Meeting Lauren Fleshman + Banquet Tidbits

"Don't let others define your success."

If there was one take away from Lauren Fleshman's presentation at the Fort Wayne Track Club banquet, it was that.

For her, a professional runner of more than 10 years, it has been paramount to create her own path, one that will allow her to be the best version of herself – not only as an athlete but as a person. The harder she tried to live by the rules of the industry, the ones she was told were required to be successful, the more she was unhappy. Her world was too small. Too limited. She needed something bigger. Something more. And when she chose to open herself up to the idea and expand her horizons, she found not just joy but success.

The presentation was not about Oiselle or Nike, the USATF or athlete rights. She spoke about herself and what it took to find her place, experiencing the lowest of lows and the highest of highs. As a runner, as a mom, as a fan girl – it was captivating to hear. From social media and her pieces for Runner's World, Ask Lauren and Oiselle's blog, I thought she was refreshing, honest and, well, totally rad. I liked Lauren Fleshman, as a representative of the industry. But I didn't know why I liked her as a runner or even why I should.

"The person that's last place always has a story."

And, now, I know – but not for the list of accomplishments that were on the banquet program. It was that she shared she came in last in the finals of the 2012 Olympic Trials for the 5K. It's this emotional video of an interview taken after she qualified for said finals. It's that she still has hope, she still has the dream of going to the Olympics. Eyes set on 2016. It's that she's been injured and remained driven during recovery. It's that she tried to run at times and couldn't. It's that she had the courage to believe and she did.

I came away from the banquet with new-found respect, admiration and kinship. OK, so the last part's a stretch – it's not like we're BFFs now – but she totes showed the most relatable picture (to me) in the beginning of her presentation: She was at a triathlon, cheering on husband Jesse Thomas, with son Jude in a carrier on her back. Jesse was running, Lauren was enthusiastic and Jude was screaming. (See it HERE; I don't feel like stealing.)

It sort of reminds me of that photo post-Veterans Marathon when I'm sweaty and exhausted, Kasey is beaming and Miles has a bloody lip.

And now, as Lauren looks forward, she insists it's not about the times. It's not about what she's done or could have done. It's where she's going and she's moving forward.

"Honor the narrative of your running."

But should I honor my inability to take a serious photo, that is the question?

Other banquet highlights:

• Lauren noticing my fan girl nerdiness in wearing the Fleshman Flyer shirt. I think I was a bit self effacing rather than gracious but 'tis my style. 
• Finally getting my hands on a "Believe" journal and having her sign it. I think I'm going to save it for my post-baby comeback.
• Celebrating and honoring the sport of running, what it has done for me and how it has expanded my world. 

Ready for the Weekend {A Three Things Thursday post}

There was a moment this morning when I realized today was Thursday – not Wednesday. What a relief! Just one more day of work and then it's onto the weekend.

And what a weekend it will be! Here's what I'm excited about:

1. On Saturday, I'll make the two-hour drive down to Indianapolis to attend two Silver Sneakers workshops (Classic and Circuit). Silver Sneakers is a fitness program that focuses on older adults, providing a chance to exercise in an environment that's fun and encouraging. My primary motivation in attending is to earn much needed continuing education credits to maintain my personal training certification. Though there are tons of options, many of which don't involve additional program certifications, I have subbed older adult classes and very much enjoy the atmosphere and attitude of the clientele. Sure, barre or cycling would be sexier sexier and closer to how I work out but moving forward with my fitness work, I want to focus on what's rewarding and beneficial to me.

2. Lauren Fleshman is speaking at the track club banquet on Sunday. {cue fan girl screaming} I had heard rumors for nearly a year that this was in the works, and I am so excited personally and for the community to have her here in Fort Wayne. I had the chance to interview her for work, and she was just like I thought she would be – honest, funny and totally rad.

I am going to go full geek for the banquet and wear a Fleshman Flyer shirt that I picked up at the local running store. I think it will look appropriate with a maxi skirt and belted cardigan, don't you?

Bonus: Kim and Tami are coming in to Fort Wayne on the weekend just to see me see her. Well, see Lauren with me. Whatever.

3. Running in new shoes! While I was at the running store to get my flyer shirt, I made an unplanned walk down the clearance shoe aisle. I wasn't in the market for shoes, per se, as my Skechers GORun only have 100 miles on them. I had blown out the sides of my Saucony Fastwitch, though, and they are looking rougher by the mile. But anyway. Three Rivers had a pair of Brooks Ravenna 5, what I was wearing before I switched to Skechers based on cost, in my size. Marked down to $77. And I had a $25 reward/credit. Fifty-two dollars for a new pair of shoes? Don't mind if I do. They are so pretty and clean, and I can't wait to get some runs in them.

What has you excited?

A few housekeeping items:

• Nuun has free shipping through today. So if you are running low, now is the time to order! We are down to caffeinated flavors so I've got a few things in the basket to get us through our winter fitness endeavors.
• It's time to break out with PRO Compression's latest sock of the month. The black-and-white stripes are reminiscent of old jail uniforms but 1,000 times cooler. Use the code JAN for 40 percent off the socks. Or, BLG14 might still be good for 40% an entire order. Free shipping for those orders $25 and more.