Athlete Advisor
Lauren Fleshman
BEND, OR
RACING HIGHLIGHTS
2 X USA 5K CHAMPION (2006, 2010)
6 X WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP USA TEAM MEMBER
5TH WORLD CUP 2010
7TH AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 5K 2011
LED THE USA TEAM TO A BRONZE MEDAL AT THE WORLD XC CHAMPIONSHIP - 11TH PLACE FINISH
STANFORD BA HUMAN BIOLOGY AND MA EDUCATION
5 X NCAA CHAMPION (3 IN 5K, 1 IN 3K INDOORS, 1 DMR), 15 X NCAA ALL AMERICAN
HIGHLIGHTS
New York Times bestselling author of GOOD FOR A GIRL: A Woman Running in a Man’s World
Writer: work has appeared in The New York Times, Time, Runners World and more
Founding Coach of Oiselle’s Professional Women’s Running Team, Littlewing Athletics (2013-2021)
Professional Athlete and Thought Leader
PERSONAL RUNNING BESTS
800M
1500M
3K
5K
5K ROAD
MARATHON
2:05
4:05:62
8.43.92
14.58.48
15:24
2:37:23
SPORTS
Running (road and trail), mountain biking, nordic skiing, hiking, roller skating, goofing off
Lauren Fleshman is the prototypical Renaissance woman. In addition to publishing her recent bestselling memoir, Lauren co-created Picky Bars, co-wrote the highly successful Believe Training Journal series, founded Wilder Running (a running and writing retreat for women), co-hosted the Work, Play, Love Podcast, and spent eight years as the Coach of Littlewing Athletics in Bend, OR. Lauren has emerged as one of the most important and honest voices in the sport of track and field, whether advocating for athletes’ rights, discussing the relative lack of women in coaching, or working to protect girls from predatory coaching and harmful team environments. Lauren is also design contributor and muse of Oiselle’s Lauren Collection of criminally cozy styles.
Q & A
Why do you run?
When I'm doing it consistently, it feels so good. It feels so good that I honestly can't believe it is also so good for me. It would be like if I found out Mud Slide Ice Cream also lowered cholesterol and increased muscle strength. It baffles the mind. In seriousness though, it is critical for my health and well-being and it connects me to so many memories in my life. It's a throughline for me.
If you could give one piece of advice to a 12-yr old girl, what would it be?
Choose cross country and track and field! Do it! The people are amazing. And while progress is likely to be up and down as you grow up over the next 10 years, your strongest body is your woman body. Let yourself grow into it. Keep the long view. And during those times performance isn't flowing as easily, it's ok to be bummed. Take advice from the pros and take the offerings of joy in whatever spigots are flowing at the time: teammates, leadership, exploring new places to run, etc. Protect your long term relationship with running above all!
What is your superpower?
Wondering.
Sweet or savory?
Savory
Travel necessities?
My curl product. It’s a friz fest without it. Running kit!
Dream vacation:
Stockholm in the summer
Favorite sport (to play or watch!)
Currently I’m having a hot romance with Mountain Biking
What is your earliest sports story or memory?
Standing on the sidewalk, in rainbow bright sneakers, on the edge of a field, my small hand wrapped around my mom's finger. We're at a rest stop somewhere between LA and Salt Lake City, and she tells me to go get my wiggles out, to run. I let go of her finger and run into the knee high grass, toddling unsteadily, not stopping, running toward the treeline. First real taste of freedom.
What is your favorite #flystyle?
Obsessed with the Hi Twenty Bra, it's perfection. Benjamina Button shirts for everything from public speaking to drinks with pals to mountain biking fashion. The Feeling Bookish Pants from my new line are so so good. Love them with suspenders! And for running, every drawer needs the following fabrics to cover your bases: Light Lux, Flyout, and Wazzie Wool. Muscle tank, tee, long sleeve...can't go wrong. For bottoms: A pair of Roga Shorts, Pocket Joggers, and Basic Bird bottoms will cover any temperature. Lux pants for ultimate comfort at home.
A skillset you wish you had (and could still develop!)
Organization
Some favorite jams at the moment:
Remind Me by Emily King, Body Talk by 1st Vows, Cold War by Cautious Clay, Berries by Dojo Cuts, Steal by Maribou State, Holly Walker
What song is most often stuck in your head?
Magic, Kylie Minogue
If you were a type of bird, what kind would you be and why (you can invent one)? Wren.
That’s a new nickname I was given that I’ve taken a liking to.