Wind Blocker Review

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I totally woke up on the wrong side of the bed.  Well, I was on my side of the bed, but you know what I mean.  Hello, Mrs. Grumpygrumperstein. 

 

I thought a run would lift my spirits.  Well… technically speaking, it was supposed to be a run, but once I got out there, I decided to just walk most of it instead.  I did 2.2 miles in total.  I feel better now.

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My walk ended up being the perfect opportunity to ‘test’ out this New Balance Wind Blocker, which was sent to me to review.  If a windbreaker will stand up to walking in super windy 40-odd degree weather, it’s definitely going to work for running, right? 

 

Also – yay, chalkboard wall.

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Thoughts on the windbreaker – the shape of the jacket is very nice.  I’m wearing a small, and it tucks in a bit at your waist, creating a flattering shape that is missing from a lot of running outwear.  But it’s not too restrictive and moves well when I picked up the pace (and when I walked).  There’s a half-zipper at the top that comes into a small turtleneck.  There are lots of reflective details on the front, which is great for nighttime running.

 

It was definitely a warmer jacket.  There’s no way you could run in this in temperatures over 45 or so without overheating.  It’s not really designed to ‘breathe’ – that would eliminate the point of a windbreaker.  For what it’s designed to do, it does it very well thanks to the outer shell and warm lining.

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Best part, of course, is the thumb holes.  The black fabric on the thumb holes is just for wiping your snotty nose – score!

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I don’t own anything like this jacket at all, so I don’t have much to compare it to, but like I said – I think it does what it’s designed to do quite well.  It really is a comfy windbreaker.  My only complaint about the jacket is that there is only one pocket, which is too small for an iPhone.  It’s big enough for an iPod, though.  I looked over the entire jacket, searching for another pocket (sometimes they hide them so well!) but couldn’t find on.  An extra, bigger pocket would be really nice.   

 

Chalkboard wall fail.  Whoops.

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What new running gear have you purchased lately?  My light-up hat (pictured above) has been great, and I’m getting tons of use out of my reflective vest.  I really, really need new shoes.

 

The winner of the Vitamins for Vegetarians giveaway is Andrea R, who would start a personal organizing business.  Andrea, can you come to my house and organize?  Pretty please?

{ 15 comments }

 

  • Haley December 12, 2012, 12:16 pm

    Hi Caitlin, I love the color of your tights, where are they from?

    • Caitlin December 12, 2012, 12:32 pm

      New Balance too but last year!

  • Sarah @ Yogi in Action December 12, 2012, 12:40 pm

    Did the run/walk help put you in a better mood?

  • LizW December 12, 2012, 12:47 pm

    WOW – that’s a $130 jacket! Looks toasty, but out of my price range 😉

  • Lindsay@A Healthy State of Mind December 12, 2012, 1:04 pm

    I really really need to new shoes too. Those are definitely my next big fitness purchase!

  • Kristen L December 12, 2012, 1:07 pm

    Super cute jacket! Glad the run/walk helped to put you in a better mood. I recently got some ProCompression Marathon socks & I love them. Tight but don’t cut off circulation. I’m hoping to get some new shorts for Christmas!

  • Rob Runs December 12, 2012, 1:09 pm

    My most recent purchase was the Toasty Mitts sweater from Skirt Sports (I got it at half price). It has BUILT IN MITTENS! Great for when you want to keep your hands warm, but gloves are too much. I find my hands get sweaty in gloves, so I take them off, then I can’t get them back on when I get cold because they’re soaked. I’ve worn this twice and I’m hoping the weather actually gets colder so I can get more use out of it.

    I also recently got a Brooks Nightlife Essential Run jacket, though I got it free for being a running group pace coach (it even has “Coach” embroidered on it). Love it, and love that it’s bright enough that I don’t really need my reflective vest.

  • Sara December 12, 2012, 1:26 pm

    I know you feel grumpy (I felt that way all day Monday!) but you look happy and energized. I hope that makes you feel better. 🙂 Nice review!

  • Katie @ Peace Love & Oats December 12, 2012, 1:29 pm

    I have a windbreaker and the only pocket is on your back! I think it must be intended for biking?

  • Mallory @ ifgravityhappens December 12, 2012, 2:12 pm

    I love any running sweatshirt that has those built in thumb holes! I told my mom who just got one that it’s used for wiping your nose during a run and she laughed at me but it’s TOTALLY true! 😉 Glad you agree! hehe

  • Mallory @ ifgravityhappens December 12, 2012, 2:14 pm

    I loveee sweatshirts that have those built in thumb holes. I just had a conversation with my mom about those and told her they are great for wiping your nose on a cold run! 😉 Glad you agree! hehe

  • Nicole @ livingthesweetlifestl.wordpress.com December 12, 2012, 2:15 pm

    Cute jacket! My favorite new running gear is my new christmas-y compression socks…they are so cute and festive.

  • Tahlia December 12, 2012, 8:21 pm

    That is the cutest running jacket ever! Unfortunately in Australia and it doesn’t get cold enough to need winter running gear 🙁 I’ve been wearing Michelle Bridges from Australia’s Biggest Loser clothing cause its cute and affordable 🙂 On my xmas list though is http://www.lornajane.com.au/shop?gclid=COaGqsiblrQCFQVcpQodURcA7w
    It has cute inspirational singlets

  • Amanda December 12, 2012, 9:07 pm

    That is a cute jacket! I’m always looking for new stuff , it’s a balmy 30* in buffalo today!

  • Angela December 14, 2012, 9:27 pm

    Love the chalkboard wall!

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