Icebreaker Friends and Family Sale Today!

You know I love Icebreaker products, right? I do! They’re awesome, and here’s why.

There’s another friends and family sale today, and I’m hoping to make it there to pick up some more essential fitness attire.

Here are the details:

Winterize the Workout #Mamavation Monday

I run.

If you don’t think that is crazy enough, I run in the early morning. 5:30 or 6 a.m., Monday through Friday.

I run with mamas who live in my neighborhood, and while we run we talk about our kids, our work, our husbands, our goals, fashion, dogs, weather, vacation plans, skin care, hormones… you get the picture. Chatting about life makes the miles fly by, and having a set time and meet-up scheduled provides accountability. You know it’s true – it’s so easy to bail on a workout if nobody else is expecting to see you.

As the weather has gotten colder, I’ve had to change my attire a bit, but little else. Once you accept that you’re going to get wet, running in the rain isn’t bad. My Icebreaker gear helps a lot, both in wet and cold conditions. I’ve run in temperatures as cold as 16 degrees F, and as long as my ears and head are covered, it’s totally manageable.

The key for me is to wear close-fitting, preferably merino layers. No cotton. When it’s really cold, I warm up a bit inside the house first (as opposed to outside).

Snow might be a different story. I’ve never run in snow, but if we get some I’m planning on trying it out. I have those low-profile slip-on crampons that might work on my running shoes.

Now that I have Jack to run with me, I need to consider his safety if it gets really cold. Do I need to get the dog to warm up inside the house before running in below-freezing temps? I have no idea! But I love having him run with me, so I need to check into that. Maybe he just needs these protective doggie boots: What do you do to winterize your workout? Do you make any changes?

Happy running,
~Krista

This post is sponsored by MyInfoGuardian and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women.

My Icebreaker Haul!

I took time out of a busy day to squeeze in a trip to the Icebreaker Friends and Family sale last week. I scored some awesome deals, of course! The total retail value of my 8 items was $400. I got them all for $120!

My pile! Two tops for me, one each for Brian & Anna (sorry, Eric!) and four pair of socks.

I was hoping for some base-layer pants, and/or pants I could use running. I couldn’t get to the sale until early afternoon, so if there were any bottoms there I missed them. At the time, I thought… “Oh well!” But after my rainy rainy run yesterday, I’m convinced I need to just invest in some at full price!

I got so incredibly wet, running in the rain for 45 minutes. But remarkably, my inner layer of Icebreaker (the red sleeveless athletic top in the picture above) was dry! Can you believe it? Before I took my outer layer off, I would have sworn that I was wet all the way through. Two layers of Icebreaker seems to do the trick. So yes. I need pants! I love the new running top, not only for keeping me dry, but also because it has a pocket on the back. Ostensibly for an Mp3 player, but I used it for my phone. It kept my phone dry, which is always a concern. If you do want to use it for an Mp3 player, check out the cool loop at the back neck for keeping your ear buds corralled!

I think my very best score, however, was this great sweater for Anna. It was only $15, and I’m kicking myself for not buying several more of them.

Anna in her new Icebreaker sweater, Eric being Eric.

When I showed her the sleeve detail, she looked a little confused:

But then I explained that the thumb holes made so her hands could stay warm while she plays on the monkey bars… and her face lit up! I think she was just delighted that I’m willing to be supportive of her monkey bar addiction.

This sweater is officially called a “Tech Top” and it retails for $70!

Anna wore it all weekend, so now I’ve got to do some laundry, quick. The really great thing about all Icebreaker products is that not only do they repel body odor and are breathable yet warm, they are totally NOT itchy! It’s amazing, really.  I don’t know how they do it.

Sustainable, comfortable, and incredibly utilitarian. And cute to boot!

To quote my dear old friend Carol, “BUSWAD!” (Bundle Up, Stay Warm And Dry)
~Krista

 

Why I love Icebreaker Merino {and why you should, too!}

I can hardly wait for the Icebreaker Friends and Family sale on Friday. Icebreaker is amazing, and I need more.

Here’s why:

1. It’s wool. Which is natural and sustainable.

2. Somehow, the brilliant creators have made it so it that it doesn’t absorb odors. Yup, no stinky armpits.

3. It’s lightweight and breathable so I can run in it in the summer…

4. …and yet keeps me warm on those 5:30 am runs in the winter!

5. Each piece is cut really well. So they fit nicely, and when something fits nicely I look better. And I like that.

6. Little details: my sweater (which looks a little like this one, but it’s red) has those cool over-the-hand warmers, and it has  a handy low-profile pocket on the arm just big enough for an iPod and a credit card.

7. They last forever. Absolutely worth the investment. But… speaking of investment

8. It’s time for the Friends & Family Sale! While each piece of Icebreaker Merino is a worthy investment, wouldn’t you like to get those awesome items for 50-80% off?

I know, RIGHT?

Last year, I scored Christmas and birthday presents for several people. And for myself! My favorite is a base-layer, long sleeve scoop neck that is PERFECT for running in the early mornings. It normally retails for around $80 I think. I got it for $20! I’m hoping to find another one tomorrow. Oh, and since ZooLights is right around the corner, I need some base layer bottoms as well!

I’m also scouting kids clothes, and a base layer for Brian. Since I love mine so much, I think he would like some, too.

Here are the sale details. If you’re in Portland, Oregon, you should 100% make time for this sale!

ICEBREAKER FRIENDS & FAMILY SALE
Friday, November 18
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
525 NW 10th Avenue, where NW 10th meets Hoyt.

I had no trouble finding street parking within a block last year.

If you go to the sale, be sure to let me know what amazing deals you found!

Cheers,
~Krista

Here’s more about what makes Icebreaker so great: