Champion's Cold Weather Gear

My training has always slowed down during the winter as generally I go indoors and hit the treadmill. While the fact that I keep up the cardio is good, the fact that it's mostly on the treadmill is bad. When it comes to running outdoors after a lot of time inside it's not always easy to keep myself motivated. If you stop on the treadmill you fall and it hurts. Outdoors it's much easier to cut the run short.

I decided this year would be different and I would keep training outdoors. I knew with the appropriate clothing I could easily run in the cold while staying comfortable but wasn't sure where to start. I got a hold of Champion and found out they have some great cold weather gear to keep me comfy.

With cold weather running and cycling clothing the priorities are minimal bulk, comfortable warmth (without being hot), and moisture-wicking. I was fortunate to try out two items that fit the bill. I have worn these for winter cycling, completing a 5K and snowshoeing. They're versatile and a great buy!

Double Dry® Ultimate Quarter-Zip Women's Top 
The first thing that surprised me about this top is how soft it is, it doesn't have a scratchy tag, and the seams are minimalistic (read: non-chafing). It is so comfy I have fallen asleep in it a few times. Functionally, it wicks moisture well while maintaining a low profile. The quarter-zip neck allows you to control the ventilation a bit and even when fully zipped it's comfortable. You don't feel like you're being strangled and the zipper is guarded by fabric, so no rubbing on your neck and chin. Of course my favorite feature is the thumbholes. I don't always run with gloves on so in winter I like extra long sleeves that shield my hands a bit. The thumbholes keep them in place. Another nice feature is bit of reflective element to the top. It's not an obnoxious design, just a smart addition in the right spots. 

Double Dry® Ultimate Women's Running Tights
I never thought I would be comfortable in running tights. I was pleasantly surprised by this pair. They're easy to get on thanks to a generous ankle zipper. They're a great length, a little long my short frame but didn't leave me with a ton of excess fabric. The waist tie is easy to use and conceals well. There is also a nice slim pocket with hidden exterior-access with a zipper. I never care for the interior pocket for keys, I always feel like any onlookers would think I was playing with my undies rather than trying to get my key out. While these tights are light weight and a thin, soft material they're also warm enough for winter sports.

Supporting the Girls Without Spending a Fortune: Three Great Sports Bras under $30

I wear sports bras all the time. Seriously, about six days a week. So I need to have quite a few on hand unless I want to be doing laundry constantly or be the gross girl who wears a sweaty sports bra over and over again. However, just like regular bras, sports bras can be pricey. The good thing is you don't have to spend a fortune for quality.

You may have heard of Champion Athletic Wear from their C9 line featured at Target or from their performance apparel and sponsorship of the Expedition Hanesbrand team and their summit of Mt. Everest.

I have been a Champion fan for a long time because they're priced affordability while providing the features I need namely support, wicking, and of course fun colors. Check out my three favorites.


The Basic
C9 by Champion Seamless Racerback Bra- $16.99

This is a great bra for every day wear. I commute by bike, run, and do yoga in this bra and it works for everything. Each season it's available in new fun colors or the basics. It provides my C-cup girls with good support without mashing them. It's nice to maintain a girlish figure while still getting the support I need. This bra is available at Target and while available online in black and white you can find more festive colors in the store.


A Little Something Extra
Champion Shape T-Back Sports Bra - $29.99

If there is sexy in the world of sports bras this would be it. The bra is a little lower cut so be prepared to show a little cleavage. It also features molded cups that add more shaping to it. This is the bra I choose when I am hitting yoga or the gym in the morning and then out to lunch in the afternoon. I don't feel like I am wearing a sports bra with this one.

The All-in-One
Champion Seamless Empire Long Top With Built In Sports Bra - $19.99

First a little disclaimer this bra top lists at $36 however I have always found it about $29.99 and it's currently available at the Champion Website for $19.99. I love this top for the simplicity and empire waist design. It is fitted enough that you don't feel like you're wearing a tent but lets you breathe. Great for those days when skin-tight doesn't feel like an option.

Next time your out shopping for athletic apparel keep Champion in mind. In addition the the bras shown above and other athletic apparel a new line of cold weather training gear will be available in September for both men and women that was inspired by Expedition Hanesbrands. Some of these very pieces were actually worn on the summit of Mt. Everest. The new line includes base layers, hard shell and soft shell pieces. They will be available in select stores: Sports Authority, Modells and on championusa.com so keep an eye out.