Fall is a time of both nostalgia and renewal. It’s also a time of many marathons – and with these two themes on the horizon we thought the time was right for a fresh playlist, yes?

We’re clearly not the only ones reflecting because the new music out right now is something of a mid-2000’s renaissance. The Killers, Bloc Party, Young Jeezy, Stars…all we need now is for The Postal Service to come out with some fresh tracks and the revival will be complete (while we’re thinking of it, that’s not such a bad idea, Ben Gibbard *cough cough*). The best part is that along with all of these old faves, the trend in new music has a suspiciously 90’s feel. I think it’s time for me to rescue my Sophie B. Hawkins t-shirt because I smell a movement.

run into fall marathon playlist

1/ grimes - genesis
Warning: this song is kind of weird but in the BEST way. Originally from Vancouver, Grimes went to university in Montreal, enrolled in some Russian Literature classes (honestly, I can’t make this stuff up) and discovered along the way that she’s a musical wunderkind. Take that, Crime & Punishment!

2/ the killers – flesh and bone (jacques lu cont remix)
Brandon Flowers and the boys are back with yet another album filled with soaring rock anthems. They’re touring this fall through North America…go see them if you get a chance. It’s worth it.

3/ air traffic controller – you know me
The best new female voice in indie music since Jade Castrinos came bursting into the mainstream singing “home is where I’m with you” for Edward Sharpe (and 100,000,000 YouTubers). This group is going to get up to big things, mark my words.

4/ pretty lights – hot like sauce
Samples from every genre of music are layered over a sweet beat to create a curiously enjoyable sound (Pretty Lights kind of remind me of some of the old trip-hop groups from the 90’s). This song is perfect for grinding out a long hill in the middle of your race.

5/ moon boots – got somebody
This is one of those songs that doesn’t seem monumental when you first hear it…and yet it gets under your skin and makes your iTunes “Top 25” list out of NOWHERE. Have I mentioned the 90’s are back?

6/ calvin harris – sweet nothing featuring florence welch
The reigning king of electro collaborates with everyone’s favourite ethereal rock star, Florence Welch. This track kind of feels familiar but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing; filled with soaring vocals, sweet beats and bass drops, “Sweet Nothing” is perfect for finding an extra gear just when you need it.

7/ miguel – kaleidoscope dream
“Sure Thing” was the come-out-of-nowhere surprise hit of 2011. Miguel has gone back, studied his dad’s Isley Brothers records and made a really badass new album. Jump on it.

8/ stars – hold on when you get love and let go when you give it
Canadian duo Stars are back after a hiatus and they sound just as sweet (and a wee bit less emo) as before. Put this puppy on when you seen the finish line – your heart will rise right out of your chest.

9/ muse – madness
I’m not sure if I’m excited about the new Muse album or if they’ve jumped the proverbial leap into self-indulgent prog-rock territory (and not in the awesome Meatloaf way). That being said, just because it’s not “Stockholm Syndrome” doesn’t mean that it sounds like Savage Garden (or does it?!) I’ll let you be the judge.

Getting race ready for the half-marathon in SanFran this weekend? Check out our Grant Ave store event, A Night in Neon, to celebrate all those kms you've clocked.

People who run marathons are incredibly fit, incredibly inspiring and, well, simply incredible. People who run ultramarathons are all of the above with the  (and we mean this is the best way possible) addition of incredibly crazy. We asked ultramarathoner and SoHo store ambassador, Tom Cripps, a few questions about going the distance.

an interview with an ultramarathoner

what do you run for?
It continually evolves for me. Sometimes I love the solitude. Sometimes I love the company. Sometimes I love the grit. Sometimes I love nothing about the run at all! There’s nothing like getting out of the city, hitting a trail and tearing up a dirt path. I don’t meditate but I guess you could liken it to that. For me, running is a release, an adventure and a killer workout too.

what exactly is an ultra?
Depends on who you ask, really. The actual definition is anything further than a marathon… so if you jog to the beer station after running a marathon, you could say you ran an ultra (and congratulations on that extra effort too!). Some people say it’s got to be a race that’s at least 50 miles. I think the best definition is 50k (about 32 miles) or more. There’s a lot that goes on between mile 26.2 and mile 32 and I think the mentality for most runners switches from speed to survival around here.

what inspired you to go the extra distance?
Like a lot of people, I did the ‘I want to run a marathon’ thing. Then I ran one. For two weeks after, I promised myself I would never do it again. After while I started to miss the commitment and the feeling of accomplishment. Then, I read the book (Born to Run – Christopher McDougall). I had no idea humans could even run much further than a marathon let alone 135 miles in the middle of Death Valley in the heat of summer. I was just so intrigued I had to try it myself. I am still as intrigued today as much as I have ever been.

let’s talk logistics – do you run the whole time? how do you eat? hydrate? go to the bathroom?
I have never actually run 50 miles non-stop - I have run 32 non-stop but that was around Manhattan so it was pretty flat. 

Eating can be a chore for me as after a certain amount of mileage not everything wants to stay down. Hydration is really important too and getting the sodium levels right is pretty critical. There is an ultra golden rule that if you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated so I try to take a good sip of water every 10 minutes or so. As for bathroom, I guess men are like dogs. The world is our potential urinal. As for women, there seems to be more logistics involved but the concept is exactly the same.

running an ultra feels like the ultimate goal – how do you push yourself beyond that?
One of the goals I’m working on is to run an ultra marathon on all seven continents. I love to travel as much as I love to run, so this should save me some time and give me plenty of ammunition to bore people with when I’m old.

rumour has it you’re headed to china for a race soon?
In a few weeks I’m running The North Face 100km in China to raise money for LearnToLive. It’s a cause focused on providing sustainable healthcare and resources to areas in North Sulawesi (Indonesia) where there is absolutely zero history of any healthcare. The organization sends health workers and engineers to North Sulawesi for one month on an annual basis to diagnose, treat and educate these communities. This is kind of an intangible benefit but I also believe this experience provides these workers with a unique perspective that will simply make them better at what they do.

Are you ready for race season? We’re getting serious about our training (and cheering). Only 95 days to go ‘til The SeaWheeze!

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!

What does mile 23 look like to you?

Whether it’s for the good of our heart or out of the goodness of our heart, inspiration is what keeps us putting one foot in front of the other, even at mile 23.  Watch our Brentwood Ambassador

Zoe runs for Shoe 4 Africa, others run for that hit of endorphins or peace of mind. For me, it’s always been about that decadent slice of Billy Miner Pie. What do you run for?

want more?

• find even more reasons to run
• get inspired with tweets from Blue
• learn how Jen took on the NY marathon

Refueling during a marathon can be quite the challenge and isn’t always the prettiest sight. Those who manage to get more water in their mouth than on their bibs consider themselves lucky. lululemon ambassador Heather Calcote shares how she mastered fueling on the go.

marathon meals: fueling on the go

running on empty

While I was training for my marathon I experimented with quite a few different fueling strategies. Nothing ever worked the magic I hoped it would and I had a hard time stomaching “food” on the go. On race day, intense nausea joined the party around mile 14 and I knew trouble was ahead.

As a dietitian I had to admit defeat. I hadn’t properly researched how to fuel for long distance runs and it certainly got the best of me. When I started training for marathon #2, I learned the value and importance of electrolytes, glucose, hydration and the art of planning ahead.

energy burning science

The muscles and brain use glucose (a form of sugar) to function. As we exercise, they burn through what is readily available in the muscles & liver (stored as glycogen). That “hitting the wall” feeling results from the depletion of your body’s glucose storage and the need to be refueled.

finding your fuel

Carbohydrate fuel sources that work the “best” to restore glucose levels will vary depending on each athlete. Here are some of my favourites:

• Gu and gels*
• gummy chews (e.g. Clif Bar Shot Bloks)*
• snack foods (pretzels, crackers)
• high carb Snack bars (e.g. Larabar)
• sport drinks (e.g. Gatorade, Accelerade)*
• honey or agave
  *keep in mind that sport-specific products will contain electrolytes (sodium, potassium) in addition to sugar.

don’t get stuck on empty

• 60 minutes or less of exercise: you have adequate body stores of glucose to maintain activity and energy. Drink water as needed.
• 60-75 minutes of exercise: aim to take in 100-250 calories, rehydrate with water and/or sport drink*
• more than 75 minutes of exercise: take 1-2.5 sport gels (100-250+ calories) and/or 14-60oz of sport drink per hour*
  *specific caloric and fluid ounce needs differ based on athlete’s weight, endurance level, the weather and amount of time spent exercising

timing is everything

I typically take in calories every 5-6 miles (when running any longer than 90 minutes) and take water with me on every run when it’s hot out. During the winter and long runs, I drink fluids every other mile.

What works for Heather may not be your secret sauce. Use your training runs to experiment with different types of fuel, timing and amounts that work for you. Let us know what you stock in your fuel belt!

want more?

• keep your cadence: cycling and nutrition
• more marathon nutrition tips
• it’s bliss! energy ball taste test
• dietitian on the run: heather's personal blog

top 5 cool runs

round rarotonga road race

September 22-29^th 2011
Rarotonga, Cook islands

The Round Rarotonga Road Race is part of a week long running festival that attracts serious run enthusiasts, casual joggers and everyone in between. The white sand beaches and aqua blue lagoons are just icing on the cake when it comes to the main event which is as a 32KM race around the island.

the great gorilla run

Saturday September 28^th 2011
London, England

The only thing better than a costume party is a costume run!  Grab your best Gorilla suit and join thousands of people during The Great Gorilla Run. It’s a 7K fun run that passing famous London sights such as Tower Bridge and The Tate Modern.  No need to worry about a personal best or winning form in this totally bananas effort to help save an endangered species.

disney wine & dine half marathon

Saturday October 1^st, 2011
Florida, USA

If you’re looking to shave a few minutes off your time, one of the best places to try to do this is the place where their claim to fame is making dreams come true. Just imagine, Disney world, at night, with a route lined with your favourite characters cheering you on, while a complimentary glass of wine awaits you at the finish line. If the Disney wine and dine half knows how to do one thing right, its giving participants a happily ever after.

reggae marathon

Saturday December 3^rd, 2011
Negril, Jamaica

When it comes to the Reggae Marathon, Bob Marley says it best, “One good thing about music, when it hits- you feel no pain.” From the minute the gun fires, this marathon bursts with excitement while the beat of loud reggae music echoes throughout. Veterans of the course agree it’s the perfect race to get lost in the drumming and that the atmosphere is like no other. The biggest draw is its location. Think Marathon, then vacation. That’s definitely a combo we could get used to!

the great wall marathon

Saturday May 19^th 2012
China

In the court of fun runs, the jury is out for this one. Just in case a marathon isn’t enough of a challenge, how do you feel about 5164 steps along the way?  Okay, The Great Wall Marathon might teeter on the fine line of fun for some people but it was just too cool to leave out.  We can only hope that the breathtaking views of Tianjin can distract your mind enough to forget that you are, in fact, running a marathon while climbing stairs. Not to worry though, this one isn’t until May 2012, which should give you plenty of time to train; The CN Tower might be a great place to start!

Now that we’ve got wine drinking, reggae listening gorillas running stair-a-thons around an island, on our mind, we’re thinking it’s about time to start booking those destination races for fall! What other fun runs are on your radar for the upcoming season?

want more?

• what to pack: your destination marathon checklist
• more races to tickle your fancy: destination marathons
• Looking to break in some running gear before the race? See our latest offerings for men and women.

No, Tess is not auditioning for the role of Cinderella. Cinderella had the good sense to at least keep one shoe on. And no, she hasn’t forgotten her shoes at home.  In her preparation for the New York marathon, Tess recently embarked on a barefoot training regime. That’s correct – She's willingly elected to go running with naked feet.

Barefoot running is a hot topic in the world of runners right now. The debate between barefoot running, zero drop shoes (shoes where the forefoot and the heel are at the same level) and traditional (raised-heel) shoes rages on. So, when my coach asked me if I would be willing to try doing some of my track warm-ups barefoot, I jumped at the chance…and then immediately wondered what I had gotten myself into.

injury prevention or cause

I have battled IT Band issues my entire running career and a large part of the problem stems from the fact that I have weak feet. The theory behind barefoot running is that standard running shoes actually offer our feet unnecessary support and by removing the shoes, we teach our feet to stand (and run) on their own. Devotees of the practice also claim it to be an excellent tool for teaching your body proper running form – landing with a mid-foot strike rather than a heel strike which means lower impact on joints – while opponents claim that the continuous pounding without protection will only set you up for injury.

the mid-foot strike

If you’re doing it correctly, your foot will hit the ground almost directly under your hip, making it easy for you to bring the foot back and have the heel just barely graze the ground. It should also be markedly quieter than when you run with a heel strike. I sometimes feel as though I’m doing my very best Godzilla impression when I start running with my heels down first.

what devotees and opponents are saying

• Pro – strengthens under-used muscles in the feet
• Pro – naturally promotes good form
• Pro – good form means fewer injuries and faster race times

• Con – repeated pavement pounding without support can lead to overstress and injury
• Con – feet exposed to the elements could become injured by objects on the ground
• Con – Not enough research has been performed to prove that it prevents injuries

take it slow

One of the most important things to know is that you have to ease into it (um, isn’t there some line about learning to walk before you run?) I only ran 400 meters and my feet felt like they got a workout. Take it slowly so your body has time to adapt and you don’t wind up sidelining yourself. And, while I may not ever take on my beloved 26.2 mile distance shoeless, I will continue to spend part of my training free of my shoes and spend the time when I'm shod wearing zero drop racing flats. It’s earned me a new nickname from the boys at the track – “Foot Nudist”.

They say, "don’t knock it ’til you try it" but for some people the idea of going shoeless just doesn't add up. Are shoe-wearers being over-sensitive or are 'foot-nudists' a pack of heavily calloused idealists?

want more

• not convinced? How to find a good running shoe.
• the ABCs of running.
• don't go further than bare feet.

nutrition tips for marathon training

That's right, marathon-training season is upon us.  While the right shoes, fancy pants, a committed running partner and clinic or training plan are key to a successful run we don't often hear people ask ‘So, what are you eating?” Being a self-professed ‘Nutrition Nerd’, Jacqueline asked Georgia Morley (lululemon founder Chip Wilson’s chef and holistic nutrition super star) for some expert advice.

fuel

Training for a marathon means essentially running a bunch of mini-marathons. You almost need to eat like it’s race day throughout your training. The key to building and maintaining endurance is carbs.  And don’t be mistaken not all carbohydrates are created equal.

carbophobia

I know a lot of people have some “carb” fear. It’s important fuel your body with COMPLEX carbohydrates such as brown rice, whole sprouted grains ( this doesn’t mean processed wheat), rye breads, kamut, amaranth, quinoa and starchy veggies likes squash or yams.   So fuel up with at least 300 calories of complex carbs around two hours before a training session.

plan ahead

Two hours ahead may seem like a lot of planning but it’s critical. If you eat 20 minutes before your run, not only will your body be working so hard to digest the meal, you will get zapped fast, the energy boosting carbs won’t have had time to take effect and the stitch in your side will take you outta the game.  Gotta have game.
kamut and porcetta salad with yams and roast new potatoes

carb highs

To maintain that carb high, you need to get the right balance of carbs with nutrient rich vegetables and fruit and lean proteins; grilled chicken, legumes, lean beef, lamb or pork.  If you can, combine your proteins with veggies and leave your carbs all to themselves, I mean minus their friends the proteins.  That’s right people, eat a giant heaping bowl of whole grain pasta with fresh tomatoes, pine nuts and basil all by itself and then go back for seconds.

post-training

AFTER your training session, eat about 400 calories of lean meat and veggies, then eat again 4 hours later -  perhaps an egg white frittata with wild mushrooms ( a partial protein don’t cha know) , a smattering of soft goat cheese and a grinding of black pepper.  It’s just that easy.

sports drinks and gels

Speaking of easy, I’m really not a fan of high-tech sports drinks and carb/electrolyte gels (or putting anything synthetic or processed in your body). That said, after mile marker 10 on your run, it’s hard to whip out a frittata and indulge whilst running like the wind.  So, gel it up people, your body will need that fuel, even if it is processed and a weak supplement for whole foods.

24 hours to go

The night before your marathon go carb crazy with a dinner of about 1000 calories composed of carbs.  So good, right?! And the WATER – drink so much water you could float through the finish line.  This is about hydration and keeping your muscles from going into shock.  Drink at least 2 litres of water prior to training and on race day, then drink periodically throughout your race at the appropriate times (I am parched just thinking about it). Alternating water with Coconut Water (a.k.a. nature’s Gatorade) will really amp up your electrolytes as well.
halibut in orange, miso and ginger

the full meal deal: training menu

6am

• Protein smoothie : 4 egg whites, berries, milk or milk alternative, 1 scoop spirulina, crushed ice)
• Brown rice hot cereal : 2 cups cooked brown rice, a few raisins, 1 cup milk or milk alternative, slivered blanched almonds, 2 table spoons flax meal – combine all ingredients in a pot and simmer, top with milk or milk alternative and about 1 table spoon maple syrup  - maple syrup does not spike your GI like ALL other sweeteners do
• Coffee if ya have too, but your run will sustain much better if you do decaf
• Water

* Stay away from juices – juice is just a candy bar in disguise

11am

• Whole chicken breast marinated with grainy mustard, lemon and olive oil:  marinade chicken for 1 hour (I like to do 6 at a time so I have some for the week ahead).  Grill on barbecue or bake at 400 for 30 minutes.  Serve with a fresh salad of green veggies with hemp seed, flax and apple cider vinegar drizzled over top.  Perhaps an apple to stave off the sweet tooth, and a cup of roibois tea.
• Water

2pm, 4pm

• Blanched or roasted almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, berries, apples, a little more brown rice cereal from the morning, a handful of unsweetened organic chocolate chips, hommous with brown rice crackers, a big lettuce leaf filled with sprouts, almond butter and apple
• Water

6pm at the latest

• Brown rice pasta with arugula, cherry tomatoes, goat cheese and lemon broth – cook the pasta as directed, then drain and set aside.  On a medium high heat toss about 1 tablespoon grape seed oil into a pan and then the tomatoes, arugula, zest and juice of one lemon, a splash of white wine or veggie broth if desired, the pasta and finally the goat cheese, some fleur de sel and black pepper.
• Water and one glass of wine if you’re feeling fancy.  That’s ONE glass of wine.

Dessert

( YAY, YOU GET DESSERT!!!)

• 4 squares of dark chocolate, another apple, or a few carrots ( I know it seems strange but it will give you the sugar hit your looking for and in about 3 minutes after eating them, you won’t feel like you want anything else sweet – although carrots do metabolize just like a marshmallow - sneaky), a bowl of yogurt sprinkled with hemp seeds, nuts and fresh berries a little maple syrup if you need it....or make a quinoa pudding with chocolate, quinoa, and a little milk or milk alternative – serve warm
• Water

As Georgia says, planning is critical. The marathons will be upon us in no time, so let's spend time now to get our bodies ready for it.

Georgia Morley is a veteran chef specializing in holistic nutrition and local foods. She works in Vancouver as a private chef and is currently mid-way thru her Anusara Instructor training (as if she wasn’t magic enough).

26 miles of pavement pounding can be a daunting prospect, so when our friends set their minds to completing Vancouver's recent BMO marathon we were determined to support them. "When someone's cheering you on and telling you, 'you can do it,' it shuts up the little voice inside your head that's telling you otherwise," says Matt Corker. As runners approached our cheer squad it was great to see heads come up and smiles come out.

Matt Corker - Leader Development AdvisorCaroline Nybo - Store Manager, West 4th

Deanne Schweitzer - VP of Brand

Congrats to all of you who completed the marathon (and the half-marathon). We're already starting to think about NYC and the fall races (though we're planning to enjoy summer too). Time to hone our sign-writing skills.

want more

• Get race ready, your two week countdown.
• Run that marathon. It's as easy as ABC.
• See more signs of inspiration.

Our first Digital Storyteller, Elissa, is officially on maternity leave now, appropriately, right before Mother's Day. In her goodbye blog post, she reflects on her pregnancy so far and how the advice given to marathon runners is also apt for the 40 week experience.

pregnancy: the other marathon

I have never considered myself a runner and now  I can play the pregnancy card and dodge offers to meet for a run without batting an eye. I'm an active person - my mom modeled that for me -  but my idea of jogging is winding country roads listening to Simon & Garfunkel.

As lululemon's Digital Storyteller, I have had the amazing opportunity to research running and share the stories of many athletes.  I covered our ambassadors who ran the Boston Marathon and I put together some posts to help you all get ready for the races you've been training for since the new year. Thanks to inspiring people like Jenn Thiel and Kathleen Pugh running has started to look more appealing.

As I head off on maternity leave, I'm realising that my experience of pregnancy seemingly runs parallel to the experience of training for a marathon - or, conversely, how all you marathon runners out there may be better prepared for pregnancy than I ever was.

pace yourself

You can do amazing things, 42 kilometres or 40 weeks, but you're not invincible. Give yourself some grace and pace yourself for the long road ahead, whether it's paved and lined with water stations or bumpy (literally) and full of surprises.

eat well

Everything you reach for impacts your body's ability to perform so choose wisely. (Oh, and don't be afraid to break the rules sometimes...just make sure you're not cracking into the cupcakes before your morning coffee break. You've been warned.)

listen to your body

Our bodies are miraculous; capable of doing things we can't even imagine. They often know exactly what they need. The trick is slowing down enough to listen to what they're saying and then obeying.

do yoga

It's as perfect a complement to rigorous marathon training as it is to nurturing a little life. Stretching has saved my body from many perils in the past and has been especially important while preparing for motherhood.

drink water

You know that line from the manifesto that talks about how water flushes toxins from your body and keeps your brain sharp? It's true. Training for a marathon highlights the importance of staying hydrated and when you're pregnant, your brain needs all the help it can get to stay sharp.

Thank you Elissa, for all your love and compassion (and the hard work that accompanied them). As you approach the finish line of this 'race', we wish you bucketsful of luck and happiness for what lies ahead. Happy Mother's Day!

want more?

Get more of Elissa's story. She never applied to work here. Read the blog.

Meet all her lovely co-workers. Learn their dance moves.

Read our manifesto for more of life's little lessons. 

Treat your mom like a princess. Make her a delicious brunch.

This essay about Kathy's achievement as a first-time mom and newbie runner was a timely reminder for us that Mother's Day is Sunday, May 8th. Trying not to love her story was nearly impossible - like training for your first marathon under the scorching Las Vegas sun.

marathon mama

by Kathleen Pugh, Georgetown ambassador, runner extraordinaire and Ava's mom

I never liked to run. My husband, Drew, was the runner. Faithfully, I watched and cheered as he crossed finish line after finish line while secretly waiting for him to see the light. That kind of activity was a little nuts in my opinion. Who would want to sweat like that?

After the birth of our daughter, everything changed. I had gained almost sixty pounds. The weight hung around like a bad houseguest who doesn’t know when to go. "Who is this stranger?" I wondered. My frustration was further compounded by our recent move from Washington, DC to Las Vegas. Life as I knew it was over and I was having an identity crisis. I was a fat, lonely, nervous new mom, lost in Las Vegas. Something needed to be done to free me from my funk. What would a woman in my situation do? Sign up for the Marine Corps Marathon, of course!

gutsy determination

“Are you sure about this?” Drew asked.

“Yes,” I snapped, and added rather indignantly, “What, you think I can’t do it?”

“You could, but when you run you sweat; you don’t like to sweat.”

I shrugged it off. After all what was a little sweat? That would be the least of my problems.

I trained during the summer, which in Vegas doesn’t end until Halloween. Have you ever spent a summer in Vegas? I don’t mean inside a luxurious, climate-controlled casino playing slots and dreaming of instant retirement while a cocktail waitress serves you chilled rum and cokes. I mean outside, pounding the pavement where it’s like an oven by 7am. You might think, so what, it’s a dry heat. But, like a food dehydrator on a late night infomercial, the dry Vegas heat sucked every molecule of moisture from my body, turning me into human beef jerky.

Image: flickr/Nicoli Chepe

running on the strip

To outsmart the punishing sun, I had to start before sunrise. I needed to run a route that was well lit where I could refill my water bottle and take bathroom breaks, so I ran under the neon sun of the Las Vegas Strip.

The strip is never boring. Stragglers from the night before stumble around in a drunken stupor trying to find their way back to their rooms. One time I saw a guy leaned up against one of the pedestrian overpasses sandwiched between two beautiful young blonde women with their hands in his pockets.  I ran past the threesome, and then looked back. The blondes were gone and so, I suspect, was his wallet.

With hotels that replicate Egypt, New York, Paris, Rome, and Venice, I traveled the world sans jetlag and cramped seating. I became so distracted and delighted by the grandeur of volcanoes, fountains, and pirate ships on the boulevard that I almost forgot I was running inside a hairdryer.

Rather than being enticed inside the casinos by promises of easy money, I was drawn in by the icy air that blew from their doors. Once I played a few hands of video poker on a bathroom break - I lost.  I’m sure the sight of a sweaty woman running past blackjack and craps tables at dawn left some glassy-eyed gamblers wondering if they’d seen a mirage.

As race day approached I started to panic. What made me think that I, a woman whose prior running experience consisted of running after buses and subways, could run 26.2 miles? Who did I think I was flying across the country to run a marathon? But, it was too late to back out. I’d already bought a cute new running outfit and told everyone I knew that I was running.

Drew flew with me to DC. This time he would be the spectator. Race day was perfect. The leaves had begun to change color and it was sunny and in the 60’s. While the runners around me complained about the heat I thought, “Piece of cake! Try doing this in 100 degrees!”

race day

As the race started I was filled with a sense of joy. I lost all the weight and my body and confidence were strong. The spectators, whom I privately appropriated as personal cheerleaders, shouted “Go Katy!” Wait a minute, I’m Kathy not Katy. What’s going on here? I looked down at my shirt. The “H” from the “GO KATHY” I had placed on my shirt with black tape had peeled off! I knew I should have written my name in marker, but I didn’t want to ruin a new shirt.

I felt energetic and euphoric as I ran through the streets of DC past our great American monuments. I imagined the city erecting a monument of me to honour this great feat. Sure Lincoln, Jefferson, and FDR were great men, but they never ran a marathon.

Somewhere around mile 20 my euphoria and energy simultaneously screeched to a halt. I hit the much talked about “wall.” Hell, I slammed into it like a bad NASCAR wreck. Defeated runners were carried into ambulances while others limped around me. I would not be one of them.  I would run across the finish.

During the last mile, nearly on my knees in pain, I started to chant, “You are strong.” My spirits soared as I saw the finish. I ran through the pain remembering that someone said there would be free beer at the end.

As I crossed the finish, a young marine placed a medal over my head and with tears in my eyes I thanked him. It was one of the best moments of my life.  I sweat. I sweat a lot and I loved it. In this moment I had found myself. I was no longer a fat, lonely, nervous, new mom. I was a new woman. I was Kathy; still a mother, but also a strong, confident proud marathon finisher.

want more?

• Read more about Kathy in our Road to Boston blog series.
• Run an eight-minute mile with her.  She leads running camps in DC.
• Follow other mother runners. Check out this blog.
• Pick up a last-minute gift for your mom. Bath salts are so 1993.
• Apply to become an ambassador. Head to your local store or start online.

We learn a lot from our moms, like the importance of saying "please" and in some cases, how to fold napkins to create table-top origami. (A vital life skill, really.) In what way have you learned the value of leading an active life because of your mother?

In the third interview of our Road to Boston series, we caught up with Kathleen Pugh in her lead up to the big day. We chatted about preparation, motivation and running marathons at an 8-minute-mile pace. Kathleen’s story of how she came to run the Boston Marathon is as inspirational as it is touching. We got goosebumps.

the road to boston with kathleen pugh

Kathleen (Kathy) Pugh is new to the lululemon ambassador family. Her journey began thanks to her other family – husband Drew and daughter Ava who inspired her to pound the pavement. After trekking across the country and back, she found a home at our Georgetown Store. She's run more long-distance races than you could shake a hydration pack at and now, Kathy has turned her attention towards inspiring other women to run their personal best through her EZ8 Running Camp in DC.

Who inspired you to start running?
My husband Drew and daughter Ava both inspired me to run.  When I met Drew, he was a runner.  I'd show up at all his races, waiting to snap a picture as he crossed the finish line.

It wasn’t until years later when Ava was born and I had gained almost 60 pounds that I got serious about my running. We had moved across the country, leaving jobs and friends behind. Somewhere in my postpartum haze I thought it would be a great idea to run a marathon.  Training gave me purpose.  I’d load Ava into the baby jogger and tell her we were going to ‘work’.  She has always known me as a runner and now, at age seven, she asks when we will run a marathon together.

Why Boston?
Actually, I had never thought about running Boston until I was out on a long training run last summer with the DC Road Runners Club.  I started chatting with a woman who asked what marathon I was training for.  I told her how excited I was to have finally received a spot in New York, my hometown marathon. She gushed similarly about her hometown marathon, Boston.

Drew and I made plans to run the Boston Marathon together. I didn’t qualify in New York but Drew did (I missed the Boston Qualify by over 15 minutes).  I was thrilled for Drew, but disappointed. I wanted us to run together but needed to make it happen before his qualifying time expired.

Obsessed, I signed up for the National Marathon the following March.  I trained through blizzards, ice storms and freezing temperatures only to be greeted with a 70 degree race day and more disappointment.  The next day, I signed up for the Steamtown Marathon. I qualified for Boston with more than a minute to spare. Drew and I will run together.

What’s your goal for the race?
My main goal is to enjoy the race and take in as many of the sights and sounds of Boston as I can.  However, since they changed the qualifying times, I feel compelled to try to re-qualify according to the new standards.

What has yoga done for your running regime?
I have a love-hate relationship with yoga because I get annoyed watching other people bending their bodies into unbelievable positions while I’ve never been able to touch my toes.  I really want to like it and reap the benefits, so I just started attending a Hatha-style class.  I feel pretty good about it. It helps me relax which is what I want out of the whole business.

Where do you run on days when you feel you can conquer anything?
I’m lucky to live and run in Washington DC.  I typically run on the National Mall when I want the feeling of being able to conquer anything. I run past the Supreme Court, Capitol Building, White house, Washington Monument, Lincoln Monument, then back up Capitol Hill where I often sing to myself School House Rock style, “I’m just a girl on Capitol Hill!”  I’ve been caught up in protests, rallies, motorcades, and military exercises with helicopters landing in front of me, and rather than get annoyed that these things have gotten in the way of my run, I think of how lucky I am to live in a place that allows its citizens to be heard.

What yoga poses keep your training on track?
Savasana.  Remember I’m doing yoga to relax!

When you’re not training you’re…
When I’m not training, I can be found on the Mall training other women to run fast and injury free in my Women’s Running Bootcamp- EZ8DC.  Other times I can be found hanging out with Ava and Drew exploring the Mall, travelling to new places, drinking great wine, eating wonderful food, attending the theater, reading or working on my writing.

What do you look for in training and race gear?
I look for training gear and clothing I don’t have to fuss with.  There’s nothing more annoying than having to pick shorts out of your butt when you are running, so thank you lululemon for making comfortable, highly functional clothes that don’t ride up and that make me look fabulous while I’m working up a mean sweat.

What’s next for you after Boston?
I said Boston would be my grand finale for marathons but my training partner convinced me to run the Chicago Marathon in October.  Since I train women to run an 8 minute mile in my boot camp, I’ve also made it my goal to run every race distance at an 8 minute pace. So far I’ve done it for the 5K, 10K, 10 mile, and half marathon distance, so all that’s left is the marathon.

visit us in boston

If you’ll be in Boston for the marathon, come say "hi." You'll find us at the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo and at our Prudential Center store. We’ve planned tons of stuff to do from April 15th to 18th; the deets are on the store’s Facebook page. And on the day we'll be at Heartbreak Hill – when you'll need your friends the most.

want more?

• Join Kathleen Pugh in DC and train to run an 8-minute mile.
• Make sure you've packed the necessities for the Boston Marathon.
• Meet your local ambassadors. Find out who’s teaching classes at your local store.
• Read about our other Boston-bound ambassadors: Sue Anne Clark and Gina Dicello.

Rediscovering herself and racing together with her husband were huge motivators for Kathy. What motivates you more: turning a tough situation around or having your eyes on the prize?

You don't ask questions if there's a  chance to kiss the grey goodbye and set sail for the sun. Our Creative team escaped to SoCal last weekend to capture the LA Marathon...except it rained in California and was gloriously sunny in Vancouver. (Why is Alanis Morrisette's "Ironic" coming to mind?)

pack your bags. you're going to los angeles.

Those words are music to any Vancouverite's ears. In March, there's a 99% chance of finding better weather anywhere outside of the city. This weekend it was not so.

Nothing could be more fitting than our videographer's out-of-office response: "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning how to dance in the rain." The team took their cue from Fred Astaire himself. Sure, it poured yesterday at the LA Marathon. That didn't stop the team from capturing the amazing (albeit soggy) time had by all the athletes. 

If our marathon packing list and race-ready guide got you excited for your upcoming race (or at least stoked to set goals to run next year), we hope you'll like this visceral motivation. If they can do it in the rain, so can you.

Los Angeles couldn't rain on their parade.

The first wheelchair athlete screams by the team at the 50:21.

Can anything wipe that smile off of Molly's face? We think not.

The Brentwood cheer station broke sound barriers.

Assistant Manager Alivia set a new PR despite the rain. Goodbye, 3:15. Hello, 3:07.

So many marathons, so little time. Race season has our heart rate soaring. Up next? We interview our ambassadors who are headed to Boston. Get ready for more inspiration to put a bit more spring in your step.

 

 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?