Running in -20 wind chill temperatures

Its not unsafe if you have the gear for it. If you aren't sure what to wear, it might be better to just run on a treadmill. You don't want to mess around with being under dressed at those temps.

But the general answer is layers - several of them. Specialty cold weather gear helps. You want no exposed skin. You'll need specialty mittens or you could go with like 5 socks on your hands and one on your member under shorts and thermal tights. You need a decent hat and probably a gaiter. Long sleeve shirt, a couple lighter running jackets, and a thicker thermal jacket on top.

Something like that is how I'd dress. I think I'd just treadmill though. Maybe you could find a university indoor track with open hours and a do workout instead.

Good lord sounds Terrible. Dreadmill for the win...........

Neck gator that you can pull up to your nose, lip balm, moisturizer on face. MITTENS over gloves, double layer of tights, hydrate generously, choose your route carefully, run by effort, and be willing and able to cut the run short if it gets messy.

I ran 6.5 this afternoon in -1 (w/c -13) at the end of the run. No double today - Age 69 and counting.

As someone else mentioned, layer up and make sure you cover any exposed skin.

These are the signs of frostbite:

my.clevelandclinic.org

Frostbite: Signs & Symptoms, Stages, Treatment & Prevention

@ClevelandClinic

Frostbite is skin damage that happens in freezing temperatures. Symptoms include pain, numbness and skin discoloration.

Open link

It's dangerous because you will become numb in the affected areas as it progresses. You are more likely to feel affected areas when returning to room temperature. If you have skin that is red and painful, run it under warm water or apply a warm compress to minimize damage.

8 miles is a lot of time to be out in weather that cold. The wind is more dangerous than the ambient temperature. Enjoy your run, but consider plotting an out-and-back shortened version and pay attention to which direction the wind is blowing. Taking some money with you and giving yourself the option of ducking into a retail establishment to warm up, if necessary, is also a good idea.

30s isn't that cold and is a world different from -20. You wouldn't have to deal with anything in that range where you live in Arizona though, so I could see why you think that.

Just wait a few hours if you can. At least in NY the extreme windchills are only in the morning. Feels like temps should get near double digits this afternoon.

Balaclava that can cover your mouth, or extra headband to wear around your mouth. It will pre-warm and pre-moisten the air you breath.

Also consider goggles.

I’m planning to hit the treadmill the whole weekend, and possibly longer if the roads stay icy. Just not worth it.

Slipped on ice a few years ago and broke my collarbone. Never again.

C&ck sock and make sure you run with the wind at your back

I think it's safe if you dress warm enough as long as there is no ice, but I think some people can handle the cold better than others (just like heat).

I've noticed workouts are more of a struggle for me when the temperature gets below 15 or so. I still do them, even in sub zero but I accept that paces will be slower.

If it is sub zero f, don’t really worry about ice it gets sticky when it is that cold. Ice is a really more of problem around 32f.

Don't forget to protect your weanie. Seriously. Otherwise, you'll remember it for a long time. Merino wool base layers work well with a pair of insulated pants over them. I have boxers with an insulated front panel, or you can always put a merino buff between your boxers and your tights. Mittens are definitely the way to go.

Many years xc national championship are held in places below 40. Obviously, when your fictional athletes aren’t pretend fast enough to make nationals, they can pretend run on treadmills.

In reality, ~40 is right on the border between shorts/long sleeve and shorts/short sleeve w light jacket. That’s also perfect race weather… again that’s probably only true for sub 6/ mile pace which I’m not sure the poster above could manage for more than a mile or two.

I run in short sleeves down to 40, long sleeves no jacket down to 32. Windchill, not temp.