How to Run for a Cause This Winter (and Stay Warm Doing It)
You know that a good run always feels awesome. But running for a cause? That feels even better.
And, via our blog ambassadorship with Brooks Running, we’ve got two ways you can do that — plus a bonus review of a new piece of apparel that’s gonna make running outside SO. MUCH. BETTER.
UNICEF Kid Power Band + Brooks Donation
Have you guys seen the UNICEF Kid Power Band yet? Basically, it’s an activity tracker in which kids can transform their activity into lifesaving nutrition that UNICEF delivers to severely malnourished children around the world. And, if that wasn’t cool enough, Brooks is sweetening the give-back deal by donating $15 to UNICEF USA for each Kid Power Band sold on brooksrunning.com in the U.S. until Jan. 31, 2018. If you don’t have one yet for yourself and all the kids you know, stock up!
Soles 4 Souls
Wanna give back but short in the cash department? Consider giving your gently worn shoes and apparel to Soles 4 Soles, who will get them to those in need. Brooks recently gave 8,000 units of apparel and 8,000 pairs of shoes to hurricane relief efforts — and we can all chip in another pair or two, right? Right.
Now that your insides are all warm and fuzzy from helping the world be a better place, let’s warm up your outsides with running gear that you can take on your winter-running adventures!
Cascadia Thermal Vest ($110)
Let me just say that I love this vest. Love. It. See the light behind me? I swear it’s the running gods shining down upon me with their vest-delivering brilliance.
This is my current favorite winter-weather layer (and, yep, we’re an affiliate) — both for running and athleisure. First, it’s cute. Second, it’s warm but not overly bulky. Third, it cuts the wind (and we all know that it’s not the cold that’ll get ya but the wind). Fourth, the collar is soft and snuggly if you zip it all the way up (and totes comfortable if it’s not totally freezing out and you have it down). Fifth, it has an awesome small zipper that’s smooth as butter going up and down. Sixth, it fits like a warm hug — snug and cozy while still being breathable and flexible with stretch side panels. Seventh (yes, we’re still going here), it has two front pockets with an inner security pocket and media port in the right one. Eighth, it has front and back reflectivity. Ninth, it makes minimal swish-swish as you run. Tenth, did I say it’s cute? It’s hella cute. And I’m wearing it over everything I wear. (And, I imagine that the Cascadia Thermal Jacket is just as awesome if you’re looking for similar-type warmth but want sleeves.)
Do you run for a cause? We were thrilled to learn about Brooks’ Run B’Cause commitment to helping folks in all kinds of communities and of all backgrounds run happy and have the ability to incorporate running into their lifestyle! Just another reason why we love partnering with them. —Jenn