It definitely feels like spring here ~ so much so, I got up early yesterday and walked four miles. I’m woefully out of shape and made a deal with myself: if it’s above freezing temperatures, then I have to go out walking. It’s 34 degrees this morning and I’m heading out at first light. I know 34 doesn’t sound warm to my southern-living friends, but it feels fabulous to me. Just the motivation I need to get a jump-start on getting fit.
Since Favorite Man has been extended here for another two years, I need to figure out what winter gear I should buy in order to continue my walking/running outdoors during the cold winter months. I don’t like the gym and it got so cold this winter which led to my fitness level plummeting. I can’t have a repeat during the next two winters. I feel awful when I’m out of shape.
Does anyone living in the cold and snow have suggestions for cold weather gear? Any suggestions for keeping fit in the cold? Fashion is not a big issue ~ I have no pride when it comes to staying warm. What ever works.
Thanks for the helpful hints. I’m going to stock up now (while the winter sales are happening) for next year.
We may actually hit 60 degrees tomorrow so I’m hoping that means winter is over. The locals tell me that’s wishful thinking ~ we’re due at least one “spring” snow fall.
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You’ve probably been wondering why I haven’t said anything yet! The last of the fam just left and I’m catching up on blogs.
Yes, cotton is bad. “Cotton kills” is what they like to say up here, although I’ll admit that when I get really sick of wool I cheat and put on my cotton socks.
SmartWool brand socks–wool, but not itchy or bulky. For extra warmth and thickness, go with Thor-Lo socks. Awesome. If you’re dressed appropriately everywhere else and you’re moving, these socks and shoes are all you’ll need (even for a chronic cold-footer like me).
My legs are always cold and I never could find something that worked, even the Army polypro would let me down. Just a couple months ago I found fleece long underwear pants and they are the best! Feel great and so warm! Highly recommend them. Some locals swear by silk long underwear, but I haven’t tried it and it’s a little pricey. Lasts forever though.
I don’t go out without a face shield of some sort. I like the half one I have that velcros in back. It’s separate from the hat so you can pull it down/take it off easily. I actually use the one the Army issued D. He’s going to have a hard time claiming it next year!
I agree with the above comment–you need to keep track of what you wear in what weather. Everyone is different and tolerates cold differently. One runner I know never wears anything on her face, just vaseline when it’s -30 or so. She’s a freak. Overdressing is just as bad as under. Another saying up here is “to sweat is to die”.
The only advice I have on keeping fit in the cold is to just get outside and do it, and to lower your expectations. Go according to effort/exertion, not speed/time. Nobody performs as well in the cold.
If you want more specialized info like shoe spikes and hand warmers, just ask!
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Found it – it was Uniqlo, and the specific product line is Heattech. If you google heattech you can find a site that takes you to the line and even some online ordering (the uniqlo site is HARD to navigate). Hope this helps!
I remember LOVING that the woman who was doing the segment on TV was wearing one of the turtlenecks and it looked nice – and the prices aren’t bad either.
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I knew my “type A” sister would have all the answers. I would never have thought to keep track of weather conditions and what I wear. Sometimes OCD can be a good thing.
Just kidding Joan. You know I love you.
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Joan, thanks for the great advice ~ didn’t know cotton was such a no-no in the cold. I’ll work on that.
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Alice let me know you had questions, well I have answers. Number 1 – Never ever wear COTTON when it’s cold out. Not even cotton underwear. You want to buy UnderArmor. The tights are good alone at 32 degrees. I’ve run in the UA tights + light running pants in 8 – 17 degress and have kept my legs & butt warm. Upper half I wear 2 long sleeve tech shirts (wycking shirts) and a lightweight windbreaker. Keep track of what you wear at what temperatures. I’ve got my notes from last year and they’ve been very helpful and the weather cools down and warms up. Last but not least a neck warmer makes all the difference.
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Was it Athleta? My neighbor mentioned their products but I haven’t ordered anything yet.
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I saw a thing on the Today show not too long ago about tops that help you stay warm. I’m currently searching the databases in my brain to remember the name of the brand. I looked at the website after I saw the piece on TV and thought that the prices weren’t too bad and the clothes looked nice. It was some clever name, some sort of play on words. ACK! I hate when I can’t remember things. I’ll let you know when it comes to me!
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