Good thing I mentioned how we “don’t buy much” in my “green” post yesterday. Yeah. Because I spent yesterday afternoon at the outlet mall with my mom and sister and totally made that statement in to a lie.
Only a few of those bags are mine, but still, that’s a lot!
I rarely buy things for myself, but there were quite a few good deals out there – the main one being Under Armour ColdGear Compression Tops for $16.
Yes! $16! These things are normally $50 each! I love using them in the cold season as a base layer to keep my core warm. In the photo below, Steven and I have Under Armour ColdGear tops (mine is pink, his is black) on for the Thanksgiving Day 5K we ran last year – it had snowed that morning and it was in the low 30s – and we stayed warm!
The Under Armour outlet only had size large and extra-large for this price, but I grabbed a size large to giveaway! Here it is:
It’s a nice soft pink color!
Here are the details:
I think the top is an “older” model, which is why it was on sale. Works for me. And maybe, for you! See the giveaway details at the bottom of the post!
Do you like running in cold weather? I actually prefer it – I perform a lot better in the cold. Now that the temps have dropped, my pace has gotten faster!
I saw a great article in the November issue of Health on how to “Winter-Proof Your Run” (you can read the article here). The main tips in the article were:
- Dress like it’s 20° warmer – my favorite tip! You want to feel a bit chilly when you start running, because your body will warm you up as you get going. For minimal cold temps, start with a base layer of sweat-wicking fabric (like Under Armour ColdGear) and add a jacket and running tights. If it’s really cold, add another sweat-wicking layer, and pants on top of tights. Bring gloves and a hat, and even a balaclava face mask if you need it. And you can even find thicker socks to wear in the winter! Experiment and figure out what works for you.
- Warm up your muscles before you start your run – your muscles are less flexible when it’s cold so warm them up with a walk. And stretch inside, post-run, when your muscles are looser.
- You can run in the snow, but watch out for ice! – I learned this one the hard way last year. It’s safe to run in the snow (wear YakTrax if it is deep) but watch out for that ice – it hurts when you slip and fall!
A few of my tips regarding winter running:
- Just get out there and try it! You’ll never know if you like it unless you try it.
- Wear reflective gear if you have to run in the dark
- Re-think your hydration and fuel – I have had water bottles and Shot Bloks freeze in my pocket/on a belt. If you are running long, you may need to store them in your car or in a building.
- Sign up for a early spring race to keep you motivated! I am already signed up for a 5K in February, and am eying a half marathon in the end of March.
What are YOUR cold weather running tips?
Under Armour ColdGear Top Giveaway Rules:
- To enter the giveaway, leave a comment telling me where you prefer to do your winter running – indoors or outdoors – and why.
- To get an extra entry, link to the giveaway in your blog, and leave me another comment linking to your post.
- This giveaway is open until 5:00 PM CST on Wednesday November 17. I will use random.org to select the winner. I will announce the winner on Thursday November 18.
- This giveaway is open to all readers.
Oh Kim as I think you know I am a big fan of outdoor runs in the winter. I love not feeling sweaty & overheated, I love the calm after a few inches of snow have fallen and no one else seems to be outside, and I think the challenge and guesswork of figuring out what exactly to wear is fun. In summer all I think is how few clothes can I wear without serious chafing and looking inappropriate and in the winter it’s this game of do I wear the gloves or will I want to tear them off 2 miles in? Do I wear the jacket or are 2 baselayers enough?
I’m also kind of ridiculous though. I realize it :-P.
Growing up in Florida, I am such a baby when it comes to cold weather. Just last weekend, we had temps in the 50s and it was pretty horrible. (Luckily, we’re back up in the 60s/70s! Yay!) In the past, I’ve just stopped running when it gets too cold but I’m trying to make an effort not to do that this year. Plus, I’m trying to run one race a month so this will help me keep on track!
Oh, and to answer your question, I would still much rather run outdoors than indoors on a dreadmill. Yuck.
i love running on the lakefront in the winter – its quite a change from running on there in the summer during marathon training season, because it is desolate come January! but in order for me to overcome my disdain for the cold, i usually need to schedule a half-marathon or other long distance race as motivation to get me out there in 5 degree weather!
one more tip – always wear gloves because running with cold hands is miserable and they are easy to tuck into my back jacket pocket if my hands ever get too hot. i have about 10 pairs of those little $1 dollar strechy gloves i regularly use when the weather turns. they work wonders.
Love love love running in the cold – but then again I have no indoor option (no gym membership, no mill) so that’s where I’m forced to run – good thing I like it huh?
(where were you shopping? that’s a STEAL and I need winter gear!)
I’m an insane kind of runner. Some of my best runs have been outside in cold weather. LOVE IT! Now it snows here, so I am limited in the winter running venues… but I do love running through the Farm. (About a mile away.)
UnderArmour rocks me world. Love the stuff.
I love running in the cold. I get so HOT while running so the cooler weather really helps me regulate my body temp. This shirt would be an awesome addition to my winter running gear. Two years ago I ran a Thanksgiving Day race in 20 degree weather!
I have a cold weather running tip but I’ll put it in my blog and mention (and link) your giveaway.
I prefer to run outside in the winter. Of course, um, it doesn’t snow here. BUT I AM A BABY WITH THIN SKIN AND IT’S COLD! However, I hate the treadmill with the fire of a thousand suns (gives me instant shin splints) so outside it is! With gloves and a hat and long sleeves. And I ran my marathon wearing a trash bag. Lol. (Hey, it was 32 degrees out. SEE? COLD.)
I posted my cold weather running tip and linked to your blog. http://atomickandi.blogspot.com/2010/11/cold-weather-running-tip.html
I always prefer to run outdoors! I love winter running because it is cold out and you can warm up on the run! I do not love windy winter running though and sometimes when it gets really cold out (like below zero) and/or it is snow storming, I will just go to the gym and jump on the treadmill. Its nice to mix it up but I do love to be outside and enjoy the cold air!
Outdoors, no contest. Yeah, the first 10 minutes suck, but it’s just so peaceful and quiet and it feels like you really did something in a way that running outside in the summer doesn’t. You just feel very alive!
(Plus, it’s harder to take walk breaks because you cool off so quickly.)
I bet that hot pink underarmour top would make running in the cold much better! I don’t like running in really hot weather but I think I prefer too hot to too cold. That said, it never really gets too cold here so if I can I prefer to do my long runs outside – especially if it is one of those bright sunny winter days.
Kim! This is so generous of you!
I like outdoor running if it isn’t bitter cold (like lose your face cold) or slippery. And indoor running is okay if there’s good tv and I’m doing sprint intervals. I do sprint intervals on treadmills WAY better than I ever do them outside.
I prefer running indoor because I can’t stand the cool! I’m very very sensitive to the cold.
Enter me please!
Great giveaway!! I like to run outside because it feels more freeing. There is much more to look at and the fresh air always makes me feel good.
I run outdoors in the cold (Boston) all winter! I would love this top!Thanks
I linked this on my blog http://www.gettingstrongerburningfat.com
http://www.gettingstrongerburningfat.com/p/other-bloggers-giveaways.html
Oh, I LOVE to run outdoors when it’s cold here in Orlando!! We spend sooo much of the year dealing with heat and humidity that the cooler temps are bliss. I even pick up MY turtle pace a little. Shocking!
Love this pink top, Kim. Just researched compression tights and found a great pair of Under Armour black ones for (you said it!): $50.00 On a tight budget these days, that was all I could afford… no top… yet. HOPING TO WIN!!! 🙂
Will post it and send you the link.
Link posted:
http://www.runningcirclesaroundtheturtles.com/2010/11/under-armour-coldgear-compression-top.html
I normally head inside with my runs once winter hits, but for the first time I’m going to try to tough it out this winter.
Posted on my blog sidebar 🙂
http://onecrazypenguin.blogspot.com/
I’ve come to really enjoy running outside in the cold! With the right gear it’s MUCH more enjoyable than running in the heat and humidity! (And my pace is improved as well)
This is my first winter running, and as long as it isn’t too icy I much prefer to be outside (easier to keep the kids in check when they are strapped in the stroller!)
linked in blog: http://chasingthegingerbreadman.blogspot.com/2010/11/quick-giveaway-announcement.html
I LOVE running outside. I would much rather run outdoors anyday than indoors…(unless it’s a cold/rain combo…that’s no fun!) I love the scenery of being outside…I just love to run and take it all in. I love the sound of feet hitting the pavement…I just love running outside! :0)
I posted a link to this giveaway on my blog homepage! :0)
I prefer to run out side unless it is very windy. I usually wear layers so I can remove some if I get to warm. I just like being out in the fresh air instead of in a gym.
Outside, hands down!! Nothing like cold fresh air, and like you wrote, if you dress correctly, you’re all set!
hmm outside with no snow. Inside if there is sloshy crap out there.
Posted on the contest side bar!
I am a fairly new runner, this will be my first season to get in some running in the cold. I’m a bit apprehensive about it. Although I just did a run this past Saturday in chilly, rainy weather and I was quite warm in my jacket. So I’m thinking it might not be so bad. Although I really dislike the wind in my face.
I like to run outside whenever possible. If it is rainy I will run inside on the treadmill.
I live in Upstate NY and I run outdoors all winter. There are a couple times that I will have to run indoors (ice) but if I can avoid the treadmill I will. I love your tips! UA has the best cold weather gear.
I LOVE outdoor running in the chilly temps! I hate the dreadmill but when there’s snow and ice, that’s where you’ll find me. In the fall though, before the ice starts, I’m outdoors bundled up and running!
linked you!
http://zeroto26point2.blogspot.com/2010/11/psst-its-giveaway-at-ilaxstudio.html
I was always an indoor winter runner, but my goal this year is to become a winter outdoor runner, so this would be perfect! Do the yaktrax keep you from slipping on the ice?
Im linking you to my blog right now
This will be my first with winter running and I’m kind of freaking out!!! This was the perfect post to find. I signed up to run a marathon at the start of May, and since I live in Michigan, there’s a good chance that I may still be snowing! Normally I don’t go out in the cold, but I’m going to have to suck it up this year! I did find some tights, but haven’t found the perfect shirt yet! thanks for hosting!
linking your giveaway to my sidebar!
I prefer outdoor running no matter what the season. I can’t stand to run on a treadmill….you don’t go anywhere!!! 🙂
I prefer running outdoors mainly because its my only option, LOL! I enjoy cold weather when the air is crisp.
I’ve added giveaway to my blog bodybybeer.blogspot.com
I prefer to run outdoors, 1 there is nowhere free to run inside and 2 its so pretty and smells so fresh in the winter outside
I have posted a link to your giveaway on my blog!
I prefer to run outdoors. I live in Ontario( where it snows a lot) and you get used to running in the snow, it is kind of refreshing if you are dressed for it.
I posted a link on my blog for your giveaway.