I've done it without an issue. It's pretty common for Nordic skiers to be out in extreme cold.
I wouldn't do it if it were windy or if the day's workout were something intense. There's nothing wrong with using a treadmill when it's the better alternative.
Several decades of upper midwest winter running experience here...
- Yes, you can quickly damage your exposed skin in extreme cold conditions. Don't forget to factor in wind conditions.
- I recommend at a minimum slathering on a thin layer of skin moisturizer (Aveeno or similar) or even better some shea or hazelnut butter. Best to use neck gater you can pull up over your nose and mouth. In a pinch a scarf may suffice.
I am heading out the door within the next five minutes. Ambient air temperature is a balmy 14 degrees but with wind app says feels like -11. Trust me when I say that I am dressed like I look more like I am going snowmobiling than running (slogging) an easy 6.
Lastly, as much as I hate treadmills,I think my friend had the right idea when he ran his 12 miler -in half marathon build- at the gym this morning.
If you don't dress appropriately you could get frost bite in those conditions.
Not to pick nits here, and I suppose you COULD get frostbite. But as long as you're actually running, which produces an amazing amount of body heat, it's nearly impossible to get actual frostbite at these temps. Even on exposed skin. And as someone who doesn't like running with anything more than a hat above me neck, I do it all the time here in MN. Is it comfortable at those temps? That's a personal choice. But my point would be someone shouldn't be running indoors at those temps purely out of safety concerns due to the cold.
At sub zero, you need many layers to ensure you keep warm [3-4 top, 2 bottom, thick gloves like bikers wear in the cold, thick hat, balaclava to cover neck] , but I have never had frost bite running in sub zero weather. I use a balaclava to cover my neck, but its always pulled down within a few minutes as it is too hot to cover my mouth/nose. your circulating blood is warm.
Source: live in minnesota. Did 15 miles yesterday with sub -10 windchill
Is it ok to run 60 minutes outside in single digits with face exposed in 5 degrees or 0 degrees F ?
Good lord, that sounds terrible. Dreadmill for the win. People choose to live in that climate?? LOL. I'm sure it's fine, the human body is tougher than one would think. Bundle up......
Several times this winter I've run down my icy snow-covered driveway to retrieve the mail, all ten distal single-digits exposed. But only about 2 minutes, no frostbite yet.
like heat illness, frostbite makes you more vulnerable the more times you get it.
Not just wind but moisture is a factor. It is worse by far to be touching cold water than cold air. If it's snowing enough to melt on exposed skin, or you run hard enough to sweat, watch out, that's water!