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Reflecting on the Year of the Underbird

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.
— Justine Fédronic
Elena Hayday: The Therapeutic Relief of Running

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. 
— Elena Hayday
Molly Bookmyer: Running As a Celebration of Health

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.
— Molly Bookmyer
Rediscovering the Forget-Me-Nots: Carrie Verdon's Road to the Olympic Trials

Rediscovering the Forget-Me-Nots: Carrie Verdon's Road to the Olympic Trials

Carrie Verdon's journey to the Olympic Trials is a story of rediscovery and joy. After struggling with disordered eating and injuries, she found a healthier relationship with running, ultimately achieving impressive PRs and great personal success alongside her athletic pursuits.
— Carrie Verdon
From Basketball to the Marathon: Ari Hendrix's Inspiring Journey to the Olympic Trials

From Basketball to the Marathon: Ari Hendrix's Inspiring Journey to the Olympic Trials

Ari Hendrix's blog chronicles her transformation from an elite basketball player to a marathoner, making her the 3rd fastest US-born African American woman in the marathon. Follow Ari and the Underbird Team's inspiring stories as they prepare for the Olympic Trials.
— Ari Hendrix
Overcoming OTS and RED-S: Jenna's Journey

Overcoming OTS and RED-S: Jenna's Journey

Read Jenna Fesemyer's story of facing Overtraining Syndrome (OTS) and RED-S in pursuit of her Paralympic dreams and the Berlin Marathon. Follow her triumphant journey from adversity, shedding light on the often-overlooked challenges of female athletes.
— Jenna Fesemyer