I am not quite sure where to begin to explain my experiences with Bird Camp this year. First, I guess I’ll start at the beginning. As I’ve shared before, I am an avid fan of Oiselle and absolutely love running for the brand. Last year was the first time the team hosted a camp (dubbed “Bird Camp”) for members of the team. I wasn’t able to swing it, but right then and there I committed to going in 2015. Actually, three of us DC ladies (Colleen, Prianka and I) all committed to going. What a wonderful decision that was. It would be impossible for me to completely describe the experience so I’m going to touch on some highlights of the time I spent in Washington State with the Oiselle crew.
On Thursday evening, Prianka and I flew to Seattle. We were hosted by an amazing HQer (HQ = headquarters) named Valerie. Valerie picked us up from the airport, let us spend the night in her home and didn’t mind when I spent a crazy amount of time snuggling her sweet Australian sheep dog. She was a fantastic host and our only disappointment was that she didn’t come to Bird Camp – she stayed back in Seattle to work. Next time, Valerie! Early the next morning, we headed into Seattle to meet gals from HQ and the team for a run (and a chance to see where the magic happens – aka HQ). Right when we got out of the car, I caught a glimpse of Jen Bingham dashing into HQ. Jen is an incredible runner and so sweet and we’ve chatted on social media for awhile so I was super excited to meet her (and everyone else). We followed Jen up and then proceeded to walk around HQ in awe. It was just really incredible to see the space where the Oiselle crew works each and every day. We headed out for a four mile run around Green Lake and for about 30 seconds, I was “running” with a bunch of fasties – Jen included. Obviously that didn’t last long but Prianka, Paige (from Kansas City although by the end of a couple days we adopted her into the DC crew because she’s amazing) and I had a lovely little jaunt. Next we headed over to visit the new Oiselle Flagship store. From the store, we’d meet most of the rest of the team that was in town and then head via bus out to Leavenworth, WA. The store was so neat – it was really visually stunning and of course I had to make a couple purchases. If you are in the Seattle area (the store is in U Village), you should definitely stop by. Tons of fun items and a few (like a Born and Raced in Seattle in 2007 tank I picked up) only in store items.
After buying all the Oiselle from the store and grabbing lunch, it was time to gather our stuff and head to the bus for our ride to camp! But first, let me share a funny story. When Courtney met Sally (Founder and CEO of Oiselle):
I turned around to move my luggage.
I spill a coffee.
I turn around again to realize that I spilled Sally’s coffee. Mentally, I’m like, oh great just spilled Sally’s coffee. Ugh, I’m a klutz.
I say something genius like, “Hi, I’m Courtney and I just spilled your coffee. Nice to meet you.”
Sally is gracious and gives me a hug and a laugh. Thus the tone for the weekend was set.
After I got the awkward coffee spilling out of the way, we headed to Leavenworth. The next few days consisted of fantastic runs, hikes, gorgeous views and so much quality time with fantastic gals. Oh and swag. Tons of awesome swag – from Oiselle, from Picky Bars, from Nuun, and more.
At one point Sally said that she wanted to find a way to include “all the women” in what Oiselle was doing. The phrase “all the women” just really stuck with me as we moved through the weekend. I was so inspired by all the women who had made their way to camp – both the elite athletes (there were many!) and the everyday casual runners like myself. I was humbled by just how much we all had in common. Even though running was our initial connection, the bonds that grew were much deeper than that. I had intense conversations about things like how racism differs in the South and the North, the lack of viable options for women who want to have a fantastic, demanding career and also a family, Alabama football and everything in between. Every day, I found myself meeting someone new who was open, honest, fast (more likely than not – this team is incredible) and funny (yes, Jungle Chicken, I’m looking at you). As we ran up and down mountains, I found myself thinking of some of the mountains that we all face in our personal lives. In a world that is more often than not divided instead of unified, I was grateful for the chance to spend quality time with women who were ready to let their guards down and be honest. The group was fantastically diverse, and I loved that. True friendships were both strengthened and formed out in the beauty of Leavenworth, WA and I’m so grateful for that.
I can’t explain some of the feelings that came along with this experience. It was so much more than I expected. Not only did I get to run my butt off in a beautiful setting, but I got to really hear and feel the heart behind my favorite brand. Listening to Sally talk about the future of Oiselle was incredible. Listening to Lauren Fleshman talk about politics within track and field was a game changer. Speaking of Lauren…I already knew she was cool as heck, but dang. She is the real deal. Actually, all of the women I had the chance to meet are the real deal. From Sally (who is so genuine and kind and just fun!) on down, Oiselle is full of incredible women. All the women, indeed…
While the running was amazing, it was the bonus – not the focus. The focus was the conversations, the relationships and the friendships that bloomed over dinner, drinks, a river, a mountain (or two) and late at night giggling in our bunks. I know that I’m not doing Bird Camp justice but I hope you get a sense of just how special the experience was. Here are a couple of my teammates recaps that give some more background about the whole experience: Devon’s recap and Rebecca’s recap.
Thank you so much to Sally, Lesko, Heather, Kristin, JJ, Lauren, Sydney, Christine and all the other incredible women who helped make Bird Camp 15 one of the best experiences of my life.
Have you ever attended a camp focused on running? Was it awesome?
It truly sounds like you had an incredible time out there. I love the clothing they made up for you too. Knowing my luck I would have spilled Sally’s coffee. Ha I’m the worlds biggest klutz.
Hollie recently posted…Training: Consistency and Bad Races
It was truly an amazing experience!
ooh jealous! looks like an amazing time I’ve always wanted to go to a running camp
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…5 Things I’ll be Doing in 5 Years
it was absolutely incredible. SUCH a fantastic experience!
So glad you had an incredible time…can’t wait until we get the day by day (I mean…really hour by hour) in person recap next weekend from you, Colleen and Prianka. That is an awesome pic of you and Lauren Fleshman. Ready for trials and Birdcamp16! 🙂
Jennifer recently posted…Out of the Office
hahaha, yes. you will hear ALL about the awesomeness!
Awesome recap! Loved hangin’ with you. Until next time. xo
That’s awesome that you had such a great experience. I love the idea of a women-only running camp, and I love that the event welcomed both the pros & the rest of us. I would have loved running in those mountains!
Jennifer @ running on lentils recently posted…BCHM Training with Hansons: Week 7
I totally Insta-stalked you and it looked liek you had the most amazing time.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…The Adult Coloring Crazy
Oh I love Jen!! And she’s a fellow Pittsburgh gal!
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Weekly Roundup: Workout Fun, Eats and Treats
It sounds like a truly incredible experience with an even better group of women. Thanks for sharing it!
Victoria @ Ice Packs + Races recently posted…Weekend Wrap-Up: The BEACH, Market and Another Bakedwiach
Courtney, this is SO AWESOME!!! I’m even more excited (if that’s possible) about going to Eugene next year!! WOO HOO!! Bring on the birds!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Training Recap
it was the time of a lifetime! 🙂 you’ll see next summer!
Lucky bird! Camp looks like it was an amazing experience. 🙂
it was incredible!
thanks for this recap, i was wondering what kind of fun stuff was going on at birdcamp – sounds like it was an amazing experience!
it was truly such an incredible time!
Such a great recap Courtney!! It was so great to finally meet you in person…I wish I had more time to spend with you! It felt like the weekend just flew by. I was so amazed that friendships can form from a pure and simple love of running. It was such a special time.
I hope our paths cross again!
thanks leana! i agree that i could’ve used even MORE time to spend getting to know you and all the other amazing women. are you planning to go to camp next summer?
Wow, this is super cool. I’m so glad you were able to have this experience. I’ve never done a running camp before but it’s definitely on my list!!
You would’ve LOVED it, Sue!
I REALLY hope I’m able to swing Bird Camp next year. I’m so pumped that all Volee are invited for 2016.
I’m so glad you and Leana had an opportunity to meet, she’s such a doll and inspiration in the Calgary running community.
Ange @ Cowgirl Runs recently posted…Heart Disease: Why It’s Important to Be Healthy NOW
She is so sweet and so awesome. And yes for birdcamp16! Start saving now – I will be there – it will be incredible 🙂
What an amazing trip, Courtney! It looks so beautiful there and to meet all those inspiring women – wow! I’m so glad you got to go this year 🙂
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…5 Ways to Stop Food Shaming
It was incredible!!
Oh Courtney – how wonderful. I dream of going to Bird Camp
How cool is this? It looks like you all had a freaking blast. I’ve never gone to a running camp but I’m sure it would be awesome!
Marcia recently posted…Fort2Base Nautical 10-Mile Race Report
It was fantastic!
I would LOVE to attend a running camp like this, it looks like so much fun!!!
Annmarie recently posted…Cool Down Post-Run with Gevalia Iced Coffee
it really was incredible!
Looks like a great time. I love Seattle and the surrounding area… heading there myself in a few weeks. How nice that you met so many fun, like minded people!
Elle recently posted…Pumpin Protein Waffles with Turmeric and My Golden Milk
i hope you have a lovely trip!!
Hold up! There’s an Oiselle flagship store? In Seattle? I’m going to Seattle with my sister in September. Must shop…..
I’m envious of your camp experience. I want to go to running camp!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Bulu box review and an awesome recipe! #LoveBulu
YES! It’s in University Village and it’s fantastic. You must go! They do group runs from the store as well – you should check em out!!!
How awesomely fun! I would love to go to a running camp and amazing to do it as a part of Team Oiselle!
Sandra Laflamme recently posted…The Benefits of Hemp Extract for Athletes.
Getting super jealous now. But glad that you are having so much fun. The pictures are so awesome.
That’s it… I have to go next year. I’m so glad it was so amazing for you!!
Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together recently posted…How to Recover From a Half or Full Marathon
I so wish I could! This looks like a blast!
Jessica recently posted…Toddler Favorites
This looks AMAZING! Thank you for sharing. I would love to go to a running camp especially somewhere as beautiful as that one and I LOVE Lauren Fleshman and Steph Rothstein. I have met them both and they are so gracious and humble – and funny! I would have totally done the coffee thing!
Erica @ Erica Finds recently posted…Wednesday Giveaway Round Up #33
It was incredibly amazing – such an incredible experience!