It’s hot. Almost d@mn
hot! As we approach July and the heat of
the summer for most us in the States, you can’t avoid the heat. Even at 4am, some places are already 80
degrees and 80% humidity. There’s
nothing wrong with a sweat fest workout in the heat, as long as you are
prepared.
Sure, you need hydration, sunscreen and
eye protection,
but what about those rivers of sweat pouring down your face?
Most of us have been there.
Running or riding along (usually isn’t as
much of a problem in the pool) and you have to use your jersey or shirt to
constantly wipe your face and eyes.
Sometimes it stings your eyes, and other times is covers your sunglasses
making it hard to see where you are going.
Helmets come with that padding that seems to absorb the
sweat, only to release it by the bucket full when you look up or adjust your
helmet. Ever have helmet pad stew pour
down your face and over your mouth? To
say it tastes kind of salty and just plain nasty is an understatement.
Personally, I sweat more than the average human (I would
guess, not documented). Easily 7 to 8
pounds can escape my body in the form of perspiration and that’s with
accounting for fluid intake. If they
came out with a windshield wiper system for sunglasses and an automatic towel
system for running, they would have my money.
But, that’s not really an option (or is it?). What I needed was a better system than hats
and having to stop every 10 miles on the bike to clean off my glasses.
That’s when I ran into
Bondi Band.
From their website,” Check out our wicking
fabric bands; they will absorb and evaporate buckets of sweat.”
Buckets of sweat, sounds like a winner.
After trying out the Triathlete Bondi Band for some riding
and running, here’s my take on the application of the products for the everyday
triathlete in the heat.
After poking around on the site, they have a nice selection
with different logos and phrases. They
have around 5 to 6 triathlon related head bands. Finding something that fits your taste
shouldn’t be an issue. But, more than
likely it will have to be black unless you want to make a special order.
It was an odd feeling wearing one the first time out. I wore it while riding under my helmet and
you immediately notice it adds a factor of warmth to your skull. It cuts off some ventilation within the
helmet and unless you are moving, it can feel like it makes you a little warmer. Once the sweat started pouring out, I knew my
bucket of sweat may have exceeded their idea of a bucket of sweat. Out in 95 degrees with 80% humidity, I was
sweating like a (insert your off-color comparison here). I was in serious doubt about the product
after getting 10 miles down the road and it’s dripping sweat. BUT, what was different was where it was
coming out. It was no longer flowing freely
down my sunglasses, but rather coming from the sides of my brows flowing down
my cheeks. My glasses were free from
vision impairing bodily fluids, even though I was still off-loading
perspiration and an exponential rate. It
worked to an extent and solved my basic problem of sweat in my eyes and on my
sunglasses. After the ride, ringing out
the Bondi band produced around a fourth of a cup of sweat. Sweat is better in the band than in my helmet
pads pouring down my face.
Running with Bondi band is a similar situation. Still have some sweat escaping the band, but
it was redirect to the sides of the face away from the eyeballs and
sunglasses. What’s nice while running,
if you are the type that likes hats or visors while running, this is a good
additional to the arsenal that’s lighter and serves a purpose besides fashion.
I even wore Bondi band to the gym for some strength
training. Who wants to do their hair
before the gym? Bedhead rules and when
you have small children, it’s all you can do to get out of the door to get to
the gym and get a quality lift in. Bondi
band was a good solution to hide unruly hair-do’s without looking toolish or
foolish. You might get some looks while
people read them. You might even be
considered elitist for wearing it, but if you wear your triathlete heritage on
your sleeve, it’s time to advertise.
Overall the Bondi Band concept might appear to be more style
than function, for men. For women, it’s
a great tool just to keep hair out your of your face if anything. But, the function for men comes in the
capabilities to keep sweat redirected away from your eyes and blurring your
vision.
What’s also nice is the price. At $8, it’s around $10 less than your average
running visor and provides similar function.
They’re washable and don’t have a cardboard bill that could deteriorate
with multiple washes.
Consider Bondi Band for your sweat relief needs.
If you have read this far, then you have a chance to win the TRI Bondi band! And no, I didn't use it.
Four ways to enter.
You also get a new Gatorade water bottle.
6 pack of GU Roctane Blueberry Pomegranate.
To get your entry counted, add a comment to this post and tell me how many entries you have and some way to identify you.
Giveaway ends this Sunday, July 1 at midnight. Winner announced Monday. Bondi band supplied the headband to give away and I paid for the GU and bottle myself. NO OVERSEAS entries, please.
* Writer’s note, Bondi Band supplied 2 triathlon themed
Bondi Bands for this review and in no way influenced this awesome freelance
triathlete writer on his review.
