During this time of the year approximately 60-70% of runners take their training indoors on a treadmill in the comfort of a gym, myself included, to avoid the freezing cold temps, long nights and extended darkness of Canadian Winters. Once again Nike proved they are number one in athletic apparel innovation and technology with the release of its 2013 Fall/Winter “Flash Pack” footwear and apparel line that is reflective, warm, water resistant and breathable to help runners stay visible in the dark and beat the cold weather.

Recently myself and Christian Thompson of ChristianConfidential.com braved the Winter elements alongside other media and Nike Running employees on an outdoor running adventure called #WeRunTheNight to test out some of the products from the newly released collection. Filled with a tiny bit of doubt, I anxiously laced up my shoes, put on my jacket and headed out on our nighttime adventure around Trinity Bellwoods Park, Queen St and King St West to take the Nike Lunar Glide 5 and the  Shield Flash jacket for a test drive. Fingers crossed that the gear would keep me as warm as we were told it would prior to hitting the streets.

NIKE FLASH PACK FOOTWEAR – LUNAR GLIDE 5

There are 6 styles that come in the Flash Pack footwear collection and each shoe contains a dope and unique reflective print that becomes visible in the dark. My Lunar Glide’s print has a fashionable purple and silver leopard print which discreetly disappears during the daytime. Not only are these shoes uber comfy but the designers implemented a three-layer mesh to repel water to make them water-resistant while also allowing for breath-ability. Helping to keep my feet warm during our jog – the micro fleece collar and tongue lining, which meant I didn’t need to double up on running socks for warmth. Price point approx $150.00 CDN

NIKE SHIELD FLASH JACKET

This jacket is what shocked me the most. Nike products have always been my go-to for both my running and tennis apparel because of the quality of course and their amazing colour palettes – the women’s Shield Flash Jacket is of no exception. The green and silver combination is part of a flattering, stream lined design that is both fashionable and functionable. In the dark the jacket’s reflective material provides 360 degrees of reflectivity. And trust me, these reflectors are no joke. Within minutes of posting a photo of my Flash Pack crew on Instagram, I received several text messages from friend’s saying they saw a large group of people glowing in the dark running down the street and was wondering what was going on! The Nike design team thought of everything possible also including perforations down the back to assist with breathability, a runner specific hood with a rain proof brim that also keeps ears warm in addition to hand warmers. I was pleasantly surprised post run…not only was I warm the entire time but it also kept me dry as well. The material of the upper body and sleeves are made with Storm-Fit 10 fabrication, which not only keeps water out of the jacket, but also allows sweat vapors to escape. Price point approximately $375.00

My Toronto Flash Pack Crew Post Run

These are just two fabulous items from an entire line of amazing products that will not only allow you to continue outdoor running during cold weather but also keeps you safe when pounding the pavement in the dark. Check out this video which shows runners in action after dark.

For more information on Nike’s Flash Pack reflective running products or to purchase head over to  www.nike.com.