Winter Running in Northern Minnesota

Made it outdoors for a run tonight. Air temperature was somewhere between -4 to -8 degrees (depends on who's stats you take, the official NWS reading is over the hill and usually colder than by the lake, at least in the winter ;->). Winds were W 8 mph or NW up to 21 mph, again depending on who's stats you use.

Either way, it was a bit chilly out there, especially on the way back when we were running into the wind (funny how you don't notice the wind when it is at your back).

I was a bit overdressed it turned out, but on the upside my hands and feet were essentially warm for the whole run. Usually I deal with numb fingers and thumbs for the first 10 - 15 minutes (Raynauds).

So, what do you wear when running in subzero weather? I had on (from the inside out and top down):

Base layer - warmskin (lotion to face and hands); balaclava; long, winter weight running bra; Sporthill 3SP top; running tights; Darn Tough winter socks; polypro liner gloves

Middle layer - Sporthill running pants; Sugoi hoodie (wore the hood); long-sleeved fleece; wool/silk mittens; wool/alpaca hat

Outer layer - LL Bean anorak (with hood); Sporthill windpants; wool mittens

Ended up peeling a few layers off during the run: the wool hat, wool mittens and folded up the balaclava. Almost regretted the last one on the way back into the wind.

Five miles as the sun was setting and the stars were coming out. That is the beauty of running in subzero temperatures. The sky is so clear. We got to see a bunch of ducks sitting in a small pool of open water on the Big Lake. And, once you are out the door... well then it's all good.

So.... do I run to work in the morning??? Forecast: Partly cloudy, with a low around -15. Wind chill values as low as -36. Northwest wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

They are already canceling schools up here.