Defrosting

Still not back in the pool yet and have not been cycling much, but running continues to happen because there are races coming. It's been cold like we haven't seen in years, if not decades - every single run lately has been a competition to see how much eyelash frost I can accumulate, and it's taken longer to get ready for most of them than it has to complete them.

Nothing much.

Little bit here..

Winner!

The trails are in horrible shape after the huge ice storm - the local conservation authorities and municipalities have had their hands full dealing with the damaged trees that threaten residences and public buildings, so even weeks later nothing has been done to remove fallen foliage on the multi-use paths.

Wide open here.

Duck!

Sad to see so many trees damaged.

Near the Hespeler/Sheffield St. end of the Mill Run trail - totally blocked.

Tanker and I did manage to get out for one cross-country ski on a milder day - despite the heavy snow, it was warm enough to go jacketless for an after-dark run!

Fun times!

So much nicer without 20lbs of clothing on!

And now I get to enjoy even more of that, because it's currently above the freezing mark for the first time I can remember (my memory is like a leprechaun - short and seldom to be trusted)...so of course it's going to rain all the lovely snow away, and continue to rain until we get locked back in the deep freeze again sometime next week.

At least I might get to ride my bike to the market tomorrow. It would like that, assuming I recall how to turn pedals.

Tested: Louis Garneau Power Block Jacket

Back to the product reviews, this week I'm going to tell you about my most-used piece of gear in the last 4 years: the women's Power Block jacket from Louis Garneau.

The red colorway distinctly shows the blocks of fabric.

What it is: A wind- and waterproof yet highly breathable jacket for cold weather cycling that works equally well for running and nordic skiing.

Why you want one: Because you're not going to let a little bit of lousy weather keep you from heading out for a workout, but you want to stay warm and comfortable while you're out there.

Front in black with zipper undone showing logo draft flap.

Back in black - AC/DC not required.

Duration used: Almost 4.5 years now - purchased somewhere around October 2008.

Price paid/purchased from: I paid about $115.00CAN plus tax from Grand River Cycle. 

You can see the side pocket placement pretty well here.

Glove-friendly pulls on double front full-length zipper.

What rawks: Just about everything. I bought this jacket a size larger than most things I own (LG women's size large - I'm usually a medium, and squeeze into a small sleeveless jersey) so I could wear layers underneath it, but I can generally get away with just a base layer unless it's colder than -12c/10f out. The larger size makes it roomy without being baggy or shapeless, and the shaping to the arms and body keep it moving with me through my full range of motion; it seldom rides up or bunches. The material is apparently 3 ply, but quite lightweight and with lots of stretch; this isn't a piece you'll notice weighing you down, or even notice at all. Unlike some other wind/water resistant materials, this garment is almost silent in motion - there's a slight rustle, but it doesn't sound like you're wearing a grocery bag. The jacket is breathable and well vented, but beautifully windproof and highly water resistant. I'm not going to say it's fully waterproof, but by the time moisture actually starts to soak through it you've probably sweated enough you're not really going to notice anyway, and there is no direct creep of rain in through the seams or zippers. The vents are on the back only, but keep the whole body of the jacket circulating air without permitting direct wind entry; they are furthermore designed in such a way that keeps the brushed interior fabric against your body while employing mesh to allow excellent airflow (and keep bugs out, 'cause noone wants stuff crawling around in their jacket) - I've included some detail photos below that show the construction. If you need to dump more heat, the tabs on the two-way, full-length front zip are easily operated with gloves on, as are the side zips which open to full mesh pocket bags to allow air to your midsection if desired. The pockets are another great feature of this jacket, both in quantity and design: the two side pockets are very high capacity, and can be used either as zippered exterior or drop-in interior pockets (see detail photo below). In either case, each pocket will accommodate a pair of winter-weight gloves. There is a smaller zip pocket on the left upper arm with a hole to internally route a headphone cord, designed to work with the elastic loop on the left hand side of the collar, allowing you to leave your mp3 player in the jacket if you wish. The real boon is the two large drop-in pockets on the back of the jacket; similar to a cycling jersey's pockets, each one is large enough to hold a standard bike water bottle and they're deep enough to keep small items from bouncing out while running while still keeping the contents easily accessible. I usually dump my phone in one of them with zero concerns, and it's a great place to keep a gel flask, extra gloves or multi-function fabric tube - anything you might need to grab while on the move, and you can get to it without removing your gloves. If the rest of these aren't enough, there's even a smaller zippered pocket on the back as well - 6 pockets in total. You have the capacity to carry far more than you'd ever actually want to while running, and could self-support a longer ride than you'd probably want to take if conditions required the warmth this jacket provides. The collar is tall enough to provide excellent insulation for your neck but not so tight as to feel claustrophobic, and its smooth interior (same as the outer material) and zipper garage are comfortable against bare skin. The cuffs are finished very simply with a soft, stretchy binding which keeps them low-volume; they work well with shirts that have thumbholes and it's easy to get a pair of gauntlet cuffs over them to seal out air, but the stretch is enough to keep them snug if you prefer your glove cuffs on the inside. The bottom hem has the same binding, and it doesn't ride up or cause issues, and the longer length (mine hits below the hip, but I have a very short torso) provides additional warmth and coverage compared to some other jackets without being restrictive. It has good-sized reflective accents that still flare as brightly after 4 years as they did when they were new, and from completely soaked and dripping it will dry overnight and be ready for more abuse. It even takes a few wearings before it starts to stink, and washes up perfectly on the gentle cycle in the machine - hang to dry, and you're golden.

Cord management loop at the left side of the collar;
works nicely with interior routing hole from left sleeve pocket.

Interior mesh of the side pocket forms a giant inner drop-in pocket.

Spacious double rear pockets with additional smaller, zippered security pocket.
My fingers are stuck in the back vents, which work brilliantly.

What sucks: The jacket is too bulky to be stuffed into a jersey pocket if you need to shed a layer. While water will bead off the exterior initially, sustained rain or sleet will eventually soak through. The arms could use some additional venting, as moisture can build up to the point of dripping out the ends of the sleeves at times. The cuffs and bottom hem rely their stretchy binding with no way to cinch them up to prevent air entry and there is nothing to prevent it riding up at the waist - I added some vertical stripes of silicone above the bottom hem at the back to keep it in place, though it has never really been an issue unless I did something weird like wear an elastic race number belt overtop. While I find the length very good, it does not have the same long rear flap or dropped back that many running and cycling jackets have - you'll have to look elsewhere for something to keep your butt clean in muddy conditions. The reflective is very bright, but there isn't nearly as much of it (particularly on the back; the part that most cars see while cycling) as there is on some others of its type.

Inner view of the back of the jacket showing the back vents.

Vent construction keeps brushed fabric against your body but the mesh provides great airflow.

What I'd like to see: It could use a little more ventilation on the back of the arms, as moisture does have a bit of a tendency to build up there. Apart from that, I'd just like to see LG bring it back! The replacement seems to be the Enerblock Jacket, but at a higher price and with what appear to be some non-weatherproof panels, plus no drop-in back pockets.

My first race ever! The Slainte St. Patrick's Day 5k in March 2009.

Skiing at -15c with a heavy full-zip sweater and base layer underneath.

What I'm saying: If you need a cold/wet weather jacket and you can find one of these, buy it. It's been my faithful companion for my entire running career and I still reach for it on a daily basis during the three quarters of the year when the weather gets ugly. As you can see in these photos I've used it for just about every outdoor aerobic activity you can imagine, and I've even golfed in it on a cool day before. It has kept me comfortable and dry cycling in rain at 1c/34f and kept me warm while running at -34c/-29f. I seriously love this thing and was losing my mind when a dog tore a hole in it - fortunately I was able to repair it almost as good as new (that's the funny spot at the bottom right side of the first photo up top), and it just keeps taking every bit of abuse I can throw at it! UPDATE Mar 2014: I've actually just bought myself a second one (in the red colourway shown above, partially due to lack of choice but mostly wanting increased visibility) because the original is finally starting to show its age after 5.5 years. The main zipper tab broke, the zipper itself is a bit finicky these days, and some of the stitching is starting to come apart while some of the fabric is showing some abrasion damage. Realistically though, having scavenged a zipper tab from elsewhere it's still completely functional. Tanker - awesome fellow that he is - wanted me to have the red one so it would be slightly less likely I'd be mowed down by a car while out running or cycling in poor weather, so took the minor deterioration of the original jacket as prompting to get me a spanky new one. It's almost as though he likes me or something!

Keeping me warm on the Frosty Trail.

I've even been known to use it for its intended purpose.

For further edification: Other reviews are hard to come by, but there's this one posted on Louis Garneau's website (it's a .pdf - sorry) and this one from a BeginnerTriathlete user - Art's Cyclery also did a pretty extensive product description for it.

Tested: Timex Ironman Race Trainer Mid-Size HRM

This week's review: the Ironman Race Trainer Mid-Size heart rate monitor watch from Timex.

Good size for  my 6.5" circumference wrist &  7.75" circumference hand
(measured around palm, not including thumb, - the way you measure for gloves).

Excess band secured by a retainer with a nub that fits a hole in the end of the strap.
Reasonably reliable, but does come loose occasionally.

What it is: A wristwatch with an ANT+ chest strap that provides heart rate data as well as recording workout duration and split times.

Why you want one: For training by heart rate or merely data collection and comparison purposes.

Display is clear and I found setup fairly easy.

The unit is quite thick - catches on things and feels bulky at times.

The band and buckle are substantial as well, contributing to the bulk. 

Duration used: 2.5 years (received as a birthday gift in July 2010)

Price paid/purchased from: My husband bought it for $145CAN + tax at Mountain Equipment Co-op.

The included chest strap is rather old tech, even for 2010.
It does provide a good range of adjustment through the slider on the soft elastic portion.

Inside of the strap - non-breathable plastic with limited flex directly against your skin.

What rawks: It's been a reasonably reliable HRM that wasn't ridiculously expensive and is rated waterproof to 100 metres. The batteries are user-replaceable, but last a good long time - I think I've replaced the watch battery once (sort of twice; keep reading) and the strap battery once (caveat: it sat unused for most of 2012 while I just used the watch for timekeeping). The watch is fairly straightforward - I haven't had to refer to the manual since initial setup, and even then it was only for some of the more complicated bits - and daily operation is relatively easy and intuitive. If you choose you can use Timex's Data Xchanger USB widget to sync data to your computer using TrainingPeaks - the widget is sold separately, or you can get it included if you buy the "Pro" kit for an extra $50 (it also seems to include an upgraded strap). The watch itself has been fairly sturdy, having been smacked off/by various hard objects and surfaces and sustaining only superficial scratches. The Indiglo nighttime lighting is easy to use and works passably. I'll give a quick run-down on the rest of the watch's extensive features:

- Time (normal) mode displays the date and time in the format you choose - 12/24hr clock, numerical day/month/year or 3-letter abbreviation day of week, date and month. The watch allows you to set two different time zones, between which you toggle by holding the start/split button - handy for those who travel or frequently make phone calls to far-away places. There is an optional hourly chime and 3 alarms that can handily be set to sound on either a single day of the week, weekends only, weekdays only or every day.

- HRM setup options include user's weight (in pounds or kilos) and maximum HR, which are used to calculate calories burned and percentage of max HR. You can choose whether your HR is displayed in beats per minute of % of max, set up training zones based on testing (or it will set them automatically based on max HR), and select whether or not the watch gives an audible signal when you're out of your desired training zone.

- The Recovery function shows the amount your heart rate dropped after completing your workout (based on when you hit the stop button in Chrono, Timer or Interval mode). You can select 30 seconds, 1min, 2min, 5min or 10min as the interval at which it records. I find that 1min is generally the most telling. It will also display your HR in beats per minute when you hit stop and the final bpm value, e.g.: Recovery = 33 / 156-123.

- Chrono, or the standard stopwatch function, allows you to choose the position in which various pieces of data are displayed. Make your heart rate the main display, choose where/whether to show total time, split time, etc. Hitting start/lap records HR data automatically, and holding the "set" button once you're done automatically stores the workout data. Hitting the start/split button with the chronometer running gives you a split each time you press it, up to 50 laps. It will record your average HR for each lap, as well as your overall average, lowest and max HR for the workout.

- Timer mode is a simple countdown timer that allows you to set your desired time in hours/minutes/seconds, has an optional halfway point audible alert, and lets you choose whether to simply stop, repeat or change to Chrono mode once time has elapsed. Great if you want to run for time without looking at your watch, if you want to set a minimum warmup time before a speed workout, or use repeat mode to have an audible reminder of when to eat or drink during long training sessions or events. To my knowlege, though, no HR data will be recorded in this mode and resetting does not save workout data.

- Interval mode allows you to specify up to 5 time-based intervals that can repeat up to 99 times each - you can also specify a desired HR zone for each interval, which will trigger the audible alert (if enabled) if you're outside that zone. It records HR data in this mode and can run concurrently with the Chrono or Timer, but each mode will record a separate workout. I've used this for doing speed workouts when no track was available in this fashion: run warmup with Chrono so I can see when I'm at 10mins or so (could have used the Timer for this, but didn't think about it then), switch over to Interval mode and hit go with Int1 set for 5:00 and Int2 set for 3:00, each repeating 5 times. This had me run hard for 5mins then do a recovery jog for 3mins, repeating five times. Afterward, I ran another 10mins cool down via the Chrono. Interval mode automatically records your average HR for each segment as well as your average, lowest and max HR for the whole workout. To my knowledge, there is no way to set it to repeat Int1 a set number of times and then move on to repeat Int2 a set number of times - if you want to repeat a single time (e.g.: 4:15) simply set Int1 for 4:15 with the desired number of repeats and set all other intervals to zero. With the watch running in Interval mode, it will show you the remaining time in the current interval, the interval number and the repeat number (e.g.: I3:RPT2 on the top line with 03:21 on the second, larger line).

- Review mode lets you see the recorded data from your last 10 workouts - as more workouts are recorded, the oldest one is bumped out of memory unless you choose to lock it in by holding the stop/reset/set button (in which case the oldest non-locked workout will be bumped). It will display total time, average lap time, best lap time (and which lap it was), average HR for each lap/interval, average HR for the workout, lowest HR, highest HR and your Recovery for that workout. In my above example of a 1-hour non-track speed workout, I ended up with two workout files: the Chrono file showed 1:00:00 elapsed time (40mins speed workout + 10min warmup + 10min cool down) with average, low and max HR for the workout plus recovery data, and the Interval file showed 40:00 elapsed time (5:00 + 3:00 repeated x 5) with average HR for each interval and average, low & max HR during the 40mins of the speed workout, plus my recovery while doing my cool down jog. Each workout also gives an approximation of the number of calories burned.

- Sync mode allows you to download the data to your computer wirelessly through the Data Xchanger USB widget. I can't comment on its function as I didn't bother with the widget.

Simple snap-in strap attachment at both sides for lefties and righties.

The strap's standard-size CR2032 battery is easily replaceable with a coin.
The watch itself uses the same battery, but requires a tiny philips screwdriver and a steady hand.

What sucks: While I stated above that the watch has been quite sturdy, there are a couple of major issues that are worth noting carefully. The first unit - purchased for me as a birthday gift - developed condensation under the crystal after the first time I took it for a swim. It was replaced by Mountain Equipment Co-op's Rock Solid guarantee, but our only options were to make a trip out of our way to exchange it directly at a store; wait through an approximately 2-week turn-around to mail it back to their distribution warehouse and have them mail the replacement back to us; or pay for a new unit and wait 1 week for it to be mailed to us while we returned the faulty one by mail for refund. The new watch worked as advertised and did not permit water entry, but I've had ongoing issues with the chest strap chafing when worn under my bust despite application of lubrication. Moving it further down seems to eliminate the chafing, but makes it more likely that the watch will lose the signal from the strap even when I have taken care to wet it. Even when riding the trainer in my living room with no fan, no bouncing and sweating buckets, the watch loses signal at least 2-3 times per hour. When it is receiving a signal, I've still got some ridiculously high or low readings, especially while running; I'm not sure if it's more affected by bouncing with my stride, but I'm positive I'm not doing my easy and recovery runs at 92% of my maximum heart rate - this has persisted through battery changes in both strap and watch. I'm pretty sure the refresh rate on the sensor is quite poor as well, as it has continued to display my heart rate for up to 3 full minutes after removing the strap! The buttons on the watch itself are hard to operate confidently with gloves or through multiple layers of clothing - I've been taking my phone with Endomondo running in my pocket all winter as a backup since I've had about a 30% success rate at getting the watch to start and/or stop properly in severe cold that requires bundling up. If you're travelling and don't have access to a computer, the 10 workout memory may not be sufficient, particularly if you're doubling your memory usage through using Chrono and Interval functions concurrently - you'll most likely have to manually record your workout data so you don't lose any. There is no way to delete a particular workout, which means accidentally starting the chronograph or interval timer and resetting will result in an "empty" workout that you can't be rid of until it drops out of memory - this occupies one of the 10 workout memory slots needlessly. The calculation of calories burned is ridiculously optimistic no matter how low you set your weight in an attempt to compensate; this online calculator gives an average of around 60-75% of the figure indicated by the watch for the same values. The head unit and band seem to be a bit bulky given this was designed for smaller wrists and catch repeatedly on cuffs and other objects. The available colours schemes are really girly, making it a rather emasculating choice for men with small wrists/hands and a plain annoyance for females (like me) who would rather avoid all the pink and lavender. The battery in the watch is user-replaceable, but despite my extremely careful methods (I'm pretty good with electronics, right up to and including successful brain surgery on a first-generation Xbox) the Indiglo would not operate at all after performing a battery change. My greatest source of annoyance comes from the watch band, though - the molded synthetic encases the head unit, meaning it can't be replaced with a nylon + hook-and-loop strap (my preference) for comfort, or to keep the damn thing on your wrist when it snaps...which took less than 22 months of use (around April 20th, 2012)! Infuriatingly enough, it happened just as I was going to start training with heart rate data again after taking a break over the winter and spring. My only option was to mail it to Timex with a credit card number to pay an amount they would arbitrarily determine once they had it, which looked like it would be approximately $45. As a result, I was without a watch for approximately a month, during which time I was given no indication that they had received it or how much I would be billed. They eventually charged me about $25 and sent me what appears to be an entirely new unit, with Indiglo working and no workout data stored. If the strap continues breaking approximately every 2 years, I will only be able to get it replaced once more, as Timex clearly states that "Watches older than 5 years are not repairable due to unavailability of parts." It's worth mentioning that the original quality control issue I experienced with this watch wasn't a fluke, either - in order to be able to continue recording at least some workout data (overall and split times), I purchased a Mid-Size Ironman Sleek 50-lap from WalMart. I used it daily for the month that my Race Trainer was out of my hands, but ended up having to return it - fortunately for full refund - after condensation turned up under the crystal following a swim (it had been in the pool somewhere around 17 times, but since it was rated water resistant to 100 metres I don't think swimming it in is unreasonable). That means two out of three Timex watches (well, I suppose actually four with the replacement) had water seal problems...and these are marketed to triathletes, bearing the Ironman name. Takes a licking and keeps on ticking, but apparently can't handle anything wetter than a lick.

Broken after less than 2 years of use.
Click on photo for large size that shows similar cracks developing along the rest of the band.

Snapped at what should have been a known stress point.

UPDATE JULY 2013: The new strap snapped on me, after just over a year! It broke in a different place this time, possibly after undergoing more strain as I now wear my watch on my right wrist instead of my left (since breaking my left wrist last August), but there was no specific incident that led to the failure - it happened while I was asleep!

Woke up in the morning to find my watch loose in bed..

Since it broke the morning of a race, I ended up using Krazy Glue to mend it. The fix held through that day and a swim the next afternoon, but half of it had let go afterward. I have since applied another, more generous coat (which you see in the photo above), which has survived a 10 mile run, an easy cycle and another night in bed. Only time will tell if this is truly a viable option, and I think I may be in the market for a new wristwatch soon.

What I'd like to see: Better heart rate monitor function, realistic calories burned algorithms, a user-replaceable band (or at least one that isn't so bloody fragile), a watch that functions fully after user replacement of the battery, less girly colours and better options for service from Timex.

Indiglo display is easy to read when lit, but only lasts 2 seconds unless you hold the button to lock it.

What I'm saying: While I do like the variety of the data the watch records and the format in which I am able to review it, there are so many issues that crop up on a recurring basis that I can't recommend it for purchase. Furthermore, there are clearly some major quality control issues at Timex that would make me hesitate to buy more of their products. I will most likely look elsewhere for a replacement when this unit dies (or the strap breaks again past the 5 year service period).

Sleek 50-lap bought to stand in while Race Trainer being repaired allowed water entry after 1 month of use. 

For further edification: See the review by BikeRadar.com or this one from About.com.

Tested: Craft PXC Storm tights

Just as we get a break from the cold, snowy weather here in Southern Ontario, this week I'll be reviewing the Craft PXC Storm tights.

Stock photo in black - mine are "pipeline", a medium grey.

What they are: Lightweight yet warm and windproof tights for winter aerobic activities.

Why you want them: Because -30c is no reason to miss a training session. Run, nordic ski, snowshoe or cycle in comfort during the worst of winter weather!

Front, showing the overlapping articulated construction of the knees.

Back - everything above the first band of piping is soft, warm, stretchy fleece.

Duration used: 1 year (purchased sometime over the winter of 2011/2012)

Price paid/purchased from: I paid approx. $120USD buying direct from craftsports.us (available for men or women).

Ankle zips and rubbery grippers.

Internal pocket and drawstring.

What rawks: I'm a total wuss about cold, yet I am a staunch advocate of getting outside in winter to enjoy the beauty and stillness of a world painted white with snow. This disconnect is resolved through the application of really good clothing to protect my sorry butt from the cold wind and frosty temperatures, and these tights are about the best thing I've found! Trust the Swedes when it comes to cold weather gear, particularly a company chosen as the apparel supplier to the Swedish national nordic ski team. While the tights are ostensibly made for cross-country skiing (the "PXC" designates Performance X Country collection), they work great for running, snowshoeing or cycling (worn over a pair of shorts or bibs with a chamois), or any other aerobic cold-weather activity you can think of. Fleeced on the inside throughout, the entire front and lower part of the back of the legs is covered with a smooth, soft windproof fabric that moves without restricting you - even the knees, a perennial bunching point for windproof wear, flex effortlessly thanks to an ingenious overlapping layer contruction. From the back of your knees to butt on the back you're covered with a smooth-faced material that's as thick and toasty warm as your favourite sweatshirt, but which breathes and allows you to dump excess heat. You really will appreciate the ventilating when you get moving, too, as these tights are warm. Really warm. Don't wear them unless it's below the temperature at which water gets all hard and slippery, but do wear them when even polar bears are hiding in caves because they're finding it a bit too nippy for their tastes. I've seriously run in these at -30c with windchill somewhere around absolute zero and not had cold legs afterward, though I had to look to make sure my fingers hadn't fallen off. The fit is more like a narrow pant than a clingy pair of tights, so you could even throw a base layer underneath if you were going nordic skiing on Pluto or something. I have had no issues with the pants riding up, and an inner, flat drawstring at the waist prevents them from drooping. They're quite high cut, which should help prevent any gap between your jacket and the pants while you're in motion - a boon if you want to use them for cycling. Other touches include a small inner pocket at the front right-hand side of the waistband for a key and a bit of emergency cash, rubbery grippers at the bottom hems, and useful-length ankle zips that let you get tall socks or boots on without fuss. For their warmth they're very lightweight, and the windproofing is really effective. You won't really notice them at all while you're out training, you just won't be cold! Other people will notice you, though; there are plenty of reflective elements to keep you safe during the long dark of winter.

Inside of knee showing articulation.

Outside of lower leg.

What sucks: The ankle opening is too large and gapes a bit, and the inseam is too short for my (admittedly ridiculously long) legs - this means I either have to wear very tall socks or deal with frostbite from skin exposure, and snow will occasionally get tossed up the bottom of the legs. I can solve the problem by wearing gaiters, but I feel like winter tights should err on the long side. The fit is a bit odd - I enquired with customer service before ordering my pair as I seemed to be on the border of size small or medium, but didn't want the legs to be restrictive to my super-sized thighs (I'd tell you it's all powerful muscle, but I'd like you to be able to stop laughing long enough to read the rest of this review). I was told to go with a medium to get the extra leg room, and I'm glad I did; the thighs fit fine and I sure wouldn't want an inseam any shorter, but the the calves near the top of the ankle zips are very snug. I don't have unusually large calves, so the fit is a bit puzzling - it may be an effect of the short inseam. The waist and abdominal/crotch area are rather baggy on me, too, and since the seams are not flatlocked this can lead to chafing unless I wear a layer underneath (tri/compression shorts work a treat). The inner pocket is a bit laughable in size - you could probably get a key and a $20 bill in there, but nothing more, and I don't think it would fit even the smallest single-serve gel packet. If your snowshoes tend to chuck snow up the backs of your legs (like mine), you may end up with snow sticking to the back of the tights, getting you wet and chilly. The construction of the knees results in some odd contours around the calves and combined with the potbelly-accommodating abdominal tailoring the overall look isn't terribly attractive.

Reflective piping and logos - but not all of the piping is reflective.

A bit baggy here and saggy there.
The tights could fit better, too.

What I'd like to see: A longer inseam, more fitted ankles, relaxed calf diameters, a little better tailoring in the abdominal area and flat seam construction.

What I'm saying: When winter gets all Armageddon-y, I pull these tights on and run, ski or cycle in toasty warmth. If you hate treadmills and love the briskness of a howlingly cold day spent crunching over snow and ice, you absolutely need to treat yourself to a pair of these. They may not be the most flattering thing you'll ever wear, but I'm more concerned with staying warm than looking good!

No action photos - the conditions I use them in would freeze a camera!

For further edification: See the review from Fleet Feet Chicago, or this one from All Seasons Cyclist.

Update February 2019: I continue to wear these tights in nasty weather, but have found them much more comfortable (and much more pleasant to re-wear without washing, when necessary) if I wear a pair of compression-type running shorts underneath them. They are still going strong, however they are starting to show significant wear in the area between the legs.

Just behind the windproof front face fabric.

I fear the soft, breathable fabric may soon separate from the windproof fabric at the seam.

If you have less thigh chub rub than I do, you may not have this issue. In spite of it, they're still one of my all-time top 10 pieces of running kit for cold climates.