The last time I checked the PAGASA website, the weather forecast for the next few days was that of rain. Because of this, I lamented the fact that I’d be stuck running on the treadmill if I wanted to sneak in some training runs for the week. However, when I woke up yesterday, it was a nice surprise to see that it wasn’t raining anymore! Add to that, the sun was beginning to show itself. As the day progressed, there were no longer any hints of rain, and the sun shone brightly.
I rejoiced (since I wouldn’t have to run on the treadmill 😀 ) and decided to run outdoors after work. I ran a total of 15 miles, with an average pace of 10:13min/mi, really slowing down the last couple of miles. Since the sun was still up when I started my run, I slathered on sunscreen on my face and the rest of my body.
On the topic of sunscreens, I read this interesting article in the April 2008 issue of Runner’s World. According to the article, studies have shown that runners are at an increased risk in developing skin cancers when compared to non-runners. Reasons cited are the following:
- increased sun exposure due to increasing mileage
- depressed immune system due to the stresses of training
- more prone to sunburns since sweat increases the photosensitivity of the skin.
So what should we do? We can learn from 2004 Olympic Marathon medalist Deena Kastor’s plan:
- slather on sunscreen (make sure to use a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays –> at least spf 15) before a run
- wear sun-protective clothing
- avoid mid day runs.
Deena Kastor was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma in 2001.
theloonyrunner 
my only problem with sunscreen is when you start sweating it goes into your eyes and sting like crazy. hay. Nivea has spf50 and its easier to apply.
did my long run yesterday also, nice thing about afternoon runs is it gets cooler towards the end of your run just when you need it the most.
I saw that article. I slather on the sunscreen on my face every day but now I’m doing it all over when I run. Skin cancer scares me. I’d rather be pale and healthy…
hey there!
bards… Hey that’s what I use too! It’s non-sticky and is water resistant. I usually apply the sunscreen about 30 minutes before I go run. That way the sunscreen gets absorbed better, so it doesn’t run off with sweat. It has worked for me so far 😀
pinkcowgirl… I agree 😀 Skin cancer is indeed very scary. By the way, nice blog 😀
What a great reminder regarding sunscreen. Having a hat is good. I still have the April 2008 edition and reading about it is scary. Usually 30 minutes before is a good idea.
Joe, I may get my wish (vacation) before the end of the year. I mentioned it in prometheus and baldrunner’s blogs. Tell me your thoughts on the two dates. Because of the increased air fares and a reduction of flights, I’ll be booking a flight soon.
hey wayne… I’d suggest you take the vacation this November. The upcoming race there is sponsored by the company you work for, the race date is already definite and the race distance is 25 km. If you’re going to run in another country, isn’t it better to run a farther distance rather than just running a 10 k? But if you can’t this November, I’m sure there would still a lot of runs to be scheduled next year… especially now that baldrunner’s starting his own run events 😀
Interesting… I didn’t know deena had Skin Cancer… Now ill be extra careful.
Hey Joe. Thanks so much for the reply and the input (have total confidence in you, BR, Coach Rio and others on the blog). E-mailed the NB Philippines website yesterday reagrding their race. Also, is the Runnex race (December)sponsored by Coach Rio? Registration should be interesting. Next year could be possible too.
I’ll let you guys know soon (probably within a week). I’ve got to say a 25K would be interesting as would a 10K. Thanks again.
Joe, wanted to share this with you, Taki, bards, pinkcowgirl and those who read your posts.
I was diagnosed in April with vitiligo, a rare skin disease that causes some blotching and redness of the skin near the scalp. It happens to 2-3% of the population. At the time, I didn’t realize it happening. Thought I had the right sunscreen lotion.
One day after coming home from a race, I looked in the mirror and was scared stiff. I’ve seen a doctor and am now taking a product called Recouleur. Fortunately, the diagnosis was no skin cancer. My mom’s side of the family has had cancer.
During races now and while I’m outside, I do wear a hat and still provide the proper sunscreen. The redness and blotching is starting to go away thanks to the product.
Reading the Runner’s World article was helpful.
hey there!
taki… yeah, didn’t know about it too until I read the RW article… see you at the Fort 😀
wayne… thanks for sharing! And I’m glad you feel better 😀
The Runnex might be organized by Coach Rio, he was the organizer during the last Runnex run and I think most runners were all praises for how the run was organized. So I won’t be surprised if they got him again as organizer 😀