{Oiselle Team} It's More Than The Clothes

Honored. Ecstatic. Humbled. Inspired. Grateful. Just a few words to describe how I felt {and still feel} upon receiving the news that I was selected to be a part of the 2013 Oiselle Voleé Team {Volée is French for Flock and is pronounced Vo-lay} I spent the day grinning from ear-to-ear, overflowing with gratitude. 

I was first introduced to Oiselle, through the Oiselle Team, via twitter.  I knew there was something unique, one-of-a-kind,  truly special about this phenomenal group of runners who passionately supported and encouraged one another in their running, and personal, endeavors.  My interest was piqued the more I got to know, both via the social networking world and in real life, the members of the team and what it was all about.  I knew this was something I genuinely wanted to be a part of.  I wanted to be a part of a team that is passionate about running, committed to supporting their teammates no matter where they are at in their running career, and truly embodies what it means to be "Sisters In Sport." Running has become a large part of my life…it has taken me on many adventures, created lifetime memories, and helped form truly one of a kind friendships.  I run for the feeling of accomplishment I have EVERY TIME I cross the finish line.  I run to constantly better myself.  I run for FUN! I run to achieve the impossible and constantly better myself, in an effort to reach my TRUE potential.  I am so excited to by able to share my "why I run" with people who share the same passion for running as I do, and learn more about their stories.

Come race day, running is an individual sport, but it's the team aspect that keeps my passion for running alive: 5 am moonlit runs with friends, 20 miles on a Saturday working through the problems of the world, the text from a friend who understands the disappointment I am feeling following a race where I did not achieve my goal, celebrating others' victories, seeing people accomplish what they once thought was impossible, and joining 11 other strangers for a 200 mile, 30 hour journey and walking away lifetime friends.  One of the things I am most looking forward to is learning more about the individuals on the team, their personal goals & stories, and cheering them on as they pursue their dreams.  

With my introduction to the Oiselle team came my introduction to Oiselle, the apparel.  Let's just say it was love at first site, touch and run.  From finding the first pair of shorts I could run in that didn't ride up or result in chafing {let's be honest, it happens} to a tank top so soft it could easily be mistaken for PJs, to the Bum Wrap {enough said},  I was hooked. Comfort. Style. Functionality. A triple threat! 

Thank you Kristin, and the entire Oiselle team, for believing in me and providing me the opportunity to run for a company that is more than just a "women tested, women approved, best-of-the-best"  apparel company.  It is with great pride that I will put on my Oiselle singlet, run fast, take chances, and run to inspire others.