They Get Me… Lululemon Gets Me

I told you a week or so ago that I’ve been dating Lululemon St. Louis right?  If you missed it…read it here. Well, to prep for the More Than Miles Run Series we’re doing here in St. Louis, Lululemon asked me to come in and answer some questions for a bio.

So I went in, running buddy #2 in tow and tried on some clothes and answered some questions.  Honestly, I really expected a couple sentences that read like every other bio.  Not that they are terrible but I’ve just never been good at writing a bio that explains me and all the things going on in my head.

You can imagine my surprise when they posted this picture and this bio on the event page.

“I’m a businesswoman, friend, wife and mother – to two beautiful and fiery young children, I might add. I’m a former college athlete turned dedicated endurance junkie. I’ve embraced every season of life, and within this my love for sweat. I’ve transitioned from marathon runner to ironwoman to hobbyist. All the while, it has been this love that remained. Now, I can truthfully say that I don’t know what life is without running.

Why do I run? The better question is, how could I not run? It provides me with stability, within an incomparable juxtaposition of peace and passion that I’ve learned to crave. As a mother, I’ve found this to be essential. Running provides me with a safe space to set goals and push myself to (and frequently beyond) my own limits. Most importantly, it does this and simultaneously diminishes any possibility of placing those same expectations onto my children. It allows me to allow them to be themselves – my light-hearted, innocent babies. It’s crucial that we all have our own identities. This is a known truth. However, oftentimes as a parent, we lose sight of this. Running is what allows me to be me, and my kids to be my kids. It clarifies and stabilizes a world that could so easily turn shaky.

“More than Miles” is the embodiment of the blending between physical and mental realms. There’s so much more to running than just the miles or the time spent marrying feet + pavement. It’s about practicing balance. It’s this – this balance – where the “more” lives loud. I never run simply for the sake of running. I’m running because I’m stressed and need to work through something. For the community and vibrancy of life in the midst of like-minded junkies. For my job as a patient and loving mother. For growth as a grounded, yet truly elevated, human being.

If I could share one thing with the world, it would be this: there is no life absent of pain. I see it as my responsibility to shine a light on the cohabitation of triumph and struggle. My life, just like yours, is touched with both. After all, I’m human and perfection doesn’t come with the package. The same is true for running. It isn’t a perfect sport. In fact, it’s far from it. Without the “downs,” though, how would you know when the “ups” are present? Without the setbacks in your training and in life, how would you know when you’re overcoming and even thriving? I also want to share that it’s okay to lean on your tribe and friends and teammates when times like these hit. Running is an individual sport, but you don’t have to be in it alone. We can be here, in this place, together.”

Guys…when I read this I almost cried.  It’s EXACTLY what I feel, wrote in a way that I’ve never quite been able to get across in a little bio.  I love everything about this!  When I read it I thought

How can a clothing store get me?

How have they so eloquently expressed every feeling I have about this sport we’re in such a complicated relationship with?!

I’m stunned and honored that they listened to my answers and shared them in this way.  I’m grateful to be part of this process with them.  I know they are courting like 5 others or something but at this point, if it didn’t go any further, I’m going to be so happy for whoever gets it because I know that what they will experience is more than just a relationship with a brand but an experience that will change them as human beings contributing to the community.

I get it.  Call me crazy.  Maybe I’m drinking the cool-aid but guys….when was the last time someone took this much time to get to know you and then tell the world about you?!  Really?!

So even if you can’t come to my session (and I’ll share the outline on the blog later) on July 6th, send some huge props to Lululemon and the local group here in St. Louis.  Maybe like their page or something and next time you go into the store take the time to get to know one of the people working there because you might uncover passion that runs deeper than the functional gear they are sharing!