Multiple layers are the rule, rather than the exception, when running the “Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run” in International Falls, Minnesota! Yes, only in Minnesota.
The year I ran this 10K race, the starting line temps were around –20º Fahrenheit (that’s not a typo, folks) (-28º Celsius) with an added nip of wind that lowered the windchill to the –40º Fahrenheit (-40º Celsius) range! Covering every inch of skin multiple times (including a layer of Vaseline on exposed face skin) was not only critical for comfort, but essential for frostbite prevention.
Those not running still required head-to-toe layered gear, darting into the nearby building during the race to stay warm, and greeting the brutal winter elements only at the beginning and end of the race.
The 34th running of the “Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run” will take place on Saturday, January 18, 2014, in conjunction with International Falls’ annual “Icebox Days” festival. Where else can you compete for prizes through outdoor frozen turkey bowling!? It was so cold the year we attended, that many of these classic outdoor events were canceled — just another reason to return again.
If you can’t beat the cold, you have to join it! Layer up!
Ciao! ~ Kat
This post was in response to the Daily Post’s Weekly Photo Challenge. ”Layers” was this week’s theme. Everyone is welcome to join in the Challenge; further details on how to participate and links to others’ responses are found here.
Travel. Garden. Eat. 
20 responses to “Weekly Photo Challenge: Layers”
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[…] Weekly Photo Challenge: Layers | Travel. Garden. Eat. […]
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And I thought it was cold here…yikes!
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Thankfully that is not a daily winter temp reading here either!
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OMG, “freeze your gizzard blizzard run”?!?!?! I cannot think of ANYTHING less appealing on so many levels LOL!!!!!
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Wow, this sounds brilliant. I’d love to give it a go. Well done for braving the cold!
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It is such a fun race — sub-zero temps build a certain sense of community as you brave the elements together!
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It’s becoming the layer time of year.
janet
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I actually welcome it — just hope it doesn’t stay as long as last year’s “layer season” did.
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[…] Weekly Photo Challenge: Layers | Travel. Garden. Eat. […]
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[…] Weekly Photo Challenge: Layers | Travel. Garden. Eat. […]
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I miss the snow! Great additions to this weeks theme. 🙂
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Thanks, Jennifer — when the snow lasts until May like it did last spring, the novelty can wear off 🙂
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[…] Weekly Photo Challenge: Layers | Travel. Garden. Eat. […]
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I always admire the dedication to those who run marathons — but you have taken my admiration to a whole new level! 🙂
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Not a full marathon — only a 10K but I figure it was worth at least double given the conditions! Not sure I’ll ever knock that marathon off the “bucket list” — may need to stay content with the half marathons I have done! 🙂
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That’s 10K more than I would do in optimum conditions! 🙂 Run, Kat, Run!
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[…] 80. Weekly Photo Challenge: Layers | Travel. Garden. Eat. […]
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You are a brave soul! I like this view of layers.
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Thanks, princess — It was actually a lot of fun, definitely a road race full of camraderie.
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