1Skin Care
I have a love/hate relationship with sunscreen. I’m pretty fair-skinned, and I know it’s super important that I wear it. But putting it on is such a hassle, and going out into humid Houston with a heavy lotion on your skin isn’t the most comfortable. Plus, there is a lot of conflicting information about sunscreen, how effective it is and how safe. But I’d rather go with than without, so I’ve found a couple of products I love for workouts.
For body, Coppertone Sport’s sweatproof breathable spray sunscreen ($12 on Amazon) makes it easy to cover those hard-to-reach parts. Be sure to rub it in (unless you want stripes) and be careful to spray it in a well-ventilated area and, uh, away from flame.
2Skin Care
For face, I am a full-blown convert to stick sunscreen. It doesn’t run, and won’t sting your eyes when you sweat. For this I also like Coppertone, namely their Sport Stick in SPF 55. You can also use the stick on hands, tops of your feet or any other exposed part. Be sure to rub it in, and don’t forget the tops of your ears.
3Skin Care
For face, I am a full-blown convert to stick sunscreen. It doesn’t run, and won’t sting your eyes when you sweat. For this I also like Coppertone, namely their Sport Stick in SPF 55. You can also use the stick on hands, tops of your feet or any other exposed part. Be sure to rub it in, and don’t forget the tops of your ears.
4Skin Care
Lips are probably the most neglected body part in terms of sun protection, but it’s hard to find SPF lip balm that either doesn’t taste terrible or doesn’t resemble ‘80s-style zinc oxide. Jack Black’s intense therapy lip balm ($7.50 at Stag Provisions) is SPF 25 and comes in a small squeeze tube that will easily fit in any hydration pack you might carry (or the key pocket of your running shorts). Because the formula isn’t a stick it won’t melt in the heat, and it’s color- and shine-free. I like the mint flavor for that icy feeling.
5Skin Care
Lips are probably the most neglected body part in terms of sun protection, but it’s hard to find SPF lip balm that either doesn’t taste terrible or doesn’t resemble ‘80s-style zinc oxide. Jack Black’s intense therapy lip balm ($7.50 at Stag Provisions) is SPF 25 and comes in a small squeeze tube that will easily fit in any hydration pack you might carry (or the key pocket of your running shorts). Because the formula isn’t a stick it won’t melt in the heat, and it’s color- and shine-free. I like the mint flavor for that icy feeling.
6Skin Care
Any seasoned runner knows about Body Glide, the lubricating blister-prevention stick ($10 at Fleet Feet Sports). Sweat plus friction often equals skin irritation. Rub the stick on your heels, pinky toes, between your thighs, under your bra strap or anywhere else you might chafe. In a pinch, you can also use deodorant, but Body Glide is better.
7Skin Care
Any seasoned runner knows about Body Glide, the lubricating blister-prevention stick ($10 at Fleet Feet Sports). Sweat plus friction often equals skin irritation. Rub the stick on your heels, pinky toes, between your thighs, under your bra strap or anywhere else you might chafe. In a pinch, you can also use deodorant, but Body Glide is better.
8Skin Care
Few things feel better after a sweaty run than a cool shower. I always keep Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap ($15 at Whole Foods) on hand for a minty-fresh shower. The castille soap cuts through sweat, grease and sunscreen like nothing else, and it’ll leave your private bits tingly. As a bonus, you can use it to clean out your Camelbak bladder. Rather than leaving a soapy taste, it’ll taste like mint instead.
9Skin Care
Few things feel better after a sweaty run than a cool shower. I always keep Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap ($15 at Whole Foods) on hand for a minty-fresh shower. The castille soap cuts through sweat, grease and sunscreen like nothing else, and it’ll leave your private bits tingly. As a bonus, you can use it to clean out your Camelbak bladder. Rather than leaving a soapy taste, it’ll taste like mint instead.
10Clothing
If you, like me, hate sunscreen, you are going to want to invest in some protective clothing. UPF is the fabric equivalent of SPF, and I wear long-sleeve UPF shirts like this one by Carve Designs ($56 at REI), if I’m paddling or doing any other sport where I can get my clothes wet (because long sleeves are just too hot otherwise).
11Clothing
If you, like me, hate sunscreen, you are going to want to invest in some protective clothing. UPF is the fabric equivalent of SPF, and I wear long-sleeve UPF shirts like this one by Carve Designs ($56 at REI), if I’m paddling or doing any other sport where I can get my clothes wet (because long sleeves are just too hot otherwise).
12Clothing
I almost always have a cheap old bandana either tied to my Camelbak or wrapped around my neck to both wipe sweat away and provide some coverage. My husband wears one tied around his head pirate-style to protect his scalp. They can be found almost anywhere, but for extra softness buy an already-loved one from the thrift store.
13Clothing
I almost always have a cheap old bandana either tied to my Camelbak or wrapped around my neck to both wipe sweat away and provide some coverage. My husband wears one tied around his head pirate-style to protect his scalp. They can be found almost anywhere, but for extra softness buy an already-loved one from the thrift store.
14Clothing
I don’t love hats or sunglasses for running, but a lot of people prefer them to facial sunscreen. But for paddling, I almost always wear a hat, usually my Wallaroo Savannah ($55 at Luggage & Leather). It’s packable, UPF 50+ and looks cute. Wallaroo also makes hats for men, and all their hats have an inner drawstring to help keep them secure on your head. Add a pair of dark sunglasses and your eyes and face are protected.
15Clothing
I don’t love hats or sunglasses for running, but a lot of people prefer them to facial sunscreen. But for paddling, I almost always wear a hat, usually my Wallaroo Savannah ($55 at Luggage & Leather). It’s packable, UPF 50+ and looks cute. Wallaroo also makes hats for men, and all their hats have an inner drawstring to help keep them secure on your head. Add a pair of dark sunglasses and your eyes and face are protected.
16Clothing
Finally, no Houston run is complete without a pair of Texas flag racing shorts ($25 from South Texas Online Products). If they’re good enough for Willie Nelson (an avid runner), they’re good enough for you. (Note he’s also wearing a bandana.)
17Clothing
It’s a good idea to buy some Sport Wash. Unlike normal laundry detergent, this stuff can neutralize the odors of your clothing, your hydration pack and anything else that stanks to high heaven.
18Clothing
It’s a good idea to buy some Sport Wash. Unlike normal laundry detergent, this stuff can neutralize the odors of your clothing, your hydration pack and anything else that stanks to high heaven.
19Clothing
Finally, no Houston run is complete without a pair of Texas flag racing shorts ($25 from South Texas Online Products). If they’re good enough for Willie Nelson (an avid runner), they’re good enough for you. (Note he’s also wearing a bandana.)
20Skin Care
I have a love/hate relationship with sunscreen. I’m pretty fair-skinned, and I know it’s super important that I wear it. But putting it on is such a hassle, and going out into humid Houston with a heavy lotion on your skin isn’t the most comfortable. Plus, there is a lot of conflicting information about sunscreen, how effective it is and how safe. But I’d rather go with than without, so I’ve found a couple of products I love for workouts.
For body, Coppertone Sport’s sweatproof breathable spray sunscreen ($12 on Amazon) makes it easy to cover those hard-to-reach parts. Be sure to rub it in (unless you want stripes) and be careful to spray it in a well-ventilated area and, uh, away from flame.
Now that summer is officially here, I have a confession to make: I absolutely can not stand running on a treadmill.
When I tell people from other parts of the world that I run outdoors in Houston 12 months a year, I always get strange looks. But I long ago made peace with my hatred of being sweaty, and after years of training, I’ve also found a number of items that make working out in the Gulf Coast heat—whether you’re running, biking, canoeing or doing any other sport—slightly more bearable.
Behold: the clothing and beauty products that comprise a Houston heat fitness survival kit—with more to come.
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