lululemon Run Ambassadors Product Picks
We spoke to 12 lululemon Australia & New Zealand run Ambassadors about their connection to running, what they’ve discovered on this journey, the run goals they’ve set for 2021 and which of our gear they’ll be chasing their goals in.
Ben Edusei
Hey everyone - I’m Ben Edusei and I am a half / marathon runner, who is also a run coach that looks after the Wellington lululemon running club.
What have you discovered about yourself / others / the community whilst out running?
How much I love the outdoors, improvements to my mental and physical wellbeing, running is like a therapy session (it always makes me feel better).
Others - how amazing and interesting people are, creating friendships with people from different lifestyles, that being outside in nature is one of the best things anyone can do, and how fulfilling it is to see someone achieve a goal or become a healthier version of themselves.
Community - how much we ALL needed each other to keep each other accountable. We currently have 20 members training for an event in February and it is so inspiring to see everyone posting their runs on our page, it definitely helps everyone keep motivated.
What is your favourite lululemon running product & why?
Mental Vent Breathe Tank - it fits really well, dries quickly and has the silverescent which means I can wear it multiple times without it smelling or needing to wash it. Ideal top for a runner.
Kat Ackroyd
I’m an avid endurance runner, love being in the outdoors and I’m passionate about the creation of strong and healthy communities which led to creating the Perth Run Collective, a mechanism for sharing this passion with others and providing support for them to reach their own goals or feel a bit more confident within a space they feel connected.
What led you to running?
Running has always been a part of who I am. When I ask myself why, it’s because it improved my confidence, provides a space for calmness and discovery, and a sense of possibility that carries over to other parts of my life.
What have you discovered about yourself / others / the community whilst out running?
I’ve solved plenty of life and work challenges by lacing up and hitting the pavement in the open air; I find calmness in a busy day, I respond rather than react, and I become more accepting of someone else’s point of view. Seeing opportunities in collaboration, rather than competition - we go further, achieve more and extend the benefits beyond our immediate circles when we come together.
What is your favourite lululemon running product & why?
Fast and Free High-Rise Tight 25” - freedom to move and the stash pocket for all the essentials!
Tjimarri Sanderson-Milera
My running journey started as a sprinter. I was a 100m-400m sprinter for over 10 years. As of recently I have taken a step back from sprinting to take a more slower approach and giving some longer runs ago instead.
What have you discovered about yourself / others / the community whilst out running?
Being a runner (mostly a sprinter) I was able to find out a lot about myself, my mental strength and how I was able to push myself and my body to the limits. Being able to learn how to do these types of things through running gave me an edge on my professional life, as I was able to transfer those skills into everyday scenarios.
What is your favourite lululemon running product and why?
License to Train Tank - I’m loving this product at the moment because it’s nice and light. During summer when it's very hot (especially when running), having a light and breathable running kit on is a game changer when punching the KMs out.
Matty Palmer
I am the run club leader of the 440 Miami and an AFL High Performance Coach (fitness coach).
What led you to running?
I had a love for sport from a young age, but in the beginning, it was about being the best, the fastest, with the focus always being on the result and enver the joy of participation. Over time, i have learnt that the art of enjoying running is to lose the ego, be in the moment and not compare my speed or time to others.
What have you discovered about yourself / others / the community whilst out running?
I have discovered that running provides a wonderful platform for personal development and growth. It is a huge step for some people to even commit to start running and can help provide them with confidence in other aspects of their lives. For me personally, running has provided a place where I feel I truly belong and enjoy being included in the running journey of others.
What is your favourite lululemon running product & why?
Pace Breaker 7”- best shorts ever!! I feel great in them, they are super comfortable and I feel they suit my individual style. They have the ability to transform from a casual every day short to wear out and about, from the cafe to the shops, into something I can throw on and go for a run around Burleigh Headland.
Damien Bugeja
I am an ultra marathon runner & founder of ‘Run For Joey’.
What led you to running?
My main objective for running is to create a community based on love and care. Through his community it is my goal to open up vulnerability and have meaningful conversations. After losing my father to a rare form of cancer, I used running as a therapeutic measure, which changed my life. So, in March, 2020 we created the 'Run for Joey' and completed a 290km run over 6 days, where we raised $60,000 for the 'Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation'. After this we decided to create the 'Run for Joey 24hr'. In November this year we successfully ran for 24hrs and raised a further $7,000 for the foundation. Next on the agenda is a 48hr Run for Vulnerability, scheduled for March 2021.
What is your favourite lululemon running product & why?
In summer, my Surge Shorts 6” Lined never leave my site and are on constant colour rotation for each run. I opt for the lined option to reduce chances of chafe on my long runs. They are ideal to carry my phone and keys in the liner pocket. Then for the colder months I always rep my surge jogger pants for the early morning trot. I never leave the house for a run without my lightspeed run hat. Helps make me feel a little more aerodynamic and also prevents heat being absorbed on the top of my head. My list of favourite products goes on, but these are the 3 constants in my running journey.
Chelsea Enright
I am currently working as a sports podiatrist in a multidisciplinary clinic. Each day I get to help treat runners lower limb injuries and assist, running technique and get them to the starting line. I also coach a local running group which focuses on technique with running drills and intervals. I absolutely love getting the opportunity to help all levels of runners set new goals and experience the euphoria of running.
What have you discovered about yourself / others / the community whilst out running?
Running has connected me with so many like minded people. I am always inspired by seeing people of all different shapes, sizes and abilities out running. I love that everyone runs for a different reason - that is what makes it such a special activity. Personally this year has really highlighted to me how important it is to keep setting progressive goals in order to keep motivated.
What running goals have you set for 2021?
In 202 I am excited to be doing my first full Ironman distance triathlon in Port Macquarie (3.86km swim, 180.25km ride, 42.2km run). Following this event I will continue to focus on half and full marathon distances.
What is your favourite lululemon running product & why?
The Train Time High-Rise 6" short are my absolute go to for all running sessions! The high waist band is so comfortable and they don't ride up at all. I also love that I can fit my phone and energy gels in my back pocket!
Josh Lynott
My connection to running is all-encompassing. I don’t tend to define myself by one discipline of running as I enjoy it in all forms. I am an ultra-marathon runner, track runner, and sky-runner. As long as the community is strong around me, it doesn’t matter where I run. For me, it’s the people and the places that make running most enjoyable. I see movement and competition as a vehicle for expression.
What have you discovered about yourself / others / the community whilst out running?
The discoveries seem to come in ebbs and flows; I could go for months and not really ‘discover’ much about myself but then all of a sudden on one run, everything seems to ‘click’. I’ve learned about my perceived limits and how to break them; this would be the most important lesson for me. If you can run further by a multiplier of 5,10, 20 times further than you ever thought possible, imagine what could be possible if you applied that idea to other aspects of your life. Running challenges me to think bigger all whilst respecting the process. Naivety is a beautiful thing in running, but it needs to be paired with hard work and consistency. Running has taught me to be consistent and that’s a skill I try to nurture diligently. Like the lessons I’ve learned about myself, I’ve observed this in people around me too. Fortunately, I’ve surrounded myself with people who are deeply inspiring and it always astounds me the grit they have and the depths they can go to when they are pursuing goals of their own. Running is a demanding sport and despite it being an individual pursuit, the community is incredibly strong and welcoming. I have always found the running community to be exceptionally supportive and inviting. From a beginner to being slightly more experienced now - there is always someone out there to help you get better, give advice or show you a new place to run.
What is your favourite running product & why?
The fast and free split shorts because they do exactly that, make me feel fast and free.
Monty
I’m connected to running in many different ways as it has always been a big part of my life. I have a passion for trail running, long distance running and getting outside of my comfort zone in running challenges like the 24-Hour True Grit enduro event. Recently, after attending the lululemon run immersion in the Blue Mountains with so many incredible people, I was inspired to form a social running group called The Crew based out of Fremantle where people in the community can get together for social runs, fundraising events and other organised running events.
What have you discovered about yourself / others / the community whilst out running?
Personally, I've learnt a lot about myself from running. Its taught me resilience, mental toughness, patience and shown me clarity. It's really become somewhat like meditation for me and some people may not understand that but running for me is an escape of the day-to-day pressure and speed of life. Running is an outlet, a distraction and a new direction on a path that leads me to that addictive post run feeling.
What running goals have you set for 2021?
My goal is to just enjoy my time running and explore some new trails in Western Australia. I do know one thing for sure, I will be running as much as I can with my 7-year-old son. He has shown a massive interest in Athletics and wants to improve his longer distances so I'll be running with him whenever he wants too (which is a lot ). I am also super keen to do another fundraising running challenge/event. My last fundraiser was for Autism being the 24-Hour True Grit Enduro and it was truly a highlight of my running journey.
What is your favourite lululemon running product & why?
Metal Vent Breathe Tank - it's a great all-rounder tank to train in that's super light and comfy.
Matty Abel
I am connected to running in many ways; I am an ultra runner, a road runner, a trail runner and I own two run coaching businesses being DBA Runners and Vipers Run Club. Basically I love running and am extremely lucky to have my passion as my job.
What have you discovered about yourself / others / the community whilst out running?
Running is a real personal experience and we all do it for various reasons. Some run for a challenge, some run to connect with others, whereas some run to spend time with their own thoughts. However, what I have discovered is we’re all capable of much more than we really think. When we take running to another level whether that be running your first 5-minute bout around an oval or running a multi-stage running event going from how am I going to complete this run to omg I completed this run is such an amazing experience not only to witness but to experience yourself.
What running goals have you set for 2021?
I just signed up for Redbull Defiance in August. I am also signed up for Razorback Run which is a 22km trail in the Victorian Alps. I would also personally love to crack a sub 73-minute half marathon and do a multi-day run solo across some mountains either in New Zealand or Australia.
What is your favourite lululemon running product & why?
The 4” Surge Shorts (in blue). To be honest I have never been a fan of shorts with an inner but since day one of putting these shorts on, I have absolutely loved them to the length I now had 6 pairs. I love how I feel in them especially when moving as I feel no restrictions.
Mick Heron
My initial run campaign started many years ago, right after I learnt to walk. I moved into athletics in my 20’s where I was lucky enough to race around Australia and throughout Europe. In recent times I’ve taken to trail running and enjoying a run for the simple things like clearing the mind, freeing the soul and exploring.
What led you to running?
The pure ease and simplicity of it was always exciting + being as competitive as I am, I loved the challenge set by others in a race. Also the hard work that goes in and the pure enjoyment of knowing I’ve given it my all.
What is your favourite lululemon running product & why?
Metal Vent Tech Long Sleeve 2.0 - I love this top for its versatility in both warm and cool conditions. It’s very comfortable and light weight & I feel like a look pretty sharp in it too!
Dan Wagstaff
My connection to run began through supporting a client working towards her first half marathon. After completing that first 21.1km, my curiosity grew. Could I go faster? Could I go longer? I now run ultra marathon distance races and the connection to run grows stronger with each project I complete.
What led you to running?
What led me to where I am with running today is my desire to search for my own physical and mental limits.
What running goals have you set for 2021?
Providing we can travel, I have a few big goals booked in for next year:
Alex Bell
My connection to running was born through the creation of The Running Room - a concept that is built around authentic connection to community. As a running physiotherapist I have always been drawn to helping people make improvements in the physical, mental and spiritual form. The Running Room allows me to give back to others every day and inspire people to continue to run, overcome injuries and ultimately provide opportunities for growth Exploring the “why” behind one's journey to run is extremely powerful. People run for many reasons but for me it’s to connect. To connect with the community. To connect with the breath. To connect to nature. And most importantly to connect with myself.
What have you discovered about yourself / others / the community whilst out running?
The running community has taught me an incredible amount. Not only about myself but also about the community as a whole. “I am not ‘built’ like a runner” is something that I would previously relate to and something I have heard a lot through the community. Something that would often serve as a potential barrier for me to run and to be involved in the running community. I have overcome this barrier and I am embracing this narrative. Everyone can run. It is not about how fast or how far you run. It is about why you run. I am interested in further breaking down this barrier for others as running has the ability to have a positive impact on people's physical, mental and spiritual health. The flow on effect to our personal health and the health of our community is a beautiful thing. The Running Room will continue to serve the community with the best level of care and the opportunity for people to explore their running journey and ultimately their ‘WHY’.
What is your favourite lululemon running product & why?
License to train boxer 5" - These are by far the best pair of boxers I have ever worn. For those who don't always like training in the lined shorts these are your go to pair of boxers. So comfortable and with the 4 way stretch and sweat wicking these are seriously the best boxers on earth. A must have for anyone who loves to move.