ask a runner: live!

This month we hosted ‘ask a runner: live!’ on Facebook. Robson Street ambassador Linda Wong momentarily set aside her running shoes to answer some of your burning run questions online. With over 100 road and trail races and a Boston Marathon under her belt, Linda has a lot to say when it comes to her favourite way to sweat.

Q: How long is your longest run before do a full/half marathon?
A: The longest run I typically do before a half marathon is 17 miles and I usually run 23 miles before a full.

Q: Do you recommend running on a treadmill or outside? I've heard running on a treadmill is not nearly as beneficial as outside?
A: Running on a treadmill is great as an alternative to running outside but nothing prepares you better for running outside than running outside. Your body needs to get used to the impact of the outdoors and you don't want to shock it.

Q: What is the best way to get rid of rib and shoulder cramping during long runs?
A:  It sounds like you may be running a bit tense. My suggestion is to make sure you remind yourself to relax your runs and perhaps run slightly slower. Practice deep breathing on your run. And from time to time, drop your arms and shake your hands out.

Q: Do I need socks designed especially for running? I noticed blisters on both feet after running on a warm morning yesterday. Will better socks help with this? If so, which are the best?
A: Socks that have wicking power will help with your problem since they won't retain moisture, which can cause blisters. There are a number of running socks out there that are fantastic - I love my lululemon run socks. Another thing you can try is to use an anti-chafing agent such as Body Glide on your feet.

Q: What is your opinion of coconut water in place of Gatorade, for electrolytes before and during a long run? Also any suggestions on whole food substitutes for Gu? I've tried honey with coconut oil pre-run but haven't found a good way to package it so I can take it with me on the road.
A: I've never tried coconut water but have heard great things about it. If it works for you, go for it. As for whole food suggestions, I know some people eat all natural bars and they use things like a Fuel Belt to carry their food. If you're using honey with coconut oil, try using a gel flask to carry it.

Q: I'm running my first marathon in November in Philadelphia. What type of apparel do you recommend for that time of the year?
A: Philly in November! Congratulations on your first marathon! Everyone is slightly different - I tend to overheat so I usually wear less, but some people require more. I would test out your apparel between now and race day. Layering would be my best suggestion. Good luck!

We’re running full speed ahead into race season and leaving no questions behind. While the event has come and gone, the information lives on. Check out the ‘ask a runner: live!’ Facebook event for more great running Q&A.

want more?

• read more installments from ask a runner!
• back to basics: how to run properly
• good pain vs. bad pain - when to power through and when to rest up.

there's an app for that!

RunKeeper uses your phone's GPS system and tracks everything from your route and speed to your caloric output.

Run Coach Pro creates a plan that fits your schedule to help you achieve run goals anywhere from a 5k to a marathon.

help! i sweat so much in yoga that i slip

"Even in non hot yoga classes, I always end up drenched by the first half of class and while it’s a bit embarrassing, my biggest issue is that I slip in down dog and similar."

From: Solutions For Heavy Sweaters
Answered by: Kinndli, lululemon Oakville.

camel pose makes me feel sick

"I was wondering why Camel pose makes me feel nauseous. I have been told it could be because it is a very vulnerable position when your heart is exposed. Is this true?"

From: Hot Yoga + Camel Pose
Answered by: Danielle, lululemon Robson St.

am i ready for teacher training?

"How do you know if you're ready to take on yoga teacher training?"

From: Am I Ready For Teacher Training?
Answered by: Kinndli, Grace, and Ted

what kind of yoga poses can pregnant people do?

"I’ve been practicing yoga for years, and I was wondering what poses are off limits during pregnancy?"

Read more from Tips for Growing Bellies
Answered by: Danielle, lululemon Robson St.

how do i get started with yoga?

"I want to start yoga but I don't know how to begin. Is there a type of yoga for beginners?"

From: How to Begin.
Answered by: Danielle, lululemon Robson St.

confused about my crow pose

"I'm having trouble with my crow pose. Do my arms go outside of my legs?"

From: Tips for Crow Pose
Answered by: Grace, lululemon Queen St.

can you get buff from only yoga?

"I have a few yoga instructors who have the most amazing bodies say that they only do yoga, no cardio."

From: Yoga + Cardio... the Perfect Mix?
Answered by: Ted, lululemon Santa Monica

why do you roll to the right from savasana?

"Why does my yoga instructor always have us lie on our right side before coming up from the final relaxation pose?"

From: Why The Right Side?
Answered by: Ted and Grace

is yoga for non-flexible people too?

"I am not flexible. Do you think I can still do yoga?"

From: Not Flexible? Don't Worry.
Answered by: Grace, lululemon Queen St.

help! i have tight hamstrings

"My hamstrings prevent me from achieving all kinds of yoga poses and it’s really frustrating. Is there anything else I can do besides stretching daily?"

From: Tight Hamstrings: Help!
Answered by: Grace, lululemon Queen St.

A big thank you to our ambassadors for sharing your words of wisdom and insight with our guests. Do you have a burning yoga or run question you need answered? Email askanexpert@lululemon.com.

When did you all started working at lululemon?

Jenna: Just over 2 years ago in beautiful Whistler.
Paula: At our Park Royal store in 2007.
Morgan: May 2008.
Whitney: Almost 2 years ago.
Liz: One year ago.
Laura: I started at the beginning of April after a very long love affair with the brand.

Laura taking a yoga break!

What do you like most about working there?

Jenna:Three reasons: the people, the opportunities, and the goal setting & support.
Paula: Being surrounded by fun and inspiring people.
Whitney: Every day I am supported by my peers, I get to write and be creative, and I go to work knowing I am a part of something that is bigger than myself.
Liz: Witnessing the amazing results when a group of people work towards a goal with everything they have!

Liz and the Scoop Neck Tank

What’s the ONE lululemon item you couldn’t live without?!

Paula: I have just discovered the Inner Strength Tank, and it is definitely my new staple piece!
Morgan: The two things I can’t live without are my Astro Crops and my Cool Racerbacks.

Morgan in Tree pose

Whitney: The Modern Racer Tank. You can find me wearing this lovely paired with my favourite Wunder Groove Crops.

Whitney in the Modern Racer Tank

Laura: I can’t live without my lululemon Slipless Headband. There’s nothing worse than hanging out in downward dog with your hair in your face.
Liz: The Scoop Neck Tank!

When are you going to open in Adelaide, Australia!?

Jenna: Guess what? I’m actually from Adelaide! No current plans to open a store there in the near future, but in the meantime I know the Australian stores do offer phone sales.

Jenna practicing Pigeon

What's your favorite teaching pants and or running errands around town pants? – Stephanie D.P.

Whitney: Wunder Groove Crops. They hold me in and hold me tight, and I can put them with almost every outfit.

What is your definition of "OM"? – Om Esthetic

Jenna: For me, it’s peace. It is harmony and the realigning of the self. ‘OM’ is reconnecting with all that is. One of the most amazing feelings is when in class you feel that sound reverberating off the walls, everyone in the room shares a connection. The sound fills me with such a calming energy. There is nothing like it.

I would like to know what it feels like to have such a totally cool job - Nicci M.

Paula: I can honestly say that I leave the house every morning looking forward to my day at work! I think this enthusiasm comes from that fact that I never know what the day will bring; we are always trying new online tools, getting to know new people and problem solving anything and everything that comes our way!

Paula in her new favourite, the Inner Strength Tank

What is your favorite "vintage" technical tank, i.e., one that isn't produced now? - Carolyn K.B.

Morgan: My favourite vintage tank is the Ujjayi Tank from spring ’08.

What is your favorite lululemon color and/or print (can be vintage) for the technical wear? - Carolyn K.B.

Liz: My absolute favourite vintage print is Aruba Sunset Floral. It is a gorgeous mix of blues that I cannot get enough of.
Paula: Glancing at my closet, Royale appears to be my favourite colour. I think I own every piece we ever made in Royale!

What is your favorite Lululemon accessory - not a tank/shirt/pant/short - Carolyn K.B.

Jenna: The boogie sock!

I would like to know if any of the lululemon Facebook team has pets, and if they bring them to work? – G. Killa

We are lucky enough to adopt the office pets whenever our co-workers bring them for a visit!

Elim and Bella at the GEC

Have any questions of your own? Leave a comment here or head on over to the wall! http://www.facebook.com/lululemon

what is 'ask a runner'?

Ask a Runner will be a recurring feature on lululemon.com featuring great runners from communities all over the world. They’ll be sharing their knowledge, education, and years of experience to answer all of your run-related questions.

meet our first runner: ainslie!

Ainslie and Hudson running on the North Shore.

• I am a personal trainer on the North Shore, owner and head trainer of t3 training
• Along with being a certified strength & conditioning specialist (CSCS, NSCA), I am also a certified Level 1 CrossFit Coach as well as a CrossFit athlete
• I've competed in running races ranging from 5km to 50km, both on the trail and on the road
• I'm a three-time Ironman competitor
• My favourite place to run: Baden Powell trail in North Vancouver with Hudson the Husky
• My favourite post-run fuel: americano and a bag of salt & vinegar chips

how to ask ainslie a question

Share your run-related question for Ainslie as a comment below and she'll answer a handful of questions a few weeks from now. No question is too big or small, so ask away and and stay tuned!

View running gear:

• Run: Willpower Hoodie
• Run: Speed Skirt
• Run: Dash

Specialties include: Styling, passion and knowledge for lululemon product, photo taking, splashing in puddles, keeping secrets, learning all the ins and outs on new product, creating wicked fantastic Fit & Function albums, listening, wunder under wearing, responding to pressure, and in general just being awesome.

Stats: 5'2", Size 2-4

Sweaty Time Activities: Hatha and Hot yoga, running (look for her at the next Vancouver Sun Run!)

Meet Whitters

Specialties include: Giving honest fashion and life advice, new lululemon everything, skating in puddles, sharing, cappuccino tasting, creating wicked product posts, dressing women for their shape, celebrating curves and in general just being pleasantly sarcastic.

Stats: 5’6”, Size ranges between 6-10.  Yup, sometimes have to account for her bubbly bum, and yes she got it from her mama!

Sweaty Time Activities: Slo-pitch, OTL, indoor soccer,  yoga, Bootcamp and ½ marathon soon to be full marathon running.

So g'head ask us anything you want to know and try to stump us!

What pants will fit my size 8 badonk, and size 6 torso? What should I wear to hot yoga? What do I wear for my first half marathon? What should I get my boyfriend for his birthday? What should I eat before yoga?

We will collect and read all comments and requests each week, and respond the next week with the most relevant post.

We will continue to always use real athletes, not paid models and answer honestly.  Bring it.