Monday, November 30, 2020

Festive Fitness Fashion Hacks



'Tis the season, and it's a festive time of year for many of us!

Despite the crazy ride 2020 has taken us on, many are in good spirits with the upcoming holidays. We still have our fitness vices, after all. Even if many of our regular holiday-themed races aren't happening in real life, many are promoting virtual options. 

Granted, for some, the virtual gig has lost its appeal. At the very least, though, we can lace up, get outside and pound out a few miles in our running shoes.

...but why stop there? Why not have some festive fun in the name of fitness? After all, a few bright colors and some funky patterns never hurt anyone.

Here are a few fitness fashion hacks to consider. Who knows? They may just brighten your day as well as someone else's.

Festive legs!
Consider layering light-weight tights (or basic leggings) over fleece-lined running tights. After all, who doesn't like a little extra color or a funky pattern? Discount stores (TJ Maxx, Walmart, Target) have tons of cheap leggings, usually for less than $10. While I probably wouldn't wear these anywhere in public (some are pretty obnoxious LOL), layering them over "real" running tights suits me just fine.



Not-so-frigid arms!
Wearing arm warmers between layers on your arms works wonders. Usually, my base layer is pretty fitted (and preferably fleece-lined). A second layer over that adds more warmth, but sneaking in an additional layer (via an arm warmer, BETWEEN the layers) really ups the toasty-ness. I have several pairs of standard arm warmers, but actually my favorite hack is to wear a pair of cut-off knee-high stockings instead, especially in the winter. Just make sure to layer a bright 1/4-zip or jacket on top!


Flashy head gear!
Consider layering a fleece headband UNDER a stocking hat. Although a hat will keep your head warm, that wind can be ferocious. A little extra something underneath will make it that much warmer. This a great trick if you have a favorite holiday hat that you wish to wear frequently...layering a headband underneath will prevent a lot of perspiration from absorbing into the hat itself.



Functional warmth!
Don't overlook a puffer vest as a great option for fashion versatility! While a full jacket may offer a little more overall warmth, a vest will give you the option for added color (and/or pattern) on your arms. Remember the cut-off knee socks from above? This year, I'm going to cut some holiday stockings into arm warmers, because why not? Who says you can't layer arm warmers OVER your long sleeves? Certainly not I.

Fun lower-legs, too.
Even in Iowa, we do get an occasional "warm" day during the holiday season. You can bet I'm all about taking advantage and donning the Santa-themed stockings if given the opportunity. I have also been known to layer the stockings over my tights on the cold days.



Anyways, these are just some suggestions on upping the holiday spirit a bit. Even if we don't have many (if any) options for live races, we can still embrace the festive season and have some fun while we log our miles.

What do you have planned for holiday-season running? Do you get decked out in holiday colors or patterns for your runs or workouts? Any IRL races happening? 

I'm linking this with Kim and Zenaida for the Tuesday Topics Link-Up

I'm also linking with Debbie, DeborahLisaLaura and Jenn for the Runners' Roundup


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23 comments:

  1. Great tips, Kim! The one with the recycled knee-high stocking is genius!
    I have worn arm warmers over my top layer, but never thought of wearing it between layers. I'll try that out, perhaps it will keep me warmer (I always get freezing arms and hands).

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    1. MY arms and hands are the first to feel the cold as well. Sometimes, I can get the arm warmers to fit as a base layer...but if I'm using the sock cut-offs, they are thicker than standard arm warmers so it does get a little bulky (but it's a warm option).

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  2. I love all your holiday themed ideas, Kim -- but it makes me self conscious (mostly) to run in holiday gear just by myself. OTOH, being Jewish, it's also quite different.

    Hannukah isn't really an important Jewish holiday, it just happens to fall around Christmas so people think it is.

    I will live vicariously through your awesome costumes! You & Kim @ Kookyrunner are like two peas in a pod when it comes to the costume game!

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    1. I used to be self conscious, too, but now I kind of embrace it LOL That said, a lot of my solo runs are in the wee hours, usually in the dark. But, there are no rules, so we all have the privilege of doing what feels right for us ;-)

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  3. Love these ideas! I have a lot of different headbands that I love to wear in the Winter when I run since my ears are always so cold, lol.

    This year I've found some festive leggings and shirts at Kohl's to add to my collection, lol.

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    1. I just found a cute pair of elf-themed socks at the dollar store LOL Will you be wearing the festive leggings for your runs? I'm sensing another blogger themed collage....

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  4. I LOVE to dress up (even though I am Jewish). It's fun. Unfortunately our themed race is virtual. I will wear my holiday gear often even if I don't have a race.

    Though I may have a 5k this Sunday…not sure if I am going to NYC yet (plus it's supposed to rain.)

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    1. I think it's great that you dress up, even if it's not one of your celebrated holidays;-) It's fun to get all decked out in festive gear!

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  5. The Santa socks are very cute! Love all the festive gear Kim.

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    1. I figure life is too short for taking things so seriously LOL A little ridiculousness, via holiday-themed gear (no matter which holiday is on tap), makes for a fun run (or race). If we can't laugh at ourselves, well... ;-)

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  6. Fun tips, Kim! My Santa race has gone virtual so I'm not going to register for it this year. Instead, I'll wear my holiday themed running clothes on my early morning runs.

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    1. 'atta girl, Debbie ;-) I hope you plan to share some of those outfits with us ;-)

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  7. You know I do love all of my holiday running gear as well! The leggings are always fun and festive

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    1. Exactly!! Why not have some fun? Especially this year... a little extra dose of fun can do us all some good!

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  8. I just bought some holiday running gear for this month! I feel like I needed a little something special this year. I like the idea of wearing fun leggings over running tights!

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    1. Well, we all know a good pair of running tights is an investment, so I'd rather keep those on the "neutral" side of fashion LOL But, layering the inexpensive leggings over them is a win-win--> extra warmth and fun fabric ;-)

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  9. I'm going to pull out my Christmas running tops early this year. We could all use a little holiday cheer right now!

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  10. So cute!

    I had a super cute tank for this weekend's holiday 10K, but it's going to be in the 40s. I dont't think arm warmers can salvage that situation!

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    1. Do you have a long-sleeved top you could wear under it? I have an elf tank top (actually, I think it's technically a pajama top LOL), but I've worn that over a long-sleeved base layer. Desperate times and all ;-)

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  11. You always seem to have the best running outfits! I don't have a lot of holiday themed running items but now will be looking to get something for Christmas. If you have another blogger photo opportunity, I don't want to miss it.

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  12. I don't have a lot of holiday running gear but I do love to do what I can. I just ordered some pro compression "ugly sweater" socks. I may be wearing them a lot!

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