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Friday Favorites – Winter Running Gear

As many of you realize by now, the winter weather in Geneva is very different than most people assume. Switzerland is known for snow-capped Swiss Alps and skiing, among other things, but Geneva rarely receives snow. Due to Geneva’s proximity to the lake and low elevation, between a few different mountain ranges, the winter climate is far more temperate. Our typical temperatures, December through February range from a low of 28 to a high of 40, far warmer than New York City. In order to ski, most people drive at least an hour, to nearby ski areas which are at higher elevations and have far colder weather.

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I haven’t invested in winter running gear over the past few years, even though it now doubles as ski base layers. When I cleaned out my closet and dresser back in November, I realized that much of my gear dated back to my first winter in Philadelphia and was starting to show signs of age. After donating many of the items, I couldn’t resist updating my winter running wardrobe with a few new pieces I found on sale over the holidays.

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I’ve had the chance to test out each of these over the past few weeks in Atlanta, Savannah, New York and now Geneva. The verdict is in – each of these pieces was a GREAT investment! They range in price from $12 to $80 so there is something for every price range.  

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Under Armour Printed UA Fly-By Turtleneck – This is an update on their classic turtleneck which I’ve owned for years. The figure flattering cut makes this the perfect running base layer as you can easily wear more layers without bulk. The neck is extra long, so I was able to pull it over my mouth during a cold run this week. The coolest part is that the chest and neck have a mesh panel which allows for more breathability!

Under Armour Brave The Run Running Gloves – These gloves fit very snug, ensuring that no wind or cold will hit your skin. The finger tips work with smart phones while the front of the glove includes wind blocking material and reflective stripes!

Brooks LSD Lite Vest II (older model on sale here, here and here) – While I own plenty of running jackets, this is my first vest. During my two runs this week I realized just how helpful a vest is, regardless how light it is. This light but mighty vest blocks win while also providing pockets, water resistance, pockets and reflective stripes! This will definitely become a running staple almost year round!

Under Armour Heat Gear Tights – I’ve owned these trusted tights for 7 years and they remain my favorite each season! The moisture wicking material keeps me dry even in the midst of a long run or a sweaty, speed session. The wide waist ensures that it stays in place while also providing a flattering fit. Since they are all black these can also double as leggings when we’re up in the mountains or touring a cold city. At $40 it’s hard to find a better deal for winter running tights!

Lululemon Energy Bra – Okay, this technically isn’t winter running gear, but I added it to the list because it’s a new addition, and I love it! In theory, it is far thicker than some of my other bras so I’ve found that it helps keep that area warmer during cold runs. The thick material and removable pads help give shape to those of us who are less endowed while still providing plenty of support during a run, workout class or at home boot camp!

Original Turtle Fur Fleece Gator – The most inexpensive item on this list, this gator can be worn around the neck/chin area for extra warmth OR worn as a headband! This week I’ve worn it twice as a headband, perfect for keeping my hair out of my face and ears warm.

Brooks Heater Hog Long Sleeve Top – I ordered this after seeing in on a few of my favorite blogs. Many of my long sleeve running tops are technical t-shirts, often too light for winter runs. I was hoping to find an in-between layer that would keep me warm, but not as warm as the Under Armour turtleneck. This fitted top has quickly become my go to top for outdoor workouts! Their description doesn’t lie as it truly wicks moisture from the body! I wore it on a walk in Savannah, thinking we’d be taking a gentle stroll only to realize that we were taking a two-hour power walk. My face was dripping in sweat yet my core and underarms stayed comfortable due to the power of this top!

What’s your favorite piece of winter running gear?

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Mile High Run Club

After reading about the forecasted wellness trends for 2015 in Well+Good’s article last month, I knew I had to try a treadmill running class when I was next in New York. Luckily my favorite workout partner and motivator, was willing to meet me bright and early on Friday morning at Mile High Run Club.

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The newest member on the treadmill class scene, Mile High Run Club, brings something different. Mile High, in essence, is an indoor running club. The instructors, or coaches, are all elite runners. Their expertise helps them encourage and motivate each student to reach their own goals during the group treadmill class, whether it is your first day running on a treadmill or you are training to Boston qualify in your next marathon.

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If you’re one of the many New Yorkers who loathes training for that goal half marathon in the bitter cold, this is a great option for you.

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The large studio, located in NOHO, features 30 Woodway treadmills and kettlebell stations which face a gorgeous, lit wall. During class the wall colors changed, mimicking sunrise and sunset colors to brighten the mood. In addition to the large treadmill space, the studio also has a foam rolling area, small shop where runners can buy all the essentials, and a locker room featuring lockers, showers, toiletry items, towels and blow dryers.  (image source)

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Mile High offers two class formats: Dash 28 and The Distance. Dash 28 is a 45 minute class which includes 28 minutes of running followed by 10 minutes of kettlebell strength work and 5 minutes warm-up and cool down. The running portion is filled with constant intervals ranging from long climbs to sprints. Due to the coaches ability to modify and provide different speeds to attendees, this class is recommended for all levels ranging from beginners to elite runners. The Distance is far more intimidating and specifically for the advanced runner or athlete who is looking for a challenge. The 60 minute class isn’t for the feign of heart as it includes 50 minutes of non-stop running including hills and speed work.

Theodora and I experienced the Dash 28 workout on Friday. It was everything I hoped for and more. I was drenched in sweat by the end but smiling ear to ear! In the 45 minute class I squeezed in 3 miles of running, including a long climb and a few sprints. Each treadmill features a pace card for reference. This card gives you suggested speeds based on your ability and the level. (image source)

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During the class the coach led us through each of the four levels: jog, tempo, 85% effort, and full out. I really enjoyed our coach, Andia W, as she was a perfect mix of motivating and supportive. She didn’t scream or yell, which is common at other boot camp like classes. Instead, she constantly reminded us of how long we had in each set so we could push ourselves just a little bit harder.  She also made every part of the workout, from warm-up to kettlebells clear and easy to understand.

I finished the class feeling challenged not only from a running standpoint but also from the short kettlebell session! In fact, if they’d asked me right then to buy a package, I would on the spot. If only I lived in NYC! The workout is not easy but dang is it fun and I bet that going on a monthly basis, just to see how many miles you can finish in the amount of time, would be a great way to build it into your routine. I also love classes like this because they help inspire me to change things up when I’m on solo on the treadmill.

Cost: $34 though packages can reduce prices – Address: 28 East 4th Street, New York City – What to wear: Your favorite running gear is perfect for this class.

Thank you Mile High Run Club for the opportunity to sweat with you guys when I was in NYC!

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Resolutions for a Great Year

I love the beginning of January!  It’s the beginning of a fresh new year with promises of wonderful things and the opportunity to shape the year you want. 

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This year, while Bo nor I have many formal resolutions, we are both focusing on us. My resolution, or intention, is to strive to be the best possible version of myself, whether as a wife, daughter, co-worker, friend blogger or athlete.  It is easy to try and do many things during the course of a year only to look back and find that I focused on too many things. This year, I have come up with a few easy ways to improve each area of the roles I hold on a daily basis.

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Wife: There is going to be a lot of change in 2015, just like there has been in each of our five years of marriage. Now more than ever, we need to stay connect, talking with each other each day over a glass of wine or in the kitchen cooking. When life gets busy, stressful and chaotic it’s easy to lose ourselves in the routine but we’ve learned a lot over the past month when we took time to pause and reconnect each day.

Daughter & Friend: Towards the end of the year I started picking up the phone more often, as part of the changes we made for a happier life. This made all the difference when we saw friends and family this holiday season. Instead of feeling disconnected, we were able to give huge hugs and then fall into comfortable, normal conversations since we were caught up on everyone’s life happenings during our regular phone calls and FaceTime conversations. In addition, my mom had the wonderful idea to start a mother daughter book club. Our goal is read a book a month, beginning with Pride & Prejudice.

Co-Worker: There are many days at work that are wonderful but it is during the more stressful moments when I believe I have the opportunity to lead by example. My goal is to remain calm under stress and motivate those around me with a positive, supportive attitude versus the natural tenancy to stress.

Blogger: After five years, I continue to gain a great deal from each of you who read and support the blog. The blog introduced me to a number of close friends in New York City, London and Geneva. In addition, the motivation and inspiration I gain from reading other blogs is endless. This year, I want to continue giving back to you all by sharing more posts that you request – European travel, tips for working out and staying healthy during travel, and more recipes.

Athlete: I haven’t finalized my goals for this area but I do know I’d love to train and run a sub 1:55 half marathon. It took me years to break sub 2 so I know it won’t be easy but it will be a great thing to focus on during the winter months! In order to help with this, I am going to use the Run Less, Run Faster method again and track every workout in DailyMile so I can keep myself more accountable and review the progress I make during the year.

Your turn: What are your goals or resolutions for 2015?

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