Nike is challenging athletes to “Get Out Here” this winter as the weather cools down and we are tempted to hibernate indoors instead of move our bodies outside as we do the rest of the year. I had the chance to participate in a group workout class with Nike earlier this week, to check out the new winter gear and hear more about the Get Out Here Challenge.

The class began on the upper floors of Nike’s Michigan Avenue flagship store {645 N. Michigan Avenue}. We started with a warm-up indoors, working with kettlebells and medicine balls. The group ran a few blocks to a small park with views of Lake Michigan, and finished with a track workout. It was an unusually warm morning for early November, and we made the most of our workout time outdoors.

I’m excited that Nike gave me complimentary gear from their new winter line for when the weather does cool down here in Chicago. This is happening sooner rather than later, because I see a few chilly nights in the forecast this weekend. For extra motivation to Get Out Here this season, you can sign up for free outdoor workouts hosted by Nike Chicago twice a week – on Tuesday and Thursdays at various locations around the city. Registration for classes opens at 2:00 pm on Sundays at Nike.com/Chicago – classes are first come, first serve. For more details, follow @nikechicago on Twitter.

Nike is also hosting a national contest for an exciting Get Out Here Challenge event, which will take place in Chicago in December. There will be 48 people selected who have shared the most cold weather-defying stories around how they are embracing winter through outdoor training. Winners will earn a trip to the Get Out Here Challenge in Chicago, with the main event during the week of December 8. Upon selection, people will also be featured on Nike.com.

Contest Details: Nike is looking for the best stories of everyday athletes training outdoors in the elements. To enter the contest, create and submit your own outdoor training photos and videos on Twitter,  Facebook and Instagram using the hashtags #GetOutHere and #Contest. Photos and videos can be submitted between October 29 and November 25. Athletes must be 21 or older to be considered for the challenge.

As final motivation to get out and move before the holiday season gets in full swing later this month, I’m challenging myself and YOU to “Get Out Here” by finishing five workouts per week in November, with as much outdoor time as possible.

I’ll post an update every Sunday night with a workout recap from the week prior. I would love to hear about your weekly workouts!

How do you plan to “Get Out There” during the winter season?

{Disclosure: I did not receive financial compensation in exchange for writing this post; all opinions are my own. I received complimentary workout gear from Nike from their new winter line, as I mentioned above. Thanks for reading about this fun winter challenge!}