steph’s journey

This year, Steph Corker raced and completed IRONMAN Hawaii in under eleven hours. This sounds impressive, certainly; after all, this is Kona, the notoriously grueling race filled with sweltering temperatures and punishing headwinds. What makes this feat truly incredible is what it took for Steph to achieve this goal.

Five years before this, in 2007, Steph ran her first 10 kilometer race. Fast forward five years later and Steph has now finished a race consisting of a 2.4-mile (3.8 km) swim, a 112-mile (180 km) bicycle ride and a marathon 26.2-mile (42.2 km) run.

Here’s how it all went down.

After catching the adrenaline bug, Steph began running and riding her bike more and more frequently, in addition to swimming laps at her pool (she grew up swimming competitively in her hometown of Aurora, Ontario). In 2009 she set a BHAG for herself (big, hairy and audacious goal): finish an IRONMAN. She achieved this goal and continued to train for fun and various run and bike races, with the intent that by 2020 she would conquer IRONMAN Hawaii.

In 2011, Steph picked up Rachel Ross, an ambassador from our Ala Moana store who was going to race IRONMAN Canada; Rachel was attempting to qualify for Kona one last time at the Okanagan race – and in order to qualify, she needed to finish in the top three. A big believer in supporting others in their quest to make goals happen, Steph drove her to the race and cheered her on that day - lo and behold, Rachel won ensuring her spot in Hawaii.

On the drive back home to Vancouver, Steph realized that after watching Rachel go after her dream she also wanted to race IRONMAN Hawaii – and sooner than 2020 (after failing to qualify in 2010 at a shorter distance race, Steph had hung up her runners). However, seeing this ambassador fly to a different country just to qualify reinvigorated her desire to make it to Kona.

Steph came home and examined her life. What did she need to change to make her goal?

The first thing was time management. She got groceries delivered to her house, had her bike set up on a trainer in her living room and got a cleaning service once a month at her apartment. She relied on acupuncture and massage therapy to keep her body feeling strong and consistently ate clean food for fuel. She got up at 5:00am five days a week and stayed in on nights when her girlfriends were going out to try new restaurants and catch movies.

Finally the moment arrived: the race Steph had selected to be her qualifier for IRONMAN Hawaii. She felt good and ready, a long winter of sacrifice and hard work under her belt. With the scent of aloha in her mind, she took off. As luck should have it on that day, she finished just short in the nemesis position of 4th.

the second attempt

Dejected at missing the chance to qualify again, Steph began to question if 2012 was her year. However, some strange energy in the universe kept her IRONMAN dreams alive. A sponsor (yeah you, Newton Running!) stepped up to secure her a spot eight weeks later at IRONMAN Canada. The only caveat? It was taking place in only eight weeks - not a lot of time for recovery. Luckily, she had a crew of rad friends and family who knew she had what it took to try one more time. Steph remembered when Rachel tried (and made it) in the 2011 IRONMAN Canada race. Instead of thinking of all the reasons why it wasn’t possible (like the fact she had only eight weeks between races!), Steph signed up and headed to the Okanagan on August 26th. With her crew of ever-supportive peeps cheering her on, Steph had her fastest race ever and qualified for IRONMAN Hawaii.

kona bound

Steph had just finished her second IRONMAN in eight weeks – and now she had another race only a month away. She was excited and also nervous – the amount of time (or lack thereof it) was daunting. Nevertheless, instead of focusing on all the reasons why it wasn’t going to work, Steph kept her mind on her routine. She headed to Hawaii a week early to prepare for her big day – and guess what? Her crew of loyal supporters all came too!

On October 13^th, 2012, Steph finally got her chance at her dream: IRONMAN Hawaii. She took a deep breath, filled with the smell of flowers and salt water and knew this was her day.

sweet, sweet victory

Steph took off and gave the race everything she had. Despite having raced only a month before, she was able to find what it took to have the race of her life. Despite blisters that formed on the bike, she turned in her fastest marathon time ever and a IRONMAN personal best. Every step was a choice and she remembered that when times got tough in the lava fields.

10 hours, 54 minutes and 37 seconds. 

Five years before, Steph hadn’t run more than 10 kilometres. Now she had completed Kona in less than 11 hours, not only beating her wildest dream time but also the sun setting into the Pacific. Her moment of aloha had come.

key takeaways from steph’s journey

1. have a support system that ROCKS.
As incredible as Steph’s drive is, a critical ingredient to her success was her amazing crew of friends and family. This tribe cheered her on, encouraged her when things were tough, believed in her when things seemed impossible…heck, they flew half way around the world just to see her sweat!

2. everything is a choice.
There were lots of reasons why this goal might have seemed impossible. Logistics, blisters, time commitment, money (news flash...triathlon bikes are more expensive than some cars)….all of these things could have stopped Steph, but she realized that it was all a choice. While there were some tough conversations, sacrifices and tight timelines, she made it happen.

3. when you want something bad enough, failure isn’t scary anymore.
Steph wanted this goal so friggin’ badly that it no longer became terrifying to go after it. The fear of never having the experience was far greater than the pain at mile 22.

What is your biggest, scariest, most exciting personal goal? We've created a vision and goals program to help you begin setting goals and figure out what your ideal life looks like. Get into it!

There is nothing (literally nothing) that could make us want to bike to work like the prospect of looking this chic on our wheels. While we’ll leave biking in a maxi dress to the Europeans (aka the pros) our commuting capsule has got us inspired to saddle up. Looks a side, we asked University Village educator, April, to share five reasons she likes to ride her bicycle as much as Queen does.

5 reasons to commute on your bike

1. it’s a beautiful day in the neighbourhood
Goodbye gridlocked traffic, annoying radio commercials and the occasional onset of road rage. Trade in your drive for a bike ride and you just might see what Mr. Rogers was talking about. On my bike, I’m much more connected to my community. My senses are all heightened during my commutes and I’m always making mental lists of the restaurants and shops I must visit on my next outing. There’s truly no better way to discover a new coffee shop than by getting a caffeinated whiff when I whiz by.

2. get your bike to do the heavy lifting
There’s no doubt about it, carrying your stuff sucks (aside from the impromptu arm workout). Whether it’s your work stuff, gym gear or groceries, carrying the load by hand isn’t fun. Schlep no more – from cute bike baskets to commuter lunch boxes to bike bags, there’s tons of crafty ways to let your bike carry the weight. Heck, there’s even a way to get that six-pack home in style. *Disclaimer: please don’t drink and ride.

3. it’s good for the environment
Being a Seattleite (not to be confused with satellite), I like to think of my city as environmentally conscious with bike friendliness at the top of the list. More and more cities are implementing bikes lanes and bike sharing programs making biking a breeze. Think of all the carbon emissions we could save when calories are our fuel of choice.

4. it’s good for your wallet
Gas, car insurance, transit passes, parking. Need I say more?

5. log a little extra sweat for the day
Riding my bike to commute means no gym membership for this girl. What could be better than getting your sweat on while getting to work? I spend 70 minutes riding round trip and my workout is done for the day. I always feel so energized when I arrive at my destination and I never regret my choice to bike.

Why do you love to ride?

Let’s face it; no-one wants to wear a helmet when they ride. We’d much rather sport a summery straw number or a jauntily angled fedora; or better yet, let our waxen, flaxen hair flow behind us like streamers from our childhood handlebars.

safety first

I’m more than happy to give someone a piece of my mind but, if possible, I don’t want to leave pieces of it on the road. The problem is, no matter which of my helmets I wear, I feel like a dork; like the kid with the over-protective parent (I’m pretty sure if my mom had her way I’d be wearing knee and elbow pads too and only riding in the park).

style at last

Recognizing that sometimes statistics aren’t enough to convince cyclists to don a lid, the latest helmets have done for protective gear what Twilight did for pale people. Here are some of our favourite new stars.

nutcase & sawako furuno

Yes, Nutcase and Sawako Furuno are still very much helmets but so much cooler than the rest. We love the nutcase slogan: “I love my brain” and the watermelon design is a great reminder of what would happen if our own melons were to hit the pavement. We also love the designs from Sawako Furuno and the attitude that if you’re going to wear a helmet, at least have fun with it.

yakkay

These helmets put the “yay” in Yakkay (somehow). The cool looking hats are just a disguise; they can be slipped off and changed to match your outfit. One of our favourites is this horse helmet design we saw on Garance Doré. The compact helmet has been designed to meet rigorous European safety standard. Safety and style: first equal.

lacoste cork

One of our lululemon alumni, Kyle Ferguson, designed the lacoste cork helmet concept as part of a project at Emily Carr. Though not yet in production, the cork helmet takes a great step away from the traditional plastic-not-so-fantastic helmets and feels more like a piece of clothing, less like a haz-mat outfit. If you want to see this helmet become a reality, contact Kyle.

There’s a theory that drivers drive more carefully around cyclists with helmets; they presume that someone confident enough to ride without one knows what they’re doing. How does a helmet that doesn’t look like a helmet fit into that theory?

tires

In my life, bike tires deflate a little over the winter months while spare tires grow. Planning ahead and putting some air in the tires about a week before hitting the road this spring means there's plenty of time to check for leaks. If your tires are deflated or flat a couple days later, there's still time to get that tube replaced. (If you're pumping up your tires at the gas station, inflate to the PSI indicated on the sidewall of the tire — narrow tires generally need 80-100 PSI and mountain bikes with wider tires require 40-60 PSI).

brakes

When worn out tires prevent you from going, that's bad; when worn out brakes prevent you from stopping, that's worse. Fortunately they're easy to check. Lift up one end of the bike so the wheel can spin freely and squeeze the corresponding brake (then check the other end). The wheel should stop instantly. If it doesn't, drop in and see your friendly bike shop.

nuts & bolts

Check that your seat and handlebars are straight and that the bolts holding them are tight. If the handlebars are loose you won't be able to steer. Before you tighten them off, make sure your seat is the right height too (who knows, you may have grown over winter). If the seat is too low, you have to work much harder (when the pedal is at the bottom of the stroke, your knee should be just slightly bent).

chain

One of the dirtiest, but most satisfying, jobs in the bike maintenance list is cleaning the chain. You can get up close with an old toothbrush or take the easier route with a chain cleaner (a little plastic box with rotating brushes in it). Don't forget to lube it once it's sparkling.

test ride

A gentle tour of you neighbourhood, before you head across town, is a good opportunity to test your gears (do they shift up and down easily) and your brakes. Listen out for any grinding, squeaking and clicking noises (from the bike, not your body).

I use the mnemonic "Tortured Bikes Never Create Thrills" to remember the five checks on this list. If something doesn't feel right, take it to the pros. Alternatively, local bike shops, like Our Community Bikes in Vancouver, are great places to pick up some knowledge about simple checks and maintenance that we can all do ourselves.

want more

• Be seen in reflective cycle gear.
• Use cycling for cross-training.

Triathloners taking on the ocean at Second Beach!

Earlier in the year, Eric set a goal to participate in his first sprint triathlon - perfect for lululemon Goal Week! After the brisk swim at Second Beach, Eric and Natasha hopped on their bikes to tackle two loops of the perimeter of Stanley Park, totalling 20km.

Eric on the second leg of the triathlon.

Natasha on her bike!

After the ride, time for a 5km run through Lost Lagoon onto the North Seawall. With the rain still pouring down, both Eric and Natasha were looking strong.

Go Nat go!

Goal achieved! Congratulations to Eric, Natasha, and everyone else who braved the rain to participate or cheer on the triathloners!

Eric and Natasha, post-triathlon!

Runners who are devoted to crosstraining include one or two low-impact options in their training program every week. They use crosstraining as part of a well-balanced running program to maintain muscle groups, add variety and prevent injury.

Uncommitted crosstraining relationships develop due to overuse injuries. In this situation a runner ignores minor aches, forgoes their better judgment and follows their running desires until an injury forces them to stop. Once the damage has been done, these runners cross train to maintain their fitness until they can return back to full-time running and repeat the cycle.

A long-term crosstraining relationship requires compromises and commitment to improve your running. Play the field with these low-impact running alternatives until you find one that’s right for you.

recumbent bike

This is a more comfortable option compared to the upright bike and still works your hamstrings, quadriceps and glutes.

upright bike

Biking and spin classes are great ways to improve your cardio and strength.

elliptical

This machine is my personal favourite because you get a total cardiovascular workout, it's low-impact and you almost feel like you're running.

Other great options are pool running and rowing. What’s your favourite way to cross train?

Cross training gear:

• Ta Ta Tamer
• Stand Strong Tank
• Run: Speed Short

cassidy

I run to explore! Running is the best way to get in touch with a new city or any new place. I love getting into trouble on my runs and never knowing what I'm going to encounter! It keeps my workouts FRESH and I love it!.

Cassidy is a keyleader from our Park Meadows store in Lonetree, Colorado.

cori

I run because it is a great way to get rid of frustration and stress. It is time to reflect on the positive and negative things in your life. There is nothing I do that feels as satisfying as when I finish a run. It clears my head.

Cori is an educator from our Aventura Mall store in Aventura, Florida.

ingrid

I love to run because it gives me space for introspection and the opportunity to let go of what my mind may be holding onto. My yoga practice compliments my running by not just stretching and releasing the tight running muscles, but also by reminding me to meet whatever arises with calm and clarity. That yogic philosophy translates into my attitude when I run and the balance keeps me centered and open.

Ingrid is a yogi, runner and ambassador from our La Jolla store, in La Jolla, California.

michelle

I love to run because I beat the boys.

Michelle is a competitive runner and ambassador for our Bondi Junction Showroom in Sydney, Australia.

ciara

I run to beat the boys... because nothing beats their expression when I pass them in a race...PRICELESS!

Ciara is an educator from our Grant Avenue store in San Francisco, California.

isis

I run because it's quality time with my husband and I get to meet so many cool people along the way.

Isis is the better 1/2 of the Running Couple, educator from our Fort Worth Showroom in Fort Worth, Texas.

elisa

I run to challenge myself- there are no limits, there is no time clock; it's just you and your mind.

Elisa is an educator, Triathlete and Vision Quest Coach from our Bucktown store in Chicago, Illinois.

katie

Running is the most organic way to feel Vancouver, see the water, smell the air...thank you legs!

Katie is a keyleader and "all the time runner" from our West 4th store in Kitsilano, Vancouver, B.C.

shannon

Running is my meditation. I run to balance my mind and create space in my consciousness for quiet, peace, reflection, and just being present. It’s a switch that resets me. And then that opens me up to thoughts that never would have occurred before. I get my best ideas when I run.

Shannon is our Run Designer in Vancouver, B.C.

monica

It keeps me sane; running allows me to tune the outside world out and get lost in my thoughts -- I've solved so many perplexing problems while running, I can scarcely count them!

Monica is an Iron Woman and an ambassador from our Kingston store in Kingston, ON.

Why do you run?

we asked

We’re looking for suggestions for first time riders. What’s the best bike for a casual ride?
- @lululemon

you answered

• Anything with 2 wheels and brakes! As long as you're out riding, the kind of bike does not matter. But a city cruiser is great. - @tpieprzak
• I have an Electra cruiser ~ perfect for exploring city or country areas. Plus, their paint jobs are so unique and playful! -@bySutton
• I love my bike, it is a Diamondback Edgewood. It is a hybrid between a cruiser and a road-bike. - @thekelseyadele
• Trek PDX, FX or 700 series. All affordable, comfy and zippy rides. - @sunnypickels247

we asked

Road warriors: share your bike safety tips with us. We’ll share the best ones with everyone!
- @lululemon

you answered

• Always make eye contact with drivers, especially at intersections. That makes them doubly aware of your presence! - @candrews
• Basic but protect your lemon, always wear a helmet! Bike on the right, pass on the left & let people know with an 'on your left’. - @starsinthecity
• Do NOT ride on the shoulder, too much debris and too easy to run off. use a lane, share the road means share, not hide. - @daynya
• Ride in a predictable manner and remember that your bike tends to follow the direction your head turns. Predictable=safe. -@raflopez
• Communication, communication, communication. Hand signals and verbally for other riders. -@jacqimoore

Want to share your wisdom in 140 characters or less? Follow us on Twitter. If you'd like to suggest a topic, feel free to email askanexpert@lululemon.com. See you next week!

Name: Cassandra
BHAG: I will become certified in yoga on an ashram in India by December 2011.

Name: Nettie
BHAG: To walk this slackline with no fear by this summer.

Name: Holly
BHAG: I am the community guru in Italy by 01/01/2014.

Name: Laura
BHAG: Break 3:10 in a marathon by 2011.

Name:Lisa
BHAG: I started running in January and have completed a 10K race. My BHAG is to run a half marathon by the end of 2010.

Name: Monica
BHAG: Get my PT ACE Certification and complete a triathlon by 2012!

Name: Lindsay
BHAG: I am at peace as a working mom.

Name: Terri (before)
BHAG: Shave my head for a friend with cancer.

Name: Terri (after)

Name: Amanda
BHAG: After a 136 pound weight loss in 2009, my BHAG for 2011 is to finish my first Ultra Marathon of at least 50km. If I can go from a size 24 to a size 6, I can do anything!

Name: Hanna
BHAG: Pass the real estate exam by October 2010.

Name: Michelle
BHAG: I go to dinner and a movie with someone like [see above!] by July 31st.

Name: Kate
BHAG: I complete a 1/2 Ironman by July 31st!

Name: Kala
BHAG: To be dancing en pointe by 2013.

Names: Megan & Julie
BHAG: To race in a half marathon (inline/running) by Summer 2011.

Name: Jennifer
BHAG: I want to break 2 hours in my next 1/2 marathon!

more BHAGs!

Check out the BHAG Facebook photo albums from some of our stores:

lululemon Eaton Centre
lululemon Whyte Ave
lululemon Sherway Gardens
lululemon Denver

Thank you everyone for contributing during the Daily BHAG month. Stay tuned for a blog follow up, when we check in on the status of some of your goals!

We love the “oohs” and “ahhs” we get from our guests the first time we hand them their first lululemon shopper. Instantly guests want to know: what are these phrases, what’s the deal with this bag, and why are you sharing it with me?

In sharing our shopper with all of our guests, we are sharing a piece of our culture and inspiration as a company. We have traditionally printed our shoppers with the lululemon manifesto, which is a series of statements that embodies our company's vision, culture and beliefs.

We love to see our guests carrying our shopper to and from yoga or around town, as it's a constant reminder of our vision to create components for people to live longer, healthier and more fun lives. The lululemon shopper is made of polypropylene, which is a plastic polymer that is 100% recyclable, does not absorb water, and is very durable.

have one already? opt out!

We know many of you already have a shopper or two, or five, and so we’ve added an “opt out” feature at the end of your online transactions with mother earth in mind. So if you already carry your groceries in your shopper, un-check the box that would send you a new one!

carry on and spread love

Our shopper has been spotted all over the world, and it encourages strangers during a six-hour layover to “breathe deeply and appreciate the moment" or to "sweat once a day" on vacation. We'd love for you to send us a photo of where your shopper has been, where it’s going, and how you are spreading love! Send your shopper photos to onlinecommunity@lululemon.com, post it on our Facebook wall, or tweet them, and we’ll share your inspiration with our guests for the next week.

Why not ride your bike to work and share with us how your reusable shopper keeps you green!

Spread the love and carry on! Namaste.

This is a guest post by Monica, part of the lululemon Strategic Sales team!

Did you know lululemon is in many small towns where stores don't yet exist? That is part of the work that we do in our Strategic Sales department.

We love small towns! We work with athletically driven businesses like yoga and pilates studios, fitness centres and spas; many of which are in smaller hubs away from big cities. We supply these pre-approved locations with our goods for small town folks to wear while they sweat.

If you are unable to make it to one of our stores, you might be in luck! You never know if a yoga studio or fitness-inspired location near you may carry our gear.

See if there is a Strategic Sales partner in your small town or learn more about the Strategic Sales program.
Monica from Strategic Sales introduces us to her favourite small town!

Where did you grow up?

Grande Prairie, Alberta! It is wild rose country and home of the Trumpeter Swan.

What is the thing you miss the most about your small town?

While the lights of the big city skyline can take your breath away, nothing can quite compare to the Northern Lights.

How far is your town from a city

Grande Prairie is located 460 kilometers (286 miles) northwest of Edmonton, Alberta.

How does your small town sweat?

Well, my favourite thing to do growing up was ride my bike through the trails at Muskoseepi park. The trails went from one end of the city to the other.

What is something that you can only do in your small town, and not in a city?

Grande Prairie is host to many annual hot air balloon races. It was so amazing as a kid to go down to the park and watch the balloons being set up and make their way up to the sky. The city would be covered in hot air balloons. A sight to see!

Last but not least, a big shout out to our newest partner in my own hometown – Love Life Hot Yoga in Grande Prairie, Alberta.

Thinking about trying a Triathlon? Don't know where to start? Pop into your local lululemon and ask the team!

Hooray, I finished my first triathlon this past weekend! No crashes, leg cramps or tears – success! The ocean was calm, the course was beautiful and there were 5 other lululemon teammates racing. In fact, it was really fun – at least once I was finished.

Thoughts That Go Through Your Head

You have a lot of time to think over the course of a race. Here were the thoughts going through my head:
• I can't believe I'm doing this – amazing, we rock!
• I'm never doing this again, once is enough, people will understand
• Wow, I just passed a 26-year-old, I rock!
• What do you mean we have to do another loop on the bike?
• Mmm, love the color of my new tank top and look, no chafing
• Crap, how are those old guys running by me? They left 2 heats after me
• I need a mani/pedi
• Finish line, thank goodness!
• Whoa, that was cool, maybe I should do another one?

Highs and Lows

The high point of my race was finding out I got 3rd in my age group in the swim. All those master swim sessions paid off. The low was loop two of the run. I felt dizzy because I don't have the skills to drink water and bike at the same time. My friend and stud Tri Babe, Rachel Ross made me feel lots better by saying "if you aren't hurting by mile 2 of the run at a sprint triathlon, you aren't trying." Thanks Rach!

Try a Tri

Thinking about a triathlon? Do it, sign up! Grab some friends and get it done. It's an amazing feeling to cross a finish line. People will help you. You can have a swim buddy. You can be part of a relay. You are done by 10am and can eat all the pancakes you want! Don't know where to start? Go into your local lululemon and ask the team. If they aren’t doing one already, chances are you'll inspire them to do it with you!

View run clothing:

• Run: Swiftly Racerback
• Run: Speed Short
• Challenge Crop

Recently the Biggest Loser teamed up with Tri California to complete an Olympic distance triathlon. Eileen Swanson, a lululemon ambassador and educator at our Walnut Creek store, and her husband had the amazing opportunity to work as the Biggest Loser's coaches for this race! Read about their experiences below:

Reid and I were honored to have the amazing opportunity to change the lives of 16 inspiring individuals (Biggest Loser finalists and winners from the past 7 seasons) by coaching them to be able to complete the San Francisco Triathlon on July 12th. We sent them each a training plan to get ready for this race in 6 weeks. Not much time, but we knew they could do it!

The day before the triathlon, Reid and I did a walk-through of the course with all the athletes. This was so much fun. I love answering question from first-time athletes. They were all so excited, it was refreshing. Each and every former BL contestant we met was super friendly, sweet, and eager to listen and learn.

After the walk-through we were off to a media lunch at Joe’s Grill in the city. It was a delicious lunch and great time to get to know each other better. I sat with Heba & Ed (finalists season 6), Coleen (season 5), Ali (winner season 5), Pete (at home winner season 4), Suzy (2nd place season 2) and Holly (finalist season 4). It was interesting and inspiring to hear how each individual ended up on the TV show and to hear how motivated they were to compete in a triathlon.

The triathlon morning came quicker than expected for all. Reid and I helped each athlete get set up in the transition area, worked on their bikes, helped put on wetsuits and gave some last minute advice. Whoa, there was some serious energy in the transition area. We all had an amazing time watching these newbies get ready for an experience of a lifetime!

The swim start was unreal. I was brought to tears watching all of these athletes giving each other high fives in the water, screaming with joy, and seeing the happiness written all over their faces.

The run was an incredible sight to watch. Heba, Ed, Matt, Pete, Bernie, Blaine, Coleen and Dane looked strong and were always so happy to be out there on the run course and loved the cheers from everyone. Nothing explains this better than some pics of those big smiles. The best part of this amazing weekend was watching each one of these amazing individuals cross the finish line with so much joy! Incredible! It was an absolutely surreal moment. We, as coaches, could not have asked for a better fairytale ending. Congratulations to all Biggest Losers! You truly are inspiring, amazing individuals. Anything really is possible. Keep it going…

When I started wearing lululemon clothes, I thought of them as mostly running and yoga apparel. Since beginning working here last year - low and behold - I have discovered some gems for cycling wear.

The run line is an ideal match for spinners and cyclers. The moisture-wicking, flat-seemed garments often include either Silverescent (anti-stink/anti-static) or quick dry and zip or back pockets.

I put our clothes to the test.

The Carlsbad store hosted a private yoga and shopping event with the San Diego Velo Bellas cycling group.

I rode with them before yoga and showed off the Run: Activa Vest and Flow Y Bra, explaining that I was testing the garments for cycling efficiency. While not wind resistant, the back zipper pocket fits my camera and cell phone, and the back pocket of the Spin Babe shorts fits chapstick and my lens cloth. I could have fit Gu, gum and my car key if I wanted to, but it fit in my bike's seat bag.

Jackie, my riding buddy, exclaimed that of course the vest worked - she didn't realize it wasn't a "real" cycling vest.

After the ride, we hosted yoga for the Bellas and invited them to a private shopping event in exchange for design feedback.

After a few months of testing our products in various saddles, here are the winners (please note, not all are currently available in stores):

- Spin Babe Short - have worn spinning and cycling. Lightly padded in the bum.
- Tri Babe Short - see above, plus more moisture wicking
- Run: Sprint Singlet - wore this in a triathlon
- Run: Activa Vest - wore this on a 2 hr ride
- Run: Power Crop - spin class
- Persist Jacket - to/fro bike rides and races
- Hot Yoga Bra - triathlon
- Flow Y Bra - spinning and cycling
- Brisk Run Arm Warmers - made for cold-weather running - and ideal as cycling sleeves.

That being said, lululemon is not best in the world at making cycling gear - yet. The more feedback you give us via our blog, Facebook, twitter, online, and at the store level, the more the designers will hear it and implement changes.

What else have you worn spinning or cycling and loved?

Seven of the lululemon Carlsbad Forum crew (including Kirsten, who we consider part of our store) completed our first triathlon of the season – and did amazingly well!

Meredith, Cristina and Sherry came in second in the relay, Rachelle is 5 of 12 races (1 per month) through her fitness goal for 2009, Kirsten is a third of the way there (her goal is complete 3 tris this summer), Laura swam her first open water 1 mile race (in less than 30 min) and I got 10th in my age group, making my goal time. Our Ambassador Rachel Challis was the second overall female.

We all sported the new Run:Sprint Singlet in Frisbee Blue - easy to spot one another and easy to show off our newest run top to competitors and spectators. It felt like a bathing suit top - soft, moisture-wicking, and sucked me in, in the right ways.

It was rewarding to train hard and compete hard. I loved finishing in an early heat to cheer for the rest of the team, guests and people I'd never met.

We now have one race under our belts and goal times to beat. I, for one, will be working on my transition time! I'll definitely be working out with Rachel's group Training Transition throughout the next several months.