During a race, most athletes have all aspects of performance and safety when it comes to wearable items covered. They have their swimsuit for that fun time in the ocean. They have their running shoes, whether it be from ON Running or Salming, to ensure they hit the pavement with purpose. Lastly, they have their glasses ready to go, making sure that they don’t get glare in the eyes when they are crossing the finish line. But are sunglasses that important when it comes to competing in triathlons?

There aren’t many ways wearing sunglasses can directly help you increase your running time, there are many benefits outside of performance that wearing sunglasses offer:

1. UV Protection. We all use sunscreen (well, hopefully we all do) to protect our skin from the UV rays during those hot summer days. But did you know that even eyelids get sunburnt? It’s true. Also, given the thin layer of skin that is the eyelid, not having proper protection can lead to diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts. Given how much time triathletes train and compete in the sun, best to slip on some shades when it comes to the road run.
2. Protect from other things. UV rays are not the only thing that can damage the eyes. Depending on where you run and what time of the year, foreign objects falling in your eyes are a real possibility. Debris from trees, things blown around by the winds and let’s not forgot those pecky bugs that just love to annoy you.
3. Expect the unexpected. The weather is an unpredictable beast. One moment it is beautiful and sunny, the next you are being drenched like it is the last day before boarding the ark. Wearing sunglasses on your run can assist when the elements change, protection you from wind, rain and dust.

A big mistake some beginner runners make it just wearing your everyday Oakley’s or Pit Vipers on your run. While these are super stylist, especially the Mud Slinger Double Wides, they just are not practical when it comes to those gruelling 12km runs. You need sunnies that are made especially for such an event, like the SpeedCoupe Mirror Lens. These have been designed for such an event, tried and tested by some of the best. 

So next time you decide to practice the road run part of a triathlon, remember, sunglasses are just as essential as your running shoes.