I have never been a fan of wearing a hat when I run (unless it’s below 30 degrees out) and have never worn a visor. It seems like wearing a hat or visor is the norm these days in IM races… why? You never see elite level marathoners wearing a hat or visor? If its all about covering the head, you have a swim cap on for the swim and a helmet on for the bike, why would I need a hat or visor for the final 3-4 hours?
FYI I am racing IM Lake Tahoe so it shouldn’t be hot.
why would you if it makes you uncomfortable. I never do.
Elite Marathoners are running a lot faster.
Elite marathoner are doing a 2 hour race. The fatigue form the sun isn’t relevant. IM’rs are already 5+ hours into a race before they even start the run.
Visors are also one more way to advertise a sponsor.
I do sometimes wear a hat on really hot sunny days mid summer to keep the sun off my face. I might start using a visor for long course races this season, but I haven’t in the past. OS i haven’t decided.
personal preference i suppose.
Marathoners aren’t usually starting their run mid day or later in the heat.
If you don’t like it and it’s not going to be warm and need to keep sun and sweat off your face, don’t worry about it.
I keep my hair at about 1/8" so I have to wear a hat or I’ll burn my scalp.
I remember reading a while back that if you have to squint when exercising, then that tenses your body and reduces your efficiency.
Take a look at the top cyclist, runners and triathletes and notice their faces are relaxed.
No idea if it is scientifically proven, but I know when I wear my mtb helmet instead of my road helmet it seems to make a difference.
For me it is. I sweat a ton and management of that is extremely important for me.
Shade and cooling are important for metoo.
I use headsweats for comfort and truly believe that they’re the best choice. It’s the only visor I’ve tried that disappears on my head when wearing it.
Do you all mostly wear sweatbands under your helmet as well? I know there are a few really good ones on the market.
Wear what you are most comfortable in and don’t worry about others.
I wear a hat to hide my helmet hair.
dumping ice in the hat is nice
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why would you if it makes you uncomfortable. I never do.
“skinny girls look good in clothes, fit girls look good naked.” I am stealing that, and tweeting it. Done
It was said earlier…but elite marathoners are finished racing at what time? Like 9am? 10am? No need.
At my age I wear a hat to keep sun off the top of my head where I have little other protection. Also, I find that the hat helps to keep the sweat out of my eyes. Finally, if it is really bright out, then the visor part helps to keep the sun out of my eyes.
But, I could care less about what others think or wear so I do what I want to do to be comfortable.
I think the visor or hat is mainly used to protect your face/skin from the sun, it doesn;t do anything to your performance
If you are out there running hours per week in the hot sun over a few years, it does wear your skin out!! You really do not want to look leathery…
I remember reading a while back that if you have to squint when exercising, then that tenses your body and reduces your efficiency.
Take a look at the top cyclist, runners and triathletes and notice their faces are relaxed.
No idea if it is scientifically proven, but I know when I wear my mtb helmet instead of my road helmet it seems to make a difference.
I actually noticed this during my training workouts. At the same wattage, my HR is slightly lower if I keep my facial muscled relaxed vs. grimacing.
Not everyone does:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cB_E-uiYx4c/Th14j8uDUnI/AAAAAAAAAD0/9uC0ZyIJU6o/s1600/CHRISSIE.jpg
I think at Kona, where the pros run in the heat of the day and there is ice available to place in a cap, it makes a lot more sense than at many other races.
Never wore a hat or visor until I moved to Florida and started dealing with the intense sun. Lately I’ve been wearing a Sweat Vac visor which both keeps the sun off my face and serves as a sweatband.
Mark
I have never been a fan of wearing a hat when I run (unless it’s below 30 degrees out) and have never worn a visor. It seems like wearing a hat or visor is the norm these days in IM races… why? You never see elite level marathoners wearing a hat or visor? If its all about covering the head, you have a swim cap on for the swim and a helmet on for the bike, why would I need a hat or visor for the final 3-4 hours?
FYI I am racing IM Lake Tahoe so it shouldn’t be hot.
I do it for the race photos. I have a big forehead and my face always looks fat. The visor seems to mitigate that.
That… and I prefer it to sunglasses on hot and sunny days. Easier to wipe my face.