Podium outfits, a sporkful and strong jaws

Hi all,

No idea why I am seeing tennis content in my life feeds right now but I am so glad to have seen pictures of Naomi Osaka and her walk on outfits for her major tournaments including the latest at the French Open. Her quote, "I tell people I don’t talk a lot, so that way I can talk through my clothes,” and she is telling me that her confidence is on point. If you show up to a tennis match in THIS, that is some serious confidence. As if her tennis wasn't enough. As if being the highest paid female athlete for years wasn't enough. 

I think we are going to see this in trail running. We are getting close already. People are already dipping into run meets fun with glitter on their faces. And we are in the era of the moth tech, which honestly is a start down a rabbit insect hole where fashion meets sport. Imagine awesome podium outfits instead of ripped jean shorts or your muddy trail clothes. Watch out wallets, it is coming. 
 
SPORKFUL
I always approach non-running media's treatment of ultrarunning with one eye open nervous for how the story will sound. Often it is like, "these crazy people..." and while the Sporkful podcast did come at the subject of the Taco Bell 50k with a skeptic eye, I think they did a good job on the subject. Listen here. If you are interested in a Taco Bell ultra in Portland, here is a link to a route of a mere 40 miles, two states and so many Chalupas. 

SHORT SHORTS

• A new running vest for women designed by women is coming from Rab. It sounds like it is still a ways out. 
• Fun profile of Heather Jackson, Ironman athlete turned trail runner and gravel bike racer aiming for an insane 2026 which has already included Cocodona 250 and has some LONG rides upcoming. 
• What your jaw muscles reveal about aging? A study asked, "do you lose muscle because you stop using it, or do you get less active because your muscles no longer work like they used to?" Quick answer, a little of both.  
• International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry reportedly earns an annual salary of $350K, plus a housing allowance and has just gone on record saying, "I don’t believe in paying athletes.” It has always bothered me that the Olympic industrial complex makes so much money and yet most athletes are mortgaging their homes to get to a games. Guessing athletes will have something to say about this one. 

STRENGTH
You are invited EVERY Wednesday night for Strength Training for Runners, live to your screen. Always free, open to all. JOIN US and let's get stronger together!

BRISTOW LOOPS
Are you going to be at the Go Beyond Bristow Loop Race this weekend outside of Eugene? I will be there, so if you are joining or going as crew, LET ME KNOW and please come say hello!