After more than a decade of influencing the running world on and off the track, Lauren Fleshman has decided to officially retire from professional running. 

"I've felt people now are hungry for more than records and gold medals," Fleshman said. "So I took the approach of trying to be your best, but not covering up the moments where you feel weak and non-heroic. I decided the process could matter as much as the glory."

At age 34, Fleshman announced her retirement in a New York Times feature written by Lindsay Crouse. She refers to Fleshman as having the "wrenching distinction of most likely being the best American distance runner never to make an Olympic team."

Despite suffering from injury during the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympic years, her running career includes a multitude of accomplishments on the track. 

Fleshman earned five NCAA titles and 15 All-American honors while competing for Stanford. While running professionally, Fleshman won two national titles in the 5K and finished seventh at the 2011 World Championships. She also qualified to represent the United States on three world track teams. 

Fleshman after winning the 2010 USATF Outdoor Championships:


Fleshman after making the 2012 Olympic Trials 5K final after only logging 12 miles per week:


Freshman, after her 2:37 NYC Marathon debut, talks temporary tattoo removal and sponsorship rules:

Off the track, Fleshman is a business-owner, coach of the Run Little Wing group in Bend, Oregon, and an advocate for athlete rights. She is a co-founder of energy bar company Picky Bars, and a key influencer at women's running apparel company Oiselle. 

Fleshman maintains she will continue to race and coach while focusing on Picky Bars and Oiselle. She also wants to continue to use her large online following to push for reforms in the sport. 

"I realized you can't expect people to care just because you're fast," she said. "You have to bring them with you."

Upon hearing the news of Fleshman's retirement, the running community offered their appreciation for her impact on the sport.

Cheers to a great run & also @laurenfleshman 4 president! A Runners Career Ends, but Her Mission Goes the Distance https://t.co/RAkuoQUCph

— Molly Huddle (@MollyHuddle) July 22, 2016

Lucky to have women like this to learn from, @laurenfleshman became the change she wanted to see. Get your tissues: https://t.co/dzslSDCqwg

— sarah [mac] robinson (@thatsarahmac) July 22, 2016

I realized you cant expect people to care just because youre fast. You have to bring them w/you.@laurenfleshman https://t.co/oexVfljtV1

— Mario Fraioli (@mariofraioli) July 22, 2016

In the run space, she's made as many power moves off the track as on. @laurenfleshman's retirement opens new doors: https://t.co/hnuJJKA62D

— Picky Bars (@pickybars) July 22, 2016

Thank you @laurenfleshman for everything you've done, you do, & the amazing things you have yet to do.
XO LW https://t.co/7sMkrm15C7

— LittleWing (@runlittlewing) July 22, 2016

I am continually amazed by your mind @laurenfleshman Can't wait to see what many things you will take on next? https://t.co/dBBkTsL7XP

— oiselle team (@oiselle_team) July 22, 2016

Thank you, @laurenfleshman, for changing the landscape. Keep raising hell. We're with you. https://t.co/rqfXPQASn2

— Amelia Boone (@ameliaboone) July 22, 2016