Thursday, December 30, 2010

A few of my favorite things - cold weather edition

I hate the treadmill and love running outside. It's a bit of a challenge with the cold weather, but not impossible. Here are a few things, in no particular order, that have made a big difference for me.

[p.s. It's been a bit busy this week with the in-laws visiting. I should be back to normal posting and commenting soon.]

1) CEP compression socks:
I was lucky enough to win these from a blog giveaway back in November. It took quite a while for them to arrive, but it was worth the wait. It does take a bit of effort to get them on, but that's due to the compression which is where the benefit comes from. They come in different sizes based on calf circumference which makes it easy enough to choose the correct size.

To be honest, I think they were my secret weapon in helping to conquer the hills recently. From the moment I put them on, my legs felt 'fresh.' I noticed an improvement in recovery after my long run as well. As a bonus, it is nice to have an extra layer under my tights in the cold weather

I got them in black which is a 'safe' color, but would love to get a pair in one of the fun colors (pink or neon green) for when the weather warms up.

2) Sugoi Mid-Zero Tights:I bought a pair of these several years ago and they are my "go-to" tights when the weather turns chilly. I picked up an extra pair this year so that I don't have to rush these through the laundry. In my experience, these run small. I recommend sizing up.

3) SportHill Infusion Splice pullover:Got one of these on clearance this year and love it so much that I bought a second one in another color as well as one for Husband. It's rated for weather 0-40deg and winds up to 30mph. I can vouch for it being wind-proof up to ~20mph winds. If you are looking for it, Sierra Trading post is the only place that I've seen it online.

4) Descente Coldout Balaclava:It had gotten to the point where the cold air on my face was the weak link when it came to getting out to run in the cold weather. Problem solved with this balaclava. My only complaint is that I wish it were longer in the back so that it would stay tucked into my collar.

11 comments:

  1. ahh i love my cold weather gear. I only get to use it now when I am visiting KC, but what a difference it makes!

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  2. You have some fantastic cold weather gear! I'm not a fan of the cold, but the real reason I've been treadmill-bound here lately is I do not like running on ice and in hip high snow.

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  3. I could never make it through a Michigan winter if it wasn't for my balaclava. That thing rocks!

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  4. I can't do it without a turtle fur around my neck. I have a face mask I get out when it is really cold!

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  5. I bought the mid-zero tights after you recommended them to me and I LOVE THEM! I also have a pair of lulu lemon running tights but they aren't nearly as good for cold weather as the mid-zero ones!

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  6. Thankfully, I never have to run much in the cold, but some odd reason, I kinda always want the cold weather running gear.

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  7. You run with a balaclava? Holy Jesus, Mary, and Joseph... :-)

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  8. Good list. Really like Sporthill on those super cold and windy days. Yaktrax are great for the ice and snow.

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  9. I think I need a balaclava just so I can have occasion to say balaclava!

    Happy new year!

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  10. I have those socks in pink, bright pink, but love them. Thanks for the tip on the balaclava, I have a fleece one but it is too heavy.

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