Mmm looks like whatever I’m listening to in the above picture smells delicious.
Blogging is a two-way street: I share workouts/information with you guys, and I also learn a ton from all that you share in the comments section. When I wrote this post last year with tips for running outside in the winter, lots of commenters suggested wearing a base layer made from merino wool to stay warm. I have low blood pressure and Raynaud’s Syndrome (essentially bad circulation to the extremities in response to cold temperatures), and I couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard of merino wool before!
When Icebreaker reached out to me and offered to send over some of their merino wool products, I was pumped. Given my issues with the cold weather and the historically snowy winter we’ve been having in Boston, the timing was perfect. I was most excited about the Rush Sports Bra because (overshare alert!) Raynaud’s affects my chest as well as fingers and toes, and it’s hard to find a base layer for that area that isn’t spandex or cotton when it comes to activewear.
I think my favorite items from the gift bundle were the two hats (Skyline Hat in black & Boreal Hat in white). I’ve been wearing them every day! They’re cute, ridiculously soft and oh-so-warm. But, most importantly: cute. 🙂
Everything I’m wearing in these pictures is a base layer. For the sake of showing them off, I’m not wearing anything over them, but—of course—you would if you were going for a winter hike, skiing or other outdoor winter activity. I’m heading up to Maine in a couple weekends for some snowboarding and snowmobiling, and will definitely be packing everything pictured. Icebreaker actually put together a whole infographic on how to layer for the cold that’s really helpful. Here’s the breakdown:
- Base Layer: Warmth & Moisture Control (natural fibers, soft, fitted, moisture-wicking)
- Mid Layer: Insulation (you want to trap in your body heat)
- Outer Layer: Weather Protection (keep out rain and snow, but you still want ventilation capabilities)
WEARING | Everyday Longsleeve / Oasis Longsleeve Half Zip / Oasis Leggings / Women’s Multisport Cushion Micro Sock (not pictured) / Terra Gloves / Skyline Hat
My dad always used to tell me that the weather is never too cold if you dress appropriately for it (as high-school me is staring blankly back at him wearing a ruffled denim mini skirt with Uggs in February), and I finally have started following through on his advice.
Even if you do layer up, winter workouts can still be brutal, so on that note, I’m leaving you with a pump-up playlist to power you through your next chilly run or snowshoeing adventure. This is my current workout playlist, and if you follow me on Spotify, I’m constantly updating it with new music. I also use Soundcloud (that’s the playlist embedded in the right sidebar of the blog), but haven’t updated it in a while. Enjoy!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Icebreaker. Although I did not receive compensation, I did receive complimentary product. All opinions—as always!—are my own.
Hey there! I'm Nicole, a group fitness instructor, healthy lifestyle blogger (you probably figured that one out by now) and Certified Personal Trainer living in Boston, MA.
I have heard of merino wool before, but haven’t actually gotten around to giving it a try – I think that will need to change! Although it’s not incredibly cold in Vancouver right now, the humidity definitely creates a chill that is hard to shake. My #1 tip for cold-weather running is to a) ALWAYS wear mittens – gloves just do not cut it, and b) put toe warmers meant for skiing on your fingers!
Agreed! Team Mittens all the way 🙂
I need to get better about layering considering I live in Chicago. I have given up on running outside because I am a chicken and I also have a gym in the building, so treadmills here I come!
I always feel like after I eat my fingers and toes get especially cold. I blame it on my blood going to help aid digestion, but I could be way off and who knows why it happens. All I know is that I dont like it!
As a Canadian, I really appreciate this post considering it is freezing for us right now! Haha
I really love the song from Ellie Goulding in 50 Shades ! 🙂
I have to disagree with your Dad. I believe it gets plenty cold and sometimes just getting on the amount of clothes necessary to make it not cold is beyond me!
I’ve been dying for some new music! Although, my favorite song to workout to right now is Ellie Goulding’s “Love me Like You Do”.
PS: i think the link to the hat is broken 🙁 just a heads up 🙂 it’s super cute!!!
xo, Jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com
LOVE that song! Thanks for letting me know about the links–they should be all fixed now 🙂
I’m so glad you added new songs to your spotify! You’re actually the reason I joined in the first place and I really enjoyed your last playlist.
For me, wearing a best is key. If my core is warm, my whole body feels warmer automatically. Also, make sure you take a longer time to warm up. In high school I was doing a speed workout for track and we didn’t warm up, and up ended up pulling my hamstring. It still bothers me today!
Weirdly loving Show Me Love by Robyn right now. Thanks for sharing your playlist, I’m definitely going to take a few songs!
I am loving Geronimo right now! Such a great song!
OMG you look so amazing.those are beautiful things you are wearing and they almost make me want to head outdoors. .. but not quite. I think it is pretty brave of you to still head outdoors in this weather. I am totally indoor crossfit all the way. I’m near Toronto.. and it has been pretty cold and crappy here since January… but DAMN… nothing compared to what Boston has had to deal with.
I just did a run on my lunchbreak and listened to one of your playlists – SO GOOD! Glad I found you on Spotify. Lifesaver!
I really like the song Once In My Life by Mel B – it’s like a lost Spice Girls song, only 20 years later. Also in total agreement with everyone about “Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Goulding. I haven’t seen the movie but the soundtrack rules. Thanks for your playlist!! Just added all those songs to my gym list.
Wait. What. How do I not know about this Mel B song?? (I’m the Spice Girls’ #1 fan girl haha)
I’ve always tried to explain what happens to my hands and toes in even mildly cold temps – the completely colorless numb extremities – but it’s THIS. Exactly this. Raynaud’s disease…I had no idea. I never asked a doctor about it because I figured it was just poor circulation! Crazy.
It can be such a pain! Sometimes it’ll even happen to me if I’m holding a cold beverage. I think it’s genetic–you should ask your parents/grandparents if they have the same problem.