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In episode 8 we interviewed Oiselle’s Lauren Fleshman and Kate Grace, along with CEO and founder of the Seattle-based company Sally Bergesen (see interview transcript). Since then, Fleshman had a baby, Grace cracked the 2:00 barrier in the 800 and was an alternate at World’s, Bergesen committed to run this weekend’s ING NYC Marathon, and the three showed off the company’s spring 2014 collection at NYC’s fashion week.

Look for Fleshman to return to competition at the USATF National Club Cross Country champs on Dec. 14 in her hometown of Bend, Oregon. Here’s a quick update on Lauren, Kate, and Sally, in their own words:

Fleshman: After 12 weeks of post partum semi-jogging and some Elliptigo, I’m feeling ready to start pushing myself a bit. My focus has been building into a schedule again, living like a pro runner again. It’s an adjustment getting into the routine of weights and PT and massage and all the little things much less adding in hard workouts and two a days which won’t come in for a while. Training with my new team, Little Wing, is exactly the community and energy I want in my life. I’m with the people I want to be with doing exactly what I want to do. Club Cross Country champs are in December and Oiselle will have a few teams. I’ll be gasping for air somewhere in the middle eating humble pie and enjoying every bite. Hopefully you’ll see me racing at USA outdoors and if things progress well before that, I’ll take an early spin around the tracks in Australia in March and do some key road races.

Grace: I have so much positive to take away from 2013. I felt strong and confident going in to my races, and started to see that I could compete with anyone in the US. The goal is to have that feeling with anyone in the world, and that is on the horizon. My base treated me well, but I also learned that I have a ways to go with injury prevention – knowing when to push the gas, or pump the brakes. Starting around when we last spoke in mid May, I had a succession of mini setbacks, nothing major, hamstring here, plantar fascia there, but the sum of the time off meant I probably started my taper prematurely. By the time USAs and Europe rolled around, I was running very limited mileage. The 800 was the right race to choose under the circumstances, and I was blown away by how strong I felt with very minimal speed work. I did hit my A standard, one race too late for the Moscow team (came in 4th at the USA Championships). Overall, I am excited and inspired by the strength of the US middle distances. We had 5 women in the World finals of the 800 and 1500, and two medals. It’s great to know that being at the top of the US puts you at the top of the world. So, I’m back here chugging away working to get there. I took a long break, and now the goal for this fall and winter is continuing to focus on tightening my stride, and increasing tissue mobility and strength, so the body can absorb all the work ahead.

Bergesen: NYC marathon training has gone the best since my last sub 3 in 2008. That aside, my goal is to run as fast I can while still having fun. Like a showboat with a few jet packs tucked away. 😉 Captain Fleshman has been a thoughtful, experienced, intuitive coach. No matter what transpires by the clock, it will be an honor to run alongside my Every Mother Counts teammates and support their efforts to raise money and awareness for maternal health. Oiselle continues to fly. 100% growth year over year is exciting but also rife with challenges. Fortunately, we have a crackerjack team…one that is focused and tightly knit. We hope to continue to take a strong stand on pro runner issues as well as ways in which the sport can grow by welcoming more players to the dance floor.

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Categories: Kate Grace, Lauren Fleshman, Oiselle