Fighting that Winter Wind, Cold and Snow? I Have Your Solution!

Disclaimer:  I received the Buff Thermal Hoodie to review as part of being a BibRave Pro.  Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro ( ambassador ), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews. 

Those of you who have been following my blog or my social pages know that I live in Minnesota.  Minnesota has some great nicknames:  The Frozen Tundra or Minne-SNOW-ta, just to name a few!  You can also think of Minnesota with the Slogan:  "Minnesota: One day it's warm, the rest of the year it's cold." 

 The last statement isn't exactly true.  We have absolutely beautiful seasons and the summer in Minnesota is spectacular.  However,  the winters can be absolutely brutal and a bit dreadful at times.  Our temperatures vary from the extremely cold -30 below all the way into the upper 30's.  As a runner, I hate the treadmill, so the outdoors is where I go.  This forces me to find creative and warm clothes to keep jack frost from nipping at my nose! 

And, THAT is where my Buff Thermal Hoodie comes in!  BUFF _USA gave me this awesome BUFF because I am a BibRave Pro.  My nose is free from "nipping" with this awesome accessory!

 Don't mind me, I felt like a ninja!  

One of the fantastic features of this buff is that it is a two-in-one:  a hoodie and a baclava of sorts.   For me, this works perfectly!  I can keep my head nice and toasty, but also shield my neck and face from the frigid winds of Minnesota winters!  I am able to breath through the lightweight fabric well and if I need a breather, I just gently pull it down under my nose.  

I had to laugh at the picture above because there truly are times that I feel this way.  I have laid in bed after the alarm several times debating on if I'd venture out in the cold, wind and snow.  However, if you have great gear like the Thermal Hoodie Buff from BUFF_USA the very cold temperatures are enjoyable.  Did I just say freezing temperatures are enjoyable?  Well, they are and they can be!

My first morning out, I had a whopping -1 degree forecast. Yes, you read that right NEGATIVE ONE DEGREE!   I wasn't worried, I had all the correct gear to wear and I was very excited to test out my new hoodie!  

After the run.  Ice crystals formed on the mask! :)

I had 5 miles planned for that morning, so I laced up and jumped out the door.  At first, I was skeptical that the hood would stay in place when I ran.  It absolutely does. The hood is made from a very soft fleece-like material and it did a great job at keeping me warm and shielding the wind.  I used the face guard for most of my run, and only pulled it down a few times.  

My only criticism, I say this loosely, would be that the tassels that cinch the hood tighter flew up and hit me during my run.  I quickly realized that this would be a deal breaker for me if I couldn't find a place to "stash" them.  I was able to place them down my neck and they were out of the way and I didn't notice them after that.  

I tweeted about my first running experience with Buff about a week ago.  I was pleased that Buff responded to my tweet and we briefly discussed the tassels.  They had great costumer service and feedback regarding my input.  I'm not sure they intended it be used for runners, but I'm here to tell you it's my newest and one of the most important running accessories I own.  

I absolutely will be wearing this outside often for my runs!  Make sure to check it out!  It gets my "runner  stamp-of-approval." 

Make sure you check out BibRave to write your race reviews!  While your at it, give us a share too! 

Chow!