With the temperature on the rise, I decided to take my workout outside. January is not known for being hospitable, so you can most often find me cozied up at home. Double wrapped in two comforters laying flat on my back in the warm comfiness of my home, I am NOT one to enjoy wintry conditions.
However, when the mercury hit a balmy 6C, I strapped on the runners and hit up the market for a quick cardio session.
Ottawa is beautiful in the winter…that, I will admit. Sparkling, ice covered trees at Confederation Park are breathtaking and taking in the Rideau Canal jammed with happy skaters is a sight to behold. The Byward Market comes alive too as brave Ottawans are not afraid of a little cold and nothing usually stops them from enjoying a beavertail and warm apple cider.
This past Sunday, I hit up the market for a quick run and I was not alone. Thanks to the merciful January thaw, there were people out in droves, and runners of all kinds enjoying the winter warmth.
I have been working out like a fiend at Premium Performance Fitness for the past couple of months, and weight training has become my new best friend. I have missed my 5K runs though. And remember how I wrote about how acquiring new workout gear was a great way to get motivated to work up a sweat? Well, I did just that.
I visited Bench and picked up a few pieces that I have been living in over the past few weeks. This plush jacket (similar) puts a smile on my face each time I look at it. Yep – it’s as warm and cozy as it looks and soft as a bunny.
On the days where I drive directly to the gym from the warmth of my garage, I throw it on and I’m snug as a bug in a rug. I get a ton of hugs from my hubs when I wear it too because it feels like a teddy bear. Styling tip: I sized up a couple of times in it. I got a large to be exact because I wanted a loose, easy fit.
During my shopping jaunt at Bench, I thought I’d venture into the men’s section and check out the offerings. I scored this amazing pale blue, vintage-inspired track jacket. It’s the perfect warm-up jacket, and is great for keeping warm after a good yoga class.
My pal Alyssa and I would be meeting post-run at Oh So Good for some killer carrot cake and London Fogs. I didn’t want to look too “sweaty runner”, so I chose these patterned leggings and paired them with the track jacket to look a little more polished. This little long-sleeved tee underneath was nice, warm running layer and looked cute enough to wear alone at the café.
That day was sunny and memorable…the perfect Sunday in my book.
*A big thank you to Bench for the great clothing in exchange for my honest opinion.
Dominique is a Canadian-based fashion and beauty influencer with a strong voice in Ottawa’s black community. Since launching her blog Style Domination in 2015, she has amassed a global fanbase. Dominique shares her life through beautiful imagery and compelling story-telling that speaks to her fans on a personal level. She’s been featured in The Guardian, Flare, The Kit and Cityline. She also hosts events for Dress for Success, the Gem Conference, and has been named a United Way Person 2 Know for the past three years.
I’m actually losing a bit of my workout motivation, so I think new workout gear is on the horizon — and maybe a new routine as well. But I won’t be running outside even though the high was like 70 degrees today!
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I’m dying to run outside! This time of year, we get some major cabin fever. While we don’t have too much snow (which is weird for Canada), it has been bitterly cold. Getting to the gym has been a struggle, but I’m glad that I force myself to go. Good for the brain and overall mood!