As I sit and write this it is currently -25C on the thermometer with the wind chill making it feel more like -38C! No, I won’t go outside and run in this. Nor should anyone. Regardless of how long your run “streak” is. Go to a mall and run a mile around the mall. However when the temperature “warms up” to -15C or so, I will head back outside. My most treasured items of clothing to help me stay warm and dry in this cold, harsh Canadian climate is Breath Thermo from Mizuno. Here are the reasons why everyone should own this stuff if they run in the wintery parts of the world.
Direct from the Mizuno website, it defines Breath Thermo as follows:
“Breath Thermo is a remarkable heat-generating fabric with a thermal insulation mechanism that absorbs body moisture and then uses it to generate heat. The air that is heated by the absorption process is trapped between the fibers, so that the space between garment and body remains warm and dry”.
Tell me the last time you went to a store to buy a piece of technical fabric and looked up what it would do for you? Not likely. We buy based on fit, color, other’s experiences etc. I just did your homework for you.
I have run in various brands of technical clothing over my 20 years of running and triathlons. Things have 100% changed in the market over this time. You can imagine what my closet looks like having garnered items over the years. However the only clothing I put on now to run in is Mizuno. Particularly in the winter and fall months, when the temperatures dip, this stuff just works. It works exactly as it is described above. My past experience with some clothing is that you start out cold, then the fabric does what it is supposed to do which is warm you, but then after about 40-45 minutes, you get chilled again. I realized once I started to wear Mizuno’s Breath Thermo that the chill factor never set in. I can even sit in my clothing after a run and not need to dash for the hot shower right away. My family may think otherwise…..but you get my point I am sure.
On that note, then there is the stink factor or lack there of. The fabrics stay so dry that I can even re – wear, particularly if it’s a frigid day, where I don’t think I have sweat that much. I do usually wash after each wear, as I have enough to cover my weekly runs, but if I didn’t it would be possible to re-wear a top without having that stink in it stick around. I have also worn some cold weather wear that is made of Merino wool. It itches me like crazy. Mizuno’s Breath Thermo is soft and cozy without irritation my skin. Plus it is so light and breathable that layering is possible without feeling like the Michelin Man.
My favorite piece this winter is the Breath Thermo Jacket (photo below). Aside from the Breath Thermo technology above, some of the key features are: wind/water resistant material, a cinchable drawstring for added weather protection, a lock down zipper with garage, and reflective front/back sections. The pockets are a good size and flush against the jacket with items in them so there is minimal bounce if you put anything in them while running, such as and Ipod or keys.
Warm socks are also a winter must have. When I think of winter running socks, the thicker the better would usually come to mind. Enter Breath Thermo socks. These are just the right thickness without taking up space in your shoe. For me, I need the most amount of space in my shoes as I can get, so these socks work fabulously. They also come in two heights, a crew version that fits nicely under tights and still keeps the area covered, and a longer style which is also really comfortable under your tights. They keep my feet warm and dry and don’t get wet because the Breath Thermo material does it’s job!
If you haven’t tried Breath Thermo wear from Mizuno, now would be a great time to purchase an item or two. The whole line up will make your running comfortable, warm and dry. You can purchase at many retailers or online at www.mizunocda.com
See you on the roads!
Elise
Elise is a long time competitive amateur triathlete and Physiotherapist with 20+ years experience treating runners and athletes of all kinds. She also has an online coaching business for runners and triathletes looking to reach that next distance goal or PB. She is very passionate about biomechanics in running and does gait analysis and shoe recommendations as part of her practice. Elise also has a self admitted running shoe and apparel fetish. She is mom to an active 10 year old girl and is married to a man who also runs and races.