WHY WE LOVE THISThere is (almost) nothing I love more than a little Après. Play days in the snow and long fun-filled nights? Sign me up! This winter we focused on designing gear that could take us from mountain adventures to fire-side festivities and everything in between. Here's a behind-the-seams look at a few styles we can’t wait to play and warm up in. Take that cabin fever! JOANNA - Product Editor

1/ St. Moritz Jersey
This long sleeve was engineered using moisture-wicking and lightweight Merino Wool Jersey. This wonder fabric helps to keep us warm when we get cold and helps to cool us down when things heat up (you won’t want to take it off). We added thumbholes to this base layer to help keep wrists warm and make layering easy.

2/ St Moritz Sweater
When the snow starts to fall we can’t wait to get outside (although we do love a good glass of wine and a crackling fire). With that in mind, we designed a sweater we knew would be good for both. Breathable and moisture-wicking Merino Wool joins forces with a soft Sweater Knit fabric to give us the best of both worlds. The raglan sleeves and built-in stretch help to reduce bulk and give us the freedom to make moves (on and off the mountain).

3/ St Moritz Jacket
Soft and fuzzy Fleece, water- and wind-resistant Cire fabric and a double-layer collar make this jacket a triple threat against winter chill (and cabin fever). The extra fuzzy arms feel incredible (they are out-of-this-world soft) and help to keep us cozy on the way to and from yoga.

4/ Chalet Keep Your Neck Cozy
Our chunky knit neckwarmer is made with a blend of organic cotton and rayon derived from bamboo and cashmere (yes – it is as awesome as it sounds). This soft and breathable infinity scarf makes it easy to get wrapped up in warming up. Editor’s note: they had me at chunky knit neckwarmer.

WE LOVE MERINO WOOLMerino Wool is nature's tech fabric (#shityogissay)! This high quality wool is naturally insulating, moisture-wicking, soft and breathable. The best part? It doesn't feel itchy thanks to the fine merino wool fibres. It's perfect for layering and great for those looking for a natural fibre option.

Good things come to those who wait and in this case, it's for this cozy Après gear. This stuff will be popping up online and in stores over the next few weeks. 

Hint: If you've fallen as hard as we have for the St Moritz sweater, check back online on Thursday to get your hands on it.

Ogres have layers, onions have layers and winter-running most definitely has layers. When it comes to getting dressed for a sub-zero jaunt, ensuring you’ve got an effective layering-system on can be the difference between a PB and a total meltdown. From wicking to venting to element protection, we breakdown the art behind a well-layered get-up. As it turns out, it’s not just a matter of throwing on everything you own (although some days this almost feels necessary). 

three-step system

base layer
Your base layer actually touches your skin so it is important that this layer is moisture-wicking (staying dry is key to staying warm). This layer should be a fairly simple design: buttons, zippers or elaborate necklines can make layering tricky. Look for soft, moisture-wicking, anti-stink fabrics and aim for a snug fit. Also, thumbholes are a ‘nice-to-have’ in a base because they’ll keep your sleeves down as you layer up.

we heart these base layers:
• Swiftly Techs
• Runder Under Long Sleeve
• Run: Ice Queen Long Sleeve

mid-layer
The mid-layer is on double duty. It has to keep you warm as well as continue to move moisture from the inside out. This layer needs to be engineered with insulating fabrics and venting. Look for a body-skimming fit (not too loose not too tight) and mesh panelling or zipper vents. Thumbholes and Cuffins are awesome mid-layer perks – hello built in running gloves!

we heart these mid-layers:
• What The Fluff Pullover
• Run: Toasty Tech Pullover
• Run: Pitter Patter Pullover

outer layer

This layer is all about protecting you from rain, slush and snow while still giving your body a chance to vent. The outer layer finishes the job the base layer starts by allowing moisture vapour to escape. Vents and mesh paneling are key in this layer because they let you cool down as you build up heat (you are running, after all).  Look for water- and wind-resistant fabrics, additional insulation for bitter cold climates and reflective detailing to keep you bright in low-light scenarios.

we heart these outer layers:
• Run: Bundle Up Jacket
• What The Fluff Jacket
• What the Fluff Vest

so it should work like this:

but not all climates are created equal

Coming from ‘raincouver’ we have serious sun envy – hey Florida, we’re looking at you. Here’s a look at what your layering system could look like, depending on where you live.

warm (florida)
[silverescent base layer] + [rulu mid-layer if needed]

wet and chilly (vancouver)
[silverescent base layer] + [rulu mid-layer] + [glyde outer layer]

cold (colorado)
[silverescent or rulu base layer] + [goose down or tech fleece mid-layer] + [goose down or glyde outer layer]

Whoops - looks like we just stole the "but it's too cold out" excuse from your arsenal. Now layer up and get after it.

welcome to the #thesweatlife.

Eleven of our favourite pieces + your personal style = the ultimate inspiration station.

We want you to share all the ways your favourite lululemon gear takes you from work to mat and back again (is there anything the Wunder Under Pant can’t do?). Just snap a photo of you rocking your gear and share it on Instagram or Twitter with the matching hashtag (listed below). Keep your eyes peeled on lululemon.com - your photo may show up!

yoga. run. hashtag it.

Here's the official list of gear that agreed to share the spotlight.

#coolracerback
#formejacket
#scubahoodie
#wunderunders
#wunderundercrops
#groovepant
#studiopant
#nolimitstank
#swiftlytech
#inspirecrops
#themat

Rocking a favourite piece of lululemon that's not included in this list? You can use the generic hashtag #thesweatlife to share your photo on this landing page.

Looking for a few more deets? Check our FAQs. Happy hashtagging!

WHY WE LOVE THIS “It’s slowly getting a little colder every day and, for me, that means it’s time for run pants. This winter we focused on developing new fabrics that feel warm but light, strategically placed fabrics that solve for splashes and chill, as well as reflective details that won’t leave us looking like a pylon. I know that winter running can get wild but, let’s face it, life is too short to run on a treadmill.” JOANNA - Product Editor

1/ Run: Clear As Mud Pant
Puddles and slush are a winter running reality but running in wellies is ridiculous. The slim straight cut of these pants and the built-in water-resistant gaiters help to protect us from the elements. We’re trading our waders for gaiters.

2/ Run: Runder Under Pant
This clean and simple design is the running version of the Wunder Under Pant we all know and love. Run-friendly features like flip-up reflectivity and a continuous drawcord make these pants the black cashmere sweater of our running wardrobe.

3/ Run: Make a Move Pant
Running in cold weather is serious business and we designed these slouchy run trousers because it’s business time. The inherent moisture-wicking nature of the Rulu™ fabric makes these pants feel like a warm hug on a cold winter morning and that is all the motivation we need to get outside and run.

4/ Run With Rover Pant
At the end of a long and rainy day, we may not feel like heading out for a run but our best friend, Rover usually can’t wait. We designed these pants with a cozy Rulu™ inner layer and a protective water-resistant outer layer that will help keep us warm and dry. These pants may just be our new best friend (sorry Rover).

THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID

We caught up with run designers, Niamh and Caitlin, to get the behind-the-seams rundown on our winter run pants.

13.1 things to pack for a destination 13.1 miles

6 more sleeps. Eeep! Rob the TackleBox trainer has been getting us prepped with his training program designed for personal bests – now all that’s left to do is get some good sleeps, eat some carbs and pack your bag. If you’re from Vancouver, there isn’t quite as much pressure to pack …but if you’re coming from out of town, you’ll want to put a bag together with all of the essentials you need for having the best weekend of your summer. Here are our suggestions for the 13.1 not-so-obvious things you should remember to pack for your SeaWheeze weekend.

1. Pacifica Perfume – Vanilla Vera Cruz
Pair a yummy-smelling body spray with dry shampoo and oil-absorbing sheets and you’ll be good to go for patio time after your run. Vanilla Vera Cruz is a perfect summer scent: light, sweet and a little bit sexy.

2. Rocky Mountain Sport Epsom Salts
Once you’ve given your all on the SeaWheeze course and you head back to your home or hotel, treat your tootsies to a little TLC with an Epsom salt bath. Epsom salts are an easy and affordable way to rejuvenate tired feet and legs post-race.

3. Women’s No Show Ultimate Sock
While a big training program is important, having a successful run is ultimately determined by the little things. Fight the battle against blisters with socks that stay put and breathe.

4. Philosophy Purity Facial Cleanser
SeaWheeze weekend is going to be a jam-packed festivus of good times. This cleanser is the MVP of the toiletry bag: it cleanses dirt, sweat and makeup away without stripping your skin and comes in different sizes for easy travel.

5. Energy Gels
Hunger pangs are a sworn enemy of personal bests. Vega products will be on the SeaWheeze course but if you’ve been training with a different brand bring it along (it’s a good idea to try gels once or twice before race day to make sure they suit your tummy).

6. Om Tote
Picking the right bag to pack for a weekend away can make-or-break how simple (or arduous) the task can be. The Om Tote has plenty of storage capacity to fit everything you need and has compartments to keep all your essentials organized.

7. Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Cream
Your feet have been working hard and they deserve a little VIP treatment. This foot cream is our absolute favourite – it smells delicious, is super-moisturizing and is completely natural.

8. Groovy Thong
Much like socks, wearing the right pair of underwear on your big day is a decision not made lightly. The Groovy Thong is comfy and won’t, ahem, “ride up” so you can stride ahead without a worry.

9. Alba Botanical SPF 25 Lipcare
Many a time we have slathered on sunscreen only to forget about our lips…and let us tell you, it’s a real bummer when the sun goes down. We love Alba’s SPF 25 lipcare; it is moisturizing, a little glossy without being sticky and we have yet to burn our pout with this stuff on.

10. Clean & Clear Oil-Absorbing Sheets
On fast and furious weekend adventures, sometimes we need to get ready in a hurry. In the summertime, these oil-absorbing sheets are a girl’s best friend – post-race, they will save your life.

11. Deja Vu Scarf
Having a scarf to wear on planes, after yoga classes and on drafty summer nights is absolutely key. We love the Déjà Vu Scarf – the cotton is uber-soft and it’s big enough to wrap around twice. An added bonus: bring this scarf to the beach or SeaWheeze concert for a cozy mini-blanket.

12. Klorane Oil-Suppressing Dry Shampoo
Sometimes when patio hour calls we don’t have time to head back and shower post-run. This dry shampoo makes oil disappear without making our hair ashy or grey looking (plus it smells delicious).

13. Bodyglide
Some people are into Bodyglide and some people aren’t….but it can be a nice thing to have in your bag just in case you feel a case of chafing coming on.

13.1 Apothic Red
Red alert: once you’ve come home from your day of SeaWheeze activities, we think it’s critical to toast to your achievements with a glass of full-bodied red. This is our current favourite.

Your studio is called One Yoga for the People. What’s the philosophy behind the name?
Yoga is for the people, regardless of age, gender, social status, financial situation, height, weight, etc. I chose the name One Yoga a few years ago for my yoga school in Saskatoon. The name symbolizes our interconnection of all beings, the oneness of mind and body (in the heart) that yoga brings, and the truth that we all share One Love.

Why is it important for you to have a donation based studio?
We realize that people often stop coming to classes because they are broke or struggling financially and we want to be available regardless. Yoga can be a tremendous support in times of trouble and we believe so strongly in its power that we will give classes for free if we have to.

We’re always looking for great books. What are you reading right now? Feeling The Shoulder of The Lion and The Essential Rumi by Coleman Barks are two books that are either at my bedside, in the yoga room or in my backpack. I'm also reading Start Something That Matters written by Blake Mycoskie (the guy who started TOMS shoes!).

Tell us about your charity! What makes you so passionate about kids yoga?
I few years ago I started a charity called Vinyasa Yoga for Youth. It empowers youth ages 3-23 through the practice of yoga.

Gandhi said, "peace begins with the children." I believe that through yoga, children can learn to be their highest selves, not the selves that succumb to negative influences and peer pressure.

One Yoga recently worked on a design collaboration with the lululemon lab. What interested you in working with the lab?
When I walked into the lab, I felt the positivity, vibrancy and creativity that the staff there had. I wanted to be around the people working there. I loved that they were working directly with other yoga practitioners and teachers in the community and designing based on their feedback.

What did you learn?
I learned how supportive the lululemon community really is. The crew at the lab really wanted to work together to create new, innovative clothes that can be worn in or out of the studio and that they weren’t afraid to colour outside the lines and be creative with what they were making. I can't tell you how much fun it was to do the collaboration!

We hear you’re teaching at Wanderlust Whistler this summer! What are you most looking forward to?
I am most looking forward to seeing all of the yoga peeps from all over Canada and the U.S. Many of my teachers/students/friends from other studios around North America are coming to hang out, practice and dance! I’m also stoked that Michael Franti is coming to rock with us!

I’ve noticed that there’s almost always music playing at OYFTP. Do you have any favourite songs to practice to?
For Vinyasa practice, I'd say Hijomalind by Sigur Ros, Exercising by Lee "Scratch" Perry, Lotus Flower by Radiohead and I’m also loving Holocene by Bon Iver.

For Savasana, definitely Healing Room by Sinead O'Connor and Beth Rest (Piano Version) by Bon Iver.

Curious about all the brainstorming going on in the pics? Check out the Liberty Crop, one of the lululemon lab and One Yoga collaboration pieces!

Whether you’re heading on vacay or out for a run – packing is a skill not easily mastered. We asked seasoned runners who have gone the distance (like, every distance) for their ‘take-it or leave-it’ run gear.

10 things to bring on your run

1. house key
Two things that suck: being robbed and getting locked out. Bring your house key.

2. money (cash or credit)
Good for emergency fluids (or recovery drinks), transit (hey, there’s nothing wrong with running as far as you can one-way and bussing it back) or making a SOS call (contrary to popular belief payphones still exist).

3. identification
You should never go anywhere without ID and your run is no exception.

4. ipod (optional)
iPhone, iTouch, iShuffle, i-can’t-remember-the-latest-gadget – whatever your tech heart desires, tunes add a little extra spring in our step and that’s music to our ears.

5. spf lip balm
Lip balm (with SPF) not only soothes lips (which can dry out after long periods of heavy breathing) but also protects your kisser from the sun. Bonus: It can also double as emergency Bodyglide for those “sticky” situations.

6. bandaids
Good for unexpected chaffing emergencies and spontaneous blisters.

7. fuel belt filled with electrolytes
Hydration is key.

8. gels
Our running guru Tess recommends one for every 45 minutes (plus one extra for good measure).

9. some dry socks (those of you blessed with a sunny climate, skip to number 10). 
We’ve been caught in one too many rainstorms to head out on a 42K run without at least an extra pair of socks. Dry feet are happy feet and happy feet mean strong finishes. ps. we have the perfect pocket to store them in!

10. bodyglide
Keep things going smoothly with a little extra help from our dear friend Bodyglide. You’ve already got 30K on your mind, you don’t need to be worrying about chaffing too.

So much stuff and no place to store it?  Check out the Stuff Your Bra Tank. 

I can’t help but feel that we live a bit of a charmed life here in Vancouver. With moderate winter temperatures and no serious threat of ice or snow, our biggest winter running obstacle is soggy feet. Charmed as it is, naïve we are not. We asked some of our favourite runners how they combat winter running in some of the bitterest cities.

1.injinji toesock
“With Vibrams® making a big splash this summer, these toe socks are a winter necessity for all ‘barely there’ barefoot running enthusiasts.”
–Jonas Caruana, ambassador, Montreal

2. brisk run toque
“A beanie is a must!”
–Tom Cripps, ambassador New York City

3. brisk run gloves
“Hands can get chilly (especially if it’s windy) so I turn to these gloves. I especially love the touchscreen-friendly finger tips!”
– Andy Nelson, ambassador, New York City

4. yaktrax® crampons
“When the road is super snowy or icy, I strap a set of Yaxtrax onto my runners to help me get a grip on the slippery spots."
– Sam Sykes, ambassador, Toronto

5. wind and water resistant jacket
“Winter runs along the rivers here in NYC only happen when I wear a windproof jacket. My new go-to is the Run: Essential Jacket.”
– Abby Bales, ambassador, New York City

6. little hotties®
“If it’s super cold (below 20 degrees) I put warmers inside my sneakers on top of my toes. They keep my feet warm for the whole run!”
– Terrance Gerchberg, ambassador, New York City

7. cytomax® energy drink
“For long runs, I heat up a Cytomax® Energy Drink (my personal fave) and put it in an insulated water bottle so it doesn't freeze. It also helps if you mix a more saturated drink - more powder less water. It’s a chemistry trick that will slow down the freezing process.”
– Dawn Nida, ambassador, Boston

8. gor-tex® running shoes
“These are a game changer! They look and feel exactly like regular runners, except they keep your feet completely dry while running in rain, puddles or through trails. Wet, soggy feet are a thing of the past.”
– Lindsay, video/photo producer, store support centre

May these products keep you warm, dry and upright during your coldest, iciest winter runs. And hey, if Mother Nature really unloads you can always get yourself a pair of running snowshoes. Anyone ever tried them?

1. ezlinks.com
If my dad could be anywhere, he’d be on a golf green so an EZlinks giftcard is the perfect present for him. EZlinks is a website that lets him choose a course, date and tee off time at tons of different clubs all around the world (and at a great rate too). – Allessia

2. spin pins
Spin Pins for all! Affordable and the best hair tool ever! I own a truckload and will be putting these in every girl’s stocking. – Ali

3. printstagr.am
I love this idea of taking people’s instagram photos and turning them into a book. It’s a unique gift idea!  – Kristina

4. gym essentials kit
The answer is in the name. It’s simply essential. This little guy has not only taken me to and from the gym but to Paris and London too. It’s the perfect companion for trips short and long.  – Tiffany

5. strengths finder 2.0
For people in my family who are in the early career stage, I get Strengths Finder 2.0. It's been my most powerful career development tool yet and I want to pass that on to others. (The Alchemist is also a standby book that I give to anyone that doesn't have it.)– Carolyn

6. cooking lessons for two
I’ve organized with my partner’s favourite restaurant to run a private cooking class, to show us how they make their sinuous, silky pasta. Equal parts romantic and practical. – Michael

Have a list you’re checking twice? What are some of the best gifts your giving this year?

There are few things cozier than sipping a cup of hot cocoa by an open fire. Our Scuba Hoodie is one of those things (without the sugar crash and need for a fire permit). In our new mini-series “Under the Hood” we catch up with some of our team members to ask why this classic hoodie is still their go-to piece.

Elim, our photo studio coordinator (and the mastermind who showed us 30 ways to wear our Wunder Unders), styles her Scuba with a Cool Racerback, French-rolled Astro Pants and a sweet pair of leather Chucks.

Check back next Tuesday for another installment of “under the hood”.

From brightly coloured knee-highs to calf and arm sleeves, compression garments promise better muscle recovery and in some cases, better performance. We couldn’t help but wonder if the obsession with compression is truly game-changing or just a goofy style throwback to the days of Keds and tube socks. We asked two of our run ambassadors if they buy into the gear.

run ambassador sam sykes – yay!

Friends, strangers and athletes, I’m here to tell you: embrace the compression, love the compression, and the compression will hug you back!

Compression – it comes in many forms.  Tights, crops, shirts, tanks, arm sleeves, calf sleeves, socks. You name the body part and it can be outfitted in snug, muscle-loving fabric. The gear increases blood circulation to your tired, hardworking muscles and reduces lactic acid buildup for quicker recovery post-workout. As for wearing it during activity, it probably won’t make a difference to your race times, despite the few scientific studies out there that claim it boosts performance.

Me – I love the squeeze.  It’s like a constant massage on my tired legs when I shimmy (and shake and jump and wiggle) into my compression tights.  Wearing my compression socks post-race is the foot rub that nobody wants to give me. It is seriously awesome-amazing.

run ambassador linda wong – nay! (well, impartial but that doesn’t rhyme)

I got my first pair of compression socks about two years ago. Word on the street is that they are supposed to help with recovery so I was open to a little experimenting! I went on a few longs runs and then sported my socks when I got home. The verdict – I didn’t really notice anything; I am completely indifferent. I did however continue to wear them but mostly just because I haven't worn knee highs since grade school and it was fun.

I asked a few medical professionals what their thoughts were and these were the basics of what they had to say:

• Unless you're going to put your feet up and wear your compression socks, you're not really using the compression socks to the full effect.  Standing and walking around after a workout only causes your blood to pool – gravity is still in effect my friends!
• There are so many different brands of compression socks out there - some are good, some are not so good.  Medical ones have different "grades" based on your needs and calf size. It’s definitely a good idea to do your research if you’re going to invest.

My conclusion - with many things in this world, do what works for you.  I can't say that I'm a full-on believer of them but I'm not ruling it out just yet.

So, is compression worth all the hoop-la or is it just another costume piece for runners who are trying too hard?

want more?

• get up close and personal with our technical features
• more great debate: running with music
• how to layer for fall runs

Above: Tiffany takes the Run: Flow Thru Dress for a spin!

I have to be thoroughly honest with you.

I'm not exactly what you would call a 'hardcore' runner. When it comes to my running program, the words snow, rain, cold, or anything else unpleasant simply do not have a place. Summer running is where it's at.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I actually really like running. I really, really like running when I am wearing the brightest, coolest and most functional pieces on the running market. Who wouldn't? This is why I love lululemon!

For instance, my first outing of the running season was this past Monday, and I decided to sport the new Run: Flow Thru Dress. For me, this dress was a match made in runner's heaven. It's fun, cute, and made with Silverescent technology. The dress upheld its Flow Thru name – the air flowed right 'thru', and kept me cool during my 5km – which felt more like 50km!

Like some, my iPod is my running companion. I'm not a person who can run and talk at the same time – my breath will simply not have it. The amazing thing about lululemon run gear is it harbors all sorts of gadgets and gizmos for your running routine. The Run: Flow Thru Dress has a handy pocket near the small of the back – perfect for a key, map, or in my case, a running mate!

On that note, I'm looking for some new music to keep me company. I know there are others out there like me… what are your favourite running tunes? (Leave me a comment below).

Now for all you summer runners out there (and all you hardcore ones too!), I pronounce the 'official' running season open!