Nike Brushed Thermal Running Tights

Thursday I went for a run, as I said I would Wednesday night.  A 6.15 mile run, to be exact!  It was a whopping 27 degrees with 10 mph winds when I headed out.  While I wasn't super excited about the cold, I was very happy to finally have a chance to run in my Alpine Pullover.


^ Molly wanted her ears to be in the picture.



Underneath the Alpine Pullover, I wore one of my C9 (Target) short sleeve tech shirts. I wore my Smartwool glove liners (with my thumbs through the pullover's thumb holes underneath).  I also broke out the Nike brushed thermal running tights for the first time this winter. But more on that in a minute.

I was pleased with the Alpine Pullover, overall.  In similar weather I might wear a long sleeve shirt underneath instead because especially when running across an open field I could really feel the wind on my arms.  The hood moved around a little bit while using the pony tail slit.  When my hair was inside the hood, it filled the hood up better and the hood moved around less. I tried adjusting my pony tail higher mid-run to help keep the hood in place, which did work.  Next time I might wear my ear warmer underneath to provide a little more warmth to the top of my forehead and maybe provide the hood with something to grip on to.

I'm beginning to wonder if I have a tiny head. (Tommy Boy: I got a tiny head?)    Listen to I got a tiny head?     from Tommy Boy
I was cold for the first half mile to 3/4 of a mile and questioning whether my run was a good idea.  However, I soon after warmed up (but never got hot).  In slightly warmer weather (just above freezing) I usually get really warm and end up taking my gloves off a mile or two in, or unzipping my top a little -- not yesterday!  I was comfortable, temperature-wise, with all that I was wearing for the rest of the run. 

Now, on to the tights.  I can't technically call this a review, because I have no idea what these tights are called... But these are running tights that I bought at the end of winter in 2009 from the local running store.  As winter was ending, there was a huge markdown on winter running clothes, so I picked up my first pair of running tights.

Here is the fleecy inside of these tights:

They feature a handy zip pocket on the back:

Like Lululemon's running bottoms, these have a continuous drawcord:

 

And also like Lululemon's bottoms, these feature the "gusset" (triangle in the crotch) :

There is a reflective strip at the zipper on both ankles.  Also, grippy material on the inside of the cuffs so they don't ride up.  The only thing I'm iffy about on these is the zipper.  It would be great if they were just stretchier at the ankle because when they're zipped down all the way it's sometimes a little snug on my ankle.  If it feels snug, I'll unzip them just a little bit, but then I worry about the zipper scratching me.  It's not a huge deal, just a minor annoyance.  While I will readily admit to having huge calves for my size, I by no means have cankles.

Overall these tights are great! And even better considering I was able to pick them up on sale for something like $45 (down from around $70? I can't remember).  They are 88% Polyester/12% Spandex and made in Cambodia.  They are great for wearing when the temperatures are below freezing (above freezing I'll wear my Lululemon Luxtreme tights).  I like the zip pocket, the drawstring, and the reflective strips at the ankles.  While the waist band is not a big wide one, it is still comfortable, doesn't dig in, and doesn't slip down while you run (It didn't move a bit on my 6.15 mile run).

My plan for the weekend?

I'll do some arm weights and crunches tonight, and maybe find a quick video on Exercise TV.  Then probably a short run and a long run on Saturday and Sunday.  Highs of 36 and 37 this weekend, so it doesn't matter when I run.

Luckily, I thiiink all my Christmas shopping is done, so now I just have to wrap things!

What's everyone else up to this weekend?