Oiselle- Totally Trials Entry

Back in 2009 I was new to Blogging and pretty new to Running.  Somehow AJ (Amanda- 5Miles Past Empty) and I stumbled upon each others blogs.  Crazy that we lived so close and had no idea.  I lightly convinced her, via the help of my bloggy friends, that we should meet for a run.

First Running Date 10-10-09 HERE: 

After the run I called it a "match made in Bloggy Heaven."  Meeting new people can be awkward, it wasn't like that with AJ.  From the first sentence I felt I had known her forever and could tell her anything.  We are very DIFFERENT.  I am anal, matchy matchy and structured, she is more of a relaxed go with the flow type of gal. In some ways I think that is why we get along so well, we have a good balance.

Our friendship grew through training runs, races, funny photo taking sessions and post run FOOD! 

The Mercer Island Half Marathon was on Amanda's Birthday in March 2010.  I had planned to run with her and pace her to a PR.  Somehow we didn't connect so we went on alone.  The race was HILLY and HARD.  I finished ahead of my friends and headed to get some water.. Soon after I texted my friend to see where she was, she replied.  As I walked her way I could see the PRIDE in her face, she had earned her PR, the CONGRATS HUG had us both in tears.  That hug still ranks as one of my all-time best post-run memories.

Not "the" hug but you get the idea

AJ is my first close friend in a Military Family, so it was a huge blow when AJ told us she was moving..  Moving away?? And to North Carolina??  We knew for a few months, and dreaded the day when she would hit the road.  I shared our run-lationship with the world through PBA-Public Blog of Affection:

BLOG Link

AJ was training for the Portland Marathon, after the Marathon they would move to North Carolina.  My buddy Jill and I grabbed our umbrellas and set out to cheer her, and others on. 

It was a TOUGH day, torrential rain before the race even started.  AJ wanted to quit early on, we offered to drive her back, but she kept on.  I ran a few miles with her to keep her company, not knowing that would be our goodbye, we didn't connect after the race.  All of this on our Friendiversary 10-10-10. In that instant we began our Long Distance Run-lationship.

***6 days later my Dad died unexpectedly of a heart attack.

I was lost, my heart broken, I didn't know which way was up.  I NEEDED something to look forward to.  When AJ told me her friends couldn't run the Las Vegas Rock N Roll Marathon in December with her and she didn't want to run solo, I registered the next day.  I was not trained for 26.2, all I knew was that I wanted to be with my friend, to feel something other than sadness.  Up until mile 18 I was great, we held strong together.. Toward the end and after the race it was not pretty, I prayed to multiple gold garbage cans in Vegas.  AJ took care of me, and we salvaged what was left of our trip. 

Running a Marathon with someone bonds you forever, she helped me through when I leaned on her and vice versa.  When AJ came for Rock N Roll Seattle June 2011, I knew I wanted to run the Half with her, regardless of Finish time.  She was running to raise money for cancer to honor her Dad.  Stride for stride with my buddy, all the way to the end.  Those are the memories I cherish, time spent with good friends.

***A few months later AJ suffered the loss of her father to Pancreatic Cancer. 

I hated that I understood what she was going through. We are too young to both lose our Dads!! GAHHHHHHH!!!  I did what I could to empathize and support her being so far away, I felt helpless. 

Through ups and downs, PR's and injuries, miles and miles distance,  we have stayed close.  Texts, phone calls and care packages keep the Run-lationship alive.  Here we are nearly a year since we have run together or seen each other.  And I see the Oiselle contest HERE to win a FREE trip to the Olympic Trials.. Hmmmmmm!!!  I sent the info to AJ instantly.

Oiselle, a company I love, would help me and my run buddy to reunite! And we would get to experience the Olympic Trials at Hayward Field!! What?!?!?!  Summer after 11th grade I watched the Olympic Trails at Hayward Field with my parents, we happened upon the event while touring the college.  I remember how AMAZING it was to be in the presence of greatness.

This year my cousin Ryan will be throwing the Javelin in Olympic hopes at Eugene.  My family on the field gunning for London!

Why do we want to win??

-We want to have a blast hanging out with the STELLAR people of Oiselle, hamming it up at a Fashion show and playing in the nest.

-We want to pose for endless fun photos in Oiselle Gear. What girls doesn't love new, high quality, stylish clothes??

-We want to CHEER our hearts out at the trials, for all the athletes and cousin Ryan (bummer he will not be competing the dates of this Giveaway).

-We want to reconnect through an EPIC OISELLE Weekend!!

That is our Story..

PRETTY PRETTY PLEASE PICK us Oiselle!!!

Video on 5 Miles Past Empty COMING SOON!!