changes this year which kept us running along the Coal Creek in the out and back course rather than two out and backs and a good bit of sidewalk running.

We met up with my friend who was running, along with her fiancé and their friend. The race is the last of the Endurance Race Series, which includes 9 races from April through October along the front range and mountain towns. The half marathon took off first, then then 10k followed by the 5k and a kids race.

Woody headed up to the front so as not to get caught up in the traffic, while we stayed back. The race isn't that big, several hundred people, but since the trail isn't that wide there's even more jockeying around at the start than a typical road race. My friend and I stuck together and got through the crowds till we had a bit of space. The course was mostly crushed gravel and rolling hills aside from one fairly steep and intense climb. And since it's an out and back, we hit that hill twice.

It was a pretty warm day for mid-October - well into the 60's. Thankfully a good bit of the course was shaded so it wasn't too intense. When I hit the finish line Woody was waiting for me. As per usual. Turns out he finished 8th overall and 2nd in his AG. And my friend's fiancé also finished 2nd in his AG. Yeah, pretty frickin' awesome!

The race organizers set up a pretty great festival with several vendors including Runners Roost, Hoka One One, Yucatan Guacamole, Boulder Organics, a few others, plus a pretty big spread of food. Since the guys were getting awards, we stuck around for the ceremony so they could get their pint glasses. There were also about 10 or so people who had finished the race series season pass, meaning they had run all 9 races; they received a stainless steel growler. The series offers two other pass options - one covering the 5 front range races, the other for the 4 mountain town races.

While my finish time wasn't as good as last year (since I'm not in the shape I was in then) and I could have paced myself a bit better, I'm fairly happy with my performance and feel that I'm on track with where I want to be and getting stronger every week.

Afterwards we walked over to our friend's house for coffee, mimosas, chocolate banana bread and biscuits (both vegan), fruit, some home brewed beer and great conversation. Overall, it was a pretty great morning.

There was a lot of racing happening around the country this weekend. Did you race? Take a minute to leave a #runbrag so we can celebrate your awesomeness!

Spectating the Cross Country Championships with Oiselle

This past Saturday (Feb. 7), Boulder hosted the USATF Cross Country Championships at Flatirons Golf Course. The meet featured races on the high school, junior, masters, and open levels - with the top 6 finishers in the men's and women's open division making Team USA at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in China at the end of March.

Never having been to a cross country meet myself, once I heard Oiselle was fielding a team and none other than Sally Bergesen (Momma Bird herself), Kristin Metcalf (our team director), Lauren Fleshman (5k speedster, coach, Picky Bar co-founder, author, etc, etc) and other amazing birds were going to be in Boulder for it, I had to be there. 

One of our local teammates, Bret, did an awesome job organizing the day - from a group run starting at the Bobolink Trailhead ending at the golf course, to lunch at Fate Brewing after the races. As we were running along the south end of the golf course we happened to meet up with Sally, who was out for a quick run herself! We all cheered her name as she jumped right into the mix and joined us. If you were there and saw a great looking group of women running into the golf course - not wearing racing kits - that was us. 

We quickly found Kristin and a few other teammates, including a few of the ones racing. Oiselle fielded a 5 woman team including: Christine Babcock and Collier Lawrence (both with Little Wing), Arlene Espinoza, Drea McLarty, and Liz Anjos.

Pre-Race smiles: Kristin and two of my Colorado faves - Laura and Bret

Thinking we'd run about 3 miles for our "short run," I had done 4 miles earlier in the morning. I did not realize however, that we'd be sprinting from point to point along the 2K looped course to catch our teammates at different points along the 8K race. (This is purely a result of me not thinking about how it would play out. I should have known!) By the end of the day I had a solid 7 miles of running plus a good sprint workout under my belt! A good reminder that even spectating can be tough work! But entirely fun, too.

Just after the start of the Women's Open 8K

I should mention quickly that while snow has fallen around here, we've had a fairly mild start to 2015 and Saturday was our warmest day yet. Talking 70 degrees. I can't imagine many of the runners were prepared to race in that kind of heat, but watching the women and men speed around the course was nothing short of awe inspiring. Beyond Christine Babcock securing a spot for the Pan American Games with her 13th place finish, the next most inspiring finish for me was Jen Rhines, 3x Olympian, made the USA Cross Country team for the 7th time at age 40. Talk about awesome! 

For the open division, the women did 4 laps for 8K while the men finished 6 laps for 12K. Cheering crowds dashed around the course to cheer for the runners at multiple points along the way. And of course a great crowd gathered at the finish line. As it was my first cross country meet I have no reference point, but it seemed to me like the turnout was pretty great and Boulder was an excellent host.

That's Lauren Fleshman coaching Christine Babcock

Kristin and the Colorado Birds cheering for Collier Lawrence

After the men's race we headed off to Fate Brewing for a team lunch. We had definitely worked up a good appetite! All in all, it was a fantastic day and I'm so glad to be part of the awesome team here in Colorado and able to cheer on our teammates!

photo credit: Greg Metcalf

I encourage you to also check out Kristin's post on Oiselle's blog, HERE.

Have you - or would you like to - run cross country? 
(I apologize to everyone in the midwest and on the east coast who's been dealing with lots of cold and snow this winter. Wish I could share the warmth with you!)

A New Beginning with the Team

I had comfortably settled into my 30th year of life when it finally happened. While I had dreamed about it in my younger years, long before this I had made peace with the fact that it likely wouldn't happen and was just fine with it. The closest similar experience for me was my four years of marching band in college, but while an incredible experience I knew it wasn't quite the same (although some, including myself if I wanted to, could argue against this). 

Then, one magical summer day in Seattle, it all changed. During a tour of headquarters* - when it was one small-ish room and the shipping warehouse was another room down the hall - an opportunity arose and I jumped for it. This was probably one of the few times when I didn't have to think about the pro's and con's. I knew I wanted it and went for it. Less than a month later I was officially on the team. Oiselle Team.

For me, being part of the team is much more than wearing my singlet at races or adding the #flystyle hashtag to social media posts. I've had the opportunity to meet incredible, strong women from around the globe who bring to the team, and to running, their unique stories, goals, and personalities. Beyond this, I've made new friends and have received encouragement through tough times and loud resounding cheers in good. Being part of the team has given me another reason to test my limits and strive for things bigger and better.

Yet over the several years I've been part of it, I've felt like there was a bit of a void. That in-person connection with other birds wasn't as strong as I'd wished it would be. And for this I will definitely take some responsibility for because all it really takes is initiative (and time). 

With the addition of The Flock in 2014, our Colorado team has grown a lot but we hadn't done much to bring everyone together. Wanting to connect the local (as in all of Colorado) team, I hosted a "post-holidays holiday party (and cookie exchange)" at my house on Saturday. While a number of birds couldn't make it, the nine of us who got together had a great time!

Meeting these women (only two of whom I knew IRL before Saturday), talking about our running - and non-running - lives, sharing our goals, and plotting our plans for group runs and races added a shot of inspiration and excitement to the new year for me.

 

I'm excited for this new year and the new opportunities to connect with the team. Getting advice on things - or empathy - from my teammates will be an especially huge help as I work with my other team towards our goal of 2,015 miles this year (I'm 22 miles in)! Saturday alone I learned about races I hadn't heard of before and we bonded over our differing levels of anxiety about running on ice (which is currently unavoidable around Denver).

Wondering what made our list of individual goals? 

Stay consistent & believe in me! * Run my first 10 mile race and stay healthy * Organize Every Mother Counts events in Denver, raise more $$$ for EMC, & stretch more * Marathon PR, have fun & stay healthy * Run sub 4:00 marathon, 50M ultra & explore Colorado! * Stay injury free, marathon I feel proud of, more group runs * stay healthy and run sub-3:20 at Boston!

And, we ate cookies, really delicious cookies. Needless to say, Woody was not unhappy about all the cookies in our house after the party. And he deserves them because he was a huge help in getting ready for it!

Looking ahead I currently have two races I'm planning on: Cherry Creek Sneak 5 Miler (April 26) and the BolderBOULDER 10K (May 25). Plus, we're talking about organizing a few Colfax Relay Oiselle Teams!

Have you started picking your races for 2015? Have you already run a race this year?

*Please excuse the small photos and text. I've learned a lot about blogging since I wrote this post!

HOLIDAY WELLNESS GUIDE: Holiday Gifts for Her

If you’re still looking for that perfect gift for the awesome women in your life, I hope that something on this list will fit the bill. As much as I love finding the things that I know (hope) my friends and family will use and appreciate, one of my favorite things to gift is an experience. Our lives are made up of experiences more than things, and so while I personally wouldn’t mind finding any of these things under the tree with my name on it, my favorite item on this list is #11 - a race registration! Wouldn’t it be fun to pick a race with your BRF (best running friend) that you’ll run together in 2015, then surprise her by registering the two of you? 

You can find links to all of these items (except the race registration - that’s for you to pick!) on my Pinterest board HERE. Stay tuned for ideas for the guys on your list!

How are you adjusting back to work and “real life” after the long holiday weekend?

 

*note I did not receive any of these items for the purposes of including them on this list. I have purchased some items myself and like them so much I think you’d like them too; others I don’t personally own but think they’d make great gifts!*