yup, it's that time again!

We've all done it: with major excitement, we sign up for a half-marathon…and then two months before the race, we realize that we haven't started training yet. Eeep!

We are launching the TackleBox training program in May – this 10-week program is engineered to help achieve your peak performance at SeaWheeze 2013 (hello, personal best!) However, we want you to begin the TackleBox program with some fitness and cardio skills already under your belt. It is with this in mind that we have created the Get Sweaty Get Ready program.

Regardless of your current level of fitness, Get Sweaty Get Ready has plenty of options available to get you into your running groove. Along with running, we have incorporated plenty of yoga and strength work to augment your training. By the time the TackleBox training program program rolls out, you'll be ready to rock!

If you have any questions about training or anything else SeaWheeze-related, please email us at support@seawheeze.com or post on our Facebook page.

For any other training-related queries, please visit our FAQ page under the "Training" tab.

See you on the road!

the calm before the storm

When I told my friends and family in Toronto that I would be moving to Vancouver, the response I heard over and over again always seemed to look past the scenic ocean and mountain views, the friendly Vancouverites, and the desirable active lifestyle that the city has to offer. “Doesn’t it rain a lot in Vancouver?” “You better be ready for rain” “Don’t forget to pack your umbrella!” YES, YES, YES. It rains in Vancouver. There I said it. And yes it is true. But I would never in a million years take back -30 temperatures with 6 feet of snow for a little rain because what I have found is that it’s not so much about the weather as it is about how you handle it.

when it rains it pours

I remember so clearly my first confrontation with the Vancouver rain. I remember it because it was like no other rain experience I’d ever had. The weather shifted from bright and sunny to dark and gloomy in a matter of seconds, a common occurrence in Vancouver I since realized. As the 5’oclock crowd made their way through the streets I readied myself for the downpour. I was waiting for the cityscape to morph into a sea of umbrellas but nobody seemed to skip a beat, everybody just embraced the wet.

singing in the rain

In an effort to fit in, I fought my Torontonian instinct to run for cover or throw up my umbrella. I kept the cadence of my stride, a smile on my face and pretended to not be fazed by the rain (I really had to try to not worry about how my hair might react.) What I quickly realized was that ‘rain’ is only as bad as you make it to be. In Toronto, I would have let it ruin my day by replacing my conversational, “hey how are you?” with “can you believe this weather?”  The Vancouverites have it right. The number one reason the rain is far more tolerable in Vancouver is because nobody complains about it.

there is no such thing as bad weather

Someone once said to me, there is no such thing as bad weather just bad clothing choice. While I aim to take on the Vancouver attitude, I think it’ll take some time before I can truly embrace the rainfall and power on through. For those of you who aren’t quite ready to soldier on, here are some of my tried and tested ways to weather the storm.

• Right As Rain Jacket: The perfect accomplice for rainy day errands when staying in just isn’t an option.

• Birdcage Umbrella: There’s nothing more embarrassing then being that person on the street whose umbrella flips inside out. The uniquely shaped birdcage umbrella (available at The Bay, Sears, and Harry Rosen) is designed to keep the wind out, so you can go confidently in any direction. This umbrella even has the Queen’s approval!

• Rubber Boots: Plain and simple, my feet are happy feet when they are warm and dry. My rain boots give me no excuse to not brave the storm.

With the right attitude, and perhaps the right accessories, no amount of rain should ever stand in your way. As for my dear friends and family in Toronto, I look forward to hearing from you in February, not to worry, I have a pull-out couch.

want more?

• protect your laptop (and your other stuff) from light rain with the wet coast backpack
• a little rain never stopped our no excuses run club

In the beginning, there was Chip. You may have heard that he's the man behind the manifesto, the one who got this crazy luon business off the ground. You may not have heard that he does a mean...um, what do you call that dance move, Chip?

meet chip wilson

want more?

• Watch Chip talk goals and then get the tools to write your own.
• Meet Chip's Dad, Dennis. Apparently loving life runs in the family.
• Read the manifesto if you haven't already. Inspiration guaranteed.
• Learn more moves, like Julia's antelope and Christine's barefoot happy dance.

Amazing things happen when you're not afraid to break the mold of what's always been and design something brand new. What would you create? Maybe a new dance craze? 

If Christine wasn't our CEO, there's a small chance that she'd be carrying on in the footsteps of Jacques Cousteau. As captain of the SS lululemon, she is big on people bringing all of themselves to work - talents, vulnerabilities, happy dances - the works. 

want more?

• Meet our Manager of Leadership Development. Hear about balance & breakthroughs.
• Learn about the sea of luon you're swimming in. There's a lot to know about our fabrics.
• Want to be the next CEO? Put it in your goals and make it happen.  

We're who we are because of people like Christine. We're so glad she chose to explore the depths of the luon seas with us instead.

He's been one of our ambassadors since the dawn of the Groove Pant. It's impossible to be in a bad mood around him. If you haven't experienced Eoin Finn, either in person or on DVD, you have a good thing coming. Read on.

Eoin (pronounced "Ian") Finn is not a yoga instructor - not entirely, at least. He's a self-proclaimed Blissologist, yogi and surfer. He recently toured North America in support of his latest endeavor: the Blissology Project, a DVD series challenging folks to cultivate bliss for four weeks through daily yoga, meditation, nature appreciation, food awareness and gratitude. He's home now, so we decided to celebrate in true lululemon style: midday yoga at the office and good food. We caught up after class to talk bliss.

Define Blissology.
It's the art of slowing down, getting off of auto-pilot and observing the path you're on in life.

The Blissology Project in five words. Go.
Creating an Upward Spiral by making Bliss a Habit! (Editor's note: Yes, he gave us eight, but who's counting, right? What's an Upward Spiral? Eoin explains below.)

What's involved in committing to the Project?
Very little, really. My focus in creating the Blissology Project this way was to demonstrate how we don't have to take a lot of time to create change and transformation in our busy lives.

It's meant to be under an hour a day. The goal is to engage in all five of the Blissology Commitments each day. The DVDs and supplementary booklet make it easy. Spend 30 minutes doing yoga (or the 50-minute routine if you can). Next, spend ten minutes meditating, one minute on nature appreciation and gratitude each and one minute of food awareness at each meal. It's surprisingly simple to do.

How did you come up with the idea for the project?
I analyzed the lives of happy people around the world and realized most of them had small but powerful daily habits. I figured if people could commit to these habits for four weeks, the level of bliss we could tune into would be profound. The real trick with designing the four-week challenge was to encourage these habits by keeping it simple.

You obviously had amazing experiences on tour. What was one outstanding highlight?
In general the highlight was sharing all the Blissology Commitments in each yoga space with people every morning across North America. It was amazing to see how people really lit up.

One comment in particular that stands out was in Toronto when we were talking about gratitude. One woman said, "I am grateful for a second chance at life." It made us all consider how precious life is and the importance of committing to health and a positive attitude.

We're all about being teachers and students. Through teaching, did you learn something unexpected that really moved you?
I learned the power of daily commitments to change behaviour. I often found myself looking around at small miracles in the world and feeling so blessed, when typically before I would have been irritable in the same situations.

For example, I had to teach a class way out in East L.A. and got slammed in bumper to bumper traffic. In the midst of the gridlock, I saw the full moon coming out above the pink snowcapped mountains at sunset. I caught myself thinking, "Now that is a nature appreciation moment! Thank God I am going so slowly so I can take in this beauty."  This is what I call the Upward Spiral!

Admittedly, four weeks is a bit daunting at first. If we can't commit to the Commitments, what is the one thing we can focus on to become blissful in baby steps?
Gratitude. It is so easy and it has such far reaching effects. Simply stopping and acknowledging three things you feel grateful for almost instantly brings you that inner sense of vibrancy we need to create an upward spiral.    

want more?

• Learn more about Eoin on his ambassador page.
• Challenge yourself. Pick up the Blissology Project DVD series or download individual videos through Eoin's website or at your local lululemon store.
• Stay inspired. Follow the Bliss Blog.

Thank you to Eoin for bringing his bliss to the office! How are you bringing the bliss to your world?

Our ambassador Holly brings her practice to the Soho community

Before you can set powerful goals, you need to identify what your values are. We asked to get a peek at Holly’s recent pursuits. Her response? “I am in the process of altering my goals AGAIN.” No problem - that's perfect. We explored what it takes to get clarity on the goal setting process. She thinks of it like trying on clothes. We like the sound of that.

Setting goals is a ongoing process for me. Sometimes defining them in words can be daunting. I’ve come to think of it as trying on clothes – there’s no need to commit, you can just see how they fit. By saying your goals out loud and writing them on paper, you try them on. Some fit better than others and that’s ok. Through the process of goal setting, we find our authentic voice and can articulate what we want to live for - but it isn't without effort. It’s something I’m working on right now. It is not easy. Things worth doing are seldom easy.

where to start

Sometimes we can get stuck on where to begin. A good place to start is to identify what moves you. I’ve discovered there are a few themes I live by, like a personal manifesto. They cultivate my inner space and create my outer experience.  They are my foundation for setting powerful goals. 

holly's themes

• The world is coming from you, not at you.    
• Love is more powerful than fear.  
• Gratitude is the greatest currency.  
• Be kind and gentle with yourself. 

I'm focusing on these as I create my future. Time to grab my journal and hit the dressing room, so to speak.

where to go from here

• Get the basics on goal setting. We can help.
• Re-ignite your goal setting fire. Read this post.
• Check out what else Holly is up to in Soho and beyond. Visit her site.

We’re inspired. Still haven’t penned your goals? No worries. Start by focusing on what inspires you. What will you try on? 

Try this at home. Post your goals to kindle your inspiration. 

How are you feeling about your goals now that the New Year's hype is behind you? Maybe that January 1^st gusto has dwindled a bit. Sometimes it helps to see what others are up to. We spied on some goals around the office to spark our inspiration. We got chills. Hopefully you do too.

in the spirit of sharing goals

Katie, Design

• I chest bump Minnie Mouse at the finish line of the Walt Disney World Marathon by 2020.
• I attend Wanderlust by 2011.
• I enroll in a raw foods cooking course by November 2011.

Matt, Leadership Development

• I complete 10 items off my 100-before-100 List by December 2011.
• I present at TED Global by September 2020.
• I spend a weekend with Jason Mraz on his avocado farm by September 2020.

Laurie, Planning

• I run the BMO Vancouver Half Marathon in less than 2:15 by May 2011.
• I publish my book titled "30, Single, With A Bulldog” by 2020.
• I create a Vancouver budget by August 2011. ("God knows I need it in this city!")

Laura, Recruiting

• I ride the Gran Fondo by September 2012.
• I am featured in Dwell by June 2020.
• I walk ten metres on my hands by February 2020.

Carolyn, Digital Innovation

• I have done hot yoga for 365 consecutive days by 2015.
• I drink wine from every winery in the Okanagan Valley by December 2011.
• I am offline after 10pm each night.

Laurie and her feel-good energy.

tips for staying motivated

"I surround myself with a community of goal setters. This makes it easier to bring my goals into our day-to-day conversations, meaning I already have a clear vision of what my future looks like just by talking about it often." - Carolyn

"The energy you give out is the energy you receive in return. Everyday I know that I am the one that is responsible for making my energy a great one. Setting goals keeps me motivated and excited for what’s to come which breeds some amazing energy for all." - Laurie

"I share my goals with anyone and everyone. Bringing them up in conversation keeps them in the front of my mind and enrolls those around me to keep me on track." - Katie

feeling inspired again?

Thought so. If you need help reviving your goals, get what you need on our goal setting education page. You can also read the posts below for our week's worth of goal coaching.

goal week breakdown

• Day 1: What's the goal of goal week?
• Day 2: What is a goal?
• Days 3 & 4: What does your ideal life look like?
• Day 5: How to create powerful goals?
• Day 6: Put your goals out there.
• Day 7: Love your failures.

We are equally inspired by Laura's goals and her visual interpretations of them.

What goals are you going to re-ignite?

You can prepare for the chaos of the holidays by addressing and releasing your emotions through hip opening. There are lots of fun variations to this pose, including back-bends (for awakening) and sitting upright (for strength). Play with it. Have fun, enjoy and share!

how to get into half pigeon pose and enjoy the holidays

Half pigeon pose is wonderful because it stretches the thighs, groins, psoas, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and the neck. It is also known to stimulate abdominal organs (which is needed this time of year), and helps to open your chest and shoulders.

Step 1: Start in a low lunge, right foot forward, back knee down.

Step 2: Walk your right foot to the left, relaxing your knee and outer shin to the mat.

Step 3: Sit up tall and square the hips.

Optional: If your hips are uneven, place a block or blanket under the right hip.

For advanced practitioners: Reach around to capture your foot to move into a back-bend, which also adds an intense release of your hips and thighs.

Last but not least: Adding a forward bend to your pigeon can also help you to relax. Forward bends turn on our parasympathetic nervous system (rest & digest) and are considered cooling, calming poses.

Repeat on the other leg and keep the peace this holiday season. Namaste.

What yoga poses and exercises are keeping you calm, centered and balanced this season?

rebecca

I love my collarbone because it is so defined and makes me feel oh so beautiful and womanlike, especially when I'm dancing, modeling, acting and walking!

marlissa

I love my arms because they are feminine and lean, especially my triceps. They make me feel strong when I'm grabbing those handle bars in spin class!

keri

I love my bum because it is like no one else's and follows me everywhere I go. It rocks out from everything to squats, shopping and even on the dance floor!

karey

I love my legs because they carry me through my day. I appreciate that I've been blessed with two of them. They provide me with thee ability to dance, run, swim, bike, hike or strut!

jennifer

I love my tiny waist because it leads to a nice bum, which isn't always popular for Asian women. I love my waist in hot yoga class and finding outfits to accentuate it.

greg

I have been blessed with naturally broad shoulders. They are the envy of my smaller shouldered brother. They look even larger when compared with my tiny hands.

ashley, alex & marisa

Ashley: I love my collarbones because they protrude and make me feel beautiful. My favourite workout is bikini bootcamp.

Alex: I love my stomach because it's toned and makes me feel good about myself, and shows me that my hardcore ab workouts are paying off.

Marisa: I love my arms because they make me feel strong and beautiful, especially my biceps. I love working my arms in a muscle conditioning class called Fabulously Firm.

andrea

I love my beautiful waist because it makes me feel awesome, especially sweating in Zumba class.

What's your favourite body part, and why?

I don’t know the what, when, where, why and how, but, somewhere along the line, we were told that our bodies weren’t good enough. We were told that we should cover-up, hide from the world, if we weren’t a certain body type. Well, forget that!

Far too much emphasis is put on what other people think. The emphasis should be placed on how you feel. We work out to build confidence and feel good about our bodies. Why don’t we celebrate what we work so hard for?

I am not a size two. My stomach does not lie flat, my thighs are bigger than they used to be, and my shoulders are broad. But that stomach supports me in plank pose when my yoga instructor decides we should hold it there for three minutes. My thighs power my legs as I dodge tree roots and rocks when sprinting through mountain trails. Those broad shoulders of mine propel me along length after length in the swimming pool. I work hard. And, if I want to wear a sports bra while I’m out for my morning run, I’m going to, and I don’t see why anyone should have a problem with that.

There’s no size restriction on beauty and confidence. Dare to bare a little skin. Show off your muscles, your curves. Wear that sports bra and those short shorts.

Don’t look to others for approval. Be the confidence you’re searching for.

Love your body.

Your outlook on life is a direct reflection of how much you like yourself (for real this time).

What a concept! So simple and yet so remarkably true. Finding your sweet spot in life is all about uncovering the sweet spot in you. And why not really go for it? If there's one thing I have learned, it's that anything is possible, including that big, bold, juicy slice of life that you've always wanted. So today, I not only committed the day to totally, completely taking care of me, but I also set aside time to write down the things I don't like about myself (while  always remembering that I have the power to change everything). End result: all the fluctuations in life (good and bad) don't feel so extreme, because you are at peace with the whole package.

So, living out this part of the manifesto meant I had to be really clear and honest with myself. That included admitting to some lingering body image issues and formulating a plan to get myself to a place where I love my outside as much as my inside. This plan includes: a full body assessment to be performed by my good friends at Endorphin Junkies, as well as a nutrition overhaul by powerhouse and Dailey Method Guru and good friend Danica Howlett. And the last piece of the puzzle was personally committing to changing my lifestyle. What that looked like was a heartfelt talk with my man, and planning out realistic >meals and a balanced fitness routine that I am able to stick to. The icing to this cake of change is also establishing a support system in my life to encourage me (and hold me accountable).

A couple of learnings from this full body/mind dismantle:

• Loving yourself means committing to participating in your own life.
• Learn to forgive and grow from perceived failures (we often forget that these feelings pass).
• Identify flaws and what you are doing with or about them.
• Learn to interrupt my inner voice, especially when it starts going on those long-winded rants about you not being good enough, or in control, or perfect (you know the usual cycle of darts you throw at yourself).
• I learned that I can talk myself in or out of anything. Someone once told me that you can rationalize and justify all day long, all life long and do nothing to live a better life. Or, you can begin to realize that you actually hold the secret within you to take your life or at least your attitude towards life in any direction you choose.
• Don't be afraid of opening your heart to the experience that comes with darkness and pain. Things happen in life...lots of things. Those non-ideal moments don't change or become you, they grow and teach you.
• Your outlook can be one that will strengthen your character or one that will make you crumble. It has the power to color every word you speak and every emotion you experience. You have the power to change, choose and become the person you always wanted to be.

Up next… Write down your short and long-term GOALS four times a year. Two personal, two business and two health goals for the next 1, 5 and 10 years. Goal setting triggers your subconscious computer.

Follow my journey on Twitter @olimaughan!

I am seven days in to living the manifesto. Eating well, drinking fresh water, sweating once and a day and doing things that scare me left and right. One thing I committed to early on was to return to my daily yoga practice and have rocked the first series of Ashtanga on the beach in English Bay. Last week I was practicing and got into that 'yoga zone'. You know the one: eyes closed, postures solid and the sound of the breath filling every ounce of your body. After finishing my practice I turned around to see three people behind me in the same closing posture that I was sitting in. They had practiced with me, following me and were waiting (patiently) to ask me a slew of questions. I sat with them and answered what I could (and led them on a journey to the other answers) and concluded with a piece of advice that I had heard recently from Anusara teacher John Friend, who said the most important aspect of yoga is the yoga that you can't see. I saw a smile appear on all of their faces. We all laughed, they thanked me and continued our day. It was a great moment.

The experience made me go back to my first few months of asana practice when it was a fight to push the body beyond itself. It wasn't until I sat down and read Iyengar's Light on Yoga and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois's Yoga Mala that I really wrapped my head around what it means to live a yogic life (which included releasing my practice into whatever shape it took). It was then that I started feeling my yoga a little more, and not worrying so much about what it looked like.

I continue my practice today because it makes me feel good. As a teacher, I feel a sense of responsibility to be very present with my students, making sure they leave knowing something new about themselves and their bodies. I have listened and observed how hard we can be on our ourselves and how quick we are to point all that we are not capable of in life. In yoga I urge my students to be kind and patient with their bodies, reminding them that yoga will always be a practice and that there is no 'final game'. David Swenson once told me that on your death-bed it will not matter if you can sit in lotus or pull your leg over your head. What will matter is how much love you can experience in your lifetime.Yoga will always be a part of my life because it is a part of me. The beauty of yoga is that it takes many forms and that there is a yoga out there for everyone. For some it is running, writing or painting...whatever it is, put your whole self in it. Feel it and experience it for whatever it brings to your life. Others will see that passion and be inspired to find their own yoga.

The next manifesto line Oli is taking on: Communication is COMPLICATED. We are all raised in a different family with slightly different definitions of every word. An agreement is an agreement only if each party knows the conditions for satisfaction and a time is set for satisfaction to occur.

Follow me on Twitter @olimaughan or on Foursquare!

Read Oli's first post about why she's living the lululemon manifesto for 30 days: http://www.lululemon.com/community/blog/30-days-of-manifesto/

why lululemon?

lululemon is an inspiring and elevating environment. I’m challenged to grow personally and professionally every day. I love taking on my own development and feel privileged to be part of lululemon’s unique culture.

Sarah hula hooping!

how does your role in ecommerce elevate lululemon?

As a growing medium, the digital world is an amazing opportunity to increase the scope and depth of the connections we develop with our guests. The ecommerce team provides lululemon product and product education consistent with our in-store guest experience. An amazing perk of the lululemon online store is the opportunity it provides to connect with our global guests! Our online store has become the pre-shop stage for all lululemon athletica stores.

what is something unique or surprising about you?

I’m a motorcycle fanatic. My husband and I used to own a motorcycle training school and I used to be a part time instructor. It was very rewarding helping new riders off to good start with lessons. I love the freedom and thrill of two wheels. I love curvy roads and challenging trails. We (my husband, son and I) own street bikes and dirt bikes. We love to hit the road and the trails in the same day.

Sarah teaching her son to motorcycle!

your favourite place in the world?

Vancouver is truly my favourite place in the world. I can ski in the winter and sit on the beach with my family in the summer. I love that in Vancouver I can enjoy nature in the midst of a vibrant city. I rarely get in my car on the weekends and enjoy living where other people come for vacation.

what's your favourite way to sweat?

Recently I discovered running. Previously I would question why anyone would want to run for no reason, but now I get it. I run along the beach in the morning and watch the sunrise over the north shore, downtown and in Stanley Park, it’s energizing.

a goal you’ve achieved that you’re proud of?

Running a half marathon was not even possible for me one year ago. I finished my first half marathon in June, achieving a personal record. With the support of my family and coworkers, I have changed my lifestyle and am truly living into possibility. Friend and coworker Amy met me at the halfway mark with some other lululemon’s and cheered me over the bridge. It was fantastic to receive so much support and really motivated me.

The ecommerce team, based out of our Vancouver B.C. Store Support Centre, is growing. With an ever-increasing demand for lululemon product, the behind the scenes team that facilitates getting that product to market is growing as well. If you're a Merchandising Ecommerce Financial Planner or an Ecommerce Merchant, and have goals to develop alongside a growing company check out your future possibilities on the lululemon careers page.

Ever since then, I've been waiting for someone on the online team to accomplish a goal so they could wear the hat and I could take a photo of it -- and share it with the internet, of course. I am happy to announce that the day has come!

Pat, our photographer, has just accomplished a goal: to shoot a Yoga Journal ad for lululemon!

A photo of Pat's goals from our goal wall at the SSC. Check mark added by the editor.

Pat checking out the latest Yoga Journal, hot off the press...

...and with the ad he shot.

So, just a reminder: don't wait for birthdays or milestones to celebrate. Amazing things are happening all the time - let's celebrate!

Congratulations, Pat. (And thanks for being the first Goal Hat wear-er.) What's your next goal?

Our freshest face this week is Erin, our new Public Relations Specialist. As a PR Specialist, Erin will be communicating from lululemon to the world! Read on to get to know her a little better.

Erin enjoying a nice sea breeze in Australia

what is one of your biggest passions?

I am passionate about many things but one of the things I am most passionate about is giving back to the community. I think it’s so important to give back and help others using the skills you have been blessed to develop. For the past four years, I have been volunteering with the Starlight Children’s Foundation, a non-profit children’s organization dedicated to brightening the lives of seriously ill children and their families. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and I would encourage everyone to find an organization they are passionate about and dedicate some of their time to helping them in any capacity. You won’t regret it!

Can you spot Erin in the crowd?

what's your favourite way to sweat?

My favourite way to sweat is running. There is nothing better than the high you get after a really strong run. It helps that Vancouver is one of the best places in the world to run, thanks to our beautiful mountains and the fabulous seawall. I have run a number of half-marathons and one of my biggest fitness goals is to run a full marathon in under four hours before July 3, 2012.

what is the best place you've travelled?

The best place I’ve travelled to is definitely Australia. I spent four months travelling, working and having the best time of my life in the country. I can’t pick a single place there because it’s all so fantastic! I even had the privilege of working at the lululemon store in Melbourne as an educator.

coolest thing about being a public relations specialist?

The coolest thing about being a PR Specialist is that I get to share everything about lululemon, our functional clothing, our amazing people and our unique culture, with media from around the world. This role provides me with the opportunity to experience firsthand how much other people are passionate about us and gives me an incredible sense of pride to be a member of the lululemon family.

what is the scariest thing you've ever done? are you glad you did it?

The scariest thing I have ever done is decide to travel alone internationally. There is no question in my mind it was the best thing I have ever done. I spent four months travelling throughout Australia and a month cruising around Thailand and every second was absolutely unbelievable! I met the most incredible people, saw beautiful places and learned so much about myself.

We are incredibly excited to have Erin on the team! As a guest or fan of our products and culture you can look forwards to experiencing the innovation and passion she will bring to how lululemon speaks to you! Investigate your own future possibilities on the lululemon careers page.