Searching for the best state for outdoor running? Look no further than Colorado. Its outdoor legacy is so strong it infuses the local economy with over $13 billion every year. The fact that Colorado’s House delegation champions legislation like the Explore Act makes it an even more welcoming state where residents and visitors alike can more fully enjoy hiking, skiing, cycling—and, of course, running. That makes Colorado the place to be if you want to try challenging trails amid scenic views or partake in running events, including 5ks like Bash the Bluffs and Denver Pride.
To fully enjoy your runs in Colorado, though, you’ll want to stay safe on the trail. The most common injuries you’ll be susceptible to will affect your legs and feet, like runner’s knee, shin splints, and plantar fasciitis—and you’ll be especially vulnerable to them as you make your way through the rugged terrain the state’s trails have to offer. That said, you’ll want to take precautions like donning the proper footwear, doing the necessary stretches, and only running as much as your body can handle.
While you’re pounding the pavement, though, there’s a hidden danger you also need to watch for. As you look to smash a personal best or sweat out the stresses of the day, your eyes may also take a beating from Colorado’s harsh sun. Here’s more on how that can negatively impact your runs—and how you can care for your eyes to prevent that.
The danger to your eyes
While the warmth of sunlight on your skin can feel like a rejuvenating embrace, its radiance poses a silent threat to your eyes. Those UV rays can penetrate delicate ocular tissues without proper protection, potentially leading to serious conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. It’s believed that up to 11 million people in the US suffer from macular degeneration alone. Given that UV exposure in Colorado can be 20% higher than the country’s average, that can pose a serious problem. Yet that’s not the only issue your eyes face when out running. Whether you’re traversing Colorado’s bustling city streets or are further away exploring its serene woodland trails, the running terrain is literally rife with hazards waiting to strike. Dust, dirt, insects, and even stray branches lie in wait, all of which can cause infections if they scratch your eyes.
As the miles accumulate and the sweat flows freely, a lesser-known adversary emerges from the salty stream, threatening to blur your vision. Sweat your eyes, while a testament to your hard-earned effort, can be hugely damaging, impairing clarity and causing discomfort. When sweat drips into your eyes, it can cause irritation, stinging, and discomfort. The salty nature of sweat can be particularly irritating to the sensitive tissues of the eyes, leading to temporary discomfort or even inflammation.
When sweat mixes with oils and debris on the skin’s surface, it can form a film over the eyes, temporarily blurring your vision and putting you at a greater risk of running into accidents.
Mitigating the issues
To properly protect yourself from the sun, arm yourself with the ultimate ocular shield: sunglasses. Not all of them provide UV protection, so look for pairs with a “UV 400” label to ensure they’ll actually block out the sun’s harmful rays. Better yet, turn to a dependable retailer for your specs. Eyebuydirect showcases a variety of sunglasses, including bestsellers like the Safari and Luck that come with UV protection as standard. That’s the reliability you should be looking for when buying a pair ideal for running. You can also opt to get them with polarized lenses if your route passes by environments full of water or snow. These can reduce the sun’s glare that bounces off them, safeguarding your eyes from temporary blindness to further prevent accidents on the trail. If you need vision correction, you can even get dedicated prescription sunglasses from most brands. Oakley has a reputation for making good running glasses, of which models such as the Actuator can be ordered with your prescription in.
Normal sunglasses might not quite fit the bill if you’re into off-road adventure, braving rugged trails and untamed terrain. In that instance, a pair of sports goggles is your steadfast ally. Designed to withstand impact and shield your eyes from flying debris, sports goggles from brands like Pro Gear offer unparalleled protection against the hazards lurking in the wild. With a snug fit and durable construction, these goggles will keep your vision clear and uncompromised. They’re also held firmly in place with a strap, meaning your eyes are protected, and your eyewear will stay put. You can even order them with prescription lenses if you need to correct your vision and stay safe.
It’s not only eyewear that can protect you while you run. The right headgear can act as your first line of defense as the sweat pours down your forehead. The most effective for your running needs will be headbands specifically designed to be sweatproof. These will absorb perspiration before it has a chance to infiltrate your eyes, keeping your vision clear and unobstructed throughout your run. You should choose a moisture-wicking headband with a comfortable fit to stay dry and focused, leaving sweat-induced distractions in the dust. Consider those of the same caliber as the headband from leading activewear brand Gymshark. Its double-layer design means you can wear it in multiple ways without it falling off on more intense runs, and its moisture-wicking properties are so robust that they’ll prevent excess sweat from reaching your eyes even if you have textured hair or wear a wig.
If you cannot wear a headband, try to keep your forehead as dry as possible with a quick wipe as you run.