Reflecting on the Year of the Underbird
This past August, we launched our Year of the Underbird program: an open application for aspiring Olympic Trials marathoners, with a promise to select 5 women for a 6 month contract encompassing a stipend, gear, storytelling, and community support. As we reach the end of our flight with our selected athletes, we invited each of them to share a few reflections on their past 6 months as teammates.
Black History Month: Celebrating Our Athletes
We are honored to support five exceptional Black women athletes challenging norms in the running industry: athletes, advocates, and powerful voices in the sport. We invited each of them to reflect on their journeys through sport: how their identity has affected their development, and how they hope to impact the rising generation of athletes. Hear from Madie Boreman, Kendra Coleman, Brenna Detra, Carmen Pelar Graves, and Ari Hendrix-Roach.
Elena Hayday: The Therapeutic Relief of Running
Our final 2024 Year of the Underbird feature, Elena Hayday, shares her story of living with depression and how it accompanied her journey in running. What manifested as overachieving at a young age, transitioned into burnout in college, the mishandling of her treatment, and ultimately leaving her team and even her dreams of running competitively. Elena’s story is a powerful example of how returning to what you love can be a healing way to move forward.
Molly Bookmyer: Running As a Celebration of Health
Molly Bookmyer’s journey to the Olympic Marathon Trials is fueled by gratitude and a vivid awareness that a healthy life, and healthy running, are a distinct, and joyful, privilege. She shares how her experiences with medical challenges and survival have shaped her relationship with running and her pursuit of big goals.
Bri Boehmer: If Not Now, When?
Briana Boehmer is challenging societal timelines by attempting an OTQ at the California International Marathon at age 42, showcasing the resilience to pursue dreams beyond conventional expectations. Her story defies age-based limitations, emphasizing the timeless pursuit of personal goals.
Carmen Pelar Graves: My Journey from Division III to Professional Running
Carmen Pelar Graves, Haute Volée Steeplechaser, shares her unconventional journey from Division III soccer player to professional running. Overcoming challenges, lack of sponsorship, and a hiatus from the sport, Carmen's story emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, resilience, and embracing individual paths to athletic success.
An Introduction to the Paralympics and Wheelchair Racing
Paralympian Jenna Fesemeyer shares background on the Paralympics and her sport, wheelchair racing. Learn more about how she found the sport, who can compete at the Paralympics, selection criteria for Paris 2024 and more.