Monday, February 11, 2013

Sweat, Baby, Sweat

Yeah - the title of this post is from a Bloodhound Gang song.

I am no stranger to sweat. I am covered in it 6 times a week. Like most runners, I'm kind of used to it by now.

But just because I'm "used" to it doesn't necessarily mean I like it. I do get annoyed whenever wiping my forehead with my hand does nothing but make sweat drip into my eyes, and I can't say that I'm a fan of whenever I can just feel that my neck is reaching swamp-level x.

I used to do the towel thing at the gym. It works, but it's not really practical to carry around a towel with you on your outdoor runs. My hair is also a big issue for me, so keeping it off of my face and neck is seriously crucial. I'm sure most girls can understand me there. Nobody likes those creepy sweat-soaked strands clinging to neck for your dear life. It's even more fun when they dry.

I'm sorry that this post is so gross so far.

I'm sure I'm not alone in my struggle, so I wanted to share a couple things that have helped me control the perspiration problem that happens in my cranial region every time I run. For me, it's all about convenience and I think that's why I'm so partial to these products. If you're not familiar with B.I.C. Bands, I posted on them back in November (here is the review). They're awesome no-slip headbands & I use them just about every time I run.

Keeping hair off of my forehead and neck is step one. Once you're all pulled back and secured and such - you're free to put this little wonder to work. It has quickly become one of my favorite products of all time:


The Handana: a fashionable sweatband that is designed to stay put around your hand throughout your entire workout. Really - this would be great if you were a dancer, did yoga, cycled, etc... It allows you to quickly remove sweat from your head/neck/arms while still keeping your hands free. And it does a darn good job at it, too. You don't have to juggle a towel around and you'll be free to open your water bottle/gel packs like business as usual.


It's a sewn together loop (doesn't come out of this formation), so you'll have to choose a size whenever you order. mine is an extra small and it fits perfect. It's not too tight or distracting, and it really is quite comfortable. You can also pick from a wide array of colors. 

If you're a chick - I would recommend going with a darker color for one reason: makeup. I didn't think of this when I chose the blue/white combo. When I run after work, I don't always have time to remove my foundation, so it gets a little grimy sometimes. However, it's machine washable and I just throw it in with my gym clothes. Cleans up perfectly.


Whether you're a palm wiper or a backhand wiper - Handana has you covered. If you're interested in picking one up - they're only $14.99 & can be purchased through the Handana website here. Great for winter-time treadmill running & I'm sure it will hate me in the summer when I'm running in the sweltering Pittsburgh heat :) Sorry in advance to my Handana.


Keep Running,
Kelli