CAZENOVIA, NY (WSYR-TV) – While many of us probably tried to stay inside, some die-hard runners and those working outside braved the sub-zero temperatures Sunday.
Dozens of runners took part in the Chilly Chili 5K in Cazenovia. Many runners say they expected the cold weather, but agree this is one of the colder races they’ve run.
“My face was pretty cold. It can be really slick too. When the snow is packed down, you can't really get good grip,” said 2nd place finisher Sam Williams.
Some say they made sure they dressed appropriately.
"It's just common sense, dressing warm, making sure you have gloves. Today is probably a mitten day,” said 1st place finisher, Sam Mackenzie.
But some prefer to tread light and were brave enough to wear shorts.
“Yeah I like running in tights, but you can't run as fast. My legs are cold but it's not that bad,” said Williams.
For others, being outside is part of the job. One that’s especially tough for the power washers at Delta Sonic in Dewitt, who are dealing not only with the cold, but the wind and water.
“The most difficult part is you’re not moving around. The other positions you get top move around, the wipers move around,” said J.P. Gardener, a manager at Delta Sonic.
As a way to keep power washer warm, they’re required to wear a full body rain coat and boots when temperatures dip below freezing.
"When it gets to be this cold out, it is kind of difficult, what the company does is we rotate people around, get a coffee, get a warm up break,” said Gardener.
But the extreme cold does have its upside.
“You make a lot more money when it's this cold. People are more generous and they understand where you are coming from,” said power washer, Matt Carr.
Depending on how cold it is, health officials say frostbite on exposed skin can set-in in minutes.
