Sun protection for runners – you need it!

I haven’t talked about running on the blog much lately because it’s been kind of mundane over the winter – treadmills and all… but there’s something you should know about running, and that is: Runners need sun protection!

Now that spring has come on like summer, I’ve been getting outdoors and the running is fun again! Yay for Northeast running!

But running outdoors brings its own challenges, which is why I want to give you a few thoughts on sun protection for runners (or anyone who is active outdoors!).

Tips on Sun Protection for Runners

Brought to you by Coolibar and The Vision Council. All opinions my own.

The good news is, most runners don’t WANT to run during the intense sun hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. But still, pick run times with care to minimize sun exposure – early and late are great!

I consider myself a cross country runner more than a road runner (not the bird!), even though most races are road races. I got started running as a hobby/sport with trail running, so I am partial to it! Try out trail running this summer. Trails offer many shaded areas that help filter sun exposure (and it’s so beautiful!).

I recommend a natural sunscreen, applied regularly, for any exposed part of the body (face, ears, neck, hands…). Yet I believe you get better protection if you can cover up most of your body and only need to apply sunscreen to a small part of the skin.

So let’s talk about our options…

Clothing as Sun Protection for Runners

Wear long sleeves. Is this lady kidding me? Doesn’t she remember “running” and “sun” were in the same sentence? Yes, I know you’re running in the sun, so who wants to wear long sleeves? But there’s fantastic lightweight fitness clothing these days, so long sleeves doesn’t have to mean “hot.”

Wear dark colors or tightly woven fabrics, as they are better protection than light colors or cotton fabrics.

Wear moisture wicking sun-protective clothing. As the first two points illustrate, T-shirts and short sleeves don’t provide adequate protection against UV rays. But sunburn isn’t the only worry – heat stroke and overheating are a danger too.

Coolibar has sun protection clothing for fitness!!

Today’s pictures show me running at the beach – a very popular summer activity for runners, I think! The temptation is to run in your swimsuit or shorts, but that’s too much exposure. But what’s a runner to do? Glad you asked!

The outfit I’m wearing is the Coolibar Banded Fitness Tee, and it is practically lighter than air. The texture is silky smooth and breathable. I can definitely run on the beach and not feel weighed down at all by the long sleeves!

On the bottom, I’m wearing Coolibar’s Swim Capris, which work well for running too as they are stretchy and lightweight, and dry quickly. So swim and run at the beach, because Coolibar has you covered!

Coolibar is a sun protective clothing company that offers a full fitness line of clothing. The company has been recognized by the Skin Cancer Foundation, the American Academy of Dermatology and the Melanoma International Foundation for effective sun protection.

Sunglasses offer Sun Protection for Runners, too!

Interestingly, at the same time I was putting together this post, I attended an online webinar by The Vision Council. We learned about eye protection from sun exposure (aka sunglasses, people!). I received a lovely “Sun Swag” bag with fun gear, including a pair of Bebe fashion sunglasses (with 100% UVB protection!).

I learned a lot from the webinar, led by Dr. Dora Adamopoulos, optometrist and medical advisor to The Vision Council. Turns out – 1 in 4 of us aren’t wearing sunglasses (2 out of 3 on a rainy/cloudy day, and 3 out of 10 in the winter) (Source: Harris Poll on behalf of TheVisionCouncil)!

And … RUNNING was listed as one of the activities where adults are LESS likely to wear sunglasses!!

The goal is to protect your eyes for a lifetime, and if running is in your life, that means during running too! Did you know you can get sunburn on your eyes!? Plus sun exposure can cause cataracts, and even macular degeneration (irreversible).

Runners are at particular risk of sun damage to the eyes, because dry sand and concrete (two potential running surfaces) can reflect the harmful sun rays to your eyes. Beach runners? Water also reflects UV rays!

And don’t be fooled by these myths about sunglasses:

Myth #1: All sunglasses offer UVA and UVB protection. NOT TRUE! you must look for a label from a reputable retailer. Tint-only glasses are worse, because the pupil dilates and you get MORE damage from the sun!

Myth #2: UV protection is expensive. NOPE! Price is more a factor in the frame design, lens quality or a specific lens material. UV protection should be a given in any sunglass sold by a reputable retailer.

Myth #3: Darker lenses protect more. WRONG! Tint does not indicate protection! Only the 100% UVB/UVA label should be used as an indicator of protection!

So, please, make sunglasses a must-have item when you step outside to run!

Stay protected! Save! and Give Back!

Coolibar Sun Protective Clothing has partnered with the American Cancer Society to create a #SkinSmart campaign. Since May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, $1 for every order on Coolibar.com this month will be donated to the ACS.

PLUS! I get to offer you a special discount of 15% off all Coolibar orders today and tomorrow (May 30 and 31!). Use code ACS15!

Well, I hope you’ve learned a few tips about sun protection for runners! Are you guilty of not getting as much sun protection as you could? (I know I have skipped items in this post before but am making an effort to change!).

What’s one change you’ll make next time you go running? 

This post is brought to you by Coolibar and The Vision Council, and I was provided items to facilitate this post! All opinions are my own.