Sunscreen

jdieber

I am trying to figure out how to speed up my transitions for my next 70.3. What is the quickest way to deal with the sunscreen reapplication issue? I am thinking about maybe running out T2 with it and applying as I go. Thoughts?

Dave Tallo

That's exactly what I've done in IMs. You can either squeeze a whole mess of sunscreen into a ziplock baggie, put this in your t2 bag, and carry out on the run ... and over the first mile or so, dip your hand into it and apply as you're running along, and eventually toss the bag. Or buy a little travel-size canister at Muji or Walgreens, and bring that along. In either case, you're putting it on during the part of the run when you're (1) moving, and (2) should be moving slowly enough that it's a pretty easy piece of admin. It's messier and not as perfect as a thorough application while you're standing still, but you're racing, and this is suitable enough to apply to your arms and hands, shoulders and quads ... all without breaking or impairing stride.

Al Truscott

^^^ What I do also...I;ve found that instead of trashing the remainder, spectators @ the side of the road are *thrilled* to get some extra sunscreen from a racer - I just ask who wants some sunscreen. Hands go up, and I toss the container to someone. Sometimes I use a nearly empty spray bottle for easier application.

The general idea of course is the "Go-Bag", into which goes everything you can think of which might be slowing you down in T2 - I have my visor, number belt, wrist sweat band, small nutrition flask, sunscreen, even sometimes sunglasses in the bag. The only thing I deal with in T2 are my shoes.

As Dave says, dealing with all that stuff in the first 5-10 minutes works well to slow me down when I might otherwise be adrenalized to run too hard too fast too soon.

Douglas Sutherland

My favorite idea is to do only races with covered runs!

Rich Stanbaugh

@Joe - I put BullFrog Sunscreen on in the morning, let it dry, and generally never need to reapply during the day.

Paul Curtin

The bigger races should have sunscreen in transition, hopefully with volunteers to apply it. Consider using that for your neck, arms, and legs (but not your face). I typically bring a spray can as that's easier to deal with. I'll also have two of the small-sized sticks like these:
https://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Sunscreen-Ultra-Sheer-Stick/dp/B00HNSSV3U

One goes in my bike bento box, the other goes in my run pack. I use these for my face, ears, and neck.

jello4

I tried the volunteer sunscreen application method at Muncie 70.3, ended up with a burn and very (not) funny tan lines. IM distance races could be better, but I am taking thing in to my own hands from now on...