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?

Sitting by the river and enjoying just being able to sit and be still...

My run was actually awesome this morning. The rest of my week leading up to the 4th of July was a great week of training, and I can feel my runs getting stronger step by step. I took some of your advice and let go of my faster pace on the long run, and kept my short runs quick with a few hills. Although running uphill hurts in the moment, once you push through, your pace feels almost stronger and easier.

With the summer heat starting to weigh in, I have found that I have to run early in the morning or at dusk to find any comfortable weather. Staying at the river this past weekend, temperatures reached as high as 120 degrees fahrenheit, which is about 49 degrees celsius, and so running wasn't an option during the daytime. Though I vowed to delay my long run for the sake of not dying of heat stroke, we found a way to sneak in workouts by hiking trails along the river at dusk, and swimming downstream and then hiking to the top of the river to float back down again and again. Although it was definitely a "vacationer's workout", it felt good just to be moving regardless of it's impact.

Enjoying the moments and the loves in my life down by the river.

At the end of the week, instead of feeling defeated by delaying my run, I felt pretty amazing. I was able to train strongly all week and indulged in a few holiday treats without feeling horrible about myself. I was actually excited to hear my alarm this morning, and headed out of my front door with a smile on my face and a bounce in my step.

In all honesty, this holiday weekend was a great reminder of how important it is to enjoy the people in your life, even at the sake of your perfect half marathon training schedule. I even added a few country songs to my running playlist this morning to remind me of the family and friends I had the pleasure of being with this weekend, I think it even made the 7 miles easier. So go enjoy the moments, the memory of them makes your struggles uphill that much easier. Namaste.

This week’s training mileage total: 19 miles!
Longest run: 6 miles with a pace of 11:10 (a bit slower, but very comfortable and no pain today)
Cross training: 3 Jillian Michaels workouts
Wore on my long run: I Just Wanna Run Tank and Run:Team Spirit Crops (both so comfortable and quickly wicked up my sweat)
Favourite song on my run playlist: "Cowgirls Don't Cry" - Brooks & Dunn (Featuring Reba McEntire)

7 weeks until race day! Here is my training schedule for the week:
Monday: 6 miles (delayed due to the holiday)
Tuesday: Barry's Bootcamp + Hot Yoga
Wednesday: Jillian Michaels Workout + 3 miles
Thursday: Barry's Bootcamp + Yoga
Friday: Jillian Michaels Workot + Yoga
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: 7 miles!

P.S. Anyone have any good recovery drink recipes? I've been living on coconut water, but I am just waiting for someone to tell me that chocolate milk really is good for your muscles to recover...

The Wear With All Jacket is an extra long and lighter alternative to our classic Remix lulu Hoodie. Our designers wanted to thank you for your continued feedback, and have thus released the Wear With All jacket in Alarming/Vancouver and Bold Blue/Lagoon exclusively online.

summer loving in french terry!

Whether you're traveling or enjoying the season by recommitting to your yoga practice this summer, you want to stay comfortable, and the Wear With All Jacket was made with all of those thoughts and desires in mind. Your skin will surely take a savasana in the comfort of French Terry while waiting for your flight. Summer yoga retreat anyone?

Stretch French Terry is the fancy name for our cotton and Lycra fabric. Cotton is breathable and comfortable and the Lycra prevents the garment from bagging out. It is also pre-shrunk, so there's no need to be afraid to wear the jacket true to size.

Details from left to right: stretch cotton French Terry that won't bag out, zipper garage to protect your chin and the zipper won't buckle, flat seamed comfort and chafe free.

The longer length of this jacket is perfect for before and after yoga to cover up your bum. The jacket is comfortably fitted, and most women are the same size in the Wear With All Jacket as they are the Remix lulu Hoodie. We added our beloved thumbholes to keep your sleeves in place, but it also adds a level of comfort and delight.

Details from left to right: longer length to cover your bum, front pockets for cozy hands, and thumbholes!

Why We Made This:

• The perfect long jacket to pair with tights, and yes it covers your entire bum!
• Our own blend of cotton French Terry has stretch so it won’t bag out!
• Front pockets to keep your hands cozy.
• Thumbholes to keep sleeves in place.
• Chafe resistant flat seams.
• Preshrunk so there are no surprises when you wash me and the zipper won’t buckle!

Whether you're taking the summer head on with a packed itinerary of travel, or exploring the yoga studios and other ways to sweat, the Wear With All Jacket will go along for the ride to keep you comfy. We wish you happy travels and lots of "me time" this summer. Namaste.

My BHAG: I will finish the America's Finest City Half Marathon in 2 hours and 7 minutes without stopping on August 15, 2010.

My past two races I have been so elated with finishing, that I didn't mind taking mile 7 as a walk. I am a terrible runner, a fact all of my former softball coaches and teammates can attest. Not only am fairly slow by nature, but 6 years ago I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and was told by multiple doctors to stay off my feet. Instead I was prescribed to take a million pills a day in order to function normally, gain weight, and enjoy a life of not moving. Needless to say, more than my joints were deteriorating.

Luckily, I began reading up on nutrition and found a way to control my RA with a healthy vegetarian diet, low on sugar and white flours. Although my hands and feet wake up every morning with a bit of aches from the remnants of RA, I have not had a flare up in over 4 years, and have kept moving at the discouragement of my doctor. (I definitely do not claim to be a doctor, but I do suggest looking into nutrition if ever you find yourself with a diagnosis.)

For me in the past few years of seriously taking on running, yoga, and my health, being able to move everyday feels like a blessing. The past 2 races I have ran in, I have been so proud to push past a little bit of discomfort and rested on the crutch of my slowness to take it easy and just finish. But if there has anything that my journey with RA has taught me it's that you have to keep moving to keep moving. Now that I know I can finish a half marathon, it's time I pushed my body to finish it full speed and without hesitation.

Every week I will be blogging my training journey with how far and where I ran, what I did for cross training, and what I wore. I hope you can run with me, and keep me moving towards my goal.

This week's training mileage total: 12 miles
Longest run: 4 miles with a pace of 9:40 (right on track)
Cross training: 3 yoga classes and 1 bootcamp class.
Wore on my long run: I Just Wanna Run Tech SL, Run:Roll Down Shorts and the Flight Running Bonnet (available in store and through the Guest Education Centre).

Run:Roll Down Short: It is important to note here that this is the FIRST pair of run shorts I have ever ran in! They are the most amazing shorts (in my opinion) that we have ever made. I love that they are cut similar to the Run:Speed Shorts, but are a touch longer and a bit looser. They are the perfect length that I feel covered, and are more on the baggy side, which I love. I know I don't have to worry if someone's running behind me!

I Just Wanna Run Tech SL: This is probably my favourite running tank. It is so lightweight you do not feel it as you are moving, and it quickly wicks your sweat so you don't even notice it. I love the way it drapes, and I love that it is a bit loose giving me room to breathe. On a hot, hot San Diego day this weekend, 4 miles felt like a breeze!

Here is my training schedule this week if anyone wants to join in on the fun!

12 weeks until race day:
Monday: Yoga
Tuesday: 3 miles
Wednesday: 2 miles + yoga
Thursday: 3 miles
Friday: Rest (or yoga)
Saturday: 30 minutes cross training
Sunday: 4 miles

See you next week!  P.S. Does anyone have any tips or vegetarian protein recipes I could benefit from?

We love the “oohs” and “ahhs” we get from our guests the first time we hand them their first lululemon shopper. Instantly guests want to know: what are these phrases, what’s the deal with this bag, and why are you sharing it with me?

In sharing our shopper with all of our guests, we are sharing a piece of our culture and inspiration as a company. We have traditionally printed our shoppers with the lululemon manifesto, which is a series of statements that embodies our company's vision, culture and beliefs.

We love to see our guests carrying our shopper to and from yoga or around town, as it's a constant reminder of our vision to create components for people to live longer, healthier and more fun lives. The lululemon shopper is made of polypropylene, which is a plastic polymer that is 100% recyclable, does not absorb water, and is very durable.

have one already? opt out!

We know many of you already have a shopper or two, or five, and so we’ve added an “opt out” feature at the end of your online transactions with mother earth in mind. So if you already carry your groceries in your shopper, un-check the box that would send you a new one!

carry on and spread love

Our shopper has been spotted all over the world, and it encourages strangers during a six-hour layover to “breathe deeply and appreciate the moment" or to "sweat once a day" on vacation. We'd love for you to send us a photo of where your shopper has been, where it’s going, and how you are spreading love! Send your shopper photos to onlinecommunity@lululemon.com, post it on our Facebook wall, or tweet them, and we’ll share your inspiration with our guests for the next week.

Why not ride your bike to work and share with us how your reusable shopper keeps you green!

Spread the love and carry on! Namaste.

endorphin tested, sweat approved

Hollis is currently training for the La Jolla Half Marathon, and her very first Rock'n'Roll Marathon in June! Hollis is averaging at least 20 miles a week in her runs producing a lot of endorphins and sweat. As her mileage continues to build in the months to come, the last thing she needs is a tank that will get heavier as her body temperature rises and so does her perspiration.

She also cross trains by spinning twice a week, and is thankful the I Just Wanna Run Tank accommodates both. Hollis has found that spinning is an amazing way to build her stamina and endurance for long distance running. She likes spinning in this tank because it is high enough that when she gets low she feels she has coverage. It is also so lightweight that she never has the urge to rip her tank off in the middle of class. If she does get really hot, she can use the drawcord to cinch the tank up and let her skin completely breathe.

it's in the details

There are lots of little details that make this tank amazing to sweat in. My personal favourite detail of this tank is that is woven with ultra lightweight and breathable Silverescent™ fibres that have anti-stink and anti-static properties. When Hollis is running 12 miles or more, her tank will not cling to her side, and she can feel comfortable heading to lunch or coffee afterwards as her sweat will dry really quickly and she won't need to take a bath in perfume.

Why We Made This:

• Barely there tech top for those who just wanna run!
• Lightweight & breathable Silverescent™ has anti-stink and anti-static properties
• Loose comfortable fit, great for layering
• Cinchable drawcord for customizable fit
• Secret stash pocket for cards or keys
• Flat seamed for chafe resistance & comfort

At the end of the day, if you have to run 5, 10, 20 miles, you want your body to be comfortable, dry, and you want to feel good about yourself in what you're wearing. The I Just Wanna Run Tank delivers in all of those departments, and I can easily see why it's one of Hollis' favourite pieces to sweat in this Spring.

Hollis is 5'5" a size 4 and is wearing the I Just Wanna Run Tank in Lavender and the Run:Zoom Crops in coal/lavender/ horizontal stripe/lime.

Where are you sweating this Spring?

kahuna shorts

The Kahuna Shorts are classics and an all time favourite amongst our male guests. It is perfect for golf, date night, and everywhere in between. The fit is classic, slim and extremely comfortable. You might be drawn to the Kahuna shorts if one or more of the following applies to you:

• You treat golf like your religion.
• You enjoy a good Sunday brunch only complete with Mimosas.
• You took Thursday and Friday off last week and did not move from the same spot on the couch in four days while watching Phil take home the Master's.

• You have been to Italy or would like to go.
• You believe golf attire is suitable for all occasions especially weddings.
• You have a slimmer build, and therefore like a slimmer fit.

You might also love the Kahuna Shorts if you enjoy these details in a short:

• A classy, do-anything short that will take you from the boardroom to the outback to a date-not in that order.
• Made with rugged and durable ascent fabric, with wicking/quick dry performance.
• Straight leg fit that accommodates and stretches with athletic builds.
• Cell phone pocket for quick calls, so when Tiger was in trouble this weekend, you could text him some tips in a heartbeat.

Zach is 5'11", a size 34 inch waist, typically wears a medium in tops and bottoms, and he is wearing: Kahuna Shorts in a size 34 and his favourite golf shirt the Driver Polo in a size Medium (colours not available online).

cadence shorts

The Cadence Short is a new style we created to update the function of the Chief Short from last year. It fits similar to the Chief Short and is more relaxed and accommodates a bigger build than the Kahuna Short. Our designers also updated the function of the Cadence Short to be a rugged do-anything, anywhere short. You will probably love the Cadence shorts if one or more of the following applies to you:

• You love the outdoors.
• You enjoy climbing trees.
• Your best friend really is a dog named Lucy.

• You prefer sweating in dirt by hiking, rock climbing, and playing slo-pitch.
• You cut your own firewood.
• You love your swiss army knife as much as your first child, and need strong pockets to protect your beloved.
• You are built more like Paul Bunyan than President Obama.

You might also like the Cadence Shorts if you enjoy these details in a short:

• A rugged do-anything short great for adventures down the mountain.
• Similar fit to last year's Chief Short, made for more rugged wear.
• Made with rugged and durable ascent fabric, with wicking/quick dry performance.
• Straight leg fit that accommodates and stretches with athletic builds.
• Snap down side pockets ideal for keeping your goods in place.
• Cell phone pocket for quick calls.
• Preshrunk for hassle free laundering.

Alex is 6'5" a 38 inch waist, and typically wears an XL in tops and bottoms. He is wearing: Cadence Shorts in a size 38 and his all time favourite Metal Vent Tech LS in an XL.

Kahuna Shorts, Cadence Shorts, or both? That is the question...

love at first luon

As I strolled through lululemon for the first time, I -- like many of our guests do -- caught my eye on the pant wall, and headed straight for it. From crops to full-length pants, you will find a variety of fits and functions of all of our different styles. Right in the middle of the wall, you will find our classic Groove Pants, the perfect multi-sport, multi-purpose pants that are flattering on an array of figures. Stepping into Groove Pants you find love at first feel with our signature fabric, luon®. luon is a blend of lycra and nylon, has four-way stretch, and is moisture wicking. Standing in my first pair of Grooves my legs and bum felt supported, the firm yet comfortable waistband tucked my core in, I felt confident, and my body suddenly wanted to dance.

Dance I did, all the way into a matching a Power Y tank, and that was the end of my baggy workout gear career. The Power Y tank is also made of our signature luon fabric. It is form fitting, with medium support and perfect for yoga. You can comfortably move in an out of different poses without spilling out or having to tug your top every which way to keep you covered.

I found myself being able to stretch deeper into yoga poses, and all the while felt much better about my body being supported and not fussing with pulling my shirt down and my shorts up. Coming from a world of baggy cottons and pure polyester uniforms, finding Groove Pants and the Power Y tank felt life changing.

remix lulu hoodie: the icing on the cake

To top off the dream of a workout outfit, we introduce our guests to the delight of a Remix Lulu Hoodie. The Remix is made of warm, thick preshrunk cotton fleece, and is literally the most comfortable hoodie you will ever wear. It is form fitting, will hug your curves and yet has the feel of your old baggy university sweatshirt. The Remix is like the icing on the cake of your Power Y Tank and Groove Pants, and will take you to and from yoga, and throughout all the errands of your day.

sharing our roots

Today one of my favourite moments in working for lululemon is when I introduce guests to the combination of Groove Pants, a Power Y tank, and a Remix Hoodie. Every time I introduce our roots to someone new, I get to see the same look in their eyes that I had in mine 4 years ago. It’s a look of amazement and appreciation. The same look occurs when our guests learn that we have two different lengths in our pants as well as complimentary hemming. A Regular length for petite to normal heights with a 31” inseam, and a Tall length for above average and taller women with a 35” inseam. I have helped women from 4'0" to a wonderful 6'2" tall woman who hugged me having found a pair of pants that fit her correctly.

It is these moments that make us extremely happy and proud as a company to share our roots with our guests. There is truly no better moment in our fit rooms than introducing our guests to our roots of function, comfort and femininity in the combination of Groove Pants, a Power Y Tank, and a Remix Hoodie. It's these moments that keep me smiling in my job everyday, and thankful that I walked in to the Beverly Hills store four years ago and found more than lululemon's roots, but my own passion. Namaste.