Run - But Don't Trust the Sun

I'm not sure running outside is what caused the basal cell skin cancer to form on my arm -- I think years of Florida tanning during Ohio Spring Break weeks probably sealed my fate -- but ever since I learned of my cancer spot last week, I have paid close attention to my arm while pounding the pavement in the great outdoors, because I realize now that the scorching rays are just as harmful when I'm jogging on the side of the road as when I'm basking on the beach.

Sure enough, the affected part of my arm cooks like a strip of bacon in the hot sun for a few miles every time I run (which happens to be quite a lot when I'm not slumping). Bummer. Because besides running to stay trim, I run to stay healthy. But baring my unprotected pale skin in the hot sun isn't keeping me healthy. I've got an armful of stitches and an allergic reaction to latex bandages to prove it. Ouch.

To ensure running works only to protect my health, I'll soon be investing in some heavy-duty sunscreen. And maybe some long-sleeve UV shirts that also happen to wick away my sweat. I may even opt for evening or early-morning runs so I can leave the sun out of the equation all together. I'll be considering all of these tips from the Skin Cancer Foundation too. While they are written for marathoners (which I totally am not), they are solid and safe -- and they might just save me from subsequent cancers of the skin.