Our bodies are feeling a little battered and bruised lately; trying to make the most of summer and inspired by the exploits of the Tour de France riders to go for long runs and bike rides. Our regular yoga practice goes a long way to strengthen our muscles and ease those aches and pains; Ryan Leech, lululemon Elite Ambassador, certified yoga instructor and mountain biker extraordinaire, is taking it to the next level.

ride and reach

In August, Ryan will be leading a 15-person Ride & Reach retreat in Canmore, Alberta. The retreat will feature:

• Yoga for cyclists workshop at Gaia Studio
• Mountain biking skill progression at the Nordic Centre
• Guided all mountain ride
• Post ride yoga flow at Gaia Studio
• Dinner & social at the Paintbox Lodge

6 important questions

what: Ride & Reach mountain bike and yoga
when: August 6, 2011
where: Gaia Collaborative Medicine, Inc. Canmore, AB, Canada
who: Ryan Leech
how: contact the Gaia Clinic to sign up
why:

• meet amazing people
• be proactive about taking care of your body
• improve your technique on the mountain and in the studio
• to encourage Ryan to run more of these workshops

what's going on locally?

With only 15 spots available, this may seem like a bit of a tease but we thought we'd share the love and hopefully get a little love in return. If you know of other workshops like this one in your area, let us know. If you need help finding yoga (closer to home than Canmore), your local lululemon store can connect you with yoga studios and styles.

Jurgen tearing it up on the trails!

what is one of your biggest passions?

My biggest passion is being outside. Whether I am hiking with my family, or riding the trails, I love being out outdoors! I’m only inside to update my Facebook status.

where is your favourite place in the world?

My favourite place in the world is Vancouver, BC… my home town (wooo hoooo!). I have traveled to a lot of different places around the world but I have to say the people, scenery and lifestyle is at its best here. Vancouver living means beach side to mountains in 20 mins. There are no shortage of activities to keep you outdoors, whether its hiking the Grind, running the seawall, or paddling in the ocean.

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

Last year I completed my first 100km trail race just outside San Francisco. It was a lofty goal, and quite a bit further than distances I had completed in the past. I spent 5 months following a pretty intensive plan over the winter logging some big miles in the rain. The race day threw me a few curve balls but I was happy with my race and completed my goal in 13 and half hours. It was my most difficult athletic accomplishment to date but the goals keep getting bigger now that I’ve completed this one.

what gets you up in the morning?

Literally, my children. I have two great boys. One two-year-old and one three-month-old. Waking up and playing with my kids is my favourite thing in the world. By 10am on a Saturday I feel like I need to take a nap! I can barely keep up with my two-year-old. Every day they are both learning something new and it makes me appreciate my great life.

what is your favourite way to sweat?

My roots are in mountain biking and trail running. I grew up racing my mountain bike and switched over to running in the past years. Combining my love for the outdoors and passion for sweating, I am in my element doing what I love most! Throw in some mud and rain and you have a perfect outing.

how does your role elevate lululemon?

I recruit and help hire some of the most amazing talent around! Each and every person who joins lululemon brings a new level of energy and inspires their surroundings to make us even better at what we do. I feel privileged to be one of the people here who can share the lululemon story with the world. If you love living in greatness and want to elevate the world… call me!

If you don't have Jurgen's number, head over to our careers section to view job opportunities, and apply online!

Jurgen's picks:

• Run: Motion Pullover
• Smash Jacket
• Run: Response Short

She had us at hello!

Meet Toni, the newest member of our yoga design team! We're thrilled to welcome her expertise, glowing smile, and quick wit to the lululemon family. When Toni isn't whipping out gorgeous yoga designs, she can be found rock climbing, mountain biking, running, swimming, or dancing... if she hasn't already taken off on a globe-trotting expedition! Get to know more about Toni through our fresh faces interview...

tell us something surprising about yourself:

I was a professional dancer for about fifteen years: seven years of ballet class, five years of hip hop and street dance, plus a couple of years of teaching street dance and jazz to kids. Yes, I know - it's hard to imagine me in a tutu onstage dancing and jumping around. But at least it was always a black or white tutu, not pink!

what's your favourite way to sweat?

Mysore-style Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga at least three times a week. And on the weekends, my partner and I love to explore Canada's wilderness in our 4x4 camper van. Camping and hiking are a must!

tell us about your biggest, hairiest, most audacious goal:

My goal is to take our van on a road trip through South America, Japan and India. I'm looking forward to connecting with the locals and enjoying the incredible scenery. I'd also love to keep a blog of my journey, so I can share my impressions and inspire my friends at home.

what attracted you to lululemon?

The overall concept of the company. The sense of community is breathtaking and incredibly inspiring. Also, the products are truly functional since they're made with (and for) athletes. Due to my active life I have always loved designing clothing and accessories which bond function and style.

what excites you most about your new role?

Getting involved with the lululemon culture and community. After designing with great people at Adidas (sport-specific), Adidas by Stella McCartney, Aritzia, Maier-Sports and others, I'm eager to share my experience and knowledge with my new team. I hope to bring a touch of fresh style and originality to lululemon's yoga designs!

Could you be the next fresh face at lululemon? Our design team is still growing, so if you're interested in becoming a designer for Apres, Accessories, Mens or Run, check out our careers website and apply! http://www.lululemon.com/about/careers