Workout Wednesday: Surviving Outdoor Winter Workouts

For this week's Workout Wednesday, we've decided to keep with the surviving winter theme because why not? Also a lot of our favorite workout gear retailers are having good sales right now.  We all know that winter is the time of year when most of our workouts are focused on the indoors because it's cold outside. However, that can get really boring really quickly and we're often drawn to the winter wonderland that's just outside our door. Besides the boring factor, sometime winter workouts become necessary evils if you are training for a spring marathon or half marathon. Let's not forget that besides outdoor runs, there's also a plethora of winter sports to enjoy so let's learn to get outside and embrace the cold! 

To be fair, some of us here at Not a Corporate Fashun Blog embrace the cold more enthusiastically than others (Katie 1 is our resident winter sports fan and the author of this post for obvious reasons) but all three of us run outdoors through the winter and have learned what works and what doesn't work given the weather. The one piece of advice we can collectively offer is simple - if you dress appropriately outdoor winter workouts are doable and even fun. Obviously safety comes first so know your limits. If you don't feel safe working out outside, don't.  

This is probably obvious, but different outdoor winter workouts require different gear. For example, we wouldn't recommend wearing your downhill ski gear to go running and vice versa (although your outdoor winter run gear can be worn for cross country skiing with a few modifications). Given the different gear requirements, this post is going to be broken down by what we think are probably the three most popular winter outdoor workouts: running, downhill skiing, and cross country skiing. Cross country skiing was going to have it's own section, but apparently you can wear the same thing for that as you do for winter running with the addition of another layer or two as necessary. Who knew?

Winter Running: 

Let's start with what is likely the most popular outdoor winter activity: running. If you run outdoors throughout the year, by now you've probably learned that running outside in winter isn't all that different than any other time of year, you just need warmer clothing. You also need to know how to layer appropriately. Runners' World has a great winter running chart that we found on Pinterest a couple of years ago that we've found very helpful; however, because it's so old we can't link to it here. Fortunately, you won't need it because this post contains very similar advice (with links to cute stuff). Long story short, we've found that the following combination has kept us toasty and warm on our winter runs:

Tank Top + Base Layer Top + Running Jacket +  Fleece Lined Tights + Hat + Gloves

We've found that this combination works very well in temperatures between 20F and 30F.  Any warmer, wear a lighter base layer or non lined tights.  Colder? Add a fleece on top of that base layer (and under your jacket or vest) and a thin base layer underneath your fleece lined tights. Substitute running gloves for warmer gloves. Add a scarf or balaclava. Note: as Elizabeth learned the hard way last week (and Katie 1 learned while training for her marathon during the 2014 Polar Vortex) respecting the cold and making sure your layers are appropriate is an absolutely essential way to ensure that your winter run is both safe and fun. Respect the cold and dress accordingly.  

Now that we've established that we kind of know what we're talking about when it comes to outdoor winter running, what gear to we like?  Glad you asked because our recommendations are below.  

Tank Top: There is no reason you can't layer the tank tops you wear at the gym under your winter running gear. That's what we do. Just make sure it's sweat-wicking so you stay warm and dry.  Our favorites: 

• We love this Lululemon Swiftly Tech Racerback tank.  It's always available, there's usually a color or two on sale, and it stays in place.

Base Layer Top: Given the temperatures, we have a variety of base layer tops that provide varying degrees of warmth. Below are our favorites at a variety of weights (note regarding the recommendations, because we take cold really seriously, we're only recommending things we've actually purchased and worn in extreme cold): 

• Lightweight Base Layer:
• Again, we're big fans of the Lululemon Swifty Tech Long Sleeve for the same reasons we mentioned above when discussing the tank top.  
• Now that they've added thumb holes, we're also big fans of the Nike Miller Long Sleeve running top.  
• Mid to Heavy Weight Base Layer: Honestly, our favorite base layer is a super thin (yet warm!) merino wool base layer from Costco.  Unfortunately, Costco doesn't have them this year so here are some runners up.  
• We're fairly basic around here so of course we're going to recommend the Lululemon Rest Less Pullover. Basic-ness aside, this is a versatile mid-weight base layer that we've worn for a variety of winter outdoor endeavors. It's also warm and layers well.
• We seriously need to stop with the Lululemon; however, the Runderful Long Sleeve top also gets our vote in terms of warmth and layering. 
• Nike also does a good job with winter running gear.  We've been pleased with the Pro Hyperwarm line and we really like this long sleeve top.

Running Jacket: There's room for debate here. For super cold runs, Katie 1 prefers a down running jacket but switches to a vest when the temperatures are above 20. Katie 2 prefers a vest regardless of the weather. This is also an item where you can save some money because there are a lot of really good options for cheap. In fact, both Katie 1 and Katie 2 bought their super warm running jackets (or vests) at Costco for less than $20. Costco doesn't have them this year so here are our recommendations that are actually available for purchase:

• Vests:
• Katie 1 had a running vest from Target that she wore for years.  Keeping that good experience in mind, we really like this one from their C9 Champion line. 
• We know we need to stop with the Lululemon, but we do love their cold weather running tops so here we are recommending their Down for a Run Vest. #sorrynotsorry
• Jackets:
• Yes it's expensive, but Elizabeth has the pull over and has been pleased so here we are recommending yet another Lululemon product, this time the Down for a Run Jacket. 
• The quality of Old Navy activewear can be hit or miss; however, their performance fleece is pretty consistent and we've been pleased with the older versions of this pullover.  
• Because they (used to) have a full line of ski gear, Athleta cold weather gear is pretty awesome and we really like the Wind Sprint Jacket for looks and function.  

Fleece Lined Tights: Hands down, this is the most important piece of outdoor running gear you need for winter runs.  While what's on top is important, there's more room to layer so you can cut corners on quality and price (honestly, some of our warmest gear are race freebies, especially the fleece from the Hot Cider Hustle).  However, with tights, there isn't always a lot of room to layer so you need to make sure that your tights will keep you warm and dry. You also need to know the difference between brushed and fleece lined because there is a huge difference in terms of warmth. Also, this is one area where Lululemon isn't a the top of our recommendation list because we don't think their brushed or fleece lined tights are all that warm. Good rule of thumb - if the company offers a full line of winter sports gear (i.e. if they make ski and snowboard stuff) their winter running gear will work. Also, when looking for winter running tights also keep rise in mind.  We've found that high-waisted tights keep us significantly warmer (FYI, Athleta and Sweaty Betty win in terms of rise, their winter offerings are high-waist and don't roll down at all).  Our recommendations are below.

• Brushed Tights: One important thing to know is that brushed tights will keep you a bit more toasty than regular tights but won't keep you as warm as fleece lined tights. We like these for runs in 20F - 30F weather. 
• Under Armor Cold Gear makes some of the best cold weather running tights, period.  We love the options available at 6PM, especially these.  
• As we mentioned above, we're also fond of the Nike Pro Hyperwarm line, including these brushed tights. 
• Target also makes some of the best brushed tights available for the price, including these cold weather running tights. 
• Fleece Lined Tights: If you are going to invest in one cold weather running item, we recommend that you invest in fleece lined tights. As we noted above, we've found that companies with a history of making good outerwear provide the warmest tights.  We also recommend that you size up to accomodate a thin base layer for subzero temperatures. 
• Katie 2 is a fan of Lucy and these Never too Cold tights seem pretty cozy. 
• Athleta has an entire line of brushed and Polartec running tights and they are super warm (and a little looser to accommodate additional layers as necessary). We're going middle of the road and recommending the Polartec Power Stretch tight but encourage you to check out the entire line. 
• While Sweaty Betty it typically an on-sale-only shop given our real working budgets, their Thermodynamic Run Leggings are Worth. Every. Penny. Katie 1 recently lucked out and got a pair on sale for $67 and they are absolutely the gold standard in terms of warmth. 

Accessories: We're not going to offer a ton of recommendations here because there are just simply so many opinions when it comes to what makes us the most comfortable for outdoor winter runs.  For example, Katie 1 is 100% a hat girl while Katie 2 sticks with an ear band. Our advice? Learn what keeps you the most comfortable and go with it.  Also, this isn't an area where you need to spend a lot of money.  Katie 1's favorite running hat was a race freebie and her favorite gloves came from Target. Need some inspiration? Here are a few of our favorite cold weather running accessories:

• Gloves: 
• Katie 2 has these  flip top gloves from Target and loves them! 
• Lululemon's Run With Me Gloves are kind of a staple among our group of friends. 
• Hats/Earbands:
• The Katies have this Twist-Front Ear Band from Target and love it!
• We also like the looks of this Tech Stretchy Hat from Target. 

Downhill Skiing:

Given that not all of us live within driving distance of a ski resort (shitty or otherwise), we're assuming that a smaller percentage of you downhill ski and therefore this section is going to be much shorter than the above section on winter running. Obviously if you're a regular skier, you've probably got a good gear setup and don't need our advice, unless you're looking to buy some new cool stuff (which we totally support btw). If you're not a regular skier and are looking to become one, you are going to need the proper gear. Note - we know there are a couple of corporate fashun blogs that have already dedicated a couple of posts to ski gear featuring $500 sweaters and $1,000 jackets that actually aren't all that functional. While those posts are pretty to look at, they're not actually helpful to anyone but the blogger and the company that sponsored the post #ad. This list is different - it provides a basic list of items which we deem essential to a comfortable day on the slopes (also, Katie 1 has skied since she was 9 so she knows what she's talking about):

• Base Layer Top: Good base layers are essential to staying warm on the slopes. Thermal sweat-wicking fabrics are key.  
• By far our favorite base layers are from Sweaty Betty. Pricey, yes but follow our lead and stock up during their seasonal sales.  Not only do these thermals keep you warm but the fun prints look great for apres ski drinks. We've currently got our eyes on the Peak Ski Long Sleeve Top and Bottom. Note regarding the bottoms: Sweaty Betty base layers win in terms of opaqueness and rise. Katie 1 is short-waisted and they come up over her belly button so there's no exposed skin when she leans over. They are also forgiving enough that you can layer a second thinner base layer underneath (Katie 1 did this while skiing on NYE and stayed warm even in the subzero temperature). 
• If you read our Essential Winter Coats post (available here) you may recall that we mentioned the kitchy vintage ski sweaters designs available from Neve Designs. Not only are the sweaters adorable but they are actually really good quality merino wool base layers. Katie 1's favorite is the Innsbruck top from the vintage line.  
• Base Layer Bottoms: See above for why these are important. Other things to consider: Are you planning on wearing these as leggings? If yes, then make sure to do a see-thru test first. Our recommendations have passed the see-thru test and can be worn as leggings. Also, remember that the higher the rise the warmer you shall be. 
• These Ultra Warm Heattech Leggings would pair nicely with the Innsbruck top we noted above (and yes, we've done the see thru test with these). Also, let's take a minute to discuss the entire Heattech line from Uniqlo because it's kind of amazing and super affordable. 
• These Columbia Glacial Leggings seem warm AF and like they would have enough room to layer a thinner base layer underneath if necessary. 
• Socks: Don't let other fashun bloggers tell you that you only need a pair of thick socks. After about an hour on the slopes your shins will tell you that's crap. You don't have to spend a lot of money but even if you only ski once, buy a pair of ski-specific socks because you need the extra padding in strategic places. If you don't listen to anything else we tell you, listen to us on this one. 
• We've been pleased with our SmartWool ski socks and these patterned socks are adorable and only $12.99. 
• We have these Spyder Merino socks and have also been pleased. 
• Ski Jacket: If you have a short, casual non-wool, coat and it's not super cold outside, it can usually pull double duty as a ski jacket (especially if it's down/poly/fleece-lined and water-proof). Obviously you will find perfectly functional options at L.L. Bean, Lands' End, and REI, but honestly our favorite places to purchase ski jackets and pants are Sierra Trading Post and 6pm and here are some options that we love: 
• We previously recommended this Obermeyer Siren Jacket in our essential winter coats post and we stand by that recommendation. It's affordable, super cute and functional. 
• Spyder is one of Katie 1's favorite brands for ski gear (both her ski jacket and pants are from the brand) and we love the look of this Timeless Hoodie. 
• Snow (or ski) pants: Remember to size up to accommodate base layers. Again the usual suspects like L.L. Bean, Lands' End, REI, etc. will have a ton of options available most likely in basic black. We want to recommend something more fun like the following: 
• Katie 1 has these Spyder Winner ski pants and has been pleased although she does agree with the reviews that they run small so size up. 
• Only available in lucky sizes, but Katie 1 had an older version of the Columbia Veloca Vixen pants and absolutely loved them.  
• Because this is too good a deal to pass up, 6pm has the North Face Sally Pant for $69.99. 
• Hat: Note regarding hats: You can have a cute beanie for apres but you should have a more functional one that fits under your helmet for when you're on the mountain. 
• For warmth and function, we like this Fuzzy Fleece hat from Target. 
• This Helly Hansen beanie is Katie 1's personal recommendation for warmth, durability, and function. 
• Ski Gloves: Should be warm and waterproof.  
• We like these Spyder Candy Down Mittens
• If basic black is more your style, you won't go wrong with these DaKine Lynx Mittens. 
• Scarf/Balaclava/Neck Warmer: We really prefer balaclavas and neck warmers here because they stay in place. It's that simple. 
• Microfleece is a great option because it's warm, washes well, and is breathable.  For $12.99 this C9 Neck Gaiter from Target is a great option. 
• Helmet: As we've learned more about head injuries, helmets have become a nonnegotiable on the slopes. Because of this, if you're new to the sport, you can always rent a helmet when you rent your skis and whatnot (last time we checked, renting a helmet was less than $10). If you're looking to purchase, do some research and find one that works for you. Want a recommendation? Katie 1 has this helmet from K2 that she got from Amazon last year. 
• Goggles: Let's face it, sometimes sunglasses just don't cut it. If you're a newbie, you don't have to spend a lot of money. Honestly, you can always borrow goggles from a friend or buy a pair at the pro-shop when you get to the resort. However, if you're looking to buy a nice pair or replace an old pair, we like the looks of these:
• Giro makes quality ski and snowboard products and for $29.00 these goggles would be a great entry level purchase. 
• Looking to replace your entry level pair but want to spend less than $100, there are a TON of options at this price point so you will have plenty of options to chose from. We are particularly drawn to these Juno Ski goggles by Bern and these Smith Virtue goggles are a steal at just over $60. 
• Looking to buy a nice pair? Given that the Oakley ski goggles she got in high school are starting to fall apart, so is Katie 1. She's been so pleased with the 15+ years of use she got out of them that she's going to attempt to buy a newer model of the pair she has now and the Oakley Fall Line Snow Goggles seem like a good replacement.

Besides proper attire, other things to remember when it comes to winter workouts: 

• Proper hydration.  For some reason, the dry air plus all of the extra layers leave us feeling particularly parched post workout.  Make sure to drink plenty of water (or hot tea) post workout. 
• Take care of your skin. Cold weather can wreak havoc on exposed skin so make sure to properly moisturize (and use sunscreen). We always like to throw an extra tube of hand cream and lip balm in our bags and we reapply frequently. 
• Make sure to stretch. Working out in the cold makes our muscles much tighter post workout so taking the time to properly stretch is essential to preventing injuries. We've also found that soaking in a hot espom salt filled bath helps to soothe sore muscles. 
• Know your limits. If you start feeling the effects of the cold to such a degree that you believe it's dangerous for you to be outside, seek shelter. Also, know the symptoms of frostbite because it's no joke (just ask Elizabeth). The Mayo Clinic provides a good summary of the symptoms here. 

So there you have it - our advice on surviving winter workouts. Feel free to curse us when venturing outside to workout in the winter wonderland at your doorstep.