I dropped the ball this winter. I think it was partially because I’m pregnant, so I questioned whether I’d really be wanting to be doing a lot of outdoor running (I will never forget last year’s polar vortex weather and let’s face it, this year hasn’t been a marked improvement). It was also thanks to a particularly expensive December…if you remember my cat saga, it turns out that paw amputation is not exactly the cheapest surgery around. Our cat Cassie is doing so well, though – she’s totally adapted to 3 paws and is clearly much happier. In any event, I remember saying to Fran around the New Year, “Next winter, I’m really going to invest in some winter running gear. Everything I have is crappy or just doesn’t work and it doesn’t motivate me to go outdoors.”
I’m not kidding, my winter running accessories in particular were woeful. I fell on a run last winter and tore my running gloves – ever since then, I have been using a throwaway pair I was given at a race six years ago. Yup. And my running headband pilled and stretched the first time I washed it and I’m not even sure where it is anymore.
So there wasn’t a happier running blogger when TrailHeads reached out to me and asked if I’d like to try any of their awesome running accessories. Hmmm, let me think about that…YES!
(Disclosure: TrailHeads sent me a free headband to review, but all opinions are mine.)
Bye bye, crappy headband. Hello, TrailHeads Hyper Reflect Power Ponytail Headband.
Oddly enough, I have no problem wearing a full cap during summer, but a hat makes my head feel uncomfortably hot during winter. Go figure, I can’t explain it either. In any event, it meant this headband was the perfect pick for me. I use it for running only, but since it’s so thin I’m pretty sure it would work under a helmet, if you’re biking, skiing or snowboarding. What I love about caps in the summer is that you can pull your ponytail through – this headband gives me the best of both worlds. As well as its cool ponytail space, here are some of its other features:
- Made of polyester/spandex. This means it’s sweat-wicking and it means it’s remarkably thin – yet it still keeps me warm. I tested it in 25 degree weather and it kept me comfortable.
- The cute design on it is also reflective, giving you an extra safety feature.
- It’s contoured so that it fits over your ears to keep you toasty.
- Machine washable. So you don’t have to remember to bring it into the shower with you after your run. (Everyone does this with their running bras, right?) And it won’t pill (I’ve confirmed through several washings now).
- It’s only $18, which is super reasonable given the quality of the headband.
- Even when you shop through the TrailHeads website, it gives you an option to continue through Amazon, so if you have Amazon Prime you get the free 2 day shipping. So. Awesome.
- It’s called the “Power Ponytail” headband. I just kind of love that. Yeah, I throw my hair in a ponytail everyday, but guess what? It’s a POWER ponytail!
A big thank you to TrailHeads for sending me this headband to review – it’s already gotten me outside for some outdoor running when I may have headed for the treadmill instead. Once I get out there I realize it’s not so bad, but I need a little motivation after I check the weather and realize it’s ridiculously cold. Yes, I know I’m a wimp! I am Australian, though, I feel like even 15 years of these winters hasn’t erased my horror at below-freezing temperatures! 😉
If you read my running tips for pregnant runners last week, I was totally rocking the TrailHeads headband in this pic:
What’s your must-have winter running accessory?
What temperature does it get to before you head indoors to run?
Hat or headband?
I’m mostly a fair weather runner. Heading out at sunrise in the summer? Love it. Heading out in winter? Um, no thank you. But the rare time I do, my must-have is a pair of GLOVES. If my fingers are cold I cannot concentrate!
Jessica recently posted…My Earliest Memory
Yes to gloves! I don’t understand how anyone can run without them in cold weather!!
You look so great running mama! I am a total wuss and go inside when it is like lower than 60 degrees!
You’re a sweetheart! Don’t get me wrong, I love me some warm weather workouts, I just would go CRAZY if I never got outdoors in the winter. 😉
trailheads are AWEESOME! I wore my hat today with the ponytail holder, and I would not have considered anything to replace it, I love it, and so glad you love the headband, it is really cute, and they are really warm! Other than my hat, which is my must have accessory….I love my running mittens, they save my fingers!
Tina Muir recently posted…Meatless Monday- Vegetable Pad Thai
They’re so surprisingly warm, right? I have a pair of their gloves as well, which feel so thin and light but they have stood up to this arctic north-east winter!
Girl you are a fresking rockstar! I tend to hibernate in the snow (what can I say? I’m a southern gal through & through!). That ponytail hole looks amazing,p. Clearly a woman designed it 😉
Caroline recently posted…Bump 2.0: Second Trimester = Straight Craziness!!
The ponytail hole is SO smart!! It makes such a difference and you see that kind of attention to design so rarely in workout accessories.
Great post!! I actually have an item that I received from TrailHeads that I need to review. We haven’t had as much bad weather this year so I haven’t had a lot of opportunity to test them!!!
Kim recently posted…My Motivation
That is a good problem to have, Kim! I really like their products, I’m so happy I had a chance to try them out!
I think my trailheads ponytail hat was one of my first great pieces of winter gear back in 2006 or 7. Mine’s not reflective (that’s even cooler) but gosh do I ever love it.
Marcia recently posted…Weekend Wrapup: Mushroom Cloud Edition
The reflective thing is a nice touch, because just to add insult to injury in winter, it’s not like we have a lot of hours of sunlight. Le sigh – is it spring yet??
Pingback: Trailheads Twister Running Gloves Review and Giveaway - Fine Fit Day
Pingback: The Best Running Gear - 15 Things I'm Glad Were Invented - Fine Fit Day
Pingback: Tips for Winter Running Gear (plus a huge giveaway!) - Fine Fit Day
Actually observed the folks preserving a lot of money
with coupons in the checkout point.
Claude recently posted…Claude