PNW Winter Running & Mizuno Wave Rider 17

*The following post is sponsored by Fitfluential LLC on behalf of Mizuno. All opinions are my own.

It’s December 4th and I am still running outside! This is just another thing that I love about the Pacific Northwest. Last year I was able to run in mid-January (when we moved here) and it was amazing. I am looking forward to keeping up with 2-3 days of running per week this winter as well however I need to gear up.

Winter 2012-13

Winter 2012-13

Last year I waffled over whether or not to buy a water proof running jacket and by the time I decided to the rainy season was just about over. Here we are again in the rainy season and I think it’s just about time to gear up with a new running jacket. Other essentials for PNW winter running include a brimmed hat to keep the rain out of your face, gloves (!!), warm running tights and of course a good pair of shoes.

As I write this however we are in the midst of a cold spell and it’s actually been colder here than in Vermont AND yesterday there was a dusting of snow. So I guess I might need to get a few new warm base layers as well. Oh how much easier it is to run outside in the summer! Maybe we should move to Hawaii.

While gearing up for seasonal running is important I would say the most important and essential running items you need is a good pair of sneakers. I have been all over the place when it comes to running shoes just based on weight, experience and changes after pregnancy.  The first shoe I ever bought was a Mizuno Wave Rider about four years ago. I loved them but took a break and tried some others but I am glad to be able to try another pair of Mizuno and not just any Mizuno the new Wave Rider 17.

photo 2Why you might also like this shoe:

  • You’re a neutral runner looking for a new shoe.
  • You are looking to train for an upcoming race and need a shoe that will be able to give you just enough support and cushioning for high mileage training.
  • You want a shoe that is not only supportive and good for training but also looks stunning on your feet. photo 1

At this point I have done around 8 miles in these shoes (I just received them a week ago) and I like them. I can’t commit to loving them until I have done at least 20 miles but I am hoping that I do! So now I have new shoes and I am hoping Santa brings me a few of the other essentials above so I can make winter running happen (or I’d take a gym membership and do some winter dreadmill running).

What are your winter running essentials? How do you chose a running shoe?

 

Wednesday Things

EdithWatchingMacysParade

1. My parents are coming tomorrow or 10 days and our house is still a mess and I should probably go grocery shopping.

2. I have been keeping up with running 2-3 days per week and it feels so good. I am still working on finding time in my day for other workouts when Edith is awake and asleep.

3. Because of above I am really considering either a. getting back into regularly, weekly yoga classes or b. getting a gym membership after the holidays.

4. Neil’s Christmas party is next week and the dress I ordered just doesn’t work so now I’m on the lookout for a new dress. Any suggestions?

5. We didn’t end up going to Seattle for Thanksgiving due to Neil’s crazy work life so we didn’t have Asian food instead the morning of I decided to head to Whole Foods and buy the ingredients to make mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, broccoletti, Celebration Roast and a French Apple Tart. After many hours of preparing dinner we sat down as a family to eat and were done in 15 minutes. So much work for such a quick meal. P.S. we were starving.

6. We took Edith to the Macy’s Holiday Parade in downtown Portland and she had an amazing time. While it wasn’t as thrilling for us adults and it was freezing the little munchkin had a blast until she had a meltdown that is.

7. I have been craving hot chocolate with vegan whipped cream for days and Neil kindly went out and bought the fixings. Last night I had a glorious cup of hot chocolate.

8. I am so in the mood to watch Christmas movies at the end of the day but lately I have been putting Edith to bed and falling asleep with her (err the other night that was at 7:30pm). Why am I such an old lady?

9. I am working on a project that will start the first week of January and hope to release it to you by the 22nd. So I guess I will have to stay up later than 7:30p if I want to get any work done.

10. Lastly, I need a really amazing recipe for tortillas because I am in the mood for amazing homemade corn tortillas, pinto beans and all the fixings. Please share!

Tell me one thing. Anything.