Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Don’t Hibernate! 5 Ways To Remain Active This Winter

If you’ve been reading this blog for awhile, you know weather does not stop me from running outside. I will take snow, sleet, rain and wind over the treadmill most days. The only element I avoid is ice because I dislike broken hips (and everyone knows ice is for gin and tonics and hockey players).

Just in time for the plummeting temperatures, I’m reviewing some new winter products from Columbia Sportswear. I’ve worn Columbia outerwear since moving to Colorado 20 years ago – mostly their fleece jackets. I find their stuff to be quality, yet affordable.

First up, I’m reviewing the Turbo Down Jacket. I chose the hyper purple color (because I am spastic and I am sick of wearing all black and looking like a ninja all of the time. Plus, I think it’s pretty).

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This coat has 800-fill goose down along with 60 grams of Omni-Heat™ synthetic insulation (cozy!). It is lightweight, non bulky and retains heat even when it gets wet. Perfect for your outdoor adventures. While I find it runs a bit big (I got the small and probably should have gone extra small), it is form fitting, comfortable and most importantly – warm! One of the main things I love about this jacket - it is not so crazy puffy it makes me look like the Michelin Man.

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Secondly, the Minx Boots in winter white color.

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Columbia calls these boots “a jacket for your feet.” They are waterproof and have 200 grams of insulation and a thermal reflective lining. Supposedly they will insulate you to –25F! This is very good news for my Raynaud’s Disease. I like these boots because they are functional yet attractive! I typically wear a more masculine looking boot for my cold/wet outdoor activities, so I love the look of something more feminine. I feel like a snow bunny (or old rabbit). The faux fur lining is like stepping into your favorite slipper.

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Yes, I realize there is no snow on the ground. Ever heard of props?

Far too often winter comes and people think they need to hibernate inside. SO not the case. Here are a few ways to stay active outside in the cold months:

1.  Sign up for a winter running race. There are tons of them these days from hot chocolate runs to turkey trots. Registering will hold you accountable and will motivate you to get out there even when the temps drop.

2. Go Canine. Trust me when I say there is no better way to get psyched to get outside than when you have a dog threatening to pee or poop on your rug. Dogs need to be walked even when it is ridiculously cold outside.

3. Experiment. Promise yourself at the start of the winter months that you will try a new winter activity JUST ONCE. Experiment with ice skating, snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Get really adventurous and go ice climbing or ice fishing (like I said, you will not see me up there, but have fun).

4. Do outside chores. Did you know the average person burns 200 calories per 30 minutes of shoveling snow? Kill two birds with one stone by getting your exercise and checking something off your to-do list.

5. Play! Remember as a kid how you loved nothing more than a huge neighborhood snowball fight or sledding down that monstrous hill at the end of the street? Just because you’re over twenty years old and so mature doesn’t mean you have to stop having fun.

 

 How else do you stay active in the winter months?

SUAR

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Columbia through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about Columbia outerwear, all opinions are my own.

33 comments:

  1. Cute gear, but seeing it makes me sooooooooooooooo happy to live in So Cal!!

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  2. I have Raynaud too! Thankfully, it does not bother me while running but my fingers turn white in the grocery store, driving in the car, etc. What do you do?

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  4. So have Raynaud and I can sympathize fully. I also HATE winter, but for some reason running in the cold is kind of okay with me. It's definitely harder to get out the door but the humidity of DC summers...i'd take the cold most days.

    chasinggracedaily.blogspot.com

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    1. I hate winter also but love running in the winter. Weird isn't it! Maybe it makes us feel badass! lol

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  5. Columbia's stuff is great and I agree, trying something new is always a good idea.

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  6. Those boots look so comfy :D
    I'd like to add snowsports, like snowboarding, to the list!

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  7. I like to use Yak Trak, the running ones to make a attempt at running on ice and snow in the winter months, I live in Utah so our winter's here can be pretty rough. This year I may also try to learn to Ski or snowboard, not sure which one yet.

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  8. I LOVE the Columbia gear and it comes in my larger, fluffy size!!! Will be purchasing those boots for sure. I purchased that jacket last year and as much as I hate to see our beautiful Colorado fall leave us, I'm excited to wear that jacket again!

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  9. I live in Indiana, and have grown to really dislike winter. So instead of hating every month of it, I embrace the frigid!!! Playing outside with my kids to torture them with snowball fights and igloos is my favorite of all wintery activities! When running outside I try to find areas that aren't completely clean, with a little fresh powder so I don't slip plus I wear yaktrax. My favorite rain gear to run in is Columbia...its good stuff.

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  10. I have the Minx boots (received for Christmas two years ago) and I LOVE them. WI winters are not for the faint at heart and these things kept my feet toasty warm. They are comfortable for walking the dog for miles and snowshoeing for hours also. Just realize that if you're standing still you're toes will get chilly. I doubt any boot will keep the toes warm if you're not moving.

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  11. I love to snow ski. I live in Utah and grew up skiing. But I can also run pretty easily. As long as it's not windy I've figured out how to dress in temps as low at 18 degrees and run comfortably.

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  12. I'm training for a 50 miler that is happening in March....I have no choice but to train through all winter. I ran last winter but I wasn't super disciplined about it. I'll actually have a detailed training plan this time around that is quite aggressive so....yay!

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  13. I'm looking forward to trying out snowshoeing this winter. I've never been before, but it looks like fun.

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  14. I have raynaud's also. Do you have problems with toes going numb even during the summer time when running anymore than 3-4 miles?

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    1. No the weird thing is I rarely have foot issues when I run I think because my circulation must be better than when I'm walking or standing still. Is yours a circulation issue do you think?

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    2. I don't have a problem standing or walking. I started out in Asic shoes and moved up in sizes and then switch to Newtons. I seem to have less problems with them as they are more flexible. It could be a circulation problem to my toes but I think its more like I pound on the nerves in the middle of my foot when running whereas walking doesn't get that intense pressure in more forefoot.

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  15. I'm pretty sure I need those boots! You need to work them for a discount code.

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  16. I love running in the winter. A pair of Yaktraxs and I'm set! I never really stop running. :)

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  17. What is POPSUGAR Select?

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    1. It's network featuring fashion, beauty, fitness, food, living, mom bloggers...

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  18. I love your tips for not hibernating! One way I always get my exercise in is shoveling other people's driveways as a surprise for them - they get a clean driveway, I build muscle :)

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  19. Under Armour's tights saved my a** multiple times when I was training for my half marathon and doing long runs in January and February. Could not live without those things.

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  20. I live in Florida so our "winter" is actually the best time to run outside. I grew up in New York tho and I actually miss snow a little bit. Until I remember scraping windshields and shoveling the driveway.....that ends the nostalgia for me.

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  21. I run outside all winter long. Because what makes you more badass than running in a snowstorm? Polar vortex? Seriously. Man up!

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  22. I also have Raynauds. Any recommendations for gloves or mittens?

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  23. Totally need recommendations for really insulating (and moisture-wicking) mittens. I've spent too much money on gloves and have learned they are not effective- I need mittens so my fingers can get the warmth from the other fingers. Only things I can use are ski mittens but they aren't moisture-wicking- and they're totally bulky so I can't check Garmin, change music, etc without removing them. Any suggestions?

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    1. When it is really REALLY cold I wear mittens (Asics makes a running mitten) and put handwarmers in them. I agree that mittens are the way to go and they work with the handwarmers.

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  24. I can be a bit of a wimp in the winter. I still workout and run, but often I find myself on my treadmill. If I can actually get myself out the door, into the cold and start moving, it is great. Some of my favorite running memories have been in the cold.

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  25. Great ideas!!
    While I love the warm, sun-soaked months, I do love a good winter. It needs to snow a lot though, the worst winters are the mild (but still not warm!) rainy ones. Ugh.
    There is really something about getting out there. It's like a triumph over your innate inclination to stay huddled inside.

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  26. First of all love the boots and jacket! I love being active in the winter because it is the only way I stay sane. In addition to continue running I love to go skate skiing, ice skating, downhill skiing and hiking.

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