steph’s journey

This year, Steph Corker raced and completed IRONMAN Hawaii in under eleven hours. This sounds impressive, certainly; after all, this is Kona, the notoriously grueling race filled with sweltering temperatures and punishing headwinds. What makes this feat truly incredible is what it took for Steph to achieve this goal.

Five years before this, in 2007, Steph ran her first 10 kilometer race. Fast forward five years later and Steph has now finished a race consisting of a 2.4-mile (3.8 km) swim, a 112-mile (180 km) bicycle ride and a marathon 26.2-mile (42.2 km) run.

Here’s how it all went down.

After catching the adrenaline bug, Steph began running and riding her bike more and more frequently, in addition to swimming laps at her pool (she grew up swimming competitively in her hometown of Aurora, Ontario). In 2009 she set a BHAG for herself (big, hairy and audacious goal): finish an IRONMAN. She achieved this goal and continued to train for fun and various run and bike races, with the intent that by 2020 she would conquer IRONMAN Hawaii.

In 2011, Steph picked up Rachel Ross, an ambassador from our Ala Moana store who was going to race IRONMAN Canada; Rachel was attempting to qualify for Kona one last time at the Okanagan race – and in order to qualify, she needed to finish in the top three. A big believer in supporting others in their quest to make goals happen, Steph drove her to the race and cheered her on that day - lo and behold, Rachel won ensuring her spot in Hawaii.

On the drive back home to Vancouver, Steph realized that after watching Rachel go after her dream she also wanted to race IRONMAN Hawaii – and sooner than 2020 (after failing to qualify in 2010 at a shorter distance race, Steph had hung up her runners). However, seeing this ambassador fly to a different country just to qualify reinvigorated her desire to make it to Kona.

Steph came home and examined her life. What did she need to change to make her goal?

The first thing was time management. She got groceries delivered to her house, had her bike set up on a trainer in her living room and got a cleaning service once a month at her apartment. She relied on acupuncture and massage therapy to keep her body feeling strong and consistently ate clean food for fuel. She got up at 5:00am five days a week and stayed in on nights when her girlfriends were going out to try new restaurants and catch movies.

Finally the moment arrived: the race Steph had selected to be her qualifier for IRONMAN Hawaii. She felt good and ready, a long winter of sacrifice and hard work under her belt. With the scent of aloha in her mind, she took off. As luck should have it on that day, she finished just short in the nemesis position of 4th.

the second attempt

Dejected at missing the chance to qualify again, Steph began to question if 2012 was her year. However, some strange energy in the universe kept her IRONMAN dreams alive. A sponsor (yeah you, Newton Running!) stepped up to secure her a spot eight weeks later at IRONMAN Canada. The only caveat? It was taking place in only eight weeks - not a lot of time for recovery. Luckily, she had a crew of rad friends and family who knew she had what it took to try one more time. Steph remembered when Rachel tried (and made it) in the 2011 IRONMAN Canada race. Instead of thinking of all the reasons why it wasn’t possible (like the fact she had only eight weeks between races!), Steph signed up and headed to the Okanagan on August 26th. With her crew of ever-supportive peeps cheering her on, Steph had her fastest race ever and qualified for IRONMAN Hawaii.

kona bound

Steph had just finished her second IRONMAN in eight weeks – and now she had another race only a month away. She was excited and also nervous – the amount of time (or lack thereof it) was daunting. Nevertheless, instead of focusing on all the reasons why it wasn’t going to work, Steph kept her mind on her routine. She headed to Hawaii a week early to prepare for her big day – and guess what? Her crew of loyal supporters all came too!

On October 13^th, 2012, Steph finally got her chance at her dream: IRONMAN Hawaii. She took a deep breath, filled with the smell of flowers and salt water and knew this was her day.

sweet, sweet victory

Steph took off and gave the race everything she had. Despite having raced only a month before, she was able to find what it took to have the race of her life. Despite blisters that formed on the bike, she turned in her fastest marathon time ever and a IRONMAN personal best. Every step was a choice and she remembered that when times got tough in the lava fields.

10 hours, 54 minutes and 37 seconds. 

Five years before, Steph hadn’t run more than 10 kilometres. Now she had completed Kona in less than 11 hours, not only beating her wildest dream time but also the sun setting into the Pacific. Her moment of aloha had come.

key takeaways from steph’s journey

1. have a support system that ROCKS.
As incredible as Steph’s drive is, a critical ingredient to her success was her amazing crew of friends and family. This tribe cheered her on, encouraged her when things were tough, believed in her when things seemed impossible…heck, they flew half way around the world just to see her sweat!

2. everything is a choice.
There were lots of reasons why this goal might have seemed impossible. Logistics, blisters, time commitment, money (news flash...triathlon bikes are more expensive than some cars)….all of these things could have stopped Steph, but she realized that it was all a choice. While there were some tough conversations, sacrifices and tight timelines, she made it happen.

3. when you want something bad enough, failure isn’t scary anymore.
Steph wanted this goal so friggin’ badly that it no longer became terrifying to go after it. The fear of never having the experience was far greater than the pain at mile 22.

What is your biggest, scariest, most exciting personal goal? We've created a vision and goals program to help you begin setting goals and figure out what your ideal life looks like. Get into it!

A 3.8km swim, a 180km bike ride followed by a full marathon. Completing an Ironman has got to be one of the greatest feelings of accomplishment for any brave participant. For Sarah Brown, crossing the finish line at Ironman Canada was awesome, placing third in her age group was a wonderful surprise and finding out she had to do it all over again in six weeks was pretty intimidating.

qualifying for kona

Sarah’s podium-worthy finish meant qualifying for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii with only six short weeks in between. Already nervous about taking on the challenge of training for another Ironman in such a short time frame, Sarah had to brace herself for the legendary heat and humidity that classify Kona as the world’s hardest Ironman.

beat the heat

Sarah knew training during the chilly fall season in Canada wouldn’t serve her well in the blistering Kona heat. The remedy? Hot yoga, of course! With a busy teaching and tutoring schedule, Sarah’s coach prioritized two hot yoga classes a week as part of her training and preparation. Attending Moksha classes helped her prepare for the hard physical work in the heat, focus on hydration and acclimatize her body to what waited for her in Kona.

ironman round two

Sarah says that the Ironman World Championship in Kona was by far one of the hardest but best days of her life, crossing the finish line with a time of 11:28:09. The race was intense: a swim in the Pacific, a bike ride over the lava fields with treacherous winds that are known to throw athletes over their aero bars and running a marathon in what feels like a sauna that "sucks the marrow from your soul." It was the rejuvenation and strength gained from her hot yoga practice that Sarah swears made a huge contribution to her success in this race, both physically and mentally.

For Sarah, the experience of racing and competing in such a fantastic world championship event was beyond her wildest dreams and goes to show that "anything is possible." It’s all too easy to say, ‘not possible’ when life hands us a challenge however we often find that it’s those times when we say, ‘yes’ that create those moments that define us. So, what are you saying ‘yes’ to?

cassidy

I run to explore! Running is the best way to get in touch with a new city or any new place. I love getting into trouble on my runs and never knowing what I'm going to encounter! It keeps my workouts FRESH and I love it!.

Cassidy is a keyleader from our Park Meadows store in Lonetree, Colorado.

cori

I run because it is a great way to get rid of frustration and stress. It is time to reflect on the positive and negative things in your life. There is nothing I do that feels as satisfying as when I finish a run. It clears my head.

Cori is an educator from our Aventura Mall store in Aventura, Florida.

ingrid

I love to run because it gives me space for introspection and the opportunity to let go of what my mind may be holding onto. My yoga practice compliments my running by not just stretching and releasing the tight running muscles, but also by reminding me to meet whatever arises with calm and clarity. That yogic philosophy translates into my attitude when I run and the balance keeps me centered and open.

Ingrid is a yogi, runner and ambassador from our La Jolla store, in La Jolla, California.

michelle

I love to run because I beat the boys.

Michelle is a competitive runner and ambassador for our Bondi Junction Showroom in Sydney, Australia.

ciara

I run to beat the boys... because nothing beats their expression when I pass them in a race...PRICELESS!

Ciara is an educator from our Grant Avenue store in San Francisco, California.

isis

I run because it's quality time with my husband and I get to meet so many cool people along the way.

Isis is the better 1/2 of the Running Couple, educator from our Fort Worth Showroom in Fort Worth, Texas.

elisa

I run to challenge myself- there are no limits, there is no time clock; it's just you and your mind.

Elisa is an educator, Triathlete and Vision Quest Coach from our Bucktown store in Chicago, Illinois.

katie

Running is the most organic way to feel Vancouver, see the water, smell the air...thank you legs!

Katie is a keyleader and "all the time runner" from our West 4th store in Kitsilano, Vancouver, B.C.

shannon

Running is my meditation. I run to balance my mind and create space in my consciousness for quiet, peace, reflection, and just being present. It’s a switch that resets me. And then that opens me up to thoughts that never would have occurred before. I get my best ideas when I run.

Shannon is our Run Designer in Vancouver, B.C.

monica

It keeps me sane; running allows me to tune the outside world out and get lost in my thoughts -- I've solved so many perplexing problems while running, I can scarcely count them!

Monica is an Iron Woman and an ambassador from our Kingston store in Kingston, ON.

Why do you run?

Susan relaxing on the patio.

why lululemon?

When I came across the job posting for the role of Compensation Manager at lululemon I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to apply; a chance to work in an entrepreneurial organization, with values similar to my own built on leading an athletic lifestyle, personal growth, and balance. Through the interview process, I was amazed by the investment that lululemon makes in its people offering what I believe are amazing career and personal development training/opportunities. Everyone here is truly committed to helping me achieve my goals! Oh, and did I also mention the added bonus of being able to wear luon to work every day? I find I am much more creative and focused when I am dressed in luon!

Susan prepping for a bike ride...

how does your role elevate lululemon?

As the Compensation Manager, my role is a pivotal part of lululemon’s people resources strategy. In particular, I work with our functions/businesses to create compensation programs that help lululemon attract and retain the top employee talent necessary to execute our business strategy. My role touches everything “pay related” from compensation philosophy development to incentive plan design for both our stores and our Store Support Centre – a chance to have a real impact on the organization.

coolest thing about working with the people resources team?

Working with the people resources team is truly a gift. It is an opportunity to work and sweat with other amazing people who have the collective goal of helping one another achieve their own career and personal goals. Everyone is a team player committed to helping the business grow.

Susan sweating with her bike team!

what is something unique or surprising about you?

I think most people would be surprised to know that I have taken flying trapeze lessons! My sister introduced me to the world of circus arts, and I really enjoyed the thrill of flying on the trapeze (and secretly pretending that I was part of Cirque de Soleil!). I was amazed by the amount of strength, balance and coordination the trapeze takes – one of the best workouts around. I would highly recommend that everyone try flying on a trapeze at least once in their life.

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

Susan completing the run portion of an ironman.

I’m proud of finishing three ironman distances triathlons (which involves a 2.8km swim, a 180km bike and a 42km run). About five years ago, I remember thinking that it would be impossible for me to complete a race of this distance, but with a lot of dedication and the support of friends and family, I have been able to complete three ironman races. The process of training for and completing these races has helped me find a new level of strength and belief in myself and has introduced me to an amazing set of like-minded people -- many of whom are now good friends!

what is the best place you've travelled to?

I travelled to Australia and New Zealand when I was a teenager and recall the beauty of the area. I would love to have the opportunity to travel there again whether for pleasure or for work. My better half, Stephen, spent a year in Melbourne for work and we have often talked about visiting their together and furthering some of the friendships he made. Oh, and an added bonus, Australia has a ton of amazing triathlons which we would love to complete (Geelong half Ironman, Ironman Western Australia, and just a short trip away – Ironman New Zealand).

Susan and Stephen cross country skiing!

Interested in playing a vital role in lululemon athletica’s people strategy? From sea to sky Vancouver, B.C. is attracting athletes and entrepreneurs from all over the globe. If you're passionate about numbers and data analysis; and want to utilize your compensation analyst background to assist in designing variable pay programs check out your future possibilities.

Name: Shannon
BHAG: I compete and complete my first half ironman triathlon (1.2 mile swim. 56 mile bike. 13.1 mile run) in Hawaii by June 5, 2010.

[Editor's note: Shannon is an educator from our Pearl District store in Portland, Oregon. Good luck Shannon and all other Ironman partipants, including our head of recruiting at lululemon, Steph!!]

update from shannon!

I went out strong for a good swim, 50 min for 1.2 mile, but I kicked a lot (which I found out fatigued my legs by the run). I had a great bike, passing all those people who came out of the water before me. My average pace was just under 17mph. I finished the 56 mile bike ride in 3 hours 27 min (a new record for me).

Then the dreaded run. I started the run extra slow with a plan to "run" the entire 13.1 miles and to not burn out. By the 10k split I picked up my pace. My final time was just over 7 hours, not including transition times.

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.

At lululemon athletica, building dreams is what we are all about. We are constantly encouraged to set career, personal and health goals. We sit down with each other over coffee, set goals that are important to us and commit to putting them on paper.

Dreams don't build themselves!

Prior to working with lululemon athletica, I had my own field of dreams:

• 1983: I started visualizing that I would be a marine mammal trainer. I worked, trained and swam with marine mammals for 15 years. Check!

• 1989: I started visualizing that I would do an Ironman Triathlon. I am a 4x Ironman triathlete. Check!

• 2009: I started visualizing that I would go to Graduate School at the University of Texas-San Antonio and receive my Master's Degree in Kinesiology. I have just completed my first semester. Check!

• 2010: I started visualizing myself at the CrossFit Games in California.I will be going to the Regional CrossFit competition in Fort Worth, TX with the RiverCity CrossFit Team from San Antonio. Will I be able to check this off my field of dreams? I will let you know after May 30th!*

Jennifer wearing Run: Speed Shorts

What is your field of dreams?

* editor's note: Jennifer wrote this post before heading to the Regional CrossFit competition on May 29th. We have since followed up with her to check in after the event:
"We did not make it to the 2010 CrossFit Games in California in July. While I am a bit bummed about it, there is always next year and I learned so much about myself as a person and as an athlete - physically, mentally and spiritually!"

When I started working at lululemon in August 2008, I decided to challenge myself by setting the goal to cycle a century ride (100 miles) in 2009. Thankfully, my fellow Carlsbad Forum store key leader Rachelle Morton was interested in training with me. A two-time Ironwoman, Rachelle had never ridden a century ride outside of an IM race, and set a goal to compete in a race a month in 2009.

So, we committed and signed up for the Lighthouse Century Ride flat 100 on September 26, 2009 in San Luis Obispo County, California. We knew the views from the Lighthouse Century Ride would be gorgeous.

View of San Simeon from the saddle

First thing first - I sold my hybrid bike and purchased a road bike that could withstand thousands of miles of training on flat roads and rolling and steep hills alike, and of course, make me fast!

I knew the second I got in the saddle cycling would become my passion. This bike has gotten me through a successful triathalon and a century ride this year - not to mention thousands of miles of training.

Rachelle became the "big sister I never had" and walked me through all things advanced cycling, from equipment, training, and cross-training, to recovery, hydration, and nutrition - you name it, she taught me! I became someone to help keep her honest in training, push her up the long climbs, and the one to introduce her to the best recovery drink - coconut water.

Her husband Todd, to whom I also owe much thanks, became my mechanic, another advanced rider to provide me equipment and cycling 201, chauffeur, and wine-tasting buddy as a reward after the race.

And now, for the ride:

There were four rides going off at the same time, and we accidently hopped on the metric century (62 mile) route. Very thankfully - due to my trusty math and route slip comparing skills - we realized we were only 10 miles behind, and our intended route met up with the metric route at the first rest stop. It was here we discovered our favorite riding fuel is Nutella and chunky peanut butter on anything! We loaded up, as we knew we had to add on 5 miles past the rest stop, to bring us back up to 100 miles.

We were SO thankful for coffee at the mile 55 turnaround rest stop. We'd been facing headwinds for 20 miles that stalled us to 7mph at one point, and I'm convinced our core body temperature must have dropped a degree or two. Lesson learned - buy arm and leg sleeves!

Elephant seals at mile 59.

At mile 82, Rachelle was dropping me on the hills (I usually can take most guys on a climb) so she feared I was on my way to "bonking." It was then she yelled, "Take your Espresso Love GU NOW!"

I abided, and after the final rest stop for our final 10 miles, we were passing nearly every rider in our foreground.

My Garmin proves to the world we rode 100.1 miles in 6 hours 16 minutes. While we weren't doing the century for time, we rode our fastest pace for a long ride yet.

We did it!

For more pictures from our ride, check out my Flickr photo set.

The following day, Rachelle and I wore our 2008 lululemon holiday goal shirts to work. It was awesome to share with guests our achievement and inspire them to set goals that "tickle their tummy," as our store manager Laura Murphy puts it.

Rachelle, Todd and I had such an awesome experience, we're all doing the Solvang Prelude on November 7th.

Now it's time to create a 2010 health goal; thinking about running a marathon or racing a 70.3 (half Ironman).

What are your health goals?