I have my first tri coming up and I’m wondering how I will protect my self from the sun. If I apply waterproof suncreen first thing in the morning (i.e. a few hours before race start) will it endure the swim? It would seem crazy to have to apply it in T1. Any recommendations for a specific sunscreen to use?
Thanks,
r
I suppose it depends how long the race is. If it is a sprint and you will be done before the sun is peaking, I wouldn’t put any on. I would have some in my race bag though so I could apply after the race during the post-race festivities.
I would only put it on if I was planning to spend a good amount of time during peak sun hours. If you are racing Ironman, I am sure that they have volunteers that would help you apply during the bike and run, which is when you would need it the most.
Bernie
Good point. It’s a 1/2 IM, so I’ll be in the water for approx 35min, then out on the bike and run for another 4.5 hours.
r
I have redhair and no natural protection from the sun. I don’t get burned because I am very careful. For a 1/2 I put on a layer of sunscreen before the race. At T2 I have a small tube in my shoe that I grab and apply as I am running. I toss the the tube at the first transition area. This allows me to protect my pasty skin and not give up any time. For an Oly or sprint I don’t need or use the second application.
anything is better than nothing… as evidenced by my back after riding today.
the neutragena spray on stuff. It’s FANTASTIC. It sprays on easy and actually dries. It’s not greasy at all. I used it for the first time at an X-terra. Swim start was at 2:00 in the afternoon. I saturated my self before the swim. Made it through the 3 hour race (i suck at mountain biking), mostly in the sun without a burn at all, and I burn REALLY easily.
Apply before- you’ll be fine in the water for 35 minutes. I use Trader Joe’s or Bullfrog sunscreen- both work great.
Have you ever tried Blue Lizard? Their sports sunscreen is amazing.
Cheers,
Herbert
I’ve been using that kinesys stuff. It is really nice stuff. You spray it on and it dries very quickly. After it dries, you can’t even feel that it’s on. I’ve used one application and it’s been good for 5 hour rides out in some harsh sun with no problems.
I use the coppertone Sport Spray. Same here…works great in the texas sun. 5hr ride today with temp at 95 and road temp at 105. Not burned at bit. Starting to look like George Hamilton already this year. Maybe they will give me a thin crisp commercial.