It’s marathon season in Berlin and it feels like the whole city has running fever. Everyone's talking about personal bests and the best ways to get in the zone; the best routes and the best tracking tech; the best xyz thing to make you the best version of yourself.
And while we’re just as likely as the next person to get swept up in the hype, we know that running isn’t only about pace and performance and being the best. It’s also about clarity, community, routine, and simply just feeling good. It's knowing that the mindful acts that keep you coming back, that keep you grounded and centered and happy, are just as integral to the overall experience.
That holistic approach is what lululemon was championing during its Joy Rituals event at the Highsnobiety Store in collaboration with Zalando last week. Just days before the Berlin Marathon took place, the iconic performance brand felt it was the crucial time to connect with the city’s running community and remind each one of them of their why, the reason behind their run. So, it organized a shake-out; a fun run — one 6km and one 9km — sandwiched between wholesome, purposeful activities dedicated to community, self-care, wellbeing, individuality, and ritual, including a product customization station, group stretching and warm-up, and a nourishing breakfast.
Naturally, when it comes to connecting activity through premium performance apparel and mindfulness, lululemon is the perfect fit. Its foundations in yoga facilitate a direct channel to the topic of ritual, whatever that word means to you. It could be proper hydration and nutrition, stretching, connecting, and unwinding, or just curating a banging running playlist.
The brand also knows that in order to feel your best, you need an outfit that supports your journey and leaves you free to move in your own way, which is exactly what lululemon’s Fast and Free franchise aims to do. And, perhaps unsurprisingly, it nails it, which Berlin’s runners confirmed when taking special edition pieces from the Fast and Free collection for a test run during the event.
There were a range of garments to choose from, including T-shirts, tanks, long sleeves, shorts, tights, and a tactical vest. Every piece was extremely lightweight, much of it utilizing the latest Nulux™ technology — a purpose-built fabric designed to feel weightless, offer support, and dry quickly. It’s engineered for high-sweat absorption, making it ideal for fast-paced activities like running because it doesn’t get in the way or hold you back, and allows for a huge range of motion. It should, and does, feel like you’re not wearing anything at all.
“When I’m running, it’s super important for me to feel comfortable in what I’m wearing, so I can feel supported, versatile, and free,” summarized creative director Dhanesh Jayaselan, who co-hosted the event alongside stylist and fellow runner, Olive Duran. “The vest is definitely my favourite,” Olive added, “and the running shorts. There’s so much room for flexibility. They look amazing and they feel great.”
The vest got multiple shout outs for its style and functionality, as did the pockets on the tights, which were game-changing for guest Eva Che, who says always prefers gear that’s compact and practical. “I always have my phone, headphone case, and keys with me. I love when I don't feel them shaking while running.”
Of course, no good running fit is completed without the right shoes, so lululemon gave the runners a chance to try out the new Split Shift Running Shoe, the latest silhouette in its running line up. It’s the first shoe to debut the brand’s ShiftFoam cushioning, which is engineered to provide a springy, responsive, energizing, and super lightweight ride. They come in fun colourways, too, which always helps.
“For me movement is all about freedom,” said runner Helen Workneh, perfectly summing up the crux of the event. “This needs to be reflected in my fit, otherwise I end up feeling heavy and unmotivated. The freedom of moving my body without any pressure; the meditative state that is sometimes induced through a steady rhythm and the feeling after. [It’s then that] I remember that [running is] all about joy, not about performance. Once I take off the pressure and do a little stretch, I am ready to go.”
The lululemon Fast and Free collection is available to buy now on Zalando.
