Winter Activities: Think Safety First

Thank god for Three-in-One Mittens for extra warmth

Mike and I just completed the Hot Chocolate Challenge and the Hartford Marathon Foundation's 12ks of Christmas challenge to walk or run 12ks (7.46 miles) a day for twelve days! We'd gotten a bit lazy, for our standards, since the colder weather set in, so I thought this challenge would be a great way to ramp up our activity during these cold, winter months. Our friend, Lauren, joined us (virtually, of course), but Mike and I decided to aim for 3.75 to four mile walks each day. We really needed a swift kick out the door. 

An hour's walk each day really did our bodies good. But...what we didn't consider during these challenges was potential inclement weather. I guess we were too excited about the sweatshirt, finisher medal, and the opportunity to win prizes on each of the 12 days of #HMF12ks challenge. But last Saturday, we woke up to freezing rain that made for a very slippery, wet, miserable trek. We had to pay attention to the sidewalk so we didn't slip or step in deep puddles. We were only out for one hour, but I realized that as close to the house as we were, that hour could have been dangerous if we hadn't been well-prepared.

Eclipse Headband, Velocity Glove,
Ambition Hoodie, Early Riser

This made me think about how so many people have become more active this year, due to the pandemic, which made me think about safety. Families are exploring in the woods and couples are going for scenic drives, stopping alongside the road when they see a sign for a "scenic hike." This is great, of course! There's so much of the world to explore, right in our own backyards. But, Mike and I have seen so many ill-prepared people wearing casual clothing like sandals and jeans on advanced mountain trails with no water or backpack of supplies. I can't even count how many people Mike and I have passed by who've asked us if they're "almost there" when they've only hiked half a mile of a two-mile climb that ascends a thousand feet.

Thinking about all of this reminded me of an article I recently read about three hikers who all died in the White Mountains in a span of six days in September, all from tragic accidents. My heart goes out to their friends and families. Life is so precious, yet when we decide to "just go out" for a hike, or a run, or a climb. we don't always consider the dangers. Over the years, I've learned, often from experience, the importance of being well-prepared when heading out. I'd say these are the most important things to consider, especially during the winter months.

Check the weather.

 Squall Jacket, Ascent Parka,
Cold Weather Hood, Velocity Glove

This one seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes I look outside and see blue skies and don't realize that a brewing storm will hit my destination while I'm out there. So check out your phone's weather app or Weather.com for a detailed hour-by-hour forecast. If you're heading to the mountains, check out Mountain-Forecast.com. Mike and I have started out at the base of a mountain seeing only a foggy, dreary morning, but by the time we reached the summit, clouds have parted and the sun came out to shine. Fortunately, Mountain Forecast knew the fog would roll away by the time we hit the top.

Venture out with a buddy and stick together.

This is especially important when going somewhere remote or that has technical trails. Even the most experienced mountain climbers can twist an ankle or get lost at a wrong turn or run into unexpected inclement weather. Or worse. Most importantly, don't take off ahead of your group, even if you just want to get to the top of that peak or explore a side trail "real quick."   

Always tell someone where you're going.

Tahoe Jacket, Second Skin Glove 

Whether you're running or walking a five-mile loop in your neighborhood alone, or going for a hike with a group of people, let a loved one know where you're heading, the route you're planning to take, and what time you expect to get back. If you get lost or hurt, it will be easier (and quicker) to find you if people know your general location and the general timing of your trek. 

Once your adventure is over, and you're safely back home or your car, be sure to let them know so they don't worry. 

Use GPS to track your location. 

Wearing a GPS watch, like a Garmin, an activity tracking app like Strava, or a family/emergency dispatch location tracking app, like Life360, could literally save your life if you're in an emergency situation in a remote location. 

Pack up your back up supplies. 

Eclipse Headband, Ambition Hoodie

Even if you're going for a short hike through the woods, bring a backpack for supplies. Choose a backpack that's comfortable but also has the capacity to carry emergency supplies, such as a first aid kit, water, food, flashlight, headlamp, bear spray, portable cellphone charger, rain poncho, utility knife, MicroSpikes or YakTraks, trekking poles, etc. and still have enough room to pack extra layers of clothing, such as an extra pair of gloves, socks, head coverings, and thicker shirts.

Time management is key during winter months.

It's important during the shorter, darker days to know what time the sun rises and sets before you plan your outdoor adventures, or you may find yourself wandering blindly in the dark. TimeandDate.com has accurate sunrise/sunset times, but most smart phones can also give you this information. Even if your plan is just a short hike in the early afternoon, it's best to be prepared with a headlamp and/or flashlight, just in case something unexpected arises.

Reflective clothing and accessories keep you visible to others.

Cold Weather Hood, Tahoe Jacket

Cold Weather Hood, Tahoe Jacket

I wear my IllumiNITE reflective clothing and accessories, even when I'm going on a sunny daytime adventure. Mike and I are seasoned hikers and runners, and we usually can gauge how long a trek will take. But we have found ourselves in situations where we've been out two-to-three hours longer than expected. Fortunately, no matter how dark it gets, Mike and I light up brighter than the insanely lit-up houses and lawns in the movie Deck the Halls with Matthew Broderick and Danny Devito. I feel so much safer knowing how visible I am to drivers and other runners and walkers wearing headlamps. 

Layer, layer, layer...you can always remove, but you can't add what you don't have.

Ambition Hoodie, Tahoe Jacket, Synergy Hat, Ascent Parka  

I've learned the hard way that cold legs, toes, and fingers are the worst. Muscles freeze up, hands stop working, and trying to get warm after being outside in subzero or wet weather can take hours. So now, I make sure that I layer up. Mike and I always start with a long-sleeved shirt as our base, then layer it with a thicker pullover, and then throw on a warm outer shell over that. We also throw an extra long-sleeved shirt and/or pullover in our backpacks for longer hikes/runs, in case we need a dry change of clothing midway through our adventure. For pants, we layer tights under our pants, and we often wear two pairs of socks! Thanks to IllumiNITE's Three-in-One Mittens, our hands are layered as well...and if it's really cold out, I'll throw in hot hands for extra warmth. For head wear, I often like to wear a hood with face mask or a hat with a hood over that. My head lamp on night walks/runs also keeps my headwear extra snug against my head.

Synergy Hat, Tahoe Jacket, Second Skin Glove,  Squall Jacket,

During these winter months, it's so important to be properly prepared—overly-prepared even—before
exploring the outdoors, especially as the days grow darker and inclement weather makes outdoor activities treacherous. So before you head out on your next outdoor adventure, check out the weather, wear layered, reflective clothing, make sure you're properly prepared, and think safety first. It's always best to cut an adventure short if you think your situation could get treacherous.

Thinking of gifting yourself and your loved ones IllumiNITE this holiday season, use my discount code Sera15 for 15% off your order.

I'd love to hear about how you stay safe outdoors during these winter months. Please share in the comments below.

Gearing Up for Colder Months in Quarantine

Trying out hiking poles for the first time
Wearing IllumiNITE Ambition Hoodie, 
Ponyband Headband & Velocity Mittens

Brrr. It's getting cold out there! Where has summer gone? It's getting harder to wake up early now that it's darker and colder in the mornings. But I can't deny how good it feels to breathe in the brisk air and stare at the colorful trees against the bright blue backdrop of the sky once I motivate myself to get up and get moving. Staying active during the colder months is like going to the gym after the shininess of New Year's resolutions wears off. It takes a lot to get yourself out there, but once you do, you wonder why you hesitated in the first place. 

Since we're still in a pandemic, Mike and I talked about the importance of not staying cooped up inside all winter. In normal years, I always sign up for a few fall and winter races to keep me motivated to run, including trail and mountain races (like the Ghost Train Ultramarathon, or the "Movember on Mt. Tom Fun Run" to raise awareness for men's health). But all races have been discontinued. Likewise, we won't be able to socialize indoors at theaters or restaurants or gatherings with friends. What do we do? 

We decided to stick with what we do best: hiking and running. We also agreed to try snowshoeing come winter to spice things up. We went through our colder weather inventory to see what we already own. Then we went on a five-and-a-half hour hike on Mount Race, my favorite mountain in the Berkshires, to figure out what we still need to stay dry, warm, and safe outside during the fall and winter months.

Crossing Race Brook Falls; Velocity Mittens 
help me get a better grip my trekking poles 

While hiking, we paid attention to the changing landscape. Fallen leaves and muddy terrain after the previous night's rainfall made the trek slipperier than usual. Fortunately, Mike's aunt lent us her trekking poles to see how we liked them. Why have I never used trekking pokes before? Wow! They truly gave me "extra legs" as I maneuvered up and down muddy terrain, crossed rivers, and navigated boulders. I have terrible balance, so I will definitely be getting myself a pair of these. Once winter sets in, I'll be adding MICROspikes so I don't slip when walking and climbing on sheets of ice. 

As for clothing, here is what we decided works best for the fall and winter months:  

Layering is Key

I'm all layered up from head to toe;
can you see my Velocity Mitten
making a cameo?

New England weather is finicky. The temperature can go from 48°F to 72° to 30° all in one day. It can be sunny, then cloudy, then windy with hail, then calm and balmy. Yes, we often have the four seasons all in one day. Weather definitely keeps things exiting. But no matter where you live, it's important to be prepared for the elements, especially on mountains. Mountains don't care if it's January or July; they have their own climate.

Packable Jacket is lightweight,
and keeps me warm and dry
in cold, wet weather

One thing I love about IllumiNITE clothing is that they're easily packable and lightweight. Even their warmer clothing doesn't feel bulky. Therefore, I love to layer a shortsleeve like their Mockingbird or Savannah Shirt underneath a warmer shell like the Ambition Hoodie or Packable Jacket for the fall months. 

Once that bitter winter weather sets in, I exchange my Packable Jacket for the Tahoe Performance Softshell Fleece. It protects me against the elements while still allowing me to move freely, whether I'm running on the road or climbing up the boulders of a mountain. 

Sera in Powerstretch Pant
(bootcut pairs well with hiking boots)
Mike in Mercury Running Tights

The women's Satellite Running Tights and men's Mercury Running Tights keep us dry and warm during the early autumn months. I love how IllumiNITE tights can be layered beneath hiking pants, running shorts, or sweatpants for added warmth and protection. They also prevent chafing and wick away moisture. I also recommend wearing wicking underwear made specifically for running or hiking. It makes a world of difference in comfort level. 

There's really nothing worse than sweating through your layered clothing only to become chilled to the bone. That's the type of bitter cold that sits inside you for hours. So, when the weather turns damp and cold, the Windbrite Pant, which is windproof, prevents windchill from settling in.

Accessories

I don't know what I would do if I didn't have my go-to IllumiNITE accessories. They all make my life so much easier because they prepare me for anything. 

A super fun accessory that is also practical is my pair of IllumiNITE Sleeves. When it's a tad chilly, but I know I'll heat up as I run, I wear a shortsleeved tee with my detachable sleeves. They easily stow away in a pocket if I get too hot, but add just the right amount of warmth and brightness on chilly and/or damp days.

And I'm totally obsessed with accessories for my head! My Multi-Wrap has multi-purposes. I can use it as a hat, double it up to create a face mask for when we're passing people on the road or trail, or use it as a buff to keep sweat out of my eyes and bugs out of my ears (especially during pesky spring and fall months when the insects are especially buggy!). 

Mike wears his Multi-Wrap
like a

 headband;
I cover my whole head

When I don't want full coverage, I really love the thicker IllumiNITE headbands because they still keep sweat out of my eyes and bugs out of my ears. Some even come equipped for ponytails (the Ambition Hoodie is also perfect for ponytails!) 

Shining bright on
our morning walks—Synergy!

For our early morning walks, I switch out the elaborate head coverings for my Synergy Hat. I can keep my hair down while wearing it, and it keeps my head warm—and visible!—while we walk through our neighborhood. 

But as the months get colder, I exchange these head coverings for the Cold Weather Unisex Hood. It's so versatile! You can rearrange it to either cover your head, mouth and nose, and neck; Or, your head and neck; Or, just your neck, depending on how hot or cold you get. It's especially easy to pull down the face covering for a quick snack break without any complications.

IllumiNITE's Velocity Mittens keep my hands dry and warm while also allowing me to use my phone—gotta capture our amazing adventures on camera. Though, come winter months, I will need warmer gloves such as their Second Skin Gloves or Three-In-One Mitten.

Ready for outdoor activities
this fall and winter!

I spoke with our friends at IllumiNITE to see what they recommended for warmer gear for the colder months, and they gathered some of their best products for us. Our shipment just came in, and I can't wait to see what we got! Stay tuned for more. In the meantime, check out IllumiNITE for all your reflective athletic wear needs, and use my discount code Sera15 for 15% off your order!

I'd love to hear your must-have gear for fall and winter! Please share in a comment below!

Going Stir-Crazy? Explore the World of Color

Time for a hike? Loving this pop of hot pink!
IllumiNITE Unisex Velocity Mitten

It's week two of isolation, and I must admit I'm going a bit stir-crazy. I've worked remotely for years, and I've gotten pretty good at it. I know to set specific hours to avoid working nonstop. I know to take little breaks throughout the day to stretch, get water, have a snack. I know to break down my work station at the end of every day, and yes, even shut off my computer and store it out of sight. This gives a sense of transition from work time to down time at the end of the "work day."

But I'm not JUST working remotely. I AM remote completely—away from friends and family and people in my community. I never fully appreciated how integrated my world was. Besides driving to work, there's going to the store or bank or gas station. There's stopping by the local library to pick up a new set of books. There's going for a run with my run club. There's the impromptu coffee or drink with a friend. All of this is gone. And it takes its toll, more than we realize.

Wearing IllumiNITE Pink Love Tee
to brighten my day

I read a great article by Harvard Business Review entitled That Discomfort You're Feeling Is Grief. And it makes sense. Even though I'm getting more sleep than ever and my daily routine is solid, I have to look at the calendar every day to see what day of the week it is and what date it is. Is it really only Tuesday? How is it Friday already? Wait, is today Saturday, or Sunday? Time has become a concept, one big, blurry mess.

I'm having a harder time waking up in the morning, my brain feels foggy and groggy, and I wrestle between experiencing bounds of energy to wanting to sleep until this COVID-19 pandemic is over.

In this new normal, I'm trying to find ways to add more joy into my life. For example, I'm definitely eating a lot more chocolate! haha But that alone, isn't cutting it. But I noticed that working near a window and looking out at the world around me has given me more joy. Spring is in the air, the buds are sprouting on the trees, and slowly the world is blossoming into color: bright blue skies, greener grass, red cardinals! Each pop of color creates this surge of joy inside me.

Can you find the garter snake?

As I stated in my last post, COVID-19: Stay Remote, Not Isolated, I'm getting out in nature to explore as much as I'm able! last weekend, I came across the cutest little garter snake while on a hike. I wouldn't have seen if it didn't rustle up the leaves as it slithered away—it was completely camouflaged.

Seeing this nearly invisible snake made me remember a conversation I had with a friend a while back. She had painted her fingernails bright colors, which surprised me because she doesn't normally paint her nails, let alone paint them all different colors. When asked about it, she mentioned that she had just read the book Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness by Ingrid Fetell Lee. She said the book mentioned that adding color, shapes, and textures into your life bring you pops of joy. (mental note: I must buy this book!)

Thinking about this concept of color bringing joy while watching this adorable little snake trying to blend into its background made me realize: This COVID-19 pandemic is making me feel like I'm fading into the background! Every day, my work outfits have been a rotating array of black and blue hoodies and sweatpants. What else would I wear while being cooped up in my house?! But...I realized that "dressing up" to go for a hike or a run has been my happiest moments of the week. Yes, a large part of that is the fact that I'm doing something outside of the house. But the other part of that happiness is: I'm wearing bright colors!

Wearing these pops of color has become my social outlet; my pops of joy throughout the week; it's my way of being seen when we can't socialize, my way of announcing to the world: I'm here! I see you! Do you see me?

Maybe it's the stir-crazy, but the most exciting moment last week was when Mike noticed that my IllumiNITE Ambition Reflective Women's Hoodie has a ponytail pull-through! How have I never noticed this before? So what does one do when discovering this amazement?

 PHOTOSHOOT! No autographs, please! haha

 

I'm wearing Beetroot/Silver
Mike's wearing Hawaiian Blue

And, I just found out that the IllumiNITE Ambition Women's Hoodie AND the Early Riser Men's Pullover are on final sale! So get yours before it's gone! Don't worry! You can order online! And if you use discount code Sera15, you'll get 15% off the rest of your order (non-sale items).

Okay, so maybe this blog post is all over the place...this is the state of my scattered mind. But seriously, get some COLOR into your world! It will make you happy! And...it will brighten the day of anyone you may pass (remember: 6 feet apart) on the road or hiking trails! It seems there are a lot more people exploring the outdoors now that businesses are closed. Are you one of them?!

What are you doing to bring pops of joy into your life during this time of social isolation? 

Leave a comment below!