I received the big news the other day. The women of Oiselle emailed me to let me know that I was now a part of their racing team #OiselleTeam. Let me back up a little…
I had applied last April and was turned down. They were very kind and professional letting me know that they were looking for team members in different regions and that I should reapply at the end of summer. I’m not going to lie, it hurt to be rejected, but I understood and I kept my wings out and my head high (one of the many soulful Oiselle slogan’s) I moved on with every intention of reapplying.
You see, Oiselle is unlike other companies for many reasons and I was not going to let them turn me down without showing them my true colors. I had to get vulnerable and show them all of me… that I am a real person not just a blog, facebook page or twitter handle but a girl who loves to run. Oiselle is a different company because THEY are not just a web page, store or apparel company. These are real women who personally reach out to each of their customers, the running community and social media followers. I felt as though we were the perfect match. I had to show them the depth of me, and that I, like them, are a part of a tribe of socially conscientious, hard working and self motivated runners.
I am not sure if I did that or, if it was just luck, but they accepted me and 9 others, out of many applicants. This was not a popularity contest, they genuinely look for people who have a passion for running. This makes me even more proud to be on the team. I am so excited and grateful. I can’t stop thinking about how proud I am to represent this company!
So, let me tell you a little about them (if you haven’t already heard)…
Oiselle was founded in 2007 by a Sally Bergesen after a trip to a running store to pick up some shorts turned to disapointment… everything was too baggy, poofy, high waisted and in all in the wrong colors. Let’s back up, Sally started running cross country in High School after being cut from the Volleyball team. Then, running found her a second time in college after returning from living in France… here’s a quote from Sally:
The second time it found me, I was in college at Oregon. I had just returned from studying in France where I was smart enough to meet my future husband, but dumb enough to pick up 15 pounds and a half-a-pack-a-day smoke habit (while it may be true that French women do not get fat, I can attest for the fact that white girls from California do). Fortunately, running showed its forgiving nature once again, and after a year of running the hills around Eugene, I moved to Seattle and got hooked on the sport for good – Sally Bergesen
Here is another quote from Sally and why this company means more to me than the clothes they design:
In hindsight, it would be untrue to say that I haven’t cared deeply about running fast and even winning. But for me, and the small family that makes up Oiselle, the sport has always been about something more. At various times it’s our therapy, escape, religion, and girl time. But perhaps simply enough, it’s been our sense of freedom. And thus the name Oiselle (pronounced wa-zell). A French word for bird, it alludes to that feeling of weightlessness that most runners know and love. That sense of flight – when the legs go fast and the heart goes free. – Sally Bergesen
Oiselle knows the essence of why most people run. They’re not just designers of beautiful clothes (although their stuff is amazing). They’re so much more.
The fact that Oiselle means “bird” has so much significance to me. Birds have been the symbol of my life. My runs through nature have always guided me through the dark times and birds have always been my messengers letting me know that all will be OK. I know I sound kooky and crazy… my friend Alison gave me the nickname “Bluebird and Twigs” because I am always pointing out the birds and wildlife on our runs but, these sightings have given me comfort and have guided me through my life. Those who know me intimately know this and, now, so do you.
I am #OiselleTeam. I am so proud to represent this incredible company, with an even more incredible group of women running and, working for them. I would like to end this post with a video I put together last fall after a Cardinal pair nested in a bush outside our window at our house in Clifton, Virginia. This sums up why birds are symbolic and have meant so much to me…
My Three Little Birds…
I am so ready to run for and, represent OISELLE!!
About Lisa
Congrats! And what a well written story!!!
Team Oiselle made a good choice, and should be equally proud to have you!!!!!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE SALLY and OISELLE too.
Congratulations!
Congratulations!
I am so beyond happy and excited for you. Oiselle is an amazing company and I couldn’t think of a better person to represent them. xoxo
congrats!!! so happy for you!
Congrats again, Lisa! What a perfect fit
Yay! Welcome to the team! And double yay for twin moms!
Lisa, you are such an inspiration! Congratulations!! I think Oiselle is as lucky to have you as you are to be part of their team. Xoxo my friend!
Congratulations.
Congratulations and Welcome to #TeamOiselle, Sister Bird!
Yay, Lisa!! I’m so excited for you! I just got my first Oiselle tank for my birthday last week and am already in love with it. What a unique company, and amazing clothes. You deserve it!
What a perfect match. Proud of you, Lisa!
I love the story behind the brand and that it’s just women who love running outfitting other women who love running. CONGRATS!!!
That video was awesome! Love it. And LOVE that you are part of Oiselle now–what a perfect fit for everyone!
I think this is the most beautiful post you’ve ever written and I’m sure it’s because you’re so happy! Oiselle is a perfect fit for you…bluebird…I know that while you’re flying up high, soaring over the earth, you’re looking out for all the little creatures down below…well, all except the worms
Love you and love that you and Oiselle have found one another!
Congratulations!!!!
I honestly just came across this quote and so I find it appropriate to share it with you!
”I once asked a bird how is it that you fly in all this Darkness? He said Love Lifts.” Rumi.
Spread your wings and run!
xo
Welcome to the team, so excited for you! I heart Oiselle.
OMG, this is freaking fantastic!!! I’m so happy and I’m so proud of you for not giving up, you deserve this!!! Good things are happening to you and I love it
yay! congrats! this sounds like a great opportunity!
Congrats! That’s very exciting. I applied earlier this yr or last yr to be an ambassador and they turned me down. They suggested buy some of their clothing and reapply after testing it. I was slightly put off and felt like they were asking me to buy my way into the program. I’ve continued to follow them and buy their products though because they ARE an awesome company and I do 100% love them and support them and all their team members.
yay! congrats! such a great feeling and it’s such a great group of supportive women. Welcome to the team
))
CONGRATS! Love Oiselle. They are the only running shorts I’ve found that are flattering, comfortable, don’t ride up, and all other things good.
WAHOO!! Congrats! I love the ladies of Oiselle as much, if not more, than I love the brand and the clothes.
I had a chance to meet Sally and many during the Hood to Coast and they truly love what they do, which shows in the clothes.
Congrats and I can’t wait to follow your races!
CONGRATS! Those of us who run so that we can know ourselves better (even when we ralize the truth can hurt) well..we can all understand and know that we are better mothers, wives, friends…just better woman because of what we do!
LOVE YOU!