TRIED & TESTED
UP IN ARMS
A recent delivery of a pair of Falke Arm Protectors for testing got me thinking about sunburn and skin protection , and I realised that I am a typical runner who often forgets about my arms . – BY SEAN FALCONER
Sunburn and exposure to harmful UV rays can lead to health problems down the road , including cancer , so it ’ s important to consider your skin before heading outside . Unfortunately , we runners often get wrapped up in our training and racing plans , factoring in nutrition , sleep , kit and shoes , our timing chip and our race number if we ’ re racing , the anti-chafe lube , the alarm clock , the backup alarm clock … but often we forget about our skin , especially when we start a run or race in the early hours of the morning before the sun has risen .
When we do remember the sun protection , all too often it is limited to sunscreen on the face , ears and neck , and a cap , but for some reason arm sleeves are often the last thing some of us think about … probably because arm sleeves are traditionally seen as a winter accessory to keep your arms warm . ( I also think it has something to do with runners being focused on their legs and never actually thinking about their arms .)
Most importantly , after three decent-length runs in the midday sun , my arms showed no signs of being any redder than when I headed out the front door . I can ’ t say the same for the top of my head , unfortunately , after it took a bit of a beating during the one run … In my rush to get in a lunch time run , I forgot my cap at home when I drove across town to the famous Bergpad trail in Stellenbosch . Yes , I know , bit stupid to go out wear-testing arm protectors while forgetting to look after my head ! Anyway , the point is , the arm protectors did the job .
GET THEM HERE : Available from the FALKE online shop at www . falke . co . za at R225 a pair , and also available at leading sport retailers . More info at www . falke . co . za .
Images : Courtesy Falke
I had actually never run in either arm protectors or arm warmers before . When it is cold , I usually put on a long-sleeve top , and the rest of the time I just pull on a T-shirt and off I go , so when I decided to put the Falke Arm Protectors to the test , I knew it was going to be a new experience for me .
THE TECH STUFF
As part of FALKE ’ s Advance Performance range , these arm protectors are made from a moisture-managing Drynamix yarn that wicks moisture away from the skin to keep you dry and comfortable , but at the same time keeps you cool thanks to a panel-type construction to increase ventilation . More importantly , this material provides UV protection of SPF50 +, which means a sun protection factor that only allows one-fiftieth of the sun ’ s UV rays to pass through the fabric . In other words , you ’ re getting a massive reduction in UV radiation exposure , and that ’ s why these arm protectors carry the SunSmart Choice seal of approval from CANSA ( Cancer Association of South Africa ).
Other features are top and bottom elastication for comfort and support without slipping , and reflective print on the elbow joints for increased visibility in low-light conditions , which is great if you start your run before the sun comes up , or are still out when the sun sets . Also , the arm protectors are available in four colours and two sizes , so you have choices when buying .
A REAL ARMFUL
My first impression was that my biceps are not used to being constricted by tight clothing . Like most runners , I don ’ t have big arms , but I still found the arm protectors prominently constrictive at first . Fortunately , the longer I wore them the more I got used to that , and once I started running , I soon forgot about them completely . More importantly , since I made sure to head out in warm , sunny conditions , I actually noticed that my arms felt cooler . I had actually expected to get super-hot in them , given that Falke sent me a black pair to wear-test , but they worked remarkably well to keep my arms cool .
34 ISSUE 102 JANUARY 2018 / www . modernathlete . co . za