THIS. MADE. MY. DAY! — a true inspiration with integrity and love for others! <3 xo
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I am so excited to finally be able to share some exciting news with everyone. Today it was announced that I will be teaming up with Oiselle! How did this happen? Well, Oiselle is the French word for bird and this is the story of how I ended up in her nest.
I have been with Nike for 12.5 years. Twice during that time my contract has come up for renewal and both times I was with a Nike coach. So I chose to only negotiate new contracts with Nike and not speak with other companies. This past December 31st, my contract was up again. Once again, Nike wanted to renew, but I had just left my Nike–funded coach to return to Boulder and be coached by my college coaches. This meant I could explore other companies and options. After all, since Nike would no longer be funding my coach, I no longer had to be with them. I wanted to see what else was out there and see how other companies operated.
So began the adventure of speaking with other shoe companies. It was quite the experience. While some were excited and eager to get me on their team, others felt like I was already too branded as a Nike athlete. In January I asked my husband to reach out to Oiselle. I was moving along with a few other more traditional shoe companies, but Oiselle was interesting to me. They seemed like they were positive people, Lauren Fleshman really seemed to like them, and they made super cute clothes. Sally Bergesen, the CEO and founder, and I ended up chatting on the phone. The conversation was easy. It was like talking to a good friend and when she asked if I’d like to come out to Seattle I was eager to take the trip.
Adam, Colt, and I arrived in Seattle over Superbowl weekend. (This was tough on Adam as we were in Seattle when his beloved Broncos lost to the Seahawks). I had the most incredible experience in Seattle. I could not believe how this company seemed to operate with such honesty and integrity. They put importance on family and empowering other women. My heart was bursting all weekend. This company got me and got what running means to me. Everything I learned about Sally and Oiselle made me love them more and more. This was no marketing scheme. These people were real and living to empower and motivate others. I left Seattle more inspired than I have ever been by anything in the running industry. I wanted to be a part of this ‘club.’
A couple of days after leaving Seattle, I got a call from Sally. I was ready for an offer. I knew the company was small and the offer would be smaller than others, but that was OK. I loved them, I was ready to hear the terms of the contract. But to my extreme disappointment Sally said she couldn’t make me an offer. Oiselle just doesn’t have the financial resources or freedom yet to compete in the same arena as the other companies. She said she is a couple of years away. She wants to be my friend. Oiselle loves me, but she cannot make me an offer.
I was devastated. I called my mom and sisters and cried. I felt hope and inspiration in Seattle that I had never felt and now it was over. To make things worse, Sally sent me a care package a few days later. Inside the box were beautiful and amazing clothes. Thanks, Sally, for pouring salt in my wounds.
I had to keep searching, interviewing with people. I kept looking for the passion I felt with Oiselle. I got two great offers from other companies. The people were fantastic and the offers were good, but I was missing the excitement. They weren’t Oiselle.
Adam came home one day and told me that he had been thinking about how he had never seen me so inspired before, how he knew I desperately needed to be with a company that stands for the same values I do. He convinced me that we should call Sally back. That we should ask her to reconsider. It was a Friday night and I was nervous. What if she says no again?! I had a glass of wine (maybe two.) Adam sent Sally a text, she replied, “let’s talk.” Basically I admitted to her that I am in love with her company. That being around her made me feel alive and that my running could have purpose for other people. I told her I don’t want to lose this feeling, I want to be on her team. She listened to us carefully and a couple of days later she made us an offer. It was non-traditional and unconventional but just maybe it could work. Adam and I asked our financial advisor if we could live on this offer. After careful consideration he introduced a new word to our vocabulary – BUDGET – but gave us the thumbs up.
Just when we thought we were ready to join Oiselle, another shoe company that I was very interested in from the beginning, came at us hard. When I told Sally, she did the unthinkable and told me to check it out. She told me to hear their pitch and let her know in two weeks’ time. This is not how this industry works, you usually have limited time to accept a deal, but Oiselle isn’t like most companies. I met with the other company and they had great ideas, cool marketing plans, and great money. Needless to say I would be able to erase the word BUDGET from my vocabulary.
But I was torn. Crying actually. I called Sally and told her a little about the offer without giving her details. She replied, “Damn girl, that’s a good deal.” I could’t stop crying. She told me that it will all be OK, that no matter what I decide I won’t look back.
I hung up the phone with Sally and went for a run and I realized that Sally is WRONG. I would look back. I would always wonder what would have happened if I had listened to my heart and taken a chance on a little flock of birds. I would always wonder what could have been. Could I have helped it grow? Could I have reached other women? Could I have helped change the running industry? Could I have inspired others? Felt proud of myself and the choice I made?
I had to know.
In the end, the choice was really quite easy. I belong with Oiselle. My heart knew it all along and I am so glad that it was speaking loud enough to finally reach my head. With Oiselle I can’t wait to improve the sport, reach my own performance goals, and help women around the world take flight. I have found my home.
Read Sally’s Blog on Kara Goucher joins Oiselle
THIS. MADE. MY. DAY! — a true inspiration with integrity and love for others! <3 xo
so happy you followed your heart, Kara! I can’t wait to follow your adventure with Oiselle and watch how you and the company both grow together. thanks for being a great role model and running ambassador!
Thank you Kara. Thank you for being strong and believing in something so much that is motivating for others. Nothing can take away a fire inside when it is fueled with passion and determination. I am glad you have found your nest.
Such exciting news! I’ve been running with this flock for two years now and loving every minute. When Lauren Fleshman came on board I nearly lost my mind with excitement–now you? I can’t stop smiling– I’m such a huge fan–you’re are amazing!
Damn girl, that’s a great story!!! I got all excited just reading about it! I’m so happy foryou!
Oh, yeah!! I’m excited for you, and am inspired myself! Go, Kara, go!
Congrats on your new adventure. Very happy for you and it will turn out great because it is the thing that made you feel the way you did and in your heart, is right for you. To many times in a lot of athletes careers, they seem to choose more money. There are millions of people who make good money working in jobs or companies that they really don’t want to be in. They would love to do something else, but can’t afford to. You have that chance and will be a freat role model for women and for all runners. You have already inspired so many and are a great role model for younger girls in the sport. Have fun with your new team and just do what you feel in your heart and you will never regret any decision that you make. Once again, congrats and being a fan, just wanted you to get feedback and know that we care. Paul.
You have already had an impact. I have never heard of this company before you joined them. Good luck and maybe I have a new place to order things for my wife!
Thanks for sharing the story. Good luck and enjoy.
When I saw the photo on IG when you visited with the birds over that weekend, I had a strong suspicion that you would end up with them! They are such a great company that genuinely empowers women, believes in family and heart. It’s a perfect fit!!! How exciting for you and for everyone else who loves watching you run! Go Kara! Go Oiselle!
Congratulations! A perfect fit and two of my favorites come together.
Wow, what a courageous decsision. I wonder how you might have decided earlier in your life. Anyhoot, I think you’ve made a good long term bet. I don’t know much about oiselle – with your presence I’m sure that will change – but after your career ramps down I think you’ll continue to be a positive brand ambassador for them. I think they will likely value you more than bigger performance brands, and that will pay dividends much longer into the future.
On a personal note, I’m leaving boulder and returning to nyc. I’m really going to miss the trails up in the hills here – and all the good people. Best of luck running forward! You’re an inspiration 🙂
How awesome for you that you had the courage to go with your heart and the wonderful support from Adam! The passion and positive energy come through so clearly in your writing about the change. Best of luck to you in this new chapter!
So what shoes will you wear??
Congratulations!! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you and your sweet family! Thank you for being such an inspiration! 🙂 Happy Running!
I am a simpleton. A nobody in the big scheme of life. But I have the Heart of a warrior. I believe on the little things and create dreams that someone of my upbringing would never do. Kara…You have reached out with your Heart. With everything within your Heart. “Heart” can outweigh the obvious choices and make the hidden treasures sparkle, becoming your greatest Asset and Ally . Simply Because YOU BELEIVED. You can not trade in HONESTY or INTEGRITY for any amount of money. They will pay you back beyond measure.
CONGRATS.
Very cool! Way to follow your heart!
Congratulations on this bold, exciting new step! And thank you for sharing your wonderfully inspiring story!
I have been wearing Oiselle for 2 years now. I am a huge believer in supporting and empowering women. I love that you and Lauren Fleshman are doing the right thing by women (and young runners) everywhere. Such an inspiration to all of us moms and road warriors. 🙂
Good call Kara! I’ve been wearing Oiselle clothes for running and casual wear for the past two years and I’m hooked. I’ve actually inquired about the Volee program myself recently. Beat of luck!!!
I have always looked up to you ever since I started running – not only as a woman but as a wife and a mom. Your strength just amazes me. Welcome to the team. We are so blessed to have you! #volee
Well Kara, you and Adam should go to daveramsey.com and listen to him and read his books. The word “budget” is a blessing and not a curse. It will enable you to follow your passions, touch people. If not your just chained to a contract because of the 000’s on the deposit. Go and grow!
This is truly inspiring. I plan to purchase some Oiselle gear this evening to support them (and you). Best of luck. And remember…well-bahaved women seldom make history.
Kudos to you for having the courage and integrity to be true to yourself, and kudos to your family for the support. Many would have chosen money instead. Being true to your values will benefit you in the long run! You are a great inspiration and role model! Thank you!
You’re story is so inspiring and I’m SO glad you went with Oiselle. I’m so excited to see you run with them!! You’re such an inspiration!
Kara you are hands down, one of my favorite runners. One of the things I really admire about you is that you seem to follow your heart. Oiselle is easily my favorite running company. I’m so glad that my two favorites are together!
This is such fabulous news and just makes me love you and the company all the more. I wish you both the best of luck moving forward. It’s a winning combo, for sure!
You are an amazing woman! You truly inspire and empower women runners everywhere with your determination, hand work, and moral values.
Congratulations! You are a great fit for a great company! Maybe Adam can convince Sally to expand into outfitting us “bro-birds”!
Congratulations and you are so inspiring for making such a huge choice based on your heart and gut! So excited for you – now you’ll never look back! 🙂
You made a great choice. Congrats!
Great story and I agree we should allways follow our heart. Blessings and success. Yana
This is so amazing. Kara, you are an incredible athlete and inspiring to all of us! I don’t know why, but I felt emotional reading this post, even tearing a little – you poured your heart out into making this decision, and it’s such an exciting move for you (and your family) and for Oiselle. Congrats, and I look forward to cheering for you and watching you continue to succeed and empowering runners everywhere 🙂
Hearing of your teaming up with Oiselle made me giddy; reading your blog made me cry – tears of happiness! I fell in with the Oiselle flock about 2 years ago – they are some of the warmest, most wonderful women I have had the privilege of meeting and running with. Knowing that you have chosen to be a part of that is…I can’t even describe it. I am so glad you followed your heart!
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This has made me so incredibly inspired and excited to hear tonight!! I love your spirit Kara. I love what Oiselle stands for. What a perfect partnership and one that has already made a difference inspiring women and helping them take flight! Wow!
Kara,
Congratulations and thank you for stepping beyond the comfort of a bigger company. Glad to see you stay with a west coast company as we know you and the family well out here. Best of luck this year and hope to run into you and the rest of the family sometime in Eugene if you are out for a meet.
Congrats!!!
What a great lesson for young Colt – to not put material things first – but seek out your passions and what touches your heart. Keeping your life simple, without all the woes and distresses material things can bring, results in real happiness. I love Nike for women’s apparel but have just discovered Oiselle. I was instantly attracted to its simplicity and quiet beauty. I look forward to seeing you and Lauren Fleshman represent the company well. I admire your courage Kara and have been inspired by your running career. Congratulations on making the nest decision for yourself and your sweet family!!!
Welcome to Oiselle, Kara! I have been a huge fan of yours since our college days, and now to have you on the team is simply amazing! We have a great, close-knit group of Colorado Oiselle runners here and I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say we’re jumping for joy! I have found strength through Oiselle that is unparalleled, and I’m sure you will too.
For some reason today I just had a feeling this news would happen. You are my favorite runner and I am just smitten with Oiselle, even though I don’t own any of their gear. This is a match made in heaven. Good for you for following your heart. BELIEVE!!!
Bold move.
Kara, congratulations. It will now be easier to spot you running these Boulder trails! I couldn’t agree more and truly feel great about the decision you’ve made. The Oiselle company is lucky to have you and would have been silly to pass you up. Go get it, Kara! Continue to inspire…..
Michael
You already inspire me, Kara, and this unconventional move only made you WAY more inspiring! I live in Seattle, shop at Jock n’ Jill (Oiselle vendor), and hope to see you on a run around Green Lake sometime!
Love the spirit of the pick. However what is not referenced is the equity provided by oiselle in the company and the value should it grow. Let’s not pretend that a business decision was not made here. Nick is a terrible reference because he is more interested in the money made by bringing more sponsors to himself then the better of the sport
How inspiring for sure! I loved you with Nike, but this fit sounds amazing too. Thanks for being an inspiration to me as a running mom. It was a highlight for me to meet you randomly in the San Jose airport this last October; I was definitely meeting a role model. I can’t wait to see what you do with Oiselle!
Congrats! This is the perfect way to start spring! Women like you & Lauren Fleshman are such an inspiration to normal women like me who are just beginning our love affair with running. Most athletic companies and the elite athletes they sponsor are a little too ‘elitist’ to make an emotional impact on me. But Oiselle has such a fantastic attitude-not to mention clothes-that it makes me feel like my running dreams are important and valid. Even if those dreams are as simple as finishing my first half marathon in under 3 hours. Thank you Kara and Oiselle for helping women everywhere learn to fly. And Good Luck!
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Congratulations!! What an inspiring and motivating story. A great lesson for young people on how to make sacrifices for what you really want. Best of luck in this new adventure!!
YEEEEAAAAAHHHHHH!! So pumped for you! Congrats Kara. Miss you here in Oregon! Wishing you the best for 2014 and the future! Love to Colt from Joanie 🙂
nice story, very interesting – but oiselle is not french for bird! oiseau is. . .
You will never regret your decision. The women at Oiselle are amazing and their passion for what they do will feed your running. Plus, the clothes are fabulous! I love working for Oiselle, and I could never represent a product I did not believe 100% in. Each time I show the line, I fall in love with the clothes again and again. Congratulations to both you and our company!
Wow! When I found Oiselle, I fell in love with them too….before I even ordered my first piece! Amazing family of women. This blog post made me tear up…its a brave and scary thing to make the right choice sometimes, right?
Congratulations. Always follow your heart. I’ll be sad to not see you in Nike, as I’m a big fan of how Nike fits. But maybe you can help Oiselle make clothes that flatter runners of all figures, not just skinny gals. So… what shoes will you be wearing?
I got goosebumps reading this post. You are brave and have integrity. I already admired you and that admiration has grown leaps and bounds. Way to stick with your passion instead of the $$. Makes me think of the One Republic song, “Counting Stars.” Gonna go checkout this company that has you so inspired!
Congrats! Oiselle does not make shoes. Can you sign an endorsement deal with a shoe company and not endorse their apparel? With or without a shoe deal, what running shoes will you be wearing?
This brought tears to my eyes! I’m so excited to watch this new journey unfold for you. I have love following your career and I love Oiselle and their mission. You guys are the ultimate dream-team and will no doubt inspire female runners, wives, mothers, and dreamers in a BIG way! Congrats!! xo
Kara, I’m so thrilled for you and all of the Oiselle family — for that’s what it feels like, a family. This is absolutely wonderful news and I hope to see you again soon. Congratulations and best wishes!
This news was released on my birthday! Yay!! Runner I love + running company I love. Can’t wait to see what the future holds. Follow your heart Kara!! <3
Kara – I’m so happy you made this difficult choice! Oiselle is an amazing company, I love their clothes, their ideals, their empowerment of women. Together, you will continue to empower women and get more people excited about your running, and *their* running! You’re an inspiration to many, and this partnership will inspire so many more! Congrats!!
Congrats Kara, so happy for you. Wishing you much success with your moves geographically and sponsor wise. Wondering if you could also partner with shoe companies that don’t demand exclusivity. Got the sense with Symmonds signing with Brooks, he still had options. Anyway, all the best, looking forward to great things.
I’ve read this post twice now and both times it has made me so happy. I love oiselle, the clothes and the awesome women that run for the brand. Congrats on your new partnership. I’m so excited to see what you all do together!
Congratulations! Loved reading this post. You are such an inspiration to me (and to many) as a runner and a woman. Keep rockin’ on!! I think I’ll pop over to Oiselle’s website now and have a look around…
This is really cool, but a reminder that you are out of touch with the majority of Americans who have to live on a BUDGET. I love you and think you are an inspiration, but I think its insensitive and oblivious to discuss how you have not had to even consider a BUDGET until now. I have chosen to wait on having kids because we can’t afford to have them right now without putting a baby in full time day care, which I don’t want to do. Vacations are saved for, well planned, and a treat – to be able to take a break from real life but even on vacation, there is a budget. I admire you and all you have accomplished but after reading this I realize I admire even more the every day woman who finds time to run and self-care and be empowered in the midst of limitations of time, work, and BUDGETS. I am extremely thankful for my life and my blessings but I have to say it feels like salt in the wound when I save 3 months to buy a pair of running shoes and fit in my runs in between real life of chores, more than 40 hour work weeks, and financial limitations. And I know many people are less fortunate than I.
This is how the world should work. Congratulations Kara.
I have always admired your ambition. I was actually super stoked to run Boston in 2011 and know you were competing. (I was a few hours behind you 🙂 )
It’s a great story and feeling when you make a decision based on your ethics, love, and heart. You continue to inspire.
Hi Kara,
Congratulations on signing with Oiselle, and making a decision that leaves you comfortable and excited. I am sure a company as large and visible as Nike would not sponsor an athlete to wear only their shoes and not their apparel. Since Oiselle only makes apparel, how will you get your shoes? (Aside from walking into a store and buying whatever you want off the shelf). I am really just wondering if you had the opportunity to explore an exclusive shoe contract with a vendor, while your apparel contract is with Oiselle? Best regards…
Congratulations! I can’t wait to see what you will achieve! Follow your heart, it won’t let you down! I have to go now and check out Oiselle website! Thank you for being true to yourself and being such a great role model for female runners every where!
I was totally ready to write you off when I read once that you poo-poo’d running skirts. Then you had a baby, and I loved the way you wrote about your child. I am ALL ABOUT moms passionately in love with their kids. So I thought you probably weren’t as bad as all that. And now this…to eschew the almighty dollar, and follow you HEART?? We are soul-sisters. You are the skinny cute one. Call me if you ever need help learning to budget. I’m the queen of robbing Peter to pay Paul. All the best to you and your adorable family.
How sad you deleted my comment. I am no longer a fan
Kara, I have been a fan of your honesty, grit and badass determination for many years. From speaking honestly about the struggles you have had with the mental toughness side of running to the incredible interview you gave after your first marathon (I will never forget you talking about the fact that your whole body was cramping and you were throwing up in your mouth in the latter miles…OMG!) to the hilarious discussion you had with my running partner and me at the NYC expo in 2012 about Colt’s diaper blow out in his white Halloween costume…what I have admired through all the years is your absolute authenticity as a person. Your running accomplishments are mind-boggling but it is that honesty and acessiblity that makes you a hero to so many runners. And you have found the absolute perfect company to partner with. Sally and the team are as honest and ballsy and passionate as you, and the whole organization (staff, haute volée and volée ladies) are a barrel of fun. Here’s to many years of a great partnership, and welcome to the team!
I doubt you have time to read all of your comments/fan mail, but in case you do, I wanted to let you know how much I FREAKIN’ LOVE THIS. Thank you so much for being such a role model in MANY ways. It’s so refreshing to see a professional athlete go after something other than money!
Your passion and love for running really show through in this decision! You are an inspiration to other women athletes on so many levels, and letting us in on your decision-making process reveals so much about the person you are. Wishing you much success with Oiselle!
One poster commented that he had never heard of Oiselle before you decided to team with them. Make that two of us. And then today, at a race I ran into a friend and “teammate” of yours wearing the Oiselle singlet who was thrilled to get a recent e-mail from you about your decision. She was pumped! Don’t underestimate the power of your influence. Wishing you the best and knowing that you will always be “Minnesota nice.”
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Congratulations Kara!
You and Lauren Fleshman are my favorite runners, and the news that you’ll be teammates was all I could talk about the other day and made me so giddy! I am a big fan of everything Oiselle stands for and I hope this merge brings everyone involved good things in the future.
You have a history of making decisions to follow your heart – keep up the good work!
I don’t know why, but this made me cry a little bit. So happy you found your place!
Great choice : )
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This makes me so, so happy. I had the chance to meet Sally this summer when I ran Hood to Coast with Nuun Hydration. They provided the amazing clothes for the HTC team. Sally, her team and everything that Oiselle stands for is amazing. I love that Sally is creating a “new girls club” where strong women work together to build each other up and encourage each other. And the clothes they make are amazing to boot! So excited that you get to be a part of the flock:) Huge congratulations. Good for you for following your heart:)
Congratulations! I hope it all works out for you. What shoes are you opting to use?
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That was an amazing read. I’m so glad you followed your heart instead of the money. Sometimes money isn’t everything.
Congrats! It’s nice to know that there are some athletes representing the little guys. How did you come across Oiselle initially?
I am so proud of you, I assure you that happiness does not have a price tag and that many with nothing are worth more. I am a firm believer that do what you love and the money will follow with ease. ( portland misses you)
How refreshing in this day and age…great story. I hope you got a piece of their growth because I believe with your charisma and their brand, great things are in store for both you and Oiselle. Keep rock’in gal!!!
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Kara, thank you for sharing you journey. You are already an inspiration as a runner but it is clear that you are diven by something much greater than a desire to win, a desire to impact and change the world! You are a true role model and someone that women everywhere can look up to!!! Thank you!
Janelle
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Even though I knew you made the move to Oiselle months ago, I never knew the whole story behind your choice. It was truly moving to read (bringing me to tears actually) . Thank you for choosing to go with your heart! You have become an even bigger inspiration for female runners.
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