vancouver bike rave

Music, lights, dance parties and bikes, need we say more? This is becoming an annual summer event here in Vancouver and we’ll be sure not to miss it next year. Just watch this video from the 2011 bike rave and you’ll be hoarding glow sticks ‘til June.
(photo source: Steve Bosch via The Province)

pari rollers

If you thought rollerblading was out, you were wrong. Every Friday (all year round since 1994) a gang of skaters, better known as the Pari Rollers, hit the streets of Paris for a 3-hour, 30K night ride. The event has grown so big (attracting as many as 35 000 people) that the French police became involved to ensure safety for both participants and spectators. The ride starts at 10PM and is suited more towards advanced skaters (cobblestone roads = danger)!
(photo source - flickr user: rhymeorreason)

firefly run

Get your glow stick on (literally attach them to your bodies… everywhere!) and light up the night with this fun, touring 5k/10k race. This event promises to be a sight to see (you’d have to be blind to miss it) boasting live entertainment, costume contents and ‘amazing visual effects’. Chicago, San Jose, Atlanta and Houston, you’re in luck ‘cause the Firefly Run will be lighting up your cities in the next couple of months!
(photo source: The Firefly Run)

boston midnight marathon bike ride

We’re sure you’ve heard of the Boston Marathon but have you heard of the Boston Midnight Marathon Bike Ride?! Every year, while die-hard runners are fast asleep resting for what will surely be the race of their lifetime, hundreds of bikers are pedaling their hearts out and breaking in the route. As tradition stands, the mob of bikers take the last train out of the city and then make the 30-mile trek back in.

san francisco midnight mystery ride

Okay gumshoe – this one is for you! On the third Saturday of every month a meet-up location for a nighttime ride is announced on the San Francisco Midnight Mystery website. The group converges at 12:00AM and sets off, following a leader to some undisclosed mystery location. Like a well-kept secret, the website doesn’t reveal much more than this so you’ll have to give us an update if you make it to one of these rides!
(photo source: Midnight Mystery Ride)

Calling all other creatures of the night – what are your favourite not-to-be-missed night events? Ps. Be safe out there! Reflective gear is a must.

Either the holiday bug has bitten us or someone has spiked our apple cider. From peppermint lattes to festive (and questionable) Christmas sweaters, our spirits are shining brighter than Rudolph’s nose on even the foggiest of nights. Balancing celebrations with an active lifestyle can sometimes be a challenge. Before we slip into our sparkly party attire, we’re going to be repping Santa hats (and other holiday accessories) at some of the most festive fun-runs this year

balancing fun and run

Holiday fun-runs are a great way to get out into the community, be merry and hold ourselves accountable to sweating it out. These events are a simple 5K run and make for a great catch-up sweat date with a friend. Spread cheer, bring joy to the world (and your local community) and get excited for costume prizes.

holiday runs on our radar

Source: Santa Shuffle Vancouver 2010

santa shuffle
We missed the santa shuffle one this year – bah humbug! but we’re keen on keeping its spirit lifted. This annual run happens in cities all across Canada and consists of a 5K fun run and a 1K “Elf Walk”.

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Source: Arthritis Foundation

jingle bell run
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way… literally. On top of coordinating holiday themed costumes, each participant in the jingle bell run ties bells to their laces making the 5K race a carol of its own. The Arthritis Foundation hosts this event annually in cities all across the USA from November 5^th until December 31^st.

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Source: Toronto Santa Speedo Run

santa speedo run
Toronto and Boston take dashing through the snow to a whole other level. December 10^th marks this year’s annual runs that are equal parts fun to participate in and to watch. Hundreds of runners take to the city streets in just their favourite festive speedo, Santa hat and beard to boot. Now, we’re big fans of chafe-resistance so in the absence of fabric, might we suggest Bodyglide?

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Between office parties and cookie exchanges, any other holiday fun-runs you’re planning to hit up?

Above: Our lululemon race volunteers and cheer squad keep the energy high!

Usually on race day, I'd get up early to eat a small breakfast, get dressed, and get stretched for the kilometres ahead. Yesterday, I woke up earlier than usual on race day, but with none of the same concerns that I would normally have as a runner. That's because yesterday I wasn't a spectator or a runner, but I was at a race for the first time as a volunteer.

Coffee in hand, I was excited to be part of the first ever Toronto Women's Half Marathon and 5K race, a highly anticipated event by runners of all levels. The organizers, volunteers and partners setting up generated a buzz like no other – it was like being backstage at your favourite concert!

Bag check was where I was at, securing participants' backpacks and jackets while they were on their run. With an ample supply of caffeine, we were hands down some of the most hyper bag checkers you'd ever meet. Our station wasn't as exciting as the post race chocolate station, but it was a great opportunity for me to support where needed and meet some incredible women.

A good handful of the 1,300 women that ran were first time half marathon runners. Ranging from age 18 to 75, it was inspiring to hear some of their journeys that had led them to this event. Many of the runners were drawn to this specific race solely because it was a supportive and friendly environment to be active with other women. I had never seen so many strangers congratulate and selflessly share running tips with each other.

The most inspiring moment? A young mother of two shaking my hand after I handed her bag back to her. It was her first half marathon since the birth of her second child, and she was grinning ear to ear. "See you next year! Thanks for your time and help!" she said as her kids dragged her away. All I had done was given her bag back, but for her, she was able to run and didn’t have to think about being responsible for anything but herself for two hours.

Seeing how all the little details mean so much to the big picture of a race was a phenomenal experience. The volunteering side was just as rewarding and fun as running the race. The next time you catch the running buzz, try supporting another runner through her journey by helping out at your community’s next race.

Above, Lori Moretti from Yatra Yoga takes our running gear for a spin. 

Conquer your head games

You've wanted to do a race and excuses are top of mind to rationalize your way out. I've heard: I'm not in shape, I am not competitive, and I don't have money.

Together, we're going conquer the head games, because this is the year you will race. I'm here to give you the inspiration, how-tos and tips to get ready for your first, fifteenth or five-hundredth race.

Find the race for you

Online magazines such as Active.com, Runner's World, Bicycling, and Triathlete are hubs for event listings and training tips.

Check the community board or website at your local lululemon store for training groups and buddies, tips, and run clubs.

Add athletes' blogs to your blog reader and check out their upcoming race schedule (see our blogroll on the right side of this page for a list of athletes' blogs).

If you’re still not sure what you want to do (a 5K vs. a half marathon or a sprint triathlon vs. an international/Olympic distance) go watch one! Not only will you be inspired, you have a chance to network, sign up for upcoming races and talk through your questions with professionals and athletes.

I cheered on local athletes and our ambassador Rachel Challis at the Oceanside Ironman 70.3 with fellow blogger Kirsten and our ambassador Beth Gerdes and realized that if I want, and start training, I can do this race next year!

There are a variety of opps to volunteer at races and race EXPOS as well, both will connect you to people also interested in the sport.

Create a goal

Perhaps your goal is a PR (personal record). Maybe it's to meet new friends in a new town. Just finishing an event is an incredible fete. Some other ideas:

• start small: a 2 mile walk is amazing. We aren't all Ironman triathletes, and that is okay
• align yourself with a charity and create a fundraising goal (Will your company sponsor you? Can you fundraise your way to the registration fee - plus some - through your contacts, friends and family?
• join a relay and make a mini time goal for your leg
• think big: as long as you train, rest, eat and condition your body and mind properly, you can be an Ironman!

Just sign up

No more excuses.

What race did you sign up for? I've started training for the Lighthouse Century Ride in San Luis Obispo County, California.

I'm off to try on the new lululemon bathing suits just delivered to the store!