About a week ago, a box arrived at my doorstep. Inside, were 5 lovely pairs of Ryder sunglasses.* I was beyond excited to receive some pairs to giveaway and two pairs for me to review.
After consulting all my loyal followers and my darling husband, I chose a black pair of the Hex sunglasses. I’ve now run in them four times, in varying weather and for different length runs, so I feel like I’ve given them a good tryout.
Before I tell you what I think of these glasses, let me tell you how I feel about sunglasses in general. I HATE them. I don’t like the feel of them on my nose. I don’t like how they either slide down my nose when I’m sweating or give me sore spots behind my ears when they are tight enough to stay on. Invariably, I break them right before I really need them or my children steal them or I scratch the lens in a really annoying spot or… Before this trial, I’d only run in sunglasses twice and I really didn’t like it. In fact, I’ve always relied heavily on the fact that my contacts offer some UV protection.
So, I didn’t have high hopes for the Hex. I figured that best case, they’d do ok for a few miles and I’d use them on super sunny days. Well, I was in for a surprise. The first run, a fast four miles, went well. I was dripping sweat and the sunglasses stayed in place and were comfortable the whole time. Next, I wore them on my 11 mile run. If they were going to annoy me, this was going to be the run. Nope. They stayed in place, my ears didn’t hurt, and I didn’t come home with a headache from the sunglasses or the sun. Hmm, maybe sunglasses from places besides Tar.get are a better option?!?
Today I ran in them again on a sunny, very windy day while doing half mile intervals. They.still.rocked! I had sweat pouring down my face and I was getting blown all around by the wind and they stayed in place! We are currently surrounded by balls of oak pollen the size of small animals and the sunglasses managed to keep most of that out of my eyes.
I give these sunglasses the highest praise: When my children manage to break them (yes, that is a when not an if, sigh), I will be buying myself another pair. For the first time in my life, I’ll actually spend a decent amount on a pair of sunglasses.
Unfortunately, I can’t say the same about the Duchess style. I wore them out on Friday evening and, while they did mostly stay in place and did protect me from all the crap blowing in the wind, I had sore spots behind my ears by the time I got home. I’m sure I’ll use them, but honestly I have a pair of cheapies that I will likely reach for first.
Disclaimer: I was given these sunglasses for review. I did not pay anything for them. The opinions, however, are my own.
In other random news…
- I ran 6 x half mile intervals today – 4:17, 4:16, 4:15, 4:08, 4:00, 4:13. It’s amazing what a difference 17 seconds make. The first three were quite manageable. The fourth one felt hard. The fifth one left me gasping at the side of the road, trying not to pass out. The last one was hard, but I didn’t feel like I was dying. Probably didn’t help that the fifth one had a tenth of a mile uphill at the end. I ended up with a total 6.3 miles in 59 minutes.
- I’m still trying to keep up with Amanda’s 3 changes challenge.
- Water = success
- No snacking = pretty darn good. In fact, I lost a pound last week, even with weighing in the morning after Mexican food and two margaritas.
- Non computer/non running fun – moderately successful. I’ve read part of Julie and Julia, read an entire trash novel, gone for coffee with friends, and reorganized my dresser. What? Yes, reorganizing my dresser is fun. It was one of those things that really needed to happen, but I just never made my wants a priority. Now I can get to my running clothes without pulling a storage box out from under my bed. This? Makes me very happy.
- In non-running news, we found out today that Jones’ First Communion will be the same day as the quarter marathon I’m running. Now, someone with their priorities straight might not run, but I can’t bear to miss out on the bling that you get if you run a certain set of races. Luckily, the race is at 8 and the service isn’t till 11, so I’ll just have to PR and then run home for a shower as fast as I can. ;o)
- I’ve signed up to volunteer again. I’ll be helping load buses in Arlington for the GW Parkway Classic 10 miler. My non-morning person self will be out there at 5:30 am. What WAS I thinking?
- (Guys stop reading now) I purposely chose a marathon that would hit in the middle of my cycle. Unfortunately, my body has been wacky this spring and guess what? Yep, I’ll be dealing with girly issues during my marathon. This happened last time too. File that under “things that suck”. I’m not running another marathon until menopause LOL.
Now I’m off to read a few blogs before I start on my 4th change – attempting to get to bed by 10:30 every night. I see a big FAIL in my future.
Thanks for the sunglasses review! I've learned you can't wear any ol' pair of shades when running and I'm due for another pair.You are doing great with your challenges!Cycles and races….I bet there could be a whole post devoted to that one that most all women could relate to. Ugh.
I'm so impressed with the no snacking. I have eaten so much on vacation!
Thanks for the glasses review! I only purchase Target glasses for the breakage problem that happens so frequently in our house as well. Ugh on the monthly cycle and races! I try to time mine the same way. Dad Wonder was just asking me yesterday what other people do during this time. Great job on the 3 challenges!
If there's one thing that I have more of than running shoes, it's sunglasses. Ugh, another addiction to curb.
I have a pair of Ryders that I really love. Probably need a new pair soon.
Great review!! I also hate sunglasses but I may have to give these a try.Great job sticking to all your challenges.
Great review. I'm also not a fan of sunglasses, but you make these seem worth trying.
I lost my favorite running sunglasses in the ocean – no I wasn't ocean running… just swimming and they were cheaper than my designer ones. I need new glasses, but my running budget has been squashed. I think I may end up losing more weight as I am sweating to death running in pants as I have no shorts that fit.Great list… and I hear some women run faster during their cycle. I guess you could review that for me.
I love sunglasses and can't live w/o them! You are race volunteer of the year–always out there. Great job.
Glad the sunglasses worked for you – I know I'd go crazy here without a pair on almost all the time. Getting to communion on time sounds like great incentive for a PR too – you'll be moving fast to get in a great morning!
I can't run without sunglasses. Super sensitive eyes. Glad you like the Hex, cause they look awesome on you!Send me some info on that 10K, I think it will work just fine!
Great job limiting the snacking… that is one of my biggest weaknesses!