Wellness Weekend: Winter Running Gear

I live in Saskatchewan and generally our winters are long, end of October-March, and  often quite cold, -20C/-4F  is often the norm and it can get way colder than that for at least for a couple of  weeks.  The wind can be so vicious making it unbearable at times.  That all being said I like to keep my outdoor running routine outside as much as possible.  I will say that I am somewhat of a fair weather runner, there are a lot of hard core people around here, but my general rule is outdoors up to -22C and then  I move my runs to my treadmill.  I also change up my workout routine during the winter months to incorporating lane swimming and spin classes once or twice a week, and only do 2 -3 runs a week.  I run with my friends, solo or with my fur babies by my side.  Sometimes I run 5 km, other times as far as 12km in the winter, all weather dependent.  The important thing is that I keep moving and staying active thorough the winter months and a big part of that is dressing for comfort.  Today, I am specifically focusing on the clothing that I use when running outdoors.  Most of the items that I own are old and I don't update them very often to be honest (I've linked up new versions of these items).  I made the investment 3 or 4 years ago and apart from bras and shoes which I buy once a year, they are still working for me.  

1.  Mitts & Buff:  I have poor circulation so I wear an old pair of snowboarding mitts, they keep my hands warm but they can get sweaty inside.  My next purchase is going to be specific winter running mitts that are breathable.   I love my Buff and I wear it most of the time as a headband to keep my ears warm.  When it's extreme cold or the windchill is nasty, I will use one to cover my ears and another one to cover my face.  I don't like the full balaclavas, as I don't like something over my mouth, it gets soggy and gross.  

Mitts 

 Buff 

2. Pants to layer:  I have a pair of Lululemon First Mile Tech Tight  (they come in three colors) and you can wear these on their own when the weather is mild, around 0C, or my cheap hack for colder temps is to layer them under fleece lined leggings that I purchased from Costco.  When the wind is  nasty or the weather gets colder than -20C then I wish I had a pair of real thermal/wind resistance tights such as these Craft Storm Tights  that are super warm and also wind resistant.  

                                 

Lululemon Leggings  (Underlayer, fall/mild winter running weather)

Thermal Leggings 

Craft Storm Tights

3.  Mid-Layer & Jacket:  You need a good mid-layer that's breathable.  I wear my mid-layer top from lululemon all the time, spring, fall and winter!!!   I use it as my main layer in fall/spring and a mid-layer for winter running; it's well worth the money.  My best purchase was my running jacket that I received for Christmas like five + years ago.  It's breathable, looks good, fits well, , has reflective features, versatile and keeps me warm.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!  It is $$$  but I have never regretted it. 

Ron Hill Stride Hybrid Jacket  (currently on sale!)



Swiftly Tech Lululemon Mid-Layer; 

4.  Spikes!  If it's icy where you live, make sure to get some spikes.  They are cheap and I was so surprised at how well they work.  One of the things I hated about running in winter the few times I tried was that you had to be slow and cautious which ruined my stride. Not with the spikes, you can just run! 

 

Sure Foot Everyday Traction

5.  Shoes.  I run a fair amount, approximately 20-30 km/week during the spring/summer/fall season, so good shoes are key.  They are expensive but I do invest in shoes in order to help my knees, hips and back  stay on track.  I recommend going to a running store that will fit you in the right type of shoe.  Also put the shoes to the test a couple of times on the treadmill to make sure that you like the fit, they should feel good and comfortable right off the bat and not be something you work into.  I have the same shoes now for a number of years, I just get the newest model.  I am not linking them up because everyone needs something different form their shoe so go and get fitted to save your feet.

6.  Socks.  I just wear my regular puma socks and it's enough for me but you could invest in some Winter Running Socks to keep your toes warm. 

MONEY SAVING TIP:  Don't go out and buy everything new because winter running gear is expensive.  Go through your toques, mitts, and current running gear and use them as layers for the time being and invest in a good shoes, coat, spikes and pants over time.  I am telling you, you buy them once and they will last you years if you take care of them well.  This is one time, I don't care if I match or how I look, my goal is exercise and comfort, not fashion.

For more tips for running in cold weather check out this article Running Room. 

The cold never bothered me anyway.  - Elsa

What does your winter workout routine look like?

Ageless Style: Winter Blues

Hello and welcome to another installment of Ageless Style.  Today's prompt is brought to you by Joanna from Slices of Life.  Here in Saskatchewan, Canada winter is LONG.  It's our longest season and it's hard for all of us and seasonal depression is very real and alive for many.  I am thankful that I do not suffer from depression and continue to have good mental health, that being said there are times were I feel down and defeated by the endless winter months and the cold.  Over the years I have been able to figure out some ways to keep myself moving forward and to keep the winter blues at bay as best as I can.  

#1 Outdoor Time

As long and cold as winter is here, we do have a lot of sunny days.  Forcing myself outdoors daily is the best medicine for the winter blues.  Partially my job requires me to be outdoors daily on supervision for 45 minutes and that happens everyday that is warmer than -27 C (-16.6F).  After dinner we have pups who need to get their daily walk so off we for a 30 minute walk.  This is a daily habit.  We also love being in the forest and exploring, walking,  and cross country skiing. 

#2 Physical Activity

Being physically active is a must for winter blues.  It's easy to slow way down, which has it's own benefits, but you don't want to become sedentary.  We all know that vigorous physical activity is critical for our mental and physical health, so I have invested in good quality winter gear that allows me to continue running even in winter.  I have a great post on winter running and gear you can find here. I also have an amazing in-home gym, with weights, a spin bike, treadmill and an elliptical machine, that we have invested in.  

#3 Planning for Fun

Having something to plan and look forward to always helps keep my eye on warmer days.  I start planning out our lake time in February.  I reach out to our regular guests and we start picking out dates for them to come and visit.  If we have trips, I take lots of time to do research, bookings, and all the planning during those colder months.  This year we are heading to Europe over Easter so that's super exciting!!!!!  I also try to have something FUN with friends and as a family on the calendar each month (January - Halie's birthday celebration/parties; February- family ski/snowboarding day trip; March- HELP?!?)

We are heading to Europe over Easter and we couldn't be more excited!

#4 Down Time

I do take a lot more time to blog, start new projects, read, etc. during the winter months.  I embrace that there is less on the go and it's less busy.  I enjoy the slower mornings on the weekends and keep my workouts later on in the day.  

When I actually take out my cricut Kindness shirt project.

Enjoying a variety of specialty teas from David's Tea.

 

#5 Seasonal Decor & Fresh Flowers

The last few years I've decided that spending a little bit on seasonal decor to spruce up my homme throughout the winter month makes me cheerful and happy.  And although there is often snow on the ground well into April, my home can resemble signs of spring even when it feels like winter.  I love to have a Valentines Day tray, a hot chocolate bar, and fresh cut flowers starting in March or whenever I tire of the winter look.  

#6 Cozy & Comforting Style

I love sweater weather, cozy sweater dresses, boots, toques, mitts, and I am big fan of  matching cozy suit sets like here and here.  This year for Christmas I asked for this olive two piece set from Amazon.  It's so soft, and cozy, and looks comfortable but chic.  I love the half-zip pull over style, and the material is very light weight, but buttery soft.  I am currently living in this set on the weekends and I know it's going to be my favorite travel day outfit for our trip in the spring.  Bonus, it's teen approved as both girls have already asked if they can borrow it.

It's your turn!  How are you fighting off the Winter Blues?  What should I put on my FUN list for March  (still very cold and snowy here during that month)?

Marsha~ Marsha in the Middle
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Mireille ~ Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom

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Jennifer - Overflowing with Thankfulness

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Joanna ~ My Slice of Life

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Bo ~ Bo's Bodacious Blog

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Cozy Winter Outfit Formula: Leggings, Tee, Cardigan & Blanket Scarf

I am back!  I decided to take a much needed week off from all social media and enjoy time with the family.  We embraced the outdoors and focused on appreciating the winter season.  The kids had a week off from school and I have a blog post coming up on Wednesday, March 7th depicting what we were up to.  Onto the weekly style post.  Guess what?!?  I was in outdoor, mommy gear, cozy comfort, easy to pull on your ski-pants style over, all week long.  You bet!  No fancy shoes, make-up, hair styles.  No office wear, skirts, dresses, or stylish jewelry.  It was all about feeling good and being able to add or take off layers on depending on t he weather and activity we were engaging in.

Now generally I don't wear leggings as pants unless they are my running leggings which I wear for running.   I do however love how this outfit came together and was perfect for getting outdoors, running a couple of errands around the city, but also throwing on my winter gear quickly without any changes needed.  My cardigan is longer in the back so it covers my butt and pairing it up with a blanket scarf that hangs down also created a look of layers in the front.  I feel like blanket scarves just add just the right amount of  fun to an otherwise pretty basic/standard outfit, see examples here and here, plus the mixing of plaid and polka dots is super cute.  Such an easy style to pull together.   Leggings, basic tee, cardigan and a blanket scarf.  Who doesn't have these pieces in their closet?  When I hit the outdoors, I just loose the scarf, pull on my ski-pants and winter coat, and I am ready to play in the snow.    

What's your easy winter style outfit?

Shop This Look:

Blanket Scarf (similar)

Hue Leggings

Polka Dot Tee (similar)

Ageless Style: The Super Puff Coat

This month the ladies of Ageless Style are coming to show you some outerwear.  Although many of you are moving towards thinking about Spring fashion and weather, I am stil going to be wearing a winter parka for a few more months.  

Dropping a lot of cash  on a winter coat is never on my list of desires to be honest, but I live where winter is long (5 months long) and harsh  (like -40C harsh). It's not always that cold, but between -10C and -20C as a daily is what we wish for to be honest, with temperatures dropping to the above digits several times over the course of winter.  Needless to say, proper winter gear is kind of a must have! 

Being that we are outdoorsy and active, I already have a great winter coat and fleece layer combo, ski pants, heated socks, warm mitts and Sorel boots.  That being said, as a teacher I am outside several times a day for supervision anywhere from 15 - 45 minutes at a time, as well as we  take the pups for a walk each evening.  I started to wonder if a long coat might be nice, especially for the shorter stints of supervision so that I didn't have to put on ski pants every single time to keep my legs warm.  I started looking at Aritizia's famous Super Puff in the long coat.  The price tag was just under $400 for the their warmest coat, which is rated to -40C, there are other options to consider depending on where you live and what you are needing.  I really wanted it but I've spent money on other "super warm" coats, namely an Arc'Teryx jacket, only to find that it really weren't all that warm.  Well, I am here to tell you this coat is WORTH the price!!! 

I got it second hand on Marketplace, for half the price, in late October.  We had a phenomenal fall but now we've had some frigid temperatures in December and this coat is everything it claims to be.  Super warm, no extra layering necessary, it's wind-proof, keeping me warm from head to toe.  I can honestly say I've only put ski pants on a handful of times when it's been really nasty for walks, -27C or colder, and this coat has kept my legs warm.

 *These photos were obviously taken previously to our winter really getting started.

 

I'm 5'4 so the jacket only leaves a few inches between my winter boots and bottom of coat.  I usually just  where my fleece sweats and my boots to take the pups for their daily walk, and I stay good and warm.  I am 128 lbs. and 5' 4, and I purchased a small.  It's got lots of space even when I have a bulky sweater on underneath.  I love how warm it keeps me but also how stylish it looks.  I feel put together whether I am skating with the family, going for walks, or running to the mall.  I love it styled with a cozy warm, fleece sweat suit set like this one, which has been my go to for our winter walks or errands.

So, I give it a full ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and definitely would pay full price to buy it, and I don't say that lightly.  

*This is NOT sponsored in any way, shape or form.  My honest opinion and desire to share what's worth the money in my opinion.

Shop This Post:

The Super Puff Long- cliMATTE

Now check out what the other ladies are showing you and maybe some of their outerwear will align more  with what you experience in your neck of the woods at this time of the year. As always, thanks so much for stopping by.  

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My Home Gym Reno

If you have been here for a while now, you know that I am dedicated to working out and running.  So it's surprising that it took us so long to create a warm and functional workout space right in our home.  When COVID-19 hit and we went into lockdown, we finally had the time, and frankly the cash to re-do our 70's vibe basement, including the space where I kept my workout equipment.  Picture,  yellow-ish walls,  shaggy brown carpet, brown closet doors and just an overall low-light space.  Although it wasn't beautiful, it did do the trick for the past 12 years that we have called this house our home and sometimes it just takes time to get to all the places that need to be tackled.  So in March, I finally got a beautiful space that I now love walking into. 

Since my main form of exercise is still outdoor running, all year long, see my post here about winter running gear, I do liek to do some workouts at home as well.  I also don't run outdoors in the wee hours of the morning by myself, so if my buddy can't go, I get on the treadmill.  In my gym the equipment is very basic.  Treadmill (my favorite), an eliptical, weights, jump rope, yoga mats and bands.  That's its!  Recently, I signed up to have access to the BeachBody on demand workouts and love have tthat option at my fingertips.  I like to do a couple of runs during the week, a total body workout (cardio and weights), an upper body workout, and a yoga.  Other days I get outdoors for our regular walks with the pups.  I keep it simple and managable to be honest.  Most things are around the 30 minutes and one longer run during the week.  That's what I can handle and what makes sense for me.  

Now let's take a look at the bright, motivational and getting it done space we created.  The first and biggest two transformations were putting in new flooring a fresh coat of white paint on the walls and on the closet doors!  Siriously those two things opened up this tiny bedroom and made air circulate through it!!!  All of a sudden even though it's in the basement, it felt much larger and more inviting.  My favortie part of the room is that I found a space to utilize an old pin board, by printing off all the picture from the various 10 km and half- marathons that I have done over the years.  Seeing my friends and family with me, cheering me on, reminds me to keep going and how much I love running.  It's great to look at on days that I just don't feel like woring out.  LOL.  Some simple Dollarama frames, with motivational qoutes also hang on the one wall, while I've utilized baskets of various sizes to keep my mats, weights and bands in order.  Overall I am happy with the how it turned out.

Do you have a gym space or a designated workout space in your home?     

Glad to be back here again after a week and a few days off!  Thanks for the kind and supportive words as I took a little detox break.  XOXO.  - Bo