Blonde Beezies taking the court in I Just Wanna Run tanks & Run:Speed Shorts!

The two weekends of OTL are literally my favourite holiday weekends of the entire year, even though they are only official holidays if you play in the tournament and thus understand my passion and enjoyment of this glorious tournament. In fact, I was so excited that I scheduled in my 7 mile long run for Saturday morning and ran from my house to Fiesta Island to watch my husband's team play (since my team did not play until Sunday). My friend and teammate Tara joined me in the run, and though our husbands told us we were crazy, we enjoyed every step of the run. We were laughing, talking about how crazy we were, talking strategy for our games the next day, and nearly sprinted the last 2 miles once we saw Fiesta Island and the OTL crowds.

The running route I mapped to Fiesta Island on the Dailymile.com, thanks to a tip from one of our guests!

When we arrived we felt amazing and were ready to take on a full day of sitting in the sun, drinking only a couple cocktails and watching our boys ALMOST make it to the 2nd weekend of the tournament. This run really got me thinking that I should be enjoying my runs this much every time I hit the road. Even if it means bribing my inner 5 year old with a treat like an evening picnic in the park, or gelato. This evening in fact, my husband and I planned a 4 mile run through Balboa Park, which happens to be right next door to the San Diego Zoo. So we're packing a picnic and heading into the Zoo once we complete our run, and I'm going to check out lions! I haven't been excited to go the zoo since I was 5, but rewarding our run with a visit brings the 5 year old right out of me! Happy summertime fun running my friends! Namaste.

Come on ball get over the line, go go gooo!!

This week’s training mileage total: 18 miles!
Longest run: 7 miles with a pace of 10:45 (We were cookin' and so excited to get to Fiesta Island!)
Cross training: 3 Jillian Michaels workouts
Wore on my long run: Run: Swiftly Racerback and Run:Team Spirit Crops (perfect for the cool muggy morning along the coast)
Favourite song on my run playlist: “American Honey” – Lady Antebellum

6 weeks until race day! Here is my training schedule for the week:
Monday: 4 miles + a picnic at the Zoo
Tuesday: Barry’s Bootcamp + Hot Yoga
Wednesday: Jillian Michaels Workout + 4 miles
Thursday: Barry’s Bootcamp + Yoga
Friday: 8 miles!
Saturday: OTL
Sunday: OTL Championship Game (hopefully that is...)

P.S. Do any of you have any fun summer running activities I can sneak in my runs with? How do you get creative with enjoying summer and your training?

why we made this

• Wrap yourself up in style and comfort during your yoga warm up and savasana.

Sweet savasana dreams with organic cotton.

• Made with certified organic cotton and spandex - natural softness and stretch for shape retention.  The softness of this jacket can attract the attention of your face, your face just might want to hide the day away in comfort.  Feel free to play with the collar, the shape will remain.

• Cowl neckline for added warmth.  (You could even sneak a scarf under the cowl if needed.)

• Back vent for mobility.

Feel free to sway your way to yoga, your jacket will flow right along with you.

• Front pockets to secure your money, keys and lip balm.  I personally prefer pockets to purses.

• Thumbholes keep your sleeves down and hands warm.  A cozy jacket like this just wouldn't be complete without the comfort of thumbholes.

• Preshrunk- no surprises when you wash it. (A lot of women size down in this jacket, but worry not as it will keep it’s size and shape.)

ways we wear it

Zip it all the way up and enjoy the large cowl neck.

Zip it three quarters, and fold part of the neck down for a peak-a-boo shoulder.

Open it up and let your tank shine through.

Find a Sway in your day. Namaste.

Whitney is wearing

• The Sway Jacket in a size 6 (between a 6 and an 8 in jackets) in Heathered Charcoal
• Manifesto Racerback in a size 6
• Groove Pants in a size 6 in black

Heather is wearing

• The Sway Jacket in a size 6 in Classic Sport Grey
• Cool Racerback in a size 6 in Lavender (colour not available online)
• Gather & Crow Crops in a size 6 in black

Here are three different women with three different body types, all of whom love the All Out Tank. Between the three of us, we have used this tank for yoga, bootcamp, running, and dance, so don't worry about where to wear it, we found a lot of places where this tank performs well.

pear body type

Having a smaller chest (A-, B+ cup on a good day) and waist, and an athletic badonk, this personally is one of my favourite tops.  This tank frames my figure, and adds a bit of oomph upstairs.  I also love how this top hugs my waist without suffocating it, and then bells out a bit at the bottom so to not cut me off at my hips.  My hips are smoothly elongated into my torso, and your eyes are not distracted by two different halves of my body. I am 5'7" and am wearing a size 8 in the All Out Tank, and this is my normal size in tops.

petite body type

My friend Heather is 5'6" and a size 6 in both tops and bottoms, her figure is petite and fairly straight. The All Out Tank works really well for her in yoga. This tank enhances what she has, and she loves it for this very reason.

athletic body type

Last but not least, Anna is 5'9", she wears a 6 in tops and between a 6-8 in bottoms, and has an athletic and slender body type. Anna is almost a happy medium from my body type to Heather's. The All Out Tank is Anna's favourite for Barry's Bootcamp and yoga.

details

I love the bust and neckline of this top. I think it fits many different chests in different ways, but I find it to be very flattering.

The All Out Tank fits very similarly to the older Athletic Deep V tank, with the updated feature of a more relaxed bust-line that you can adjust to your comfort.

If you are looking for a flattering tank, that can perform in many different activities, the All Out Tank might be what you're looking for. To that I have too add, if you have a larger bust like a D and above, then I would try something like the Inner Strength Tank, Run: Sunrise Tank, or even a Cool Racerback.

Happy sweating and Namaste.

Pear Body Type Fit Guru, Whitney (me) is 5'7" and is wearing:

• An All Out Tank in Senorita Pink in a size 8 (stayed true to size and the colour is not available online)
• Groove Pants in Black in a size 6 (stayed true to size)

Petite Body Type Fit Guru, Heather is 5'6" and is wearing:

• An All Out Tank in Lagoon in a size 6 (stayed true to size)
• Groove Pants in Black in a size 6 (stayed true to size)

Athletic Body Type Fit Guru, Anna is 5'9" and is wearing:

• An All Out Tank in Lagoon in a size 6 (stayed true to size)
• Groove Pants in Black in a size 6 (stayed true to size)

Why we made the All Out Tank:

• Adjust your bust with this all sport tank
• Made with luon on bust for max support and a luon light on the body for breathability
• Bra constructed on the outside for customized fit and no abrasion on the inside
• Mesh bra construction with built in pockets for removable cups
• Mesh back allows for max breathability in those high sweat areas

Hello, world! Are you ready for 17 days of once-in-a-lifetime experiences?

For the month of February, our five lululemon blog artists will be experiencing Vancouver and documenting their adventures as the madness unfolds. They'll be yoga-ing, participating in daily challenges, and fill-in-the-blanking. It's impossible to predict exactly what's going to go down this month, but if there's a CGSE blogger nearby you can be assured it'll be twitpic'ed, recorded for our Vimeo channel, and/or written about on the CGSE blog.

Without further ado, meet the blog artists!

Jenna

five facts about jenna

1. I will forever be a kid at heart

2. I <3 impromptu dancing and/or skipping

3. Food is a big force in my life

4. I like to think of myself as a "mixed bag of nuts"

5. Creating is in my soul

Twitter: @jennacgse
Facebook: Jenna Germany
Foursquare: jennacgse

Elim

five facts about elim

1. I have goals in fashion and styling. My dream job: freelance stylist and professional blogger coming to you live from the front rows of the most venerable names in fashion.

2. I have a life long love affair with books. When I was in grade 3, I read 100 books during summer break. Send me your suggestions, I'm always looking for something to read. Literally.

3. The people at lululemon changed my life. This saying "Be careful the environment you choose for it will shape you; be careful the friends you choose for you will become like them.- W.Clement Stone" is how I would describe where I work and the people I work with. I am extremely fortunate to have co-workers who are now my greatest friends.

4. I love to dance and will find ways to dance even in the most awkward of moments (Ex. in the SSC parking lot in front of the whole office).

5. I have completed the Vancouver Sun Run 3 years in a row now and am aiming for a finish time of 1 HR this year.

Twitter: @elimcgse
Facebook: Elim Canada
Foursquare: elimcgse

Whitney

five facts about whitney

1. I am a vegetarian, but my favorite snacks are cheddar bunnies and animal crackers. Weird I know.

2. Writing is my first passion.

3. I have worn the same color hot pink nail polish on my fingers and toes for 4 years now, even on my wedding day with hot pink shoes to match.

4. I once moved to Italy to play softball in their pro circuit, it changed my life and inspired me to apply at lululemon instead of law school. Ciao bella.

5. I believe that food is both the cause and the cure of all of our ailments, and a glass of lambrusco is the secret of a life.

Twitter: @whitneycgse
Facebook: Whitney Sweden
Foursquare: whitneysweden

Tiffany

five facts about tiffany

1. my favourite colour is black (and yes! it is a colour...)

2. my BHAG is to be the CEO of lululemon athletica by february 9, 2024

3. the best way to sweat, in my opinion, is a super hot yoga class, or sitting in the hot sun!

4. i LOVE cupcakes... and pizza.

5. travelling is my passion - my next stop will be the summit of mount kilimanjaro in the summer of 2011!

Twitter: @tiffanycgse
Facebook: Tiffany Britain
Foursquare: tiffanycgse

Liz

five facts about liz

1. I'm an East coast girl - BIG time. We're talkin' sailing, walks on the beach, yoga classes in a boathouse, Sloan, donairs and all. BUT I'm super excited to be taking it from the best coast to the West coast in February... I mean, it IS going to be the centre of the universe. BUT I've got a few travel goals: I will visit (and blog) every National Park in Canada with my friend Kim by October, 2012. I will participate in the Bali Spirit Festival by May, 2013. I will do a vineyard tour of Cape Town, South Africa by September, 2015...

2. I have a bit of a Cool Racerback "problem" - I'm currently eyeing Bold Blue as the 13th addition to my collection. I mean, they're just SO versatile! Why fight it?

3. I will be a 500-hour certified yoga teacher by July 1st, 2010 - I'll be heading to Byron Bay, Australia in May to complete my training! I'm definitely a yogi, and as the Community Leader at lululemon athletica Halifax, I get to attend at least 4 classes per week. Talk about sweating once a day!

4. I spent 3 months last year volunteering in Madagascar doing forest management and conservation. It's the most incredibly beautiful place with the most wonderful people - I really can't say enough about it, so ASK me! I've got stories for days, and it really helped me to shape my goals for the future.

5. Words that I live by (and the reason why I love my job!): "A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play; his labor and his leisure; his mind and his body; his education and his recreation. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both." - L.P. Jacks

Twitter: @lizcgse
Facebook: Liz Australia
Foursquare: lizcgse

now what?

Fan, friend, and follow our CGSE blog team. And if you spot them out and about in Vancouver this February, be sure to say hello. In fact, if you see them and mention the special passphrase "weinerdog", they just may hand you a special surprise!

the main cgse blog is at: lululemon.com/cgse
our vimeo channel: vimeo.com/lululemontv
our flickr photos: flickr.com/photos/lululemonathletica/cgse

and our good friend Jacob.

Football is sacred.

Playing catch is therapeutic.

Any time is good time to talk and argue about it.

They always have to prove who is better on the field...

and off the field...

They always want to be comfortable (the RUN Cross Check Tech LS, the RUN Goal Pullover and Sporto Wideleg pants are crowd favorites)

They don't sweat the details, but they enjoy them.

They understand moderation is important, and enjoy a healthy balance of exercise and food.

At the end of the day, give them a beer...

and they might just love you forever.

Special thanks to Alex and Jacob for letting me tag along in their day.

Alex is 6'5" and is wearing his favorite lululemon pieces Metal Vent Tech LS, RUN Cross Check Tech LS, Court Shorts and Sporto Wideleg pants in Tall.  All are a size XL.

Jacob is 6'4"/6'5" and is wearing his favorite lululemon pieces RUN Goal Pullover and RUN Response Shorts and Sporto Wideleg pants in Tall. Jacob wears is a size L in all of his tops, and an XL in pants.

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.

However, not all styles of lululemon pants seem to work for me and my, let's say badankadonk. Don't get me wrong my booty loves being wrapped in luon, but sometimes my backyard does not like to come out of the fit rooms. "Hockey butt" is not a phenomenon only enjoyed by men, ladies have athletic "hockey butt" too, but in America we refer to it as "hitter's butt" or "baseball butt".

My "hitter's butt" and I are notorious for wearing things too big, and stray from publicly modeling new styles. Recently my fellow co-workers at lululemon La Jolla have been encouraging my private fit sessions to become public so that I no longer buy the wrong sizes. I like trying things on when no one can watch me, and yet I love when guests model for me and tell me everything they love and anything they would change on our garments. But we are working through this...

A week or so ago when the "Snaptastic Pants" were delivered to our wonderful store in La Jolla, and my friends Julie and Stefanie tried them on (both dancers, both yogis, both with legs to die for) and the pants looked phenomenal on them both! They both ranted and raved about how the pants gave them a nice compression, and the snaps were a great detail for air flow in pilates, yoga and dance class.

The pants have great detail where they almost compress around the calves of your legs, and thus showing off a lady's lovely shape. Me and my lovely lady lumps however were not having it when Julie and Stefanie forced me to try them on.

I have always admired the delicate movements and muscles of dancers, and though I am comfortable in my own skin, I did at this moment envy their ability to rock such cool pants that I refused to even try. I figured with my athletic shape, size 6 tummy, and size 8 "hitter's butt", I would look like a pear with legs. I watched them snap their pants up and down, until I finally got the nerve to try them on.

As I shyly creeped out of the fit rooms, and looked at mirror and said "Ohhh snapp!! These actually work for me!!"

The wonderful feature of compression truly showed of the details of my calves, and the snap open flare at the ankles not only enhanced the shape of my legs, but also balanced the extra shape of my hitter's butt!

For once I almost feel like a dancer in my Snaptastic Pants, and love that they are black and yet also reverse to grey! Hey now, phenomenal!

So again to the wonderful lululemon designers, thank you for making a wonderful garment that you don't have to be a dancer to rock and look great in. You can have a "hitter's butt" and strut your stuff in your badonka-down-dog at yoga!

Seriously girls with or without curves, go try these on, you truly might surprise yourself and your legs just might fall in love at first touch!

Namaste!

*Please note, for guests dying to learn more about the Snaptastic pant, please visit your local lululemon store or give us a ring at 1.877.263.9300 x2. This product is currently an in-store exclusive. To find a lululemon location near you, visit our store finder here: http://www.lululemon.com/stores/ Alright, enough business, let's talk pants!

My dad is really awesome. His name is Terry Holum but prefers the name T-Hol, to which we all oblige. I inherited a lot of great traits from him like my addiction to chocolate, excessive competitiveness, and an over all laid back sense of life and humor. I love my dad more than anything as he has supported me without fail in every aspect of my life, with the exception of when I once dyed my hair hot pink. Literally it was neon and I was 16, but we've moved on.

He taught me to play baseball, which turned out to be the first love of my life. Taught me to ride a bike. He had innovative ways of making me a better softball player such as teaching me to catch and judge fly balls by launching potatoes out of a "spud gun" in the backyard much to my mom's delight.

He taught me to fight my own battles, when I felt life was unfair, and let me challenge my teachers and coaches on my own. I thus survived AP calculus even though to this day I know Mrs. Wilson hated me and graded my tests on an extreme curve.

In college when softball for the first time in my life was challenging for me, he never let me show an ounce of wavering, and came to every game my freshmen year just to watch me sit on the bench. He told me to prove to the coaches why I should play everyday at practice and be the best cheerleader on the bench. I am not a cheerleader, and this one was tough to hear, but I played the next year and he was right.

When I faced a bout with cancer and had a softball worth of tissue removed from my inner thigh and had to be on crutches for 6 weeks, he made sure I had the top of the line ergonomic crutches that actually had shocks on them and I was able bounce around like "Tigger".

Since I began my career with lululemon I have realized that my dad's love reaches beyond a classroom or baseball diamond, it has surprisingly made its way to a yoga mat. My dad has worked in construction for the past 30 years, built our home from scratch, plays every sport known to man, will only drink Coors Light, which is referred to as "God's Brew" in our house, and is not exactly the portrait of a yogi. Think of Paul Bunyan practicing tree pose, and you can imagine my dad in his first yoga session. Nonetheless every Saturday morning you will find him and my mom tucked in the corner of our La Jolla store practicing yoga with the other guests in our community.

He now brags to the rest of his "God's Brew" drinking crew after slo-pitch softball games of his pain free joints thanks to yoga, which at most times he is met with a lot of laughter and banter. But he proudly shows them the inside of his Metal Vent Tech shirt that says "And make sure to drink a beer or two along the way", and he is right back in there with the studs at Hooley's Pub.

He has found a way to be a part of my life by exploring an area he would never even consider beforehand. He is a man who is comfortable in his ways, and hates the idea of the unknown and change. For him to practice yoga and to say the words "hey get me one of those mandukas so I can get into crow's pose" gives me goose-bumps and truly reminds me how lucky I am to have him as a father. From the softball diamond to the yoga mat, he has been there so hopefully he will be happy at father's day brunch with his new manduka mat instead of golf clubs this year. I am literally getting married in a week from Father's Day, and cannot think of a luckier girl to walk down the aisle on the arm of my daddy. Who by the way requested a yoga session the morning of the wedding to stay calm and centered…gotta love him.

Happy Father’s Day T-Hol, I love you! Namaste.