I went on my first run when I was 15 years old. My Aunt Violet had just died; she was old, it was expected but I had these feelings I didn’t know what to do with. I couldn’t cry, I didn’t really need to talk to anyone but I felt like I needed to do something so I did what I had seen my Dad do every night when he got home from work - I laced up my shoes and started running.

In the years since that first stride down the block, running has become an essential tool for me. It’s how I explore new cities, learning the landscape with every step. It’s how I work through ideas for my job; a spin to the lake and back has garnered “the big breakthrough” more than once. Running is what I do when I don’t know what to do, where I turn when life is weighing heavy and the only thing light is my feet. I run races when I want to be even more a part of a community that has never met a high five they didn’t love. Running is my “everything is going to be alright”.

What happened in Boston feels like a punch in the stomach. The thing about marathon finish lines is that they are the absolute best of humanity. The volunteers are selfless and kind, the spectators breathtakingly supportive and the runners…well, the runners are chasing down the final moments of a race that has meant far more to them than 26.2 miles. You have a moment that means so much to everyone there, regardless of what their participation is. It’s the very best we have to offer as human beings - sheer, uninhibited love and celebration for each other. And for someone to mar that with violence is beyond horrific.

But I’ll tell you something else about marathon finish lines: these are people who don’t quit. And I have news for whoever who wanted to take away this sacred ritual - it didn’t work. The support, love, care for each other - it still happened and will keep happening. Shoes will be laced up, people will take to the streets and this community will now run for another reason…because they can.

It was starting to rain when I headed out tonight. It didn’t matter. As I ran north to the park and east to the lake, nodding in understanding to those I passed along the path, I realized that the best thing I can do in this time of not knowing what to do is to run. I ran every step with Boston in my heart and it is my fervent prayer that everything really will, in the end, be alright.

Nina is our Community Connector in Chicago, Illinois. This post first appeared yesterday on her blog Just A Chi Town Girl.

Dance (on a shipping container) or run a marathon like no one's watching.

The answer to: "What are you thinking at Heartbreak Hill (aka Mile 21)"?

Why her mom runs.

Never, never give up. Our Detroit ambassador, Sue (on the left), ran the marathon with her aunt Sue, who finished chemo 4 weeks ago.

Who supports you in a marathon? Family, friends, and strangers.

It was No Stopping Monday.

"The world" and cookies. When life gives you lemons, you know what to do.

Love notes come in all forms.

Canadian Josh Cassidy near the top of the hill, before finishing to break the world record in the men's wheelchair race by two seconds.

Overheard at Heartbreak Hill: Go banana, go!

Neighbours: good for borrowing cups of sugar from, hosing you down in the middle of a marathon, and...

...handing you water when you need it the most.

How to cheer: make signs. Bring music. Scream your heart out.

Don't forget to have fun along the way.

With temperatures hitting the mid-80s (Canadian translation = around 30), the heat was intense, even as a bystander.

Friends don't let friends run up Heartbreak Hill alone. (Bare feet: noted.)

Boston ambassador Wayne Levy has logged more than 93,000 miles of running in his life (to date).

Go Wayne, go!

Molly from our community team with her run mantra...

... and running with her heart the next day.

To everyone who participated in the Boston Marathon this year: you inspire us. Thank you for the goosebumps.

Marathon Monday. To many, this phrase might not mean much, but here in Boston…it means everything.

the super bowl of running

For some, the Boston Marathon is the Super Bowl of running -- the goal every runner strives to achieve. For others, it’s a day to celebrate -- a major holiday where roads are closed and work is canceled. And starting early in the morning, fans spill outside to line the entire 26.2 mile course.

Last year, I joined the sideline crowd with lululemon’s cheer station on 'Heartbreak Hill' -- one of the hardest stretches of the race where runners need the most support. We arrived early, pumped music, and danced with motivational signs.

I still remember watching contestants pass by: wheelchair competitors, with flexed arms and sweat pouring. Military crew in full uniform. The amazing Kenyan, Geoffrey Mutai, on his way to win. And the very last charity runner, winning a personal battle for both himself and someone else. And I knew in this moment, “I want that.”

honoured, excited and terrified

Fast forward one year later, and I could not be more honored, excited and – let’s be honest – terrified to participate in this monumental day.

what we don't see

Because boy - I had no idea what I was in for! What spectators don't see are your struggles with chafing. They don't hear your alarm ring at 6 a.m. before sunrise on Saturday, feel your blisters growing, or watch you trekking through snow...in the dark.

That’s why the incomparable support of Boston’s sideline – from Newton to Boylston Street – now means more than ever before. It’s funny, but I’ve learned you actually do hear the things people say along the way. "You're almost there!" starts at mile six. "It's all downhill from here!" as you approach Heartbreak Hill. Or my personal favourite, "You're looking great!" Really? With spit foaming at the mouth, and salt crusting to my face, I doubt it – but hey, thanks for making me think I do!

why you should cheer on april 16

So, if you are in Boston on April 16, go stake out your spot and cheer on the runners. Because, we can train all we want and eat the right gel packs during the race, but it’s that smiling face, that crazy cheering fan, that is going to pick us up and push us forward when we think we have nothing left.

And honestly, it really doesn't matter what you do – hold a sign, hand out high-fives, or yell any ridiculous phrase. Because those small gestures mean more than you will ever know.

If you're in Boston this weekend, stop by and say hi at the pre-marathon expo! Look for a big, red box and you'll find us. Not in Boston? We'll be sharing our marathon weekend experience via Twitter (#bostonmarathon). Good luck to all the athletes, and see you on April 16!

The Boston Marathon is practically here. Saying we're excited about being at the world's oldest annual marathon is a minor understatement. We've been busy talking with ambassadors, training, doing yoga and making signs for our cheer station at Heartbreak Hill. Need a little inspiration? Here you go.

molly (hearts) marathons

Remember Molly? She's the one with bottomless enthusiasm, rain or shine. (Yes, apparently it's possible.) We got her on camera at mile 22 of the LA Marathon. She was running for the sake of seeing the city, not to qualify or set a PR so she didn't mind stopping mid-run to share her love of marathons.

why do you love marathons?

"Because it builds community and connection! The energy of all different walks of life coming together for the love of the sport is incredible! When you show up on race day, you know everyone standing beside you has put in time, dedication, and commitment to be great. You have taken different roads to get there and everyone runs for their own reasons but at the end of the day, you all end up in the same place - the starting line.  The moment after the gun blows, you're suddenly surrounded by the sound of thousands of running shoes hitting the pavement in unison.... the feeling is indescribable." - Molly

want more?

• Get what you need to prep for your next race. We have your to-do list ready.
• Be inspired by our ambassador's roads to Boston. Start with Theresa.
• Set goals to run Boston next year. We'll help you get started.

Why do you love marathons? Is it the camaraderie? The sense of accomplishment? Or in the case of San Francisco's Nike Women's Marathon, the Tiffany necklace at the finish line? (Sometimes nothing motivates more than a little something shiny. We understand.)

Theresa (second from the right) and her colourful group of friends.

Theresa Ridgway lives life in the fast lane. She's the ambassador at our Newburyport, MA showroom who has run 3:04 not once, but twice. (She also was the first person to answer all our interview questions.) Theresa doesn't do yoga for a couple of reasons - one is that it means she has to put on the brakes. Luckily for us, she slowed down enough to share a bit of her story.  

the road to boston with theresa ridgway

Who inspired you to start running?I was the combination of my father, who was generally athletic and loved the outdoors, and my mother, a very quiet but strong woman. The gifts they gave me combined into a love of endurance running. I would say my twin brother Tom, but no matter what he says, I started running first.  

Friends make the miles go by quickly (Theresa, left, with friend Amy)

Why Boston?

The first time I ran it, I did it mostly because I qualified. It was just something everyone I knew did: if you qualify for Boston, you go run it. I kept saying I wasn't going to run it again but I quickly realized that it is such a huge part of the running culture that I wanted to be a part of it. Boston is special that way.

What’s your goal for the race?I want to feel as good at the end of the marathon as I did last year. As far as time, my PR for Boston is 3:15 so I would like to beat that time.  I have run 3:04 twice.  I would love  to beat that - maybe go under 3 hours - but Boston can be a tough course. With that said, I'm coming off seventeen weeks of speed work and intense hill training so, you never know.

What has yoga done for your running regime?

I don't do yoga, actually.

Seriously? Why not?Well, lots of reasons. I haven't found any instructors I really like since I did it in the late 90's.  I like to be active and I find that yoga is usually too slow for me. I do TRX and spin (if I can) and I am busy with a full-time job. As a single mother I don't have a lot of spare time.  I do what I love with the time I have - I run.

When you’re not training you’re…

Spending time with my beautiful 6 year-old daughter, Maria, reading, writing and working.  I also have a great network of friends. We're lucky enough to enjoy each other even when we are not running.

Theresa & Maria

What’s next for you after Boston?I am registered for my first 100k, Where's Waldo, in Oregon in August.  I also registered for my first triathlon, Title 9, in Hopkinton, MA, of all places. I want to do the Transrockies Challenge but I need the right partner for it. You simply can't do it with just anyone...

visit us in boston

There's no shortage of fun to be had in Boston. Get all the details on the Prudential store’s Facebook page.

want more?

• Apply to be an ambassador. Stop by your local store or apply online.
• Take your training up a notch. Gina did it with yoga.  
• Run longer. Get tips on building your endurance.
• Be at the race next year. Here are some tips to get you started. 

Do you find yoga balances your running? Theresa's probably not alone out there. We crave it after a few days of training but it's not for everyone...yet. 

The 2011 Boston Marathon is days away. Jayna Henstorf is another ambassador who is packing her bags to take part in the fun. She's excited to go to Boston for a few reasons. It's where she spent her newlywed days and it's the home of one of her favourite brunch spots. (And who doesn't love a good brunch spot after a marathon?) 

the road to boston with jayna henstorf

There is little separation between work and play in Jayna's world. When she's not working her magic in the marketing world, she's volunteering on the board for Girls on the Run and helping people hit their stride as an ambassador at the North Park store in Texas.

Her philosophy for running is so good, we want to make it ours for everyday life. "Do it for yourself. Smile. Don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone. Hydrate. Challenge yourself. Listen to your body. Stretch. Take a rest day when needed. Practice yoga regularly. Repeat." Time to lace up our shoes...

Who inspired you to start running?
It’s definitely a collaboration of many people and experiences; however, there are two people in particular who played a key role: my childhood best friend, Robin and her father. They encouraged me to go out for cross-country & track in high school. From there on out, running has become a staple in my life and I continue to be re-inspired each day.

Why Boston?
Boston holds a special place in my heart. Besides the history and prestige, Boston was the first place that my husband and I lived after being married. (We moved from Austin to Boston, just 18 hours after flying back from our honeymoon in Hawaii.) We now live in Dallas so coming back is always memorable! Toeing the start line at Hopkinton always gives me goose bumps. I can’t wait to see the infamous Citgo sign and have brunch at Stephanie’s.

What’s your goal for the race?
I’ve been training hard, so I will put it out there – plan A is 3:10 or faster. Plan B -  forget time and just race with a smile.

What has yoga done for your running regime?
Yoga helps me stay injury free (knock on wood).  It strengthens not only my core but also my mental state. Running is more mental than physical and when you learn to push through the comfort zone, anything is possible!

Where do you run on days when you feel you can conquer anything?
All over. I ignore my watch and go into cruise control mode. It’s a state of mind that has taken years to acquire and I’m still learning how to master it. I have also realized the importance of refocusing during training runs and races. I always tell myself that the first 15 minutes are not going to feel good, just push through it and don’t give up!

What yoga poses keep your training on track?
I’m usually crunched for time so I try to incorporate a few of these poses into my training.

• Butterfly pose (Baddha Konasana) – Sit with soles of the feet together and open knees to the side.
• Thread the Needle pose (Sucirandhrasana) – Laying down, place your right ankle to your left knee. Interlace your fingers behind your left hamstring and gently pull your knee towards your body. Repeat on the opposite side.
• Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani) - Lay down with your sit bones against a wall and your upper body flat on the floor. Extend your legs up the wall. Keep your feet together or open legs into a V position. 
• Standing Separate Leg Stretching Pose (Dandayamana-Bibhaktapada Paschimottanasana) - Take a wide stance, fold your body forward and draw your forehead to the floor.

When you’re not training you’re…
Moving. I'm a busy body. I can’t sit still.

I love being active but I especially love coaching “newbie” runners. Although I have been running for 20+ years, there’s something magical about watching someone nail a goal pace, reach a new distance or cross a finish line. It’s like I’m in their shoes and experiencing it all for the first time. To me, that is what it's all about: doing what you love while helping others.

What do you look for in training and race gear?
Functionality and versatility. My training runs are usually around 1.5 hours, so I need gear to fit well and last. The fabric, cut and features are critical, such as pockets and liners. Given that I spend over 20 hours a week in running gear, it definitely has to look good! That way, I don’t mind running errands or meeting friends for coffee.

What’s next for you after Boston?
What's next? New Mexico's 50 Miler Jemez Mountain Trail Run in May, the El Scorcho 50K in Texas this July and the Lakefront Marathon in Milwaukee this fall. Like I said, I'm a busy body.

visit us in boston

If you’ll be in Boston for the marathon, we hope to see you! We'll be at the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo and of course, at our Prudential Center store. Our events start this Friday, April 15th to and run until 18th. Get all the details on the store’s Facebook page.

want more?

• Meet our other Boston-bound ambassadors: Kathleen, Gina & Sue Anne. 
• Apply to be an ambassador. Stop by your local store or apply online.
• Get tips for working out with a chaotic schedule. Training for Boston is possible.
• Set goals to be at the race next year. It's never to early to put it on paper. 

"Do it for yourself. Smile. Don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone. Hydrate. Challenge yourself. Listen to your body. Stretch. Take a rest day when needed. Practice yoga regularly. Repeat." Good words, Jayna. What words do you live by?

Next up on the road to Boston is Gina DiCello, a real firecracker.  We stumbled upon her blog before we met over email. Before long it became clear to us: we want to be her friend. See for yourself. You probably will too. (We're pretty sure she'd happily have you over for dinner, share some training tips with you and send you home with a recipe.)    

the road to boston with gina dicello

Gina DiCello calls the Rush Street, Chicago store her local lululemon home.  If you've never met anyone with a goal to run fifty marathons in all fifty states, now you have. Her love of running is closely rivaled only by her love of friends and food. (Ah, another ambassador who loves to eat. Good thing we all like to sweat, right?) She's counting down the days to Boston on her blog and she took some time to answer our questions.

who inspired you to start running?
No one in particular, really. I was the girl the coaches always put on the B-team. I took up running when I joined the high school track team to shed my B-team/figure-skating/marching-band persona. Track was the only thing that fit my busy schedule and I thought it was the ticket to fitting in. For two years, I rocked out as an 800-meter runner but eventually, my skating took precedence.

I excelled on skates but I gave it up to be a "normal" college student: sororities, spring break, academics. It was during that time I realized I missed the world of athletics and needed to find my place again. Running was that place. This is when I started training for marathons and decided to do one in each of the fifty states.

Why Boston?
Qualifying for and running Boston, is not only a rite of passage as a runner,  it’s my way of showing that little girl on the bench - me - that when life puts you on the B-team, all you need is some dedication, determination and a dream.  Anything you really want?  You can get it.

Going way back in the Gina archives

What’s your goal for the race?
My number one goal for any and all races is to have fun.  (If it’s not fun, what is the point?) As far as a time goal, I would love to finish somewhere in the 3:20’s!  I’ve had a breakthrough in my training this past year and I’m having a blast seeing how far I can take it.  As long as it’s fun and as long as I am still healthy, I will continue to push the envelope.

What has yoga done for your running regime?
Part of the breakthrough I mentioned is due to my paralleled dedication to yoga.  I didn’t start practicing until after a terrible cycling accident had me sidelined for about eight weeks.  As part of recovery, I reluctantly joined some friends from my run group on their weekly yoga session. Very soon after I became quite addicted. 

Almost instantly, I saw a difference in my running – I became less tight and felt the “heavy leg” feeling disipate. My breathing improved which allowed me to hold a higher intensity for a longer period of time. My posture changed, my core carriage changed - everything changed and all for the better.  

Where do you run on days when you feel you can conquer anything?
Because Chicago is pressed up against Lake Michigan, the lakefront path is our city’s playground. Ever seen our winters here?  It’s really the only place where you can get in quality miles on paved, traffic-free paths.  Water fountains, bathrooms and stands to buy Gatorade are plentiful.  So is the people watching, or in my case, the man hunting.

On days when I am feeling like I can conquer anything, I put on my brightest Speed Shorts, a matching Flow Y Bra, and some cool aviators. I hit the path around 5:30 or 6pm when it’s likely populated by a sea of good-looking men.  There is no greater satisfaction than passing a couple of dudes who think they’re keeping up a good pace!

When you're not training you're...
Thinking about training?  Just kidding. When I’m not training, you can find me scoping out Chicago’s restaurant scene, teaching cooking classes to children through a non-profit called Common Threads, building up my marathon coaching business and staying hopelessly addicted to routine Monday nights with college girlfriends. 

Gina created this meal off the top of her head. Yum.

What do you look for in training and race gear?
All gear must first and foremost be comfortable and make me feel athletic.  Chafing is a very real and big issue for runners, myself included (I have horror stories) and if the garment doesn’t do everything it can to prevent that, I’ll never buy it again.  In both training and race gear I like to look put together, matching but also athletic. 

Running a marathon with music: yes or no?
It depends. When I ran the Des Moines Marathon in Iowa, heck yes I listened to music.  There was barely anything to look at, let alone hold my attention for four hours.  When I ran the ING Miami Marathon, I didn’t listen to music.  With so much color, crowd support, and activity going on, I didn’t need it.  I am neither for, nor against running with music – whatever works for you is great!  (Editor's note: Want her Guilty Pleasure Super Speedy 5K playlist? Check out her blog.)

What’s next for you after Boston?
Boston will be my fourteenth marathon on the road to fifty, though it is only my thirteenth state. (I did Singapore in December 2009.)  Next up, I will probably be at the New York City Marathon this fall. If I don’t make it through the lottery or by qualifying at Boston (3:23:00 is the cutoff for women), I will run the Rock n’ Roll Savannah Marathon in Georgia. I can't wait.

visit us in boston

If you haven't heard, we love visitors! If you're planning on being in Boston for the marathon, stop by the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo and the Prudential Center store. There's a lot to see and do with us from April 15th to 18th. The store's Facebook page has all the details. (Heartbreak Hill, here we come.) 

want more?

• Follow Gina's training. She's blogging (and tumbling) the whole thing.
• Contact Gina for training tips. You can email her at walktothemailbox@gmail.com.
• Meet your local ambassadors. Find out who's teaching classes at your local store.
• Read our first Boston-bound ambassador interview with Sue Anne Clark.

Staying motivated while training for a marathon (or any race, for that matter) can be challenging. Gina's blogging; some of you may be journalling. How do you stay on track when the road to a race is an uphill climb?

The Boston Marathon is arguably the most iconic race. We'll be there cheering on April 18th but in the meantime, we caught up with our Boston-bound ambassadors to get inspired before the big day. First up, Sue Anne Clark. We get along for many reasons, like the fact that when she's not running, she's EATING. (Yes, all caps. Her words not ours.)

the road to boston with sue anne clark

Sue Anne is a bit of a superhero. She has competed in over 75 triathlons - and she didn't start logging them until she set a goal on her thirtieth birthday. When she's not leading the run club at our Wayne, Pennsylvania store, she's sharing her passion with the next generation of athletes as a cross-country and track and field coach. Chances are if she's not running, she's eating. She's our kind of girl.

Who inspired you to start running?
My dad. He suddenly passed away when I was in my twenties. It inspired me to make a list of goals. A triathlon was number one, so I figured I better start with running. One mile lead to 26.2 over the years. My mom tells me I have my dad’s legs, so I’ll give him all the credit.

Why Boston?
It’s the marathon of marathons. I love the challenge of qualifying for a race. Besides, I can’t pass up a lobster roll & Sam Adams at the finish line!

What’s your goal for the race?
To have a better time than last year and I'm not referring to my run time. I had so much fun between the cheers, the high-fives, and the amazing people. This year I'm also hoping to raise $1,000 for WANDAA to help send care packages to Japan through my Running to Relief for Japan campaign.

How has yoga helped your running regime?
When I started adding yoga to my routine, I felt more fluid on my runs and looked forward to the calmness of the classes. I liked it so much, I worked with the local studio owner to hold a “Yoga For Runners” series at our running club. It was a great intro for my fellow runners.

Sue Anne conquers last weekend's monsoon at the LA Marathon

Where do you run on days when you feel you can conquer anything?
I take to the trails! Blazing through the trails is such a rush. Speed is your friend when it comes to the really rocky or rooty sections. The steep climbs and fast descents, twists, turns, and trees - I love it. I want to go right now just thinking about it.

What yoga poses keep your training on track?
Pigeon! Any pose that opens my hips and lengthens my legs is great. I like how yoga strengthens my upper body and core. Right now, I am taking a Hoopvinyasa class. It's been amazing for my hips and core, and I have lots of fun learning tricks with a hoola hoop! (Editor's note: Hoopvinyasa? When is that coming to Vancouver?)

When you’re not training you’re…
EATING.  And when I am not eating, I work at University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPenn) as a Physician Liaison for Cancer & Surgery services. I am inspired every day by the people I work with. They are dedicated, intelligent & extremely fascinating.

What do you look for in training and race gear?
I love colorful stuff but more importantly, I want to wear gear that makes me feel like a woman when I am racing or training. 

Years ago, my old race gear was so off the mark that I thought about starting my own line. I even took a course at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology. I think lululemon entered the US market soon after…so I kept to my day job.

What’s next for you after Boston?
Two weeks later I will be racing at the ITU Cross Triathlon World Championship in Spain. This race is all on trails - yahoo!

visit us in boston

If you'll be in Boston for the marathon, come visit us at the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo and at our Prudential Center store. We've got a lot of fun planned from April 15th to 18th. The store's Facebook page has all the details. (Oh, and if you're running the race, we'll see you at Heartbreak Hill with bells on. You won't miss us.) 

want more?

• Spend more time with Sue Anne. Read her blog.
• Get to know your local ambassadors. Head to your neighbourhood store's mini-site.
• Apply to become an ambassador. Start by filling in the online application.
• Learn more from the experts. Check out our Ask A Runner blog series.
• Start packing for Boston. If you're running the race, get a head start on the necessities.

We'll be checking in with more ambassadors as Boston tip-toes its way closer. What's on your list of things to ask them?

 

 Meet Jenn, lover of marathons - literally and figuratively. We caught up with her after the latest Runner's World photo shoot to talk goals. (She's got plenty to say on the subject.)

getting to know jenn

Jenn Thiel is quickly becoming a familiar face. Not only is she an alumni ambassador at our Kitsilano store, she's also the face (or should we say torso) in our latest Runner's World ad. Between training for the Honolulu marathon, writing for her blog, and tackling her bucket list of goals, she's got her work cut out for her. (Did I mention she's also pursuing a career as a cardiac surgery nurse? I think all her training will help with the nerves.) After spending some time with her after the shoot, it didn't take long for me to make the connection: in all aspects, Jenn is the definition of a marathoner.

the interview

So I checked out your website and was spying on your bucket list. It's a marathon in itself. You have a lot of awesome challenges ahead of you: speaking at a TED conference, running the NYC marathon, writing a best-selling book. What was the motivation behind writing your list?

I love a challenge. I have a friend who has a bucket list and it inspired me to do my own last November. One of my big goals is to inspire people to live their best lives and I figured sharing my bucket list online was a good place to start. Posting my goals on my website has been a catalyst to getting stuff done and it keeps me accountable to my word too. 

So are you on your way to reaching any significant goals right now?

Yeah, I've got plans to do goal coaching sessions with a class of grade 8 students and a softball team soon. I'll be entering the lottery to run in the NYC marathon in 2012 and now that I'm done nursing school, I'm in a good place to head to Haiti with a medical relief team – that’s another goal of mine. It's a long road but I'm making progress a little bit every day.

I love that you're so passionate about empowering people to reach their goals and live amazing lives. You're like that coach that everyone wants to have. Has there been one person in your life that has been that source of inspiration for you?

Wow. Great question. I don't think I can single out just one person. I surround myself with amazing, positive people who inspire me every day. I think that's the trick.

It seems like a lot of people have goals to do marathons. You've got a couple on your list. I'm curious - how do you deal with the mental game? You can train your body to run long distances but how do you train your mind?

It’s like anything that’s challenging. It takes discipline and positive thinking. Towards the end, the race is all in your mind because you can’t feel your legs anymore. They feel like Jell-o. A lot of it is just staying focused and positive.

Do you go to your happy place? Are you thinking, “I’m on the beach! I’m not running! My legs don’t hurt!”

Honestly, it’s one step at a time. For the most part, you just want to get to the end. I did Boston twice though and it was a strange feeling. I didn’t want it to end. It was the most intense, most blissful feeling I’ve ever experienced. Everyone was cheering. It was a natural high. I don’t know why people do drugs.

The thought of doing Boston – wow. It’s really fascinating to me. I wouldn't call myself a runner but the thought of actually finishing the Boston Marathon is exhilarating.

That's exactly it! That’s why we do it. It’s exhilarating. It comes more so at the end when you know it’s hard but you’re doing it and you’re finishing it thinking, "This is awesome!"’ Do you want to run a marathon?

Well…I’m not sure. Running that far has never sounded appealing to me but I like the idea of tackling something so daunting. I’ve done a few 10Ks before so I think I would be able train to do a half …but now I’m knocked up. (We both erupt laughing.) Being 27 weeks pregnant complicates things for me a bit.

That would be a great way to get back into shape after, hey?

Totally. (Shoot. She’s totally right. I have to do it. Let’s change the subject.) Got any other goals you’re working on?

I want to buy a condo next year and put down some roots in Kits. And I need to learn to relax a little more too.

Ah, yes. Relaxation. That will come in handy when you’re conquering your bucket list of goals.

I know, right? Being a cardiac surgery nurse? That’s really relaxing. Ha.

want more?

• Spend more time with Jenn. Check out her blog.
• Get inspired. Read her bucket list and other goals.
• Write your own bucket list. Get tools to write your own goals here.
• Go behind-the-scenes. See more from the Runner’s World shoot.

After such a great interview, we can’t help but be inspired. We’re revising our goals on this end. Where are you at with yours?

Name: Linda Wong
One year goal: I run an ultramarathon* by March 2011.
One year goal: In 2011, I qualify for the Boston Marathon.

(*Ultramarathons are anything longer than 26.2 miles. Read Brian's post on the secret world of ultra running for more info.)

Five year goal: I run the Great Wall Marathon in China by 2015.

Running this marathon is special to Linda as she hopes to travel to the race with her family supporting her, and turn it into a shared experience with them too.

Ten year goal: I am involved in an organization dedicated to changing the face of women in sport.

• Read Linda's ambassador profile
• Learn more about goal setting: What is a goal, exactly? And how do you create powerful goals?

2011 is just around the corner. What goals are you setting for the new year?

Name: Carol
BHAG(s): I WILL qualify for Boston before I turn 50.
Vancouver Marathon 2009: 6:28:32
Calgary Marathon 2010: 5:43:30
Toronto Marathon 2010: Sub-5?????
2011: Sub 4!!!!!

what is a bhag?

A BHAG (pronounced "bee-hag") is a big, hairy, audacious goal!

why share your bhag?

The more you share your goals, the more likely it is you will achieve them. For the month of June we will be sharing a BHAG every day on lululemon.com. Want to share your BHAG with the world? Send your high-res photo to blogs@lululemon.com and we'll publish a few of our favourites here on the lululemon blog.