Fiber Fool

1. CatEye Loop Rear Light ($11.77, Amazon); it has an adjsutable bungee attchment system so I can attach it to my cargo on my bike as needed or in this case to the back side of my headlamp for added running safety. DH attaches it to his backpack for when he is walking to/from the bus stop in the dark now that the nights are getting longer.

2. Black Diamond Gizmo Headlamp ($19.95, REI); a relatively simple, low-end headlamp that increases my visability while filling in the shadows of my running route where trees block the streetlights.

3. Tek Gear Raglan Performance Tee ($30, currently on sale for $18, Kohl’s); just your basic long sleeve running tee with moisture wicking and flatlock seams.

4. Active by Old Navy Compression Pants ($30 regular price, sadly no longer available); for affordable running tights, these are awesome with good reflective detailing, zippered bottoms for a nice snug fit but easy on and off, back waist zippered key pocket and while still available were not too hard to get for $15 a pair which is a steal for compression. They do have breathable mesh at the back knees which is making them a tad on the cool side now that running time temps are around freezing.

5. Brooks Ghost 5 Running Shoes ($110); a gel cushioned neutral running shoe that got top reviews from various running publications this year. Weird insole issues with my first pair aside, these felt like a natural extension of my foot, I knew they were it as soon as I put them on.

6. REI Winterflyte Jacket ($99.50, but used my member coupon); I tried to go cheaper, but I wanted thumbholes and a phone/headphone compatible pocket and reflective details in addition to warmth and some protection from the elements and this fit that bill.

7. Manzella Sprint Tech Tip Running Gloves ($20, REI); light weight gloves so they don’t get too hot once I get going, with tech-friendly fingertips so I can run my iPhone and fleece on the thumbs for controling the cold morning nose run!

8. Tuneband ($21.99, Amazon); I don’t always use this now that I have the jacket with a media pocket, but this band takes my phone without having to remove it’s hard case which is nice. I do suspect there may be a better option out there, but I not a fan of the plastic sheets over the screen - especially when combined with tech gloves.

Now that we’re into mid-October and I get up to run around 5am my runs are chilly and to some extent dangerous since it is well before the 7:15 am sunrise. So warmth and visibility are top concerns in choosing my running gear. I also still need to be careful about skin management so compression where possible, moisture wicking and flat-lock seams are key features too. But I try to be as thrifty as I can get away with without compromising on these concerns.

This is my current typical uniform, plus an old commercial hat I don’t much care about so sweat on it doesn’t concern me. I do on the colder mornings also add my Faux-Pidge (aka Fidge) around my neck/shoulders to keep their angriness at bay (warm is key to keeping those muscles more relaxed for me). It works great! I could use an earband or low-profile hat to add, but they aren’t essential purchases right now (that doesn’t stop me from looking whenever I’m somewhere that carries such things though, LOL).

What are your outdoor exercise essentials for colder weather? I’d love to hear what you wear for cold weather running, walking, biking, snowshoeing or cross country skiing!