I love running, but every year I hit a slump. It starts late November and ends in March. Why? WEATHER. I am a wimp when it comes to the colder months. I ran outside twice during the winter last year, and I was freezing. I told myself that I am not going to hit that slump this year. I’m going to toughen up and run through the winter months. The key to running the colder temps is gear. Today, I’m partnering up with HYLETE, premium performance apparel, to share some winter running tips, and introduce you to their amazing athletic gear. Hopefully this can help you get through your winter runs as well.
I know I don’t have much to complain about since it’s still 50-70 degrees here, but the colder temps are just around the corner. When I go on my morning walks, it’s still 35-45 degrees. Some of you are already running in snow! I aspire to be just like you!
I’m excited so excited to team up with HYLETE for this sponsored post because they are a wonderful company. They create comfortable and premium performance apparel and gear for just about anyone! I love that they use the input, feedback and support from their passionate community to create their apparel and gear.
**If you use the code: TARALYNN you’ll receive 40% off retail on your first purchase! The code expires 12/12/2016!
What really caught my attention is that they don’t sell HYLETE in retails stores like most athletic apparel. They cut out the middle man, which cuts out the mark-up, so they can offer their community a significant discount on every order. Plus, the more you order, the bigger the discount!
HYLETE‘s gear is something to feel good about purchasing. Not only is it premium and perfect for your workout, but HYLETE has a program that supports charities, who share the same core beliefs of the HYLETE nation. The participating charities receive fifty percent of revenue from their charity apparel sales. I love that they give back.
It was 35 degrees when I left the house on Friday morning to walk my dog. Thats freezing to me. I decided to try out my new HYLETE apparel. I have the Accent Hooded Jacket (my new favorite jacket) and the HYLETE Invex ll crop pants on.
The jacket is ultra-durable fleece faced fabric that stretches with every single movement! It’s great for outdoor running because it doesn’t delay or stand in the way of your movements. I also love how breathable it is. My issue is running and getting super hot mid-run once the body warms up, but this HYLETE jacket has mesh panels located on the back, under arms, and side-panels to regulate the body temperature and allows moisture to evaporate quickly. This makes a big difference! It also has a hood just incase it’s super cold or the surprise rain starts.
The jacket also has thumbholes at the cuffs for some extra warmth and comfort! The jacket has hidden pockets for phones, energy chews, keys, or anything else you want to bring on your outdoor workout.
They have so many cute crops to choose from. I decided to go with the grey colored crops so I can wear them with all of my other fitness apparel. The crop pants are so unique feeling. They fit smooth around your hips and the elastic waistband stretches up to 4” inches. If you want a tighter fit, definitely size down! The crop has an adjustable rise-waistband that can be warn as-is for a medium rise, or rolled down if your prefer a lower rise. I alway alike a medium rise becuase I tuck my phone in the waistband of my running pants!
I am all about socks when it comes to running. They play a huge role in a good workout, especially in the colder months! You need socks that are going to keep you warm and also keep you from getting unwanted blisters. I love that HYLETE socks are high quality and super thick. They provide ideal compression, abrasion resistance, wicking, breathability and comfort. They come in all sorts of fun colors.
I really love the black Quad-blend henley top that I’m wearing in this photo. It’s super stretchy and durable. It’s thin, warm, and the perfect undershirt for a super cold run! It’s also good by itself for the weather I’m having right now. I love that it has a hood because my ears get SO COLD when I run.
The henley is a slimming athletic cut with a kangaroo pocket in the front for extra storage. The henley is so comfortable that you won’t want to take it off! I want to wear the henley under my vest this winter! Just like the pants, definitely size down for a tighter fit.
I also love all of the tank tops HYLETE has. They are so soft and great for working out inside the gym. The Independence tri-blend tank is my favorite because…USA! 🙂
Seven winter running tips
1. STAY HYDRATED (it’s easy to forget in the winter.)
2. DRESS ACCORDINGLY
3. WATCH OUT FOR ICY ROADS
4. WARM UP BEFORE YOU RUN
5. WEAR REFLECTORS (gets dark quicker)
6. SIGN UP FOR A SPRING RACE TO KEEP YOU MOTIVATED
7. TRY TO RUN BETWEEN 12-2PM WHEN THE SUN IS AT IT’S HOTTEST
Remember to use code: TARALYNN for 40% off retail on your first purchase! The code expires 12/12/2016! HYLETE would be a great gift for a friend or family member this holiday season.
NOW QUESTIONS FOR YOU!
1. What is your best winter running tip?
2. How do you stay motivated in the winter?
3. What piece of apparel do you absolutely have to have during the colder months?
Charmaine Ng says
Love your recaps! Thank you for the tips… I’m such a lazy runner and I always find myself skipping!
– Charmaine
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Charmaine!
Thank you 🙂 & You’re welcome! I find myself skipping sometimes too or I get in my own head! No more excuses for me! 🙂
xo
Lauren @ Following the Path of Life says
Those clothes do look nice and cozy for winter running…plus for lounging around the house afterwards!;)
1. I think the best advice I could give someone is to just get out there and brave the cold because, often, the rewards of winter running totally outweigh any negative aspects. Those first 5 or 10 minutes might be difficult, but then you start to notice the world around you, and how magically different it is from any other season. Sometimes the world is just so still and silent in the winter…it’s an amazing thing to listen to. Snow (if you have any) turns the world into a winter wonderland and Christmas decorations make any old run brand new. It’s a pretty special season to run in.
2. I’m motivated by reminding myself of goals I’m working towards and that, once I warm up, I truly enjoy winter runs. My dog, who needs regular exercise and loves his runs, is a good motivator, too!
3. I always have to wear some sort of headband for my ears, thick or thin depending on the amount of wind and degree of cold. If I don’t protect my ears, I tend to get an earache that can last for a day or two, which kind of spoils the joy of running.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Lauren!!
Both perfect for a workout and lounging! Or out running winter errands 🙂
You’re so right. It gets easier after the first ten minutes! You just made me want to move somewhere snowy!
Love that you can bring your pup along! Moose is such a good companion. Grumples loves to walk, but he’d kill me if we ran lol Plus he’d sprint and quit ten minutes later.
YES! I get the earaches too!
Brittany says
Love the running tips. I live in Boulder, CO where it usually snows a lot in the winter. I find that gloves and ear warmers are key! And a warm shower right when you finish. Sitting in sweaty clothes when you’re coled is no good!
Did you ever blog about your skydiving experience?
Taralynn McNitt says
Gosh! I bet it’s so cold!! Warm showers are a must.
I am going to blog about it soon:) I have someone making a cool video for it! xo
Carly says
Perfect timing on this post! I was literally just looking for motivation to get outside in the cold!
My best winter running tip is don’t forget about your fingers and toes, so I always have to have warm socks and gloves! Mine always get cold no matter how hot the rest of me is! My dog moose is my winter motivation because he ALWAYS wants to go even if I don’t! How can I say no to puppy eyes!
Thank you for introducing me to Hylete! I’m already filling my cart with gifts for my mom and sister… and a couple for myself!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Carly!
Hope you got out there today! Yes…fingers and toes always 🙂 Do you take Moose out running in the winter? How do you handle his paws in the snow or with street salt?
I hope you love the gear!!
xo xo
Carly says
I did get out there yesterday! And yes I take Moose! He is obsessed with winter! When we’re walking he has snow boots to help with the salt/ice. But running the boots don’t stay on very well so we use mushers wax, which is a little slimy but works great! I defiantly recommend the mushers wax especially since most dogs arn’t too fond of boots!
Jessie @ The Acquired Sass says
1. Drive around after a snow & see where the roads and sidewalks are most clear. We have a big park that the county does a great job clearing. It has roads but also a paved running lane that they clear as well. So, if I ever need to get out for a run after a snow storm, that park is my go-to location. Whereas on weekends some city streets // sidewalks are slow to be cleared since no one is downtown.
2. I usually try to sign up for a big Spring race, but also, there are lots of great shorter races during cooler weather. I try to find a few of those as well to use as my weekend long runs. They usually line up pretty good with my training schedule which is definitely a plus!
3. Sunglasses. The reflection of the sun off of snow always kills me. And a good pair of gloves. I usually take them off by the end of my first mile or so, but my hands are always so cold. Plus, they’re great to put on right away when I finish. My body usually takes a while to cool off, but my hands are cold right away.
I also love running with people in the winter. We get to chatting and before I know it, I’m not cold anymore. Honestly, the hardest part of winter running is getting out of a warm cozy bed and out into the cold air // cold car. Brrrrr. I like to set my outfit out the night before if I can. If I look at the weather in the morning I’ll just hop right back in bed.
Taralynn McNitt says
That’s a smart tip!
Yes signing up for spring races is key.
I never thought about sunglasses. I mean, I’d wear them, but thats a good tip reminder!!!
I wish I could be a talker while running. My running partner and I have to wear earbuds and we just give each other hand signals lol
xo
Bethany @LuluRuns says
I’ve run through lots of snow and ice before and planning to this year! Something I’ve learned is although it STINKS sometimes I’ll run through the snow instead of on the sidewalks or streets. Usually, you’ll miss the ice if you do that.
I also always make sure I wear gloves. Gloves are a must and something to wear over my ears. I may not look super fashionable, but I’m warm. 😉
When I run through the winter, I like to remind myself that those runs make me tougher, and mentally stronger. I also always look forward to a hot cup
of coffee when I return and a steaming shower. Those are the best moments-ever.
Thanks for the tips and the cool appear Taralynn! Xoxo- you are doing great, keep running!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Bethany!
That is a great tip! I am always amazed at how dedicated you are when it comes to running in the cold. I always HAVE to wear something over my ears or I get headaches because of how cold I get. I usually take my gloves off by mile three. I think looking forward to a hot cup of chocolate or a latte after is a great motivation! For me anyways 🙂
Thank you for your tips! I can’t wait to follow your winter running journey!
xo xo
Linda @ the Fitty says
It is easy to forget into the winter; but that’s because I sweat a lot less and my body uses/expends less water.
Taralynn McNitt says
Great tip!
Jessica says
I’m not really a runner but I’ve found that scheduling my workouts gets me excited to check them off my list. (totally type A). Also, the online gym I am a member of posts a new work out once a week and even if it is tough it’s something to look forward to.
I cannot live without a big comfy sweats that I can throw on over my volleyball clothes. Too cold out to be wearing shorts and a t-shirt!
Keep up the motivation! It’s so helpful to see others hitting goals, it keeps me going!
Taralynn McNitt says
Those are all great ways to stay motivated! xo xo
Brittany M. says
Hi Taralynn,
I’m not an avid runner so I think giving a winter running tip might make me a hipoccrate! My winter running tip to myself would be, “Just do it!” A simple and familiar phrase!
My winter motivation is spring! I also want to show God gratitude for the body he gave me and the capabilities to exercise!
I love a good hoodie much like the one you’re wearing in your post! Leggings are a must too!
Have a good week!
Taralynn McNitt says
Not a hypocrite! Every tip helps 🙂
Just do it is a good phrase. I need to remind myself of that!
XO XO
Tanya says
This all looks super comfy. I have a hard time running outside in WI. It is so cold you have to bundle up in the beginning then I got so hot while running. And I hate holding on to the clothes I’m taking off while running. This looks like a good set of clothes for winter into summer with the tank
Thanks, tanya
Taralynn McNitt says
It is very comfortable and very very warm. I always get hold during my run too! I have to make sure to have pockets or a place to shed layers. I always throw my top layer or gloves in the driveway at the third mile.
Jen says
I always wear an adjustable neck warmer in the winter because I can pull it up over my nose so my lungs don’t freeze when I breathe. It’s a huge help, and you can usually find them cheap on Amazon or eBay! Plus Yaktrax are a must for your shoes when it’s snowy and icy!
Taralynn McNitt says
That is cool! I’ll have to look into that. xo
May says
I love hylete!
Taralynn McNitt says
Me too 🙂
Anonymous says
Just ordered that sweatshirt!
Taralynn McNitt says
which one!?
Asheton says
Taking you running with me soon! #OffSeason
Taralynn McNitt says
As long as my headphones can come 🙂
Anonymous says
Thank you for this post. What size pants are you wearing?
Natasha says
Hello!
I love your running posts! I lost over 50 pounds recently, your blog being a huge inspiration for a health lifestyle. I have a question for you, from a new runner to another runner. Do you take any recovery days? I run almost every day, and I’m wondering if and when I should take a recovery day.
Thank you!
Sarah says
I’ve just ordered a high viz headband/earwarmers, a long sleeved base layer and a rainproof/windproof high viz jacket..thanks for the tips