Tuesday Topics: My cold weather running essentials

For the past week or so, I’ve been in a running funk.  I love working with my coach, Mary, but recently have not been motivated to run.  My last run was 2 weeks ago and I remember that I didn’t want to run but ended up running and ran better than expected. 

The weather has been driving me CRAZY.  Just on Sunday and Monday we got more snow.  

I remember that last year while training for the Illinois Marathon, I did almost all of my runs outside.  Some days were cold, some were snowy, and some were both.  Regardless, I was out there.  I made sure to have the right gear in order to survive outside that long in those weather conditions.

Below is the gear I use to run during the cold weather.  Yes, pretty much everything is Oiselle gear.  🙂

Wazzie Wool Baselayer –   I have 4 of these tops.  They’re made of merino wool so they keep me warm, absorbs and wicks sweat, and is water repellant.  Plus, I love that I can wear this top a few times and it doesn’t smell.  

Vim Jacket –   I have one in black but am waiting for the yellow one to go on sale (that color is perfect for running when it is dark).  This jacket is lightweight, breathable, and water repellant.  It has kept me warm when paired with the wazzie wool baselayer.  If I ever get too warm, I can tuck it into the pocket and carry it with the strap.

Flyout Jacket – I love that it is insulated and has a weather-resistant shell in the front which provides protection from the wind.  I own two of these jackets (in blue and in black), but also wear them on non-running days when it is cool enough for just a jacket.

Oiselle Gear-12

• Super Puff Mittens – These are no longer available online but these mittens keep my hands very warm because of the Polartec Alpha™ insulation and weather-resistant sheet (similar to the flyout jacket).  I have one pair and am hoping they’re available again so I can get another pair.

• Power Stretch Running Beanie – This is similar to the Trailheads Women’s Running Ponytail Hat.  It is insulated, soft, and covers my ears.  My favorite thing about it is the opening for my ponytail.  

• Tights – I wear the Moto Lesley Tights and the Classic Lesley Tights.  They’re both fleece lined but the Moto tights are thicker and warmer for colder days.  

• Wazzie Wool Gaiter – Same material as the baselayer.  Perfect for windy days!  I also use one from BibRave (not wool material).

Smartwool Women’s PhD Run Ultra Light Micro Socks – I actually wear these year round.  They keep my feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer.  I also like the crew socks during the winter to cover up my ankles.

Tuesday Topics

This week’s Tuesday Topic:  What are your cold weather running essentials?  You can write about this topic, or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to Link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!


Random Thoughts Thursday 59

Random Thoughts Thursday

• Ice outside car windows is easy to take off.  Inside the car is much more difficult and annoying.  How many more days till Spring?

Ice inside car-1.jpg

• For the most part I haven’t had any problems with my USPS deliveries.  However, recently there has been a few instances in which I have been frustrated with the driver.  That person has lied.  The driver has claimed that a delivery attempt was made and that there was no access to the delivery location.  I live in a two flat apartment building and it is really easy to get to the building and the mailbox.  

• I have noticed that there has been MORE Facebook and Instagram ads.  They’re definitely annoying. 

Ads opt out-1.jpg

• What would YOU pick?  I think I’ll pick cats, tacos, and coffee.

You can only keep 3 things

• I bought an air fryer and I am excited!  Do you have one?  Do you like it?  Please share what you cook in it.

Air Fryer-1.jpg

Tuesday Topics: What I love about running

What’s not to love about running?  Well right now the only thing I am not loving is the weather.  I am sorry but I cannot stop complaining about it.  Snow, cold, deep freeze, more snow, and ice storm is what we have been dealing with here in the midwest.  I know I can use the treadmill but that does get boring after a while.  

Last week I wasn’t feeling well and had to skip a few of my runs.  I’ve been tired and sometimes had an achy body.  My coach told me to sleep and get some rest.  I am feeling better and will attempt to run today.

Before I talk about today’s topic, let me show you the activity I did with my kids yesterday.  We did a 3D Hot Air Balloon Card.  It was so much fun!  Below is the video and pictures of the finished product.

3D Hot Air Balloon Card

Now let me tell why I do love running.  🙂

The gear –  I love treating myself to new gear.  It makes me happy and gets me excited to go running.  About 99% of my gear is from Oiselle.  During the warm wear you can find me running in the long rogas.  I have 24 pairs of the long rogas (and 5 of the regular rogas) and always get excited when I get another pair.

• Traveling to different states – I love travelling to various states to run a half marathon.  I’m at state #39 and this year I will be traveling to DE, MT, SC, and MI. 

50 states map.jpg

• FREE and easy to do – All you need is good running gear and the proper shoes and off you go!  No never know once you lace up where running may lead you.

• My time – Running is my alone time.  I usually run in the morning and it is the perfect time to clear my head and get ready for the day.

Tuesday Topics

This week’s Tuesday Topic:  What do you love about running?  You can write about this topic, or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to Link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!


Random Thoughts Thursday 58

Random Thoughts Thursday

• My local gym got new treadmills.  I should be happy, right?  No.  I know change is good but these are no bueno (for me).  Two things that irk me about them:  1) My weight shows up on the screen.  2) There are no number buttons in order to increase the speed.  So if I want to run at a 6.0 speed, I have to manually increase it with the arrow button.  In the other treadmills I would just press the number keys and the “Enter” button.  I know, first world problems.

• I have definitely been to lots of different cities.  I am looking forward to this year visiting Missoula, Wilmington, Detroit, and Kiawah Island.

Major US City Bingo.jpg

 • I had no idea about these Mexican chiles. 

Chiles mexicanos.jpg

  • I’ll be happy with 1 million dollars.  OK, half a million would be good too.  😉

Valentine Gift.jpg

  • I swear she does love me.  Lola is just camera shy.

Lola-14.jpg

Tuesday Topics: My favorite non-running products

How is it that we’re already in February?  The weather has been absolutely crazy here in Chicago.  We had snow a few times and then below FREEZING weather!  That weather was like that for two days and then it warmed up.  It got up to 46 on Saturday!  Most of the snow has already melted and now it is so much easier to run outside.

Outside running-1.jpg

I almost skipped my run on Thursday at the gym but decided to go since I had to buy my license plate sticker anyway.  I wonder if there is a way to change my renewal month?  I would pick April or May when it is much warmer and easier to replace the sticker.

Thanks again to everyone for linking up with us!  Today we are talking about our favorite non-running products.

Waterpik Cordless Plus Water Flosser – I went to the dentist at the beginning of January and the receptionist told me that I’ve been seeing him for 19 years!  Wow! Almost every time I see him, he tells me that I need to floss more.  I understand the importance of it but still hate to floss.  I decided to get a Waterpik Cordless Plus Water Flosser at Kohl’s.  I love it!  It is very easy to use.  It is cordless, comes with 6 flosser tips, and you can switch the water pressure from low to high.  I got it mid December and when I saw him last month, he mentioned that my mouth was much cleaner and healthier.

Waterpik Flosser-1

ChicoBag – In Chicago when we go shopping, we either take our own bags (and sometimes get a discount) or purchase them at checkout.  I take my own.  I have a few from Running Warehouse that they used to send with each purchase.  They don’t do that anymore.  I always have a ChicoBag with me in the car, my purse, or my school backpack.  They’re compact and easy to carry.  Once open they’re big enough to hold up to 40 pounds.  I love that they come in many different pretty colors. 

Speedo Large Teamster Backpack – Another item I love is my Speedo Large Teamster Backpack.  Mine is in purple and it comes in handy when going to the gym in the morning.  I add my clothes that I plan to wear that day, my running shoes, and toiletries (in a separate bag).  This backpack has so many pockets to hold my combination lock, keys, Apple airpods, and any other items.

Speedo Backpack-3.jpg

Tuesday Topics

This week’s Tuesday Topic:  What are your favorite non-running products?  You can write about this topic, or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to Link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!