Some races like Florida 70.3 are very very sunny. What is the best way to protect yourself from the sun?
Sun block before the race and sun block in transition if you aren’t really going for time. Or pick up sun block in t2 and apply as you run. Or you could buy some of the long sleeve tops that are suppose to be cooling and have SPF. I have read some good reviews on many of those clothing items. I personally just put it on before the race for a half IM or less. For IM I put it on before and on the run out of t2.
Just a bit of info, but most clothing with SPF is mostly useless when wet. The SPF factor goes down significantly. So any sweating or dumping water on your head and clothing will reduce it’s effect.
I’d put on a good application before the start. Then reapply in both transitions. This would be fine for a half. For a full, I’d have some extra in my special needs bag and put some extra on then too.
I would put it on at least 20 minutes before the race start to let it soak in, but from personal experience, if there is still some residue on your hands when you enter the water they will feel awkward- similar to washing the dishes and trying to get soap off in soft water. Rubbing some sand through my hands when warming up seems to do the trick, but a napkin/cloth might be better.
I don’t know if it affects speed, but I do not enjoy the feeling. Also beware for scratching eyes or holding the hoods after application.
Many races have sun screen sprayers in transition. IMLP used to, have not seen that there for about the past five or so years. At Rockman we have folks at the bike exit on one side who will spray you with SPF 50…but they may miss a spot or two. Always put it on BEFORE body marking as most sun screen will mess up your body marking.
Just a bit of info, but most clothing with SPF is mostly useless when wet. The SPF factor goes down significantly.
That could be, but going from SPF 50 to SPF 30 doesn’t really matter. I have NEVER been burned where
I’m wearing clothes. This includes cotton shirts tubing down the river for 6 hours.
My recommendation is long sleeves. I wore an UnderArmour Heat Gear long sleeve white shirt for both
an IM and a HIM. For the HIM (at altitude), I burned the crap…out of the back of my hands. Nowhere
else.
In general I think you’re better off with clothes than sunscreen. It’s figuring out the clothes choices that is
the tough part.
-Jot
I’ve had good luck with Kinesis (light and sweatproof). Spray it in your hands and rub it on. Put a UA top over it and you definitely won’t burn.
the main thing you have to do is take a shower the night before to get all the oil off your skin and apply a crap ton of sunscreen. then reapply the next day before the race and during if you’re really worried. but the night before after the shower really makes a difference in my experience.