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I’ll admit it: I’m not a runner. I blame it on the fact that after walking my pup so much (who, while ridiculously adorable, is not a great pace buddy), I don’t have time to run. But, all excuses aside, I’m just not a runner.

That is, until the wonderful Run Club Coordinators for lululemon Briar Hill asked me for some help making a promo video for an exciting new challenge they were planning.  I thought my helping ended at the photo-taking-video-making, but I was wrong. Soon, I was lacing up my shoes and hitting the trails for some running (well, okay, run-walking. But, hey, I’m trying.)

So what is this exciting challenge?

We are running the distance from our store in Toronto to our head office in Vancouver, a solid 4,400 kilometres. Well, we aren’t physically traveling from Toronto to Vancouver but we are accumulating the same distance by July 1st, 2013.

We wanted to take on this challenge to not only get the non-runners like myself running but to inspire our community to come run with us. When runners join us for our weekly run club, their distance is added to our bank, exponentially increasing those km’s. As well, t’is the season for spring races and with that comes lots of training.

But, we need your help.

Over the last few weeks, we’ve realized this is a bigger feat than we thought. And we need you - yes, you! Whether you’re a runner or not, you’re a runner now. Grab your kicks and hit the pavement, and when you do, please post the heck out of it on instagram and twitter. Don’t forget to use our hashtag #irunbhill (with the number of km’s please) so we can add it to the grand total.

We really want to see what you’re up to, what you’re wearing and where you’re running (say that three times fast!), so post pictures! Good places to start: shoe pictures (look up: #mileadaymay), and check out these popular hashtags for inspiration: #thesweatlife), #sceneontherun and #irunbhill (obviously).

What are you waiting for? Let’s get running! Or, you know, run-walk-running!

In this fast paced world, everyone is working longer and harder to get a leg up, and it's spilling over into our fitness life as well. What if taking a break is exactly what you need to live a full, rich life and achieve the goals you've set?

My goal for 2013 is to share this radical idea. To create gaps to have more room to be creative, daydream and be open. To take the time to recover and heal yourself so you don’t burn out, but instead shine more often. How are we going to do this?

By putting your legs up the wall.

how to do it

Sit with your hips against the wall and roll onto your back, taking your legs up the wall. Your seat should be pressing as close to the wall as you can. Spend 5 to 30 minutes here.

Contraindications: avoid if you have glaucoma. If your toes get tingly, bend your knees, and with your feet together bring your feet closer to your pelvis.

what’s going on in this pose?

• Your femur bones are dropping into your hip sockets, relaxing your psoas. These are the muscles that help you walk and support your lower back.
• Blood is draining out of your tired feet and legs.
• Your nervous system is getting a signal to slow down. It's all stress release and recovery big time.

the benefits

The list of benefits is as long as your yoga mat.

• Do it before bed to help cure insomnia.
• Release of sore legs after your long run as it stretches the hamstrings.
• Helps with poor digestion and circulation.
• Helps to regulate your thyroid.
• Great for mild sore lower back.

legs up the wall week

Do it with your friends, loved ones, entire family, or by yourself. Life's not about the destination, it's all about the ride. Slow down and don’t miss anything. Share your photos on instagram, twitter, or on our Facebook wall, and tag it with #legsupthewall. How many legs can we get up the wall this week?

get to know steve

Steve the Pace Beaver is a four-wheeled, buck-toothed furmobile (read: vintage 1960 food truck). He's been riding the streets of Toronto to and from local run clubs, parking along popular trails and paths through the downtown core, and leaving smiling and somewhat perplexed faces wherever he goes.

why a beaver?

A pace bunny is that bunny-ear-wearing runner who sets a steady pace for distance races, so that runners of varying levels can reach their goal times and keep track of their race pace.

Think of Steve as the Canadian spin on a pace bunny - setting the pace for Toronto's run scene this fall.

best steve moments

Steve has created spontaneous cheer stations along Lakeshore and dance parties at every red light. He's been to early morning and late night run clubs, and he's shown us the best training routes tucked behind skyscrapers and busy city streets.

We've product tested technical run outfits with runners so they can focus on achieving their personal best. Last weekend at the Toronto Marathon, we even let our tail down and cheered loud and proud through rain and shine until the last p̶e̶r̶s̶o̶n̶ marathoner passed the 31km mark at our epic cheer station.

When someone emails you from across the country saying you made their brother's day with a just a pair of arm warmers and words of encouragement during a long cool run, you know you're onto something good.

find steve

Look for Steve the Beave out in the Toronto community and online at @lululemonCAN. Tag your photos and tweets with #pacebeaver to connect with Team Steve and let us know where you're running - maybe you'll spot our purple hubcaps on the move.

Imagine yourself at a rad outdoor concert: the music moving through your body, basking in the sunshine with friends all around, sharing an experience you can barely describe but can't wait to instagram. That's a summer paradise and the inspiration behind the Toronto community event, Yoga Unplugged.

why we made this

Yoga Unplugged is a weekly yoga series co-hosted by the downtown Toronto lululemon stores and yoga studio 889 Yoga. This series is special to us for two reasons. The first is that we have the opportunity to share 889's outdoor deck in the heart of downtown Toronto with our yoga community - think calm within the chaos. The second reason we love it is that every week is different, with a new soundtrack and theme.

the playlist

We've flowed to Bon Iver by candlelight, danced it out on our mats to Do You Love Me by the Contours, and "strike a pose" took a whole new meaning for a Madonna jock yoga practice. Instructors have total musical freedom over their tune selection, and every week has been a hit. What I love most about the class is that the instructor has been so completely inspired by the artists represented on their playlists. This is their moment to share 60 minutes of meaningful movement with us, which often includes a little dancing on the mat.

concert highlights

Like a true concert series, we’ve documented Yoga Unplugged before, during (oops), and after the practice (Lollapalooza and Osheaga last weekend, anyone?). Check out our highlights from #yogaunplugged:

join us

Our series is ongoing every Saturday until our finale on September 1st, and all you need to know is posted at facebook.com/yogaunplugged. We unroll our mats anytime after 3:00pm, and the experience begins at 4:00pm. You can find the Thompson Hotel at 550 Wellington St West in downtown Toronto, and more information about one of our favourite yoga studios, 889 Yoga.

We’ve seen them in the gym, tanning and doing laundry and now bros everywhere are participating in a new form of physical activity – Broga. Yup! You read that right, yoga for bros. Briar Hill ambassador, David Good, shares his thoughts on dudes and their bromance with broga.

men and yoga

Yoga, when it was created, was a sexist practice. It was an activity designed for men by men and women were discouraged from participating. Now the pendulum is swinging back and more men are signing up. I’ve noticed especially because I have to share the small change rooms with them. Guys are letting go of their fears of not being flexible enough or their preconceived notion that yoga is for women. They’re starting to notice the benefits of yoga for their minds, as well as the ways it compliments their other fitness interests – Coach Taylor said it, “clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.” Right?

broga

Some studios are offering classes called ‘Broga’, which is designed specifically for men with an emphasis on strengthening postures. These classes make for a good introduction to the practice for guys who are self-conscious about being in a room full of women as they tackle their first class.

to broga or not to broga

The debate is still a hot one though. Are “men’s only” classes really the way to go especially since yoga, at its very core, is supposed to mean ‘union’? On top of this, tons of women are trying to attend Broga classes because they're looking for the ‘bigger challenge that’s being offered to these guys exclusively. I’m not really a fan for many reasons that stem directly from the history of the practice. I think it should be an inclusive practice that brings people together, not one that segregates them. Shouldn’t we all be able to play together?

What are your thoughts? Is Broga totally kosher or completely offside? 

While we’ve got our eyes firmly fixed on that big fall race, the weather can’t seem to keep its focus. From record-high heat waves, to April-like showers, predicting what fall might throw our way has proved to be quite the challenge. Ambassador Sam Sykes shares her tricks to outsmart Mother Nature when it comes to dressing for the fall race season.

how to dress for fall running

1. wear clothes that are designed for running. They are made of technical materials and are designed to help you feel good and perform your best. Proper running gear lets you focus on your race and not worry if your pants are dragging in puddles behind you.

2. dress like it’s 10°C warmer outside than what the thermometer says. You want to start your run slightly chilled because your body is going to heat up once you get going. Rarely do you hear a runner finish a race saying “Man, I wish I had dressed warmer” but it’s very common to see layers littered along the sidelines of the first few kilometres of a race. Usually these are old clothes that people are ready to get rid of but if you don’t want to trash your nice duds, dress smart!

3. clothing choice can outsmart bad weather. Races aren’t cancelled unless the weather is truly life- threatening (as in: earthquake, tornado, lightning, Hurricane Irene). You need to practice running in the elements with the right gear so that you’re prepared to run your best race no matter what storms your way. Training in different weather conditions builds character and gives you experience to draw on when race day comes around.

4. accessorize for exercise. Pieces that can be added on and peeled off easily are great for combating temperamental fall weather. Arm sleeves keep you warm to start but can be stripped off and tucked away as you heat up. A hat or visor will be your best friend when the elements throw some liquid sunshine your way (think of it like having a portable umbrella attached to your head). Also, focus on breathable, waterproof/water-resistant layers that keep you and your ID dry. Because you always take ID with you on a run, right? Right.

You can’t predict what mood Mother Nature will be in on race day. Use different conditions (as long as it’s safe) as a training opportunity (not as an excuse) to be better prepared for whatever gets thrown your way.

want more?

• follow Sam's road to Boston (and other running shenanigans) on daily mile
• run with Sam every Saturday morning at the lululemon athletica Toronto run club
• the hunt for just the right pair of running shoes is on

It wasn't until I started working at lululemon that I really tried yoga. I come from a dance background, and for me, the transition to yoga has been a challenge. In my mind, yoga was slow and boring, with music that could put me to sleep. But the more I put 100% of my mental and physical energy into movement, the more I began to love yoga -- especially the way I feel after.

Greg signing in at the Yoga Lounge

So when I decided that I wanted my boyfriend Greg to feel this good, I knew I had to be there for his first time. We picked a Vinyasa class that started just in time for him to get home from work, and me from school.

the verdict

Greg's take on his first yoga class: "I had this notion, which I realize now was naive, that yoga was all serenity and relaxation -- a cross between getting a massage and stretching. But no. It's hard work. I never felt like a failure, though. And I think that might be one of the benefits of yoga—it’s non-judgemental. This isn’t a competitive aerobics class -- though I’ve never taken an aerobics class either, so that might be an unfair characterization."

First class verdict: thumbs up!

tips for yoga first timers

1. Dress comfortably. Avoid heavy cottons and keep your clothing light and fitted.
2. Bring a water bottle, a towel and some warm layers to put on after your class.
3. Don't be scared. Everyone has a first time.
4. If you're feeling tired or a little light headed, take a moment and lie down.
5. Fully invest in the experience. Go to class and leave your outside worries and stresses at the door.
6. Drink lots of water before, during and especially after to replenish yourself. Your body will love you for it.
7. Don't base your opinion on your first class. Or second. Or even third. It may take time to love yoga.
8. Have fun!

One class in and looking like a pro

Remember: there are always new people. There will always be older people, younger people, bigger people, smaller people, people that can't touch their toes, and people that bend in half like a Gumby doll. I think that's what makes yoga so beautiful to me. It really is for everyone.

Are you interested in trying yoga? Visit your local lululemon for info on their weekly complimentary classes.

On Sunday, September 19, 2010, 60+ local yogis came together at Wychwood Barns in Toronto for Global Mala 2010. An international movement, each community creates a specific intention for their 108 sun salutations. This year, 889 Yonge played host to our sweaty selves in raising money for School Without Borders, a Canadian charity that is building a community centre and garden in Nairobi, Kenya.

Many of the yogis present were in for a ride! The wonderful Marla Meenakshi Joy and Ron Reid set the tone with kirtan music, as sunlight poured into the glass ceiling and we laid our mats like rays around the stage. We were then led by some of the most gracious yogis in Toronto through our 108 sun salutations. Savasana came at a perfect time, and we were treated to the deep sounds of quartz crystal singing bowls. What a surreal treat for us all. Here are some pictures that captured the morning's en masse power!

The digital team has arrived in Hamilton! We’re ready to share and document a week full of great friends, great product, and great memories. You can follow our Warehouse Sale adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, and on lululemon.com!

In celebration of our arrival, we’ve snapped a few shots of our Warehouse Sale team getting ready for the party. Take a peek below!

Lots of little lemons elves hard at work!

Boxes, boxes and more boxes...

Rolling racks as far as the eye can see!

Supplies are at the ready...

Spotted: ivivva athletica!

Recognize me?

Check out more behind-the-scenes pictures in our Facebook album!

The Hamilton Warehouse Sale will be located at the Hamilton Convention Centre (1 Summers Lane, Hamilton, Ontario), from September 30th to October 3rd, 2010.

Hours of Operation:
Thursday September 30th: 10am-9pm
Friday October 1st: 10am-9pm
Saturday October 2nd: 9am-7pm
Sunday October 3rd: 9am-5pm
*Doors will close approximately 30 minutes before closing time

For more information about the 2010 Warehouse Sale:
Visit us at http://www.lululemon.com/hamilton/hamiltonwarehousesale
Facebook us at http://www.facebook.com/lululemon
Tweet us at http://www.twitter.com/lululemonWHS (hashtag #lululemonWHS)
Find us at http://bit.ly/lululemonWHSmap

Does your daughter dance, jump, fly, and move through life? We have the gear for her!

The Hamilton Warehouse Sale will be the first chance for the athletic young girls of Ontario to get their hands on some product from ivivva athletica.

what is ivivva?

Inspired by movement and created by lululemon, ivivva is athletic apparel for active girls. Our first three concept stores in Western Canada feature moisture-wicking technical gear that can be worn from the soccer field to the ballet barre.

warehouse sale and toronto opening

The ivivva team has heard your feedback and is scheduled to open a temporary ivivva boutique in Toronto Eaton Centre on October 8th. But before that, ivivva will be making an appearance at the lululemon Hamilton Warehouse Sale happening Sept. 30 to Oct. 3, 2010.

If you have daughter, niece, or any other singing/dancing/Bieber-loving future superstar of the world in your life, be sure to check out the ivivva athletica at the event! See you soon, Ontario!

Check out the ivivva Toronto Facebook page or contact info@ivivva.com.

Taking your downdog on the road? Our ambassador Nicky Poole from lululemon Cumberland Street writes about her favourite items to travel in.

I travel regularly for yoga: to conferences, retreats and teacher trainings. Over the years I've perfected the art of travelling light, travelling smart, and using multi-purpose items on my journeys!

from plane to practice

The Groove Pants are my favourite long pant and they take me easily from the airplane to yoga practice. I love that even short legs look loooong in these! I always pair these with the bright coloured tanks and bras. The fitted nature of the Power Y Tank is ideal for yoga practice – I never have to worry about my clothing revealing more than it should when I am upside down.

staying warm in the airport

Airports and planes are always freezing, therefore a snug jacket is essential. I love the Define Jacket, as it offers a streamlined layer over tanks and has thumb holes to keep my hands nice and warm when they aren’t stuffed in my pockets.

My new favourite lululemon item this Fall is the multi-purpose Vinyasa Scarf, made of the softest running luon. I wrap it around myself for early morning meditation, use it as a full body blanket for Savasana, fasten the snaps around my waist to create a cute hooded sweater, and use it as a baby blanket for my kids!

pockets are key

For my carry-on, I really like the Fast In Flight bag for all the easy-access external pockets and convenient internal compartments for your personal belongings. My laptop fits in here, as well as a full change of clothes and my mat. Genius.

My yoga mat and towel are always packed as they offer great quality practice gear for minimal weight. Lastly, a water bottle. Wide neck, easy to guzzle from after class, cute colours, need I say more?

nicky's upcoming travel plans

• Kripalu in October for my annual period of personal retreat and study with my teacher Shiva Rea
• Weekend retreat in Miami from November 18 - 21, on behalf of 889 Yonge.

What are your travel tips for yogis on the go?

you asked...

I am not flexible. Do you think I can still do yoga? I'm a runner, but I hear yoga is a great way to work on endurance! Adam (@adamgiers - question received via twitter)

a yogi answers

Dear Adam,

Absolutely! You are a perfect candidate for yoga. Many people think that they need to be flexible to begin yoga, but that's a little bit like thinking that you need to be able to play tennis in order to take tennis lessons. Come as you are and you will find that a yoga practice will help you become more flexible. It will also greatly increase your lung capacity.

Running can create many imbalances due to repetitive motion, and yoga is ideal for helping to find a balance.

- Grace, lululemon Queen St. ambassador
Learn more about Grace and Inspire Reach here: http://www.inspirereach.com

what is ask a yogi?

Ask a Yogi is a yoga advice column that is published on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays. If you have a yoga question for future yoga panels, please email askanexpert@lululemon.com.

I have been practicing yoga for just under two years and have come to think of myself as pretty good at it. However, there is one thing I have yet to get the hang of--breathing. In class I bend halfway up on my inhale, fold on the exhale, step back on the inhale; there was no fluidity between my breath and the movements of my body.

As I sat in half lotus I set the intention to stay true to my breath. Within five minutes I would either start holding my breath or I’d be so concentrated on holding my pose that I would forget to pay attention to my breathing. I decided it didn’t matter. I convinced myself that I was getting the full worth of my practice.

The Yorkdale team at 889 Yonge in Toronto.

A few days ago however, I went to a usual studio of mine, but I there was a different instructor. She had us all attach a sound to our breath in our heads;  ‘ma’ on the inhale, ‘om’ on the exhale. She said that at any point during the practice if we find that we have lost touch with our breathing “gently and without judgment find your breath again.” I committed to not only staying true to the fluidity of my breath.  I promised myself that when I notice I had lost the ‘ma’ and ‘om’, rather than giving up, I would, without judgment return to it again.

Something amazing happened,  suddenly my planks were steadier, I could close my eyes in tree pose without swaying and my downward dogs never got tiring. The steadiness of my breath became the anchor for my entire practice. Did I make it the entire practice without breaking the cycle of 'ma's and 'om's? No, I didn’t. But I will. Probably not next practice, or the practice after that, but I will. I will eventually be able to stay true to my breath. But more importantly, breathing has no longer become ‘that thing in yoga I can’t do’, instead it something vital and fun, something I couldn’t imagine yoga without!

Jocelyn's nephew welcoming her in Toronto.

what are the biggest surprises since joining the team?

 The culture lives throughout the company. I knew that lululemon’s culture was strong, but it has been so amazing working with such an open and supportive team throughout my on-boarding.

Jocelyn's smiling face!

during the olympics, what was your favourite experience?

The first was watching Alex Bilodeau win the first Olympic Gold medal. Every Canadian was proud to have our first gold medal winner be someone who was so deserving. Secondly, I landed in Vancouver the night Canada won the gold medal men’s hockey game. The city was alive and everyone was celebrating the end of an amazing Olympic 2 weeks. It was amazing to be in Vancouver for that last night.

what is  a recent goal you've accomplished?

I recently purchased my home here in Toronto. I made it a goal to find a loft  that I loved as much as the one I had in Vancouver and  not settle until  I find the right one. A year after moving to Toronto, I found my place!

Jocelyn, with her sisters and nephew in Toronto!

what inspires you?

One of my favourite quotes has always been, "You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.” These words are powerful. It’s easy to get comfortable or to give in to our fears. I read this quote and it gives me that extra push to take the first step to try something new and encourages me during difficult time.

Also, so many members of the lululemon team I have met are incredibly inspiring. I have already met people who have quit their jobs to go on trips they never dreamed they could do, who have ran marathons as though it was as easy as a walk around the block. It's inspiring to see people that come to work each day and recognize the possibility in their team and support eac other  to accomplish goals. 

For all you other HR buffs out there who sigh with relief when you step on your yoga mat or tie up your runners, our HR team is growing fast and there are opportunities in Vancouver and the US right now. You can check out the roles on the careers website.

Time stood still. I was floating through the air upside down and actually took the time to think that I might die. I thought of the many things I still wanted to do, places I wanted to see. The cool things I was happy I’d done, and the many people in my life with so much love to share. It was not my day.

A second later I hit the ground head first from 10 metres above. My back explodes at L-1 like a pop can a kid jumps on and the vertebrae above and below break in nine places. I am stuck upside down in wind blown corn snow up to my ears and cannot move.

I am airlifted out of the glacier to the Whistler Health Clinic where my fears are confirmed Although I am alive, I am paralyzed from the waist down. Later that night I am sent down to Vancouver to be patched up to live in a wheelchair for the rest of my life.

Luckily, the doctors were wrong, and my spinal cord injury is incomplete vs. complete. But luck is an understatement. Nine years later, although I am considered 40% paralyzed below the waist, I have learned to walk again, learned to cross country ski, and even learned to snowboard again. Not everyone can do what I did. Most people with a spinal cord injury do not have the opportunity to get any muscles back and even if they do, they don’t get enough of what they need to walk.

So, I am lucky, but I worked hard at it. I set goals. I stayed positive and looked at the world with what I could do, not what I couldn't do. I took up yoga and believed that I could think my way into a pose even if I couldn't do the pose. I thought to myself to just try every day to do more, to learn more, to be strong and understand that if I fall down, it is because I am pushing the limits. In fact, I learned to walk again by falling down and getting back up and falling some more. Metaphorically I believe this is what success is all about – falling down and getting back up until you don’t fall down anymore.

Staying positive and looking for the positive aspect in everything I do is my key. I like to say I can turn two negatives into a positive. It sounds corny, but I believe it and I believe in myself. It doesn't mean I don't ask for help. It means that because I try to help myself in a positive manner, others will believe in me and help me too. All I need to do is ask.

Last month, I received an email from my super cool friend, Olympian Nicole Forrester, asking for people to climb the CN Tower with other national team members to raise money for the United Way - a charity I have always believed in. They help people ask for a better life, thus helping communities and families throughout the world.

I wasn't sure if I could do it, so I drove down to Vancouver and trained in a stairway doing 20 flights at a time and taking the elevator down and doing it seven more times. I figured I could do it, the 147 flights of stairs (1776 steps), in about 35 minutes.

Tyler and his team about to climb the CN Tower!

A group shot of the amazing athletes before climbing the CN Tower for United Way.

The team cheering for a great cause.

When I took the challenge two weeks ago I blew my attainable goal out of the water by clocking a time just under 20 minutes. Kayak Olympian and World Champion Adam Van Koeverden did it in about 14 minutes. Paralympian Stephanie Reid Lakatos ran it in about 17 minutes on her below the knee carbon fiber prosthetic, young Leah Robinson did it like me with some paralysis in her right leg and Wilfredo (Papito) Moré Wilson did it with just one leg and two crutches - was I ever impressed! As you can see, we are all capable of achieving greatness. As Muhammad Ali said, "It isn't the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it's the pebble in your shoe."

So here I am: climbing new mountains every day. Although there are several hundred things I can't do, there are several millions I can continue to do. I can't run and I can't jump but I can get up and be happy every day. I can set goals and achieve the seemingly impossible and I am not afraid to try. So in March of 2010, look for me racing in cross country skiing at the Paralympic games. I hope you are able to climb your mountains and leave the pebbles behind.

Namaste - Tyler

Check out Tyler Mosher's fan Facebook page for updates: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tyler-Mosher/42536243617