“This ability to conquer oneself is no doubt the most precious of all things sports bestows.”  

– Olga Korbut, Four-time Olympic Gold Medalist

It was 1996. I was walking through a park with my mom, dad and brother in downtown Atlanta during the Centennial Olympic Games. At age 14, I had no idea I’d be working in an office building overlooking that very park, now named after the Olympics, more than a decade later. At the time, track and field consumed my extracurricular activities. I ran track in middle school and high school. Like my dad who was an elite 400-meter sprinter, the 400 was my favorite event, which meant the great Michael Johnson was my favorite athlete. I was fortunate to see him run in the semi-finals before he broke the world record in both the 400 and 200 later that week.

The Olympics are pure magic. They make the world a little brighter, even in times of political divisiveness and tragedy. In its place comes hope, unity, togetherness, triumph. Dreams are made and dreams are dashed, but for a short period of time, we get to see what hard work and sacrifice looks like. We get to see people defying limits and pushing their bodies – not for money or fame – but for the absolute pure love of their sport. In our house, we count down to the Olympics like some may look forward to vacation. It is Olympics 24/7 in the rUnladylike household.

2016 Olympic Trials Here I Come

This weekend, I will be in Eugene, Oregon, to watch the U.S. Olympic Trials for track and field. I’m staying in a fraternity house by the University of Oregon – yes, a fraternity house – with all my friends from Brooks Running, a group of inspiring female runners who are my fellow #RunHappy Ambassadors and Brooks elite runners. The trip is part of an annual get together Brooks sponsors to bring us together and celebrate running in a special way for a weekend.

Someone better pinch me, because I swear I’m in a dream right now. Here’s the schedule of events I’ll get to see.

It seems fitting that I’ll be cheering for Team USA during Fourth of July weekend. Like any good Olympic-obsessed runner, I’m pulling out all the patriotic stops for the trials. Here are the outfits I’m packing to show my pride for the red, white and blue.

1. Short-sleeve shirt I got years ago from Old Navy that says “I’ll show you my stars if you show me your stripes” with a pair of cotton pants from Banana Republic that have zippered pockets and a tapered leg that is fitted around the ankle.

2. Brooks Chariot Heritage shoes: These casual, everyday shoes are a replica of the Brooks Chariot running shoes from 1982, the year I was born. They are perfect for wearing to watch a track meet or to go anywhere around town. I have them in this beautiful blue multi-colored version as well as in grey. I wear a half-size smaller in the Heritage collection than I do in regular Brooks Running shoes. A fun fact about these shoes is that there is a picture of me as a little girl about three years old with a family friend who’s wearing the original Brooks Chariots in the photo. I was destined for Brooks and these shoes.

3. American flag scarf from Old Navy

4. Patriotic nail polish: I’ll be layering Essie’s Forever Yummy red color with NCLA’s Born on the Fourth red, silver and blue sparkles. I discovered this patriotic shade from NCLA in a #MustHaveBox POPSUGAR sent me to try {for free} earlier this month. When I saw it, I knew it was going to be the perfect addition for my Olympic Trials trip. Here’s a closer look:

5. Red, white and blue sundress and jean jacket from Old Navy

6. Birkenstocks (Mayari Antique Lace Birko-Flor)

Of course, we won’t just be watching other people run. We’ll be doing a little running ourselves. Here is what I’m bringing for our group runs with the Brooks team. These are two of my very favorite running outfits right now, and I can’t recommend these tanks and shorts enough.

1. Brooks Running PureCadence 5: My go-to shoes now and always (read my latest review on the 5s here)
2. Brooks Pick-up Tank in one of the new color schemes coming out this fall in white with black stripes: This is my go-to running tank top right now. I typically wear a Moving Comfort sports bra underneath. It fits so well and is incredibly comfortable. I also like that it is on the longer side and fully covers your stomach area.
3. Brooks Chaser 3″ Running Short: If you like short running shorts but don’t love fitted shorts, these are the shorts for you. They are short with just a 3-inch inseam but don’t hug your thighs. They are light and super comfortable, perfect for summer running.
4. Brooks Streaker Racerback Running Tank: I love this tank. It is very flattering. It isn’t very tight around the chest but is tighter around the waist. Like the Pick-up Tank, it is long, so very flattering with short or tight shorts.
5. Brooks Greenlight 3″ Running Short Tight: I’ve written about these before. You can read my review here. I absolutely love these shorts. They are very short, but great for all kinds of runs, especially in the summer heat. They only have one small pocket, so if you’re looking to load your GUs into these, you won’t find that option.

You can keep tabs on my Olympic Trials adventure all weekend on social media. Here’s where you can find me:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter

Please note: I have been a Brooks Running Run Happy Ambassador for the past four years. I receive free products to test each month and other benefits as part of their sponsorship. Brooks is paying for all travel and costs associated with my trip to the Olympic Trials. This post contains affiliate links. Although I love Brooks Running and am incredibly grateful for their partnership, everything I write about their products is my honest, uncensored and unbiased view and always will be. If you’d like to read my philosophy on working with companies, you can see more here.

If you’ve ever been to the Olympic Games, tell us about your experience. What is your favorite part about the Olympics? What track and field event do you most look forward to watching?