I love the Run: Speed Short for many reasons. The wide waistband is made of soft and moisture-wicking Luxtreme (no muffin top here thankyouverymuch) and the seams are flat to reduce chafing. There's a little zippered pocket on the back of the waistband for a key and cards so you can grab mimosas coffee after your run. The 2 1/2" inseam is an ideal length for both quick training runs and on the day of your half marathon. I also like to wear these bad boys during summer at the beach - they are perfect to throw on over your bikini bottoms after a long day on the sand.

In order to celebrate Leg Season (that's what we're calling it now, right?) we have put together four run outfits featuring the Run: Speed Short in some of our favourite hues of the season: Aquamarine, We Are From Space, Parfait Pink and Beach Blanket Blue.

aquamarine

1. Run: Speed Short in Aquamarine (coming very soon...check back!)

2. Mizuno Wave Runner 15 - I LOVE these running shoes...good for mild pronators.

3. Pure Balance Water Bottle - the grippy handle is perfect during sweaty workouts.

4. Rosebud Perfume Co. Smith's Menthol & Eucalyptus Lip Salve - no chapping allowed!

5. Cool Racerback in Aquamarine (also coming soon!)

6. Run From Work Backpack II - color blocked and über functional.

7. Fly Away Tamer Headband in Aquamarine (yes, this is also coming very soon)

we are from space

1. Run: Speed Short in We Are From Space (coming soon!)

2. Shape Magazine - the recipes and tips in here are always on point.

3. Dense Foam Block - always good for deep stretches post-run.

4. iPhone 5 in White - let's be honest, this puppy never leaves our side.

5. Vega Pre-Workout Energizer - this will put a little vrooom into your engine!

6. Nike Free 5.0 in Black - these are a gamechanger. Buy a pair and thank me later.

7. Mula Bandhawear Thong in White - the most comfy thong on the planet.

parfait pink

1. Run: Speed Short in Parfait Pink (coming soon!)

2. Kate Spade Mikas Pond Lacey Wallet in Zinnia Pink - worth blowing your budget on.

3. Mula Bandhawear Bikini in Parfait Pink - I have junk in my trunk and these gave me zero VPL.

4. Run: Tame Me Tank - great for those with larger busts who want a little more coverage.

5. Pure Balance Water Bottle in Parfait Pink - hydrate, hydrate and then hydrate some more.

6. Nike Free 3.0 - I saw one of our managers wearing these and fell in love...vintage!

beach blanket blue

1. Run: Speed Short in Beach Blanket Blue (coming soon!)

2. Women's Ultimate Padded Run Sock in Beach Blanket Blue (ALSO coming soon)

3. Bath and Body Works Body Cream in Sea Island Cotton - this stuff smells good.

4. Run: Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve in Beach Blanket Blue (yup, you guess it...coming soon)

5. Zico Coconut Water - electrolytes are our friend in training season.

6. Light As Air Thong - so light you'll forget you're even wearing underwear.

New colours AND warm weather = good times ahead! See you on the streets, trails and seawall soon...remember to give the "runner's wave and smile."

The lululemon 80s dance cheer crew at the LA Marathon!

This time we've called on January Newland, an ambassador from our La Jolla store, who has ran 7 marathons, and teaches people to train for marathon races by cross training with yoga and bootcamp. Here is a training guide from January and our educators, filled with tips on what to wear, how to train efficiently, and how and why to cross train with yoga.

marathon training gear

The gear you wear for training and running a marathon is personal. Every runner that has visited our fitrooms, regardless of level of experience, has a few personal “musts” when choosing their gear. Whether you only run in shorts or running tights, tank tops, or shirts, just be sure of a few details in all of your gear: moisture wicking, seamless, and comfortable. If you plan on running 15 miles, you do not want to chafe from seams or a top that cuts into your shoulder because it is too tight.

Look for seamless tops, bottoms and socks, moisture wicking, pockets, and good shoes!

Zach and Hollis both work in our La Jolla store, and are both training for a half marathon in April, and Hollis will be running her first marathon in May! These are their favourite things to train in:

Zach’s favourites:

• Metal Vent Tech SS - Loves the lightweight feel its ultra moisture wicking capabilities.
• Run:Response Shorts - Loves the range of motion, longer length of running short, and built in briefs.
• Military Cap - Loves the wide bill that protects his face, the lightweight and very comfortable feel.

Hollis’ favourites:

• Inner Strength Tank - Loves the range of motion she gets in her arm-swing because of the cut of the top around shoulders and underarms, and the moderate support of the built in bra.
• Run:Speed Shorts - Loves the built in liner, and the comfort of the shorts.
• Compression Knee High Socks - Loves the support in circulation and warmth of her legs as she does prefer to run in shorts.

january’s running tips

January is truly a wealth of knowledge when it comes to how and when to run. She teaches runners to take it step by step, after all you had to crawl before you could walk, and you can run a marathon. These are her most important tips:

January working with Gillian on her stride and posture

• Mileage- Your body has to get used to running for a long time. Though you physically may be able to complete 26.2 miles, you can really do some damage to yourself without allowing your body to be conditioned to long distance.
• Schedule- The biggest mistake runners make is not scheduling a consistent running times. January recommends keeping a calendar of your runs, complete with mileage. Hal Higdon provides a great complimentary training guide for all levels.
• Shoes- Good shoes are just as important as your breath. Head into a running store that will watch how you step and run, and will be able to recommend the best shoes for your stride.
• Posture & Core- Keep your joints stacked from head to toe, and keep your core tight. All of your power comes from your core, especially when running, so keep it aligned and strong.
• Arm Swing- The more relaxed and efficient your arms are, the more relaxed and efficient your run will be. Keep your shoulders relaxed on down your back, and soften your hands so that you are not holding a fist and expelling energy. Keep your arms at 90 degrees, and glide them long and close to your core.

january's yoga tips

Yoga is a wonderful mental and physical preparation for any type of running. First and foremost, yoga teaches you how to control your breathing, and you will need to breathe at mile 6. It will elongate the compact and short muscles you will form from running long distance. If you truly commit to your practice, you will learn a mental clarity and focus crucial for conquering tasks as daunting as running 26.2 miles. These are January’s favourite yoga poses for runners.

Downward Facing Dog (pedal out your dog):

Wonderful stretch for warming up, and pedaling your dog by releasing one heel down, and then the other lends itself as a great calf stretch.

Runner's Lunge:

Great for your hamstrings and hips, you might not be able to make it all the way down to your elbows, but event with your chest high you will feel the benefits of this pose.

Half Splits:

Your hamstrings never hurt so good, than in this pose.

Skandasana (side lunge):

Great inner thigh, and lateral muscle stretch.

Prasarita Padottanasana (wide legged forward bend):

This pose will help to stretch and strengthen the inner and the back legs.

sign up for your race, and come stretch your sore muscles with us!

Now that you have your tips on what to wear and how to train, we invite you to join us for yoga! Every one of our locations hosts a weekly complimentary all-levels yoga class with the best instructors in your area. This is a great place to start if you've never practiced yoga, or if you are looking to take you practice to the next level.

After class we'd love to hear about your marathon training and what kind of racing station you'd love at your race. You never know who will be there passing out bananas at mile 22.

We believe. Namaste.

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)

You asked for it, and here it is a side-by-side comparison of our run shorts.

No matter which shorts you choose, each of the Run:Speed Short, Groovy Run Short and Run:Punya Short are set up with the following features:

• Flat seaming for a chafeless run
• Inner liner for a line-free bum
• Zippered pocket so you stride hands free
• Quick dry shell so your sweat wicks and doesn't look like you…had an accident

The Differences:

The Run:Speed Short is one of our top selling run shorts because of its technical functions and universal fit. The venting along the lower back/bum seams keeps you cooled off, and the curved hem along the thigh shows off the biggest muscle in your body. It's a favorite of many of our Carlsbad triathlete ambassadors.

If you're a little more humble about your gams – there are options, still! A few educators and guests have been going a size up in the shorts, since there is an inner drawstring (which won't get lost in the wash!). Just pull that sucker tight and blaze the trails! A higher rise and a mid-thigh length make the Groovy Run Short ideal for those craving a few extra inches top and bottom. Since the inseam is longer, those who are concerned about the shorts "riding up" can quell their fears.

If coverage in the waist-zone is what you're after, the extra fabric in the mid-section of the Run:Punya Short will do wonders (it's moisture wicking, too). The left leg houses the zippered pocket on this short, so the contents won't get in your way during an ab-workout or car ride. The bottom hem is cut straight across on this four-way stretch short, which is again ideal for those more modest about showing off all of their legs.

Now lace up your runners and get your own, by checking out your local lululemon store or our online store.

Run:Speed Short

Meredith from the Carlsbad store wears the Run:Speed Short.

Why We Made This:

• Ultra light short for running, tri & gym
• Wicking & quick dry shell fabric with 4-way stretch
• Open venting for added breathability
• Coolmax liner with mesh for airflow
• Secure pocket for $/keys & sport snacks
• Soft wicking waistband with drawstring & elastic for support
• Chafe resistant - flat seamed

**Shell fabric made from recycled polyester!!

Colours: Snorkel Blue, Black/Neon Purple, Black/Alfalfa, Coal/Electric Orange, White/Silver Dream/Stripe/Fatbird, Turf/Caribe , Black/Frisby Sunset Floral, Bon Bon, Black or Coal

Groovy Run Short

The Groovy Run Short covers all bums.

With a longer inseam and higher rise than the Run:Speed Short, the Groovy Run Short is a tad longer than the Run:Punya Short.

Why We Made This:

• Ultra light mid-length run short
• Wicking shell fabric with 4 way stretch
• Soft coolmax liner for increased air flow
• Overlapped hem for maximum range of motion during running
• Secure pocket for $/keys & sport snacks
• Chafe resistant - flat seamed

Colours: Black /Royale Manifesto Swirl, Deep Navy / White/ Deep Navy Dream Stripe, Greys Checkmate, Black or Black/ Caribe/ Aruba,  Black/ Kiss/ Multi Up or Down or Black/ Aruba/ Fatbird Dot,  Crystal Pink Fatbird Floral/ Bon or Coal/ Bon Bon/ Paradise

Run:Punya Short

The rise of the Run:Punya is high like the Groovy Run. It's in-between short and mid-length, and cut straight across the thigh.

Ooh! A side zipper pocket for your keys or GU!

Why We Made This:

• 7 minute mile?? -- no problem!!!
• Wicking & quick dry shell fabric with 4-way stretch
• Coolmax liner with mesh for airflow
• Secure pocket for $/keys & sport snacks
• Soft wicking waistband with drawstring & elastic for support
• Chafe resistant - flat seamed

Colours: Grey Checkmate,  Black or Deep Navy,  Aruba, Kiss/Multi Up and Down