Product Review: INKnBURN Long-Sleeved Pullovers

In celebration of SPRING(!!!) I have to give a shout-out to my favorite active wear company for making the perfect cold-weather top that has accompanied me on nearly every winter run I did during this last (very long) cold winter: INKnBURN Pullovers.

Wildflower, Lotus, Crane, and Monarch Pullovers

I don't like to be cold, but I've also learned my lesson when I dress too warmly and wind up miserable and feeling overheated when I run. This winter, I discovered that INKnBURN's Pullovers are the perfect balance of warm, breathable, moisture-wicking, and comfortable in addition to being gorgeous works of art.

Feeding my addiction to bright colors!

My first pullover was Crane, which I ordered after checking the weather for the Tucson Half Marathon and saw that it was going to be much colder than I had anticipated. At first glance, I thought the colors and design were a little patch-work-looking with just a touch of quirkiness, but the reviews were extremely positive, so I decided to give it a try. Spoiler: Even though you're not supposed to wear something new on race day, it was love at first wear and I ended up being ecstatic about the colors and artwork.

Happy "I PR'd" Dance!

After my Tucson Half Marathon PR, I was hooked. Soon after, Monarch and Lotus arrived.

And now I might need a support group, because last week Wildflower joined the party:

Good thing I didn't face plant. That would have hurt.

Confession: I may or may not have ordered another one during their moving sale last week because, you know, I clearly needed more. *cough*

Okay, so I realize I'm a little ridiculous with my Pullover Addiction, but here's why I can't seem to get enough of them besides the obvious of how beautiful and fun the colors and designs are:

1. The material and craftsmanship is top-notch. The inside fabric is incredibly soft and very cozy-feeling against my sensitive skin, and it never leaves me with chafing. I'm one of those unfortunate people who ends up with rashes and chafing any time fabric touches me, so active wear clothing must be made with quality fabrics, and seams have to be flat and made with soft stitching for me to be comfortable. 

   

   Look at that perfect seam and soft fabric!

2. They're amazingly versatile. I wear them for running, hiking, taking walks, as a skiing base layer, grocery shopping, as my shirt for the day regardless of activity, and for sitting on cold bleachers with a cup of coffee while watching my daughter compete in early morning gymnastics meets. 
3. They have thumbholes! I am a huge fan of thumbholes because I like to have the backs of my hands covered in cool weather, and I appreciate that they keep the cold air from blowing up my arms while running in the wind. The sleeves are fitted enough that they slide under gloves without bunching and are stretchy enough that they fit over gloves if I prefer to wear them that way. Bonus: I can read my watch through the hole if I choose not to use the thumbholes. 
   
   
   
   
   
   

   

   I regularly check my distance this way.

4. The arms are long enough for me. I am long-limbed, and I'm finicky about where sleeves hit on my wrists. Because of the thumbholes, these tops have ample arm length. 
5. More than one size fits. I absolutely love this about INKnBURN - most people can wear more than one size in just about every piece they make. All of their clothing is stretchy, so you can almost always size up or down. I wear a small in their regular tops, but I like to size up to a medium in the pullovers because I frequently wear a base layer underneath. I love that even though the bigger size is roomy, it's cut so that it doesn't look bulky or awkward on me.
6. They layer beautifully. Sometimes I wear these alone, other times I wear a Smartwool base layer or tank underneath. Unlike some running pullovers, I've never had an issue with these riding up or bunching awkwardly during motion. They also fit nicely under a running jacket and under hydration packs. The material is smooth and not bulky at all, so it doesn't catch on other fabrics worn over it. 
7. The back is always just as beautiful and artistic as the front! I am always disappointed when tops have a pretty design on the front and a plain, boring color on the back. I never have that problem when I wear one of of my INKnBURN pullovers!

   

   Wildflower Rear View

8. These tops wash incredibly well. Each of my pullovers gets worn for a workout at least once a week, and I wash them after every use. The fabric does not fade, and every one of them looks and feels like it did when it first arrived. Seriously, they look brand new. Considering I run double-digit miles through mountains in these tops, that's pretty amazing. Bonus: they wash clean and none have that funky armpit smell problem like some tech fabrics get after multiple washes. For the record, I use Nathan Sport-Wash for all my active wear. 
9. They stay put. I get easily irritated when I have to tug on my clothing to keep it in place mid-run. Recently, I did a demo run in a long-sleeve top (in a brand that shall remain unnamed) that kept shifting around and left me readjusting it every few minutes. I was so annoyed. However, the experience left me that much more grateful when I wore one of my pullovers on my next run and I forgot that I was wearing it because it was so comfortable and stayed in place. 
10. The fabric is moisture-wicking and breathes. Last week I went for a tempo run on a sunny day with temps in the mid-to-upper 50s, and I really should have been wearing a short-sleeve shirt because those temperatures feel downright warm with the sun beating down after a cold winter. Stubbornly, I wore my new Wildflower Pullover because it had just arrived. I warmed up quickly, but I could feel the cool breeze through my top and my body temperature stayed regulated. I was surprised by the end of my mileage that I wasn't very sweaty and that I'd felt comfortable even in the warmer weather. 

If you're wondering where you can get one of these amazing tops, check out the INKnBURN website. They make them for both women and men, and there are still some in stock in a couple of the patterns. If your size isn't available, keep checking back for new apparel. It is a small company and their products are not mass-produced so there is limited inventory, but they come out with new tops and bottoms all the time. If you happen to purchase one of their products, let them know I sent you. As I've mentioned before, I am an Ambassador for the company and I love getting the word out!

Happy yoga girl! It's finally warming up a little!

Running in the Frigid Temperatures

I have been living in the Seattle area for more than seven years, but the Arizona blood runs deep within my veins. I am a total weather wimp. If it's sunny, I'll be the one wearing a sweater in 70°F. If it's cloudy, I break out the long sleeves in anything under 78°F unless I'm being active.

Today, the weather is clear but brutal with a current temperature of 26°F and a daytime high prediction of not much better. While I realize that this is nowhere near as cold as other parts of the country, I am freezing and ready to hibernate in a warm cave near a toasty fire. On days like today, I'd much rather spend my exercise time in the hot yoga room, but it's not always possible.

Take last night, for instance. My 10-year-old daughter joins me at running group on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which really helps hold me accountable with my running schedule because I like setting a good example for her. It was cold and dark outside, but not too windy (thank goodness). I also couldn't complain too much because it wasn't snowing and we didn't run through too many icy patches.

I often talk to others about how easy it is to fall off the running wagon during the cold months, and I totally get it. I have found three tricks that keep me on track: 1) I sign up for races during the cold months that require training; 2) I often run with a group and bring my daughter with me, which is a double-motivator; and 3) I wear the appropriate gear. On days like these, it is easy to convince oneself to stay inside with a warm blanket and a hot cup of tea, but I am training for a hefty set of high-mileage races next year and cannot afford to allow myself to succumb to laziness. Instead, I dressed for the weather and found myself quite comfortable for the four miles during which I braved the cold.

Weather wimps be like, "35 Pounds Later!"

If you can't tell amidst the jumble of fluorescent pink, here's a breakdown of what I wore (minus my choice of underwear and sports bra... you're welcome):

• Fleece-lined full-length running tights by Marc New York (found these at Costco)
• Ultralight Smartwool long-sleeved base-layer top
• Mid-weight long-sleeved pullover with thumbholes by INKnBURN
• Windstopper jacket by Gore
• Windstopper headband by Gore
• Gloves by Head
• Reflective vest by Amphipod
• Headlamp by Black Diamond
• Smartwool PhD running socks (not pictured)

If you tend to heat up quickly, I would suggest foregoing the Smartwool base-layer, or substitute it with a tech tank to keep your core warm. If I had been running in the same temperature in sunlight, or had I been doing a tempo run, I admit I would have been too warm. However, for a 9:30 pace in freezing temps with a slight breeze coming off of Lake Washington, I was comfortable and even found myself wishing I had brought a buff to cover my neck and mouth to help warm the frigid air before it hit my lungs for the first two miles.

I had my daughter dressed in lined leggings and a matching long-sleeved top, a short-sleeved tech shirt over the top, and a thin down vest. Of course, she had her dorky reflective gear on as well, and though I insisted that she wear a beanie on her noggin, she took it off at mile one and told me she was warm without it with a smirk on her face. 

Secretly, I'm a little worried her eyes might get permanently stuck facing the back of her head from all the times she rolls them at me. Whatever. At least she's warm, right? 

Running in the Rain: What to Wear

The end of Daylight Savings Time is my least favorite time of year. That extra hour of sleep really only feels like extra snooze time for about two days before my body has accepted the new time as the norm, after which I'm stuck with the depressing reality that the sun sets as I pick my kids up from school for the day. Some people like that extra hour of sunlight in the morning, but I much prefer having an extra hour in the evening.

With that time change, the rain inevitably seems to pick up as well. I live in the Greater Seattle area, so I am no stranger to running in weather that begs one to go home, change into cozy pajamas, and curl up under a thick blanket near the fireplace with a good novel and a cup of steaming tea. Running in rainy, windy, chilly weather is far from what I consider ideal, however, I have to keep running. Consistent exercise - especially that which is done outside - is a vital component of maintaining my mental health. The rain and gloomy skies do not bother me too much, but the lack of daylight depresses me quicker than voting in this year's election.

One of the most common questions I hear is, "Do you actually run in this weather." Yes, yes I do. Following that, almost always: "What do you wear in this kind of weather?"

Both are great questions, and since the first answer is a simple "yes," I am going to focus on answering the second.

Disclaimer: I LOVE bright, artistic-looking, stop-cars-in-their-tracks sort of running gear, and my favorite tech clothing comes from INKnBURN. No, I'm not getting paid to advertise or review anything, so everything I'm posting is something I actually wear by choice. Additionally, I generally dress a tad warmer than what running guides often recommend. By common recommendation, one is to wear shorts and a short-sleeved shirt in 50°F+. I freeze my buns off in anything under about 58°F if I'm not a little more covered up, especially when it's breezy with a chance of rain. I chalk this up to being raised in the desert. Or maybe I'm just a wuss. Whatever.

Yesterday morning was my favorite running weather: cool, cloudy, damp from rain the night before, and a little sunshine peeking its way through the gray. It was about 50°F with a slight breeze, and I went for a miserable-feeling 6+ mile run with one of my favorite running buddies (aka husband). Why miserable? My girls both have a cold and somehow manage to constantly cough in my face, slobber on my food, and slime me with their germs as tokens of their love, so I woke up with a headache, watery eyes, and some sinus pressure. Not surprisingly, I felt extra cold, so I wore full-length running tights, a lightweight Smartwool running top, layered a short-sleeved tech shirt over the top, and added running gloves to keep my icicle fingers from turning blue. It wasn't cold enough for a beanie or headband, so I went with my favorite Beat the Blerch hat instead to keep the sun off my face, any mist out of my eyes, and provide just a little warmth to my noggin. My husband opted for humor with his ugly-Christmas-sweater-style long-sleeved tech shirt.

The weirdos who run together... stay together.
Shirts by INKnBURN

Seattle autumn weather varies greatly. Sometimes, it's 40°F and windy with torrential downpour; other times, it's sunny and 60+ degrees. Frequently, it's cool and humid, and a light rain comparable to a mist will fall at just the right time during a long run. Often, clouds will cover the sky but the temps will hang around the upper 50s. It's safe to say that one generally has to plan for temps between 40°F-60°F and cloudy with a chance of meatballs during this time of the year.

So, without further delay, here's a breakdown of what I like to wear while running in the various autumn weather:

• Cloudy but little or no chance of rain and temps in the upper 40s through mid-50s:
• Short-sleeved tech shirt layered over a merino wool activewear top; the wool top keeps body temperature regulated even in the rain but does not overheat;
• Capri tights;
• Hat to keep the sun and any unexpected rain off my face. 

Long-sleeved top by Smartwool
Short-sleeved top from Hood to Coast
Serpent Capris by INKnBURN
Hat from Beat the Blerch

• OR... 
• Lightweight running pullover with sleeves and thumbholes over racer-back tank;
• Running skirt, shorts, or capris (if under 50°F);
• Hat;
• Nighttime safety gear: reflective vest with flashing LED lights and headlamp;

Top by Spalding
Skirt by INKnBURN
Reflective Vest by Amphipod
Headlamp by Black Diamond
Hat by Zero Limits

• Probable light rain and/or wind and temps in the upper 40s through mid-50s:
• Ultralight windproof and water-resistant running jacket;
• Short-sleeve or lightweight long-sleeve tech top (under 50°F);
• Capri tights;
• Hat to shield rain from face.

Jacket by Saucony
Top and Capris by INKnBURN
Hat by Zero Limits

• Rain, wind, and temps in upper 30s through 40s:
• Highly water-resistant, windproof, lightweight, breathable active shell jacket;
• Short or long-sleeved tech top or merino wool top (for temps below 40°F);
• Full-length tights or thin fleece-lined activewear tights on cold, dark days;
• Running gloves;
• Headband to keep ears and forehead warm;
• Hat to keep rain off of face and hide tears/grimacing. 

Windstopper Jacket by Gore
Lined Tights by Marc New York Performance
Top by INKnBURN
Hat from Beat the Blerch
Headband by RiptGear
Gloves by Mizuno

Of course, this list is not exhaustive and does not include other factors such as whether the wind feels cold or bearable, whether the humidity makes the air feel balmy or icy, or whether the sunlight happens to feel warm or like it's hiding behind a haze. It also does not include the fact that sometimes I go out wearing nothing but a short-sleeved top and a pair of capris. As far as socks are concerned, I purposefully left them out of each lineup because I generally wear whatever pair of thin running socks I pull out of the drawer first, saving my thicker ones for the sub-freezing winter days.

Finally, it is important to recognize that every runner is unique. Some people, like my husband, heat up quickly. Others are more rain-sensitive than I am. Some folks run mostly naked through blizzards (no joke!). But regardless of what kind of weather-sensitive runner you are, I do think the follow list is an important set of must-haves during these colder, darker, rainier days:

• Reflective vest or other light-up gear to make you visible in the dark;
• Headlamp or flashlight;
• Breatheable waterproof or rain-resistant running jacket;
• Lightweight windbreaker;
• Long-sleeve running shirt for layering or wearing alone;
• 3/4-length or full-length running tights;
• Hat;
• Gloves.

I am always excited to learn of gear that makes my colder weather runs more comfortable. Do you have any favorites that I missed?

Note: Any items I did not provide a link for can be found on Amazon if still available.