Finish the Race. Three simple words that can actually have a lot of different meanings. From the running perspective, this phrase can be literally taken as completing that 10k, half, or ultra. While that’s simple in nature, us runners can attest that there are often a lot of smaller races to be ran within an event. Whether that is breaking down and completing a marathon into 8 5k-ish chunks. Perhaps it includes committing to a…
It’s cold outside. And when it’s cold, we PNW runners need items that are well constructed, protect us from the weather, and are comfortable to boot. We recently received a few outerwear options from Cotopaxi and Merrell to check out. Read all our posts about Cotopaxi here! Read all our posts about Merrell here! Cotopaxi is an active volcano in Ecuador. It is also the name of an outdoor products company based in Portland. Cotopaxi…
The word “vario” comes from “variability,” and Outdoor Vitals has brought to us a jacket that offers this in every way. The Vario Jacket is lightweight but also warm, and it’s good for the environment too with recycled insulated fibers that will last and last. It’s a great windbreaker and it’s water resistant, but it’s soft and flexible too, which is unusual for this functionality. Looks: The Vario Jacket looks simple enough – a basic…
Trackhouse Sweatshirt If there was ever a piece of clothing that is a staple in the PNW – it may just be a hoodie. These come in all sorts of fits and functionality – from a heavy cotton option that is made for relaxing in to thin options that keep you protected from the sun. Tracksmith’s Trackhouse Sweatshirt takes the hoodie and adds their own spin on it – creating a multifunctional piece that is…
Brooks Running is a fantastic brand all year long, but the holidays might be my favorite time because that is when they have a limited time style that is perfect for the holidays (and however many days you want to use them afterwards). Personally, I think the best times for bringing out the sleigh bells are in the dull grays days of February or the ironic sunshine of August. This year, if you purchase a…
The chill is setting in here in the Pacific Northwest, and layers are the name of the game. Thankfully, Jack Wolfskin is one of those companies that’s around to take the bite out of the wind that often leaves you cold all day. The BAISELBERG Fleece Jacket will keep you motivated to not only get outside on the gray and cold days but to keep you warm once you’re out there. Looks I received the…
To update the quote from the great Jane Austen: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a runner in the Pacific Northwest, must be in want of a rain jacket.” And as a runner in the Pacific Northwest, I am always on the search. So I was thrilled at the chance to try out Outdoor Research’s new Ferrosi Hoodie. It’s lightweight but still provides great coverage in the rain. My first time trying it out…
One of my very first running shirts was one that declared “Running Sucks.” I loved wearing it, especially while out running, for all the smiles it brought out. Other runners would offer a knowing nod as they headed in the other direction. During the Portland Marathon this October, a fellow runner beside me (when we were near mile 18 and the temperature was in the 80s) declared: “This sucks.” Another runner responded that we were…
It’s been about 97 degrees within the past few weeks here in Portland, but Fall is officially coming because Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back at Starbucks. It’s not exactly cold in Oregon yet, but anyone who lives here knows that can change quickly, and life (and weather) moves pretty fast. That’s why it’s the absolute perfect time for Nathan Sports to announce the launch of their first ever piece of insulated apparel – the BFF…
With the high temperatures this summer, I am grateful for any and all running gear that can keep me moving. ARTILECT’s Sprint Tee is built for a summertime run and for a quick dry afterward. Merino wool is a great fabric for making it through lots of washes without losing its color or shape. And it was just a short dry on the porch to get it ready for the next day’s run. I loved…
