Friday Favs - Cold Weather Running Gear

Happy Friday! This month's NatureBox (<-this link that get's you 50% off your first box and $10 credit for me) came in yesterday so I've been happily snacking away. I'll, give you a run down of what's in the box sometime soon but am trying to not use the blog as an excuse to eat all the snacks immediately this time :)

In other news I have been running a lot more than usual thanks to Pile on the Miles 2013, including running outside. Even though it is cold out. And I hate the cold. Here's some of my fav gear I've used to help my starts-to-whine-when-it-drops-below-50 self brave the elements.

Under Armour ColdGear Fitted Crew

I have a couple ColdGear compression mock turtlenecks, which I like for the warmth and the nice squeeze-you-in feel of the compression fit, but I don't feel like I can wear them without a t-shirt or something on top. They are just so...tight. I like that this shirt is fitted instead, so it's still tight enough that it doesn't flap around or anything, but I feel like I can wear it on its own. It is also plenty warm enough for 40 degree weather, even for a cold-weather wimp like me. 

Nike Therma-Fit Reversible Headband

My ears get cold when it gets below 50, but hats don't stay on my head when I have my pair in a ponytail. A warm headband provides a great solution, and doubles by keeping the hair out of my face. I have the older version of this headband and I love that one side is warm and fleecy and the other side is not, making it wearable in a wide range of temps.

Under Armour ColdGear Compression Leggings 

I was skeptical about these leggings before I tried them out. They are supposed to be compression but they didn't feel that tight on me (maybe I needed a small?!?) and they also felt much thinner than my old Nike Therma-Fit leggings, so I was doubtful they would keep me warm enough. But somehow the magic/fabric-technology they put in these pants really works! They kept me really warm on two sub 40 degree runs, and almost TOO warm on a 45 degree day, which never happens to me.

Runner's World LED Armband

Ok so this doesn't really help with the cold, but along with the cold weather winter has also brought ridiculously early sunsets. Since I am not a morning person, running outside sometimes means running in the dark. This band has LED lights and is also reflective, providing added visibility to help me run safely after sundown.

Reebok ONE Polar Fleece Jacket

This jacket is REALLY warm, maybe even too warm for 40 degrees even for me. I also love that it has a lot of reflective threading throughout for improved low-light visibility. And it has thumbholes! I love thumbholes! Side note: Anyone else go cross-eyed during mirror selfies? Just me? Typical.

Q: Do you run outside in the winter? (if it's actually cold in winter where you are) Any favorite tips or cold-weather gear?

Disclosure: I am not affiliated with any of the above companies and paid for all the above gear myself. I won't get anything if you purchase the above products except the satisfaction of making your life just a little bit better. Which actually sounds like a pretty great perk. So go try this stuff out! :)