While winter has basically been a no show in Minnesota this year, there are places where hearty Minnesotans are currently braving the elements. We Do This For Fun holds one of those people dear to our hearts- Leah Gruhn.

For the second year in a row Leah’s racing the ITI1000 Iditarod Trail Invitational, a grueling 1000 mile race. While we didn’t get a chance to chat with her before she began, we’ve been following her little dot on Trackleaders.

From the race organizers:

“Only the most experienced, rugged and intrepid competitors dare to attempt the ITI 1000, the world's longest and toughest winter race.”

As we think about Leah we wanted to revisit a podcast recorded last year with Leah and her husband Jere. 

Visit wedothisforfun.com to follow Leah’s progress in real time as she nears the end of this demanding race.

@leahgruhn, @itialaska -1000 miles by bike during the unforgiving Alaskan winter.

Today we bring you a delightful conversation with the leads from Mpls Forest Femmes. These seasoned outdoorswomen join us to delve into the art of mastering winter attire. If you've ever grappled with what to wear and when to wear it while enjoying the great outdoors, this podcast is tailor-made for you.

Consider this episode a personalized outdoor styling session. Not only will you discover their top picks for clothing suitable for various temperatures and environments, but they'll also share their preferred Icebug footwear to match each specific condition.

Lisa

Instagram: @icebug_forestfemmes

Favorite Local Trail: Any SNA especially Wood-Rill

A.K.A. Daytons Woods

Favorite Gear: 

Warm Skin Barrier Cream https://www.warmskin.com/

Favorite Icebug Shoes: 

Icebug Arcus https://icebug.com/product/arcus-w-bugrip-gtx-cloudblue

Icebug Sisu 

Wendy

Insta: @wellnesscoachwendy

Favorite Trail: Minnesota River Bottoms

Favorite Gear

Summer: Icebug Pytho6: https://icebug.com/product/pytho6-w-rb9x

CEP  base layer:

https://www.cepcompression.com/products/ski-merino-base-shirt-women

Abby

Insta: @abbyleigh22

Favorite Local Trail: Theo Wirth

Favorite Gear:

Winter Trail Icebug studded Pytho6:

https://icebug.com/product/pytho6-w-bugrip-mangoblack

Favorite Winter Pants:

https://www.sugoi.com/en_us/women-s-subzero-zap-tights-u408510f

Caroline

Favorite local Trail: Hyland 

Insta: @sweetcarolinesp

Icebug Arcus RB9X for Summer Trail: https://icebug.com/product/arcus-w-rb9x-aquaaruba

Nicole

Insta: @snbrush5

Favorite Trail: Wolsfeld Woods SNA

Favorite Gear:

Winter Trail Hike Boot the Pace3: https://icebug.com/product/pace3-w-bugrip-r-gtx

Osprey Vest: https://www.osprey.com/backpacks-bags/outdoor-packs/trail-running-packs

Willow:

Insta: @willowh

Favorite Local Trail: Lebanon Hills

Favorite Gear

https://www.hestragloves.us/womens-xc-primaloft-mitt-sand-print

Favorite Shoes:

Winter Trail Icebug studded Pytho6: https://icebug.com/product/pytho6-w-bugrip-mangoblack

Summer Trail Icebug Aura high cushion gravel runner:: https://icebug.com/product/aura-w-rb9x

Join Mpls Forest Femmes on the trails https://www.facebook.com/ForestFemmesMinneapolis/

Looking for Icebugs? Visit www.icebug.com

Kate Coward is a champion athlete who’s won the grueling Iditarod Trail Invitational, among other competitions. She’s also a coach for others pursuing similar feats of endurance and strength. She talks about pushing herself to her full potential and also the agony of accepting defeat. Follow her on Instagram at @Kate_Coward_Athlete.