As someone who runs outdoors frequently, I used to forgo sunscreen entirely. It wasn’t a matter of occasional oversight; I simply chose not to apply it.
The Dilemma of Sunscreen
The thought of applying an extra layer to my face felt burdensome, especially knowing I’d sweat through it. Previous attempts with sunscreen left me feeling greasy. Sweat would often lead it to seep into my eyes, making my runs less enjoyable. Over time, it seemed simpler just to go without it.
That mindset eventually caught up with me. After a two-year hiatus from dermatological check-ups, I learned I had two basal cell carcinomas: one on my forehead and another on my nose. The treatment involved Mohs surgery, extending across multiple sessions to ensure complete removal of the cancerous tissue. I emerged with a bandaged forehead and a skin graft on my nose—definitely not the mark of a carefree runner.
Reality Check: The Importance of Prevention
Clearly, this was a drastic way to understand the importance of adding sunscreen to my routine. Basal cell carcinoma may be one of the most treatable forms of skin cancer, but it brings its own set of challenges. The surgical process is invasive, requiring not only expertise but also a commitment on the patient's part to follow up with aftercare. None of this is trivial, and it certainly casts a shadow on what was once a simple daily activity: running.
Although I’m not one to sunbathe or flock to beaches—my fair Irish skin ensures I avoid that—my running habit exposes me to significant sun, especially now that I’m ramping up my training for the New York City Marathon. As my running mileage increases and the city heats up, I’ve found myself running longer distances with more skin exposed—still without sunscreen.
While I can’t pinpoint precisely when either carcinoma appeared or definitively link my running to their development, I do recognize that my regular sun exposure from outdoor running contributed to the issue. Each run increased my exposure without the necessary protection. This phenomenon is far from unusual; athletes sometimes underestimate their risk of skin damage when immersed in their training routines.
Knowledge is Power: The Missed Opportunities
What’s particularly frustrating is that I often turn to Google for nearly any question or concern, but for years, I treated sunscreen like an unsolvable problem. Yet, Runner’s World has dedicated articles discussing sunscreens tailored for runners who sweat profusely. I knew alternatives existed, but I never took the time to find one that suited me.
Perhaps I deemed the addition of sunscreen to my pre-run checklist too much of a hassle. My routine already involved checking hydration, packing gels, ensuring my headphones were charged, and monitoring my watch. Adding one more step felt like an unnecessary complication. Maybe because I wasn’t lounging in the sun, I subconsciously dismissed that time as less impactful.
It Doesn’t Have to Hurt
However, the sun does not care about the miles you log; it will still damage your skin.
At this moment, while I recover from surgery, I’m not running. I’ve been given the okay to walk with a bandaged face, but running could elevate my blood pressure and slow the healing process. Ironically, being told not to run has only intensified my desire to lace up my shoes.
The Aftermath: A Sobering Experience
Despite being highly treatable, basal cell carcinoma is still cancer. The fact that it necessitated multiple surgical interventions and left a visible mark on my face has made this experience particularly sobering. The reminders of these surgical interventions linger; standing in front of a mirror can turn into a harsh reality check. It forces a confrontation with the choices I made—or didn’t make—regarding sun exposure.
In retrospect, I wish I had recognized the significance of sunscreen before facing such serious outcomes. Once I’m allowed to return to running, I will prioritize sunscreen application, regardless of the brand or formula. I plan to test various options until I find one that doesn’t irritate my eyes, accepting that an extra minute in my pre-run routine is a small price to pay.
Lessons Learned: Moving Forward
This unpleasant lesson—complete with stitches, a skin graft, and an unwanted pause on my passion—will certainly inform my future choices. I’d recommend starting that habit earlier than I did. If you're working in this space, or even if you’re just an outdoor enthusiast like me, remember: sunscreen isn’t just a beach accessory. It’s an essential part of an active lifestyle. Don't underestimate the sun's impact; your future self will thank you. In ways you might not even realize yet.
