2026 = No Days Off: The Tracksmith Way

Tracksmith is the brand for consistency. And, for Chicago runners, consistency can be difficult as the weather conditions readily challenge runners durability. But, Chicago grit + Tracksmith motivation = RESULTS.

The New Days Off collection is live and ready for you to peruse. This collection is built for runners to keep their run streaks going year after year, and for training to be a year-round commitment. We have covered the release of the NDO collection each year and have enjoyed hearing how this collection has kept our readers motivated through the snow, sleet, wind, humidity, and heat that challenge runners in the Midwest. You continue to show up through these conditions, and we love to hear how this collection, in particular, plays a part in keeping you accountable.

The NDO 2026 Calendar is my favorite yet. I hang this calendar on our magazine’s office wall each year to encourage our runners to stay connected to running, regardless of the challenges life throws. This year’s design is incredibly unique, complete with a gold custom Sharpie to cross off days. Although I have a handful of miles to pound in 2025, I can’t wait to hang this beauty.

The psychology is simple: while setting ambitious goals can be daunting, maintaining daily systems is much more effective. The NDO Calendar is then a call to action: What one thing can you do every day to improve as a runner? Some days that will mean executing a hard workout, and some days that might mean yoga or rolling out. The act of crossing out days (perhaps as a countdown to a goal race) is cathartic and centering. We’re reminded of the larger meaning behind the commitment and comforted in knowing that no single day defines us as an athlete. – Tracksmith Website

Tracksmith’s commitment to Chicago runners is evident in it’s design of this collection as the NDO Anorak is perfect for our chilly temps and harsh winds. “This classic cold-weather silhouette gets a performance update. Made from a Swiss-engineered softshell lined in Merino, with high-stretch paneling, adjustable hood and 360-degree reflectivity.”

This material is both water and wind repellant, resistant to the toughest of days Chicago can dish up. It’s made from Tracksmith’s signature water-repelling Schoeller softshell and lined in a Merino wool blend, for warmth, softness, and natural odor control and moisture management. This top will both shield our runners from the toughest of elements and look sharp for a post-run coffee and donut at Stans.

The NDO tights are the match to this top, designed to keep Chicago runners and safe with reflective details built in to guard us in the pre-sunrise and post sunset hours.

These are built from Fusion double knit: an innovative combination of Merino wool for warmth and moisture management, nylon for durability and spandex for comfort and support. A channeled drawstring prevents the dreaded waistband sag, and windblock overlays keep bitter headwinds at bay. There is even a zippered phone pocket! My favorite part of these tights is that they do not sag! One of my challenges with winter running is finding tights that I am not constantly pulling on to keep up. I didn’t have to tug on these one moment to keep them in place on my recent 10 miler.

The Tracksmith Elliot NDO may be the pinnacle of this collection as it shields runners from slush and snow, while providing warmth.

This shoe is built for whatever winter wants to throw your way. Inspired by the process of layering up for a cold run, the NDO combines a weatherproof outer shell with a thermoregulating merino liner and a grippy Vibram outsole to deliver a shoe that’s as persistent as you are.

Tracksmith has always been a brand connected to Chicago runners and the NDO collection is designed for us. Now is the time to invest in this gear to help you stay motivated and safe through the frigid temperatures that are destined to come our way. As we being our spring marathon training at the beginning of January, grab these pieces to keep you on track, with your eye on the goal.

Thank you to Tracksmith, for creating an entire movement to keep runners through the hazy shades of winter.