Here are a few reasons why the Run:Sneak A Peek Shorts are a dream come true for long distance runs and runners like me.

peak performance, flexibility, and movement

The Run: Sneak A Peek Short is essentially a short short with a long liner to prevent chafing. The outside short is made from Swift fabric, and has lots of volume for movement. So you can run up stairs free of fussing with what your shorts are doing as you climb.

You are free to stretch with full coverage, and the passing by Segwayers do not get more than they paid for renting those bad boys!

The Power Luxtreme® liner is seamless, will support your muscles, and wick away moisture. Just in case the UPS man decides to race you on the streets, your stride will feel strong, and you won't have to worry about who's behind you if you start to sweat.

Heather-1, UPS Man-0

Feel free to dance, Heather, these shorts have your back.

why we made this

• A short short with a long liner to prevent chafing
• Flat seamed for chafe resistance & comfort
• Lightweight, breathable swift short fabric with extra volume for movement
• Power luxtreme® liner to support your muscles and wick away moisture

Heather is 5'6", a size 6, and is wearing:

Run:Swiftly Racerback in Lavender (available in store and online)

Run:Sneak A Peek Shorts in Coal/Lagoon (available in store and online)

Flow Y Bra in Coal (available in store, colour not available online)

Exhibit A: My brother Dustin, 27 years old, nicest guy on the planet (literally).

• Stats: 6'3", between a size L and XL
• Recently dropped 60 pounds from eating healthier, running and swimming regularly.
• Current goal: Looking to tone up, and considering a summer stroll with a lady hooked on his (growing) biceps.

choose your gear and pay attention to details

A lot of guys don't realize how important their gear is to their training. You want gear that is seamless, moisture wicking, and basically won't get in the way of your workout. Being the good sister that I am, I traded Dustin his ratty gym clothes for the Run: Cross Country Tech and the Wave Shorts and here's why:

Dustin likes to run in board shorts because they are comfortable, and he can go for a swim after he sweats. (i.e. he does not need to take a shower in his eyes). Fair enough. Enter the Wave Shorts.

• Made from quick wicking stretch surf fabric = more range of movement, shorts will dry quick enough to run home without irritation
• No sew technology = no chafing
• Secure side zippers with drainage = no water weight, just a house key, so swim fast!

Dustin prefers running on cool mornings, but hates the process of over heating once his body is moving. Solution: Dustin swapped his baggy cotton t-shirt for the Run: Cross Country Tech.

• Made from luxtreme fabric = quick wicking, helps regulate body temperature
• Flat seams = no chaffng
• Thumbholes = Keeps your sleeves in place, and keeps your hands warmer on chilly days.

choose your tunes and stretch

Now that you have your gear, take care of your body with a stretch. It will help your muscles reach peak performance, and it will also help with injury prevention. (Just a tip brother, girls will want to be active this summer, and not wheel you around if it can be avoided, so take care of yourself).

Get some beats that kick your butt. Dustin prefers a mix of Guns N Roses, and Jay-Z ("99 Problems" is his personal favourite for running). Just make it loud, so you’re not tempted to slow down. Three months until shirtless BBQs and beach combing, so tuck your iPod into the side pocket and get moving.

choose your workout

With a loaded iPod and summer dreams in your side pocket, hit the pavement and make the beach your gym today.

Park benches are not for interval bursts and not breaks. Adding some push-ups into your run adds a burst of energy, and hits all major muscle groups. (Great plank-like form Dust).

After you make it to the beach (running 2.5 miles with random push-ups), it’s time for a nice dip.

Kick off your shoes, stretch out your run, and brave the thought of taking your shirt off for the first time this season in public…

Move over Hasselhoff, Dustin's on your beat now.

The Wave Shorts will probably dry before you can put on your shoes. So there’s no excuse not to shake out your hair, put your shirt back on and run another 2.5 miles home.

Way to go dude, you're one step closer to your summer goal.

What are your goals for summer?

I love that the collar on this pullover gives you the option to keep warm and cozy at the beginning of the run…

But also lets you cool down and feel a little more breeze for the end.

Cuffins! Admittedly they’re not quite applicable yet (at least for those of us living in Vancouver) but I can’t wait to keep my fingers toasty warm in those wee little mittens come November!

What I’m listening to when I’m running in my RUN: Hills Pullover II:

• A Little Less Conversation by Elvis Presley. A great starter song! “A little less conversation, a little more ACTION”!
• Good Vibrations by Marky Mark. To keep the running vibe going. “I wanna see sweat comin’ out your pores”… Long before lululemon was around, Marky Mark knew what was going on
• Fighter by Christina Aguilera. “You won’t stop me!” “Thanks for making me a fighter!” I finish EVERY run with this song! It’s the ultimate way to make it through those last few moments!

Interested in learning more about the RUN: Hills Pullover II? Visit your local store, or take a peek online: http://shop.lululemon.com/

Above: MelEesa, our Men's Designer, test drives some of our luxtreme items in the park near our office.

If you've ever gone shopping for athletic wear, you have likely come face to face with the words "technical fabric". Have you ever wondered what this means and how it can enhance your workouts?

The term "technical fabric" refers to high-performance fabrics created and marketed specifically for sportswear. These fabrics are designed to pull moisture from your skin during periods of heavy sweating, spreading it evenly throughout the fabric so that sweat evaporates quicker and ultimately, you dry faster after your workouts than in a cotton t-shirt.

Luxtreme is a lightweight, smooth-feeling technical fabric that we use in our run line. Luxtreme is what we call an "inherently wicking" fabric, which means that the wicking property is part of the yarn itself and that your shirt will be wicking away your sweat for the life of the garment. Bottom line is that you will be calm, cool and collected before, during and after your workout.

I converted to wearing technical fabrics for all of my active living about a decade ago. So when I was given the task of test-running one of our luxtreme tops for work I decided to pass it on to my colleague Jacquie, who has always worn cotton t-shirts and tanks for her daily run. On a typical day she runs for about 40 minutes -- long enough to build up a good sweat!

If you have worn or worked out in any lululemon garments using Luxtreme I would love to hear your feedback below!

I look forward to sharing more information with you on our various fabrics and how they can make your workouts more fun. In the meantime, if you want a quick read on Luxtreme and our other technical fabrics check out the link below:

http://www.lululemon.com/education/info/care

View some of our Luxtreme products:

• Run: Dash Crop
• Speed Up Tank
• Run: Ambition Tight
• All Sport Bra
• Run: Hustle Crop