Now that it's cold, outdoor exercise has become a bit more difficult. Although I plan to wear my tank tops throughout the winter months, there are other pieces of clothing that I find I need to purchase in order to brace the cooler temperatures. If you've got a runner to buy for this Christmas season--or if you're a runner yourself--check out these five items.
1. The Perfect Run Jacket
During racing season you might have to head outside in not so amazing weather. When looking for a running jacket keep an eye out for something lightweight and breathable. A jacket that is breathable will help you stay comfortable if you're running in wet conditions. A removable hood is also ideal for a rain jacket if you don't like wearing hats. Check out Saucony's Epic Run Jacket
or if you're looking for a more stylish coat, there's the Saucony Insulated Run Jacket.
2. Compression Socks
I started wearing compression socks a few months ago and I haven't looked back since. I like to wear mine when I go to sleep after a day of running. When I wake up, my legs feel less tired and sore. This is because compression socks help increase blood circulation throughout your body leading to higher energy levels, reduced swelling and soreness in your legs. Try CEP Running Compression Socks, they come in a variety of colors and have a 30-day comfort guarantee and a six-month compression guarantee.
3. Gloves
When shopping around for the perfect gloves, look for items that are lightweight, form-fitting, breathable and moisture wicking like the Mizuno Breathe Thermo Windshell Glove. Moisture wicking is important because it will help keep sweat away from your hands and keep you cool and dry.
4. Sneakers
Yes, sneakers. You may already have a pair of sneakers that you love to run in, but now is the time to evaluate if you should ditch your old paid and get a fresh new pair for this season. It is important to purchase new sneakers every 500-600 miles or so depending on where you run. If you run on gravel or asphalt you may want to buy new sneakers every 500 miles, but if you're running on the treadmill you may be able to get away with purchasing a new pair closer to the 600 mile mark. Try the Newton Terra Momentus All-Terrain Trainer as it can handle roads, paths, trails or treadmills.
5. Headbands
Although I wear headbands all year round, they are by far my most needed running accessory. Headbands are important when doing any physical activity. The anti-slip headbands at lululemon are my favorite headbands, because they truly do not move. The headbands are made from lululemon's signature fabric, luon, which allows for a comfortable fit. The headband's silicone grip helps the headband stay in place and the moisture wicking fabric keeps your head cool and the sweat off your face.
1. The Perfect Run Jacket
During racing season you might have to head outside in not so amazing weather. When looking for a running jacket keep an eye out for something lightweight and breathable. A jacket that is breathable will help you stay comfortable if you're running in wet conditions. A removable hood is also ideal for a rain jacket if you don't like wearing hats. Check out Saucony's Epic Run Jacket
or if you're looking for a more stylish coat, there's the Saucony Insulated Run Jacket.2. Compression Socks
I started wearing compression socks a few months ago and I haven't looked back since. I like to wear mine when I go to sleep after a day of running. When I wake up, my legs feel less tired and sore. This is because compression socks help increase blood circulation throughout your body leading to higher energy levels, reduced swelling and soreness in your legs. Try CEP Running Compression Socks
, they come in a variety of colors and have a 30-day comfort guarantee and a six-month compression guarantee.3. Gloves
When shopping around for the perfect gloves, look for items that are lightweight, form-fitting, breathable and moisture wicking like the Mizuno Breathe Thermo Windshell Glove
. Moisture wicking is important because it will help keep sweat away from your hands and keep you cool and dry. 4. Sneakers
Yes, sneakers. You may already have a pair of sneakers that you love to run in, but now is the time to evaluate if you should ditch your old paid and get a fresh new pair for this season. It is important to purchase new sneakers every 500-600 miles or so depending on where you run. If you run on gravel or asphalt you may want to buy new sneakers every 500 miles, but if you're running on the treadmill you may be able to get away with purchasing a new pair closer to the 600 mile mark. Try the Newton Terra Momentus All-Terrain Trainer
as it can handle roads, paths, trails or treadmills.5. Headbands
Although I wear headbands all year round, they are by far my most needed running accessory. Headbands are important when doing any physical activity. The anti-slip headbands at lululemon are my favorite headbands, because they truly do not move. The headbands are made from lululemon's signature fabric, luon, which allows for a comfortable fit. The headband's silicone grip helps the headband stay in place and the moisture wicking fabric keeps your head cool and the sweat off your face.
Nicole Kennedy is a healthy living blogger and public relations specialist living in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Nicole's blog, Simply Nicole, documents her daily life occurrences as she balances working full-time, blogging, training for races, practicing yoga, eating healthy and spending time with her boyfriend. You can connect with Nicole via Facebook and Twitter for real-time blog updates, tips and tricks to living a healthy lifestyle, and more!
