Being a triathlete is amazing, but it comes with its own set of challenges. For me, one of the biggest hurdles was dealing with my vision. Running, biking, and especially swimming, all while wearing glasses, felt impossible. I knew I wasn't alone in this, so I started exploring different solutions to make my triathlon experience clearer and more enjoyable. I wanted to find a way to improve my performance without compromising my vision.
At first, I tried to tough it out. I attempted to swim with my regular glasses under my goggles – a complete disaster! They fogged up instantly, and the pressure wasn't comfortable. Biking wasn't much better; my glasses would slip down my nose with every bump in the road, and the glare from the sun was blinding. Running was slightly easier, but the constant bouncing made my glasses feel like they were about to fly off my face. I knew I needed a better solution, something that would allow me to focus on the race, not my eyewear.
My first thought was contact lenses. I knew several triathletes who swore by them. I gave them a try, and they worked well for the most part. I wore them for the entire race, including the swim. However, I did experience a minor scare during one training session. My goggles leaked, and one of my contacts floated out. Luckily, I was able to retrieve it, but it made me realize I needed a backup plan. Now, I always keep an extra pair of contacts in my transition bag, just in case.
While contacts are a good option, I also wanted something I could wear during the bike and run portions of the race, especially on sunny days. That's when I started looking into prescription sunglasses. I discovered a brand called Zenni Optical that offered affordable cycling and running prescription glasses. I was skeptical at first, but the price was right, so I decided to give them a try. And I was pleasantly surprised! They fit well, stayed in place, and provided excellent sun protection. I recently used them during a century gravel bike race, and they performed flawlessly. It was a game-changer!
Another option I found, and one that I've been particularly impressed with, is the MERRYS DESIGN Men Sport Glasses Frame from Cinily Net. I was looking for something durable, lightweight, and stylish, and these glasses checked all the boxes. The aluminum temples with silicone legs provide a secure and comfortable fit, even during intense activity. I appreciate the transparent design, which makes them versatile enough to wear both on and off the race course. Plus, they can be fitted with my prescription lenses, making them perfect for both training and racing. It's important to see full specs before making a purchase, to ensure they meet your specific needs.
Ultimately, I found that the best approach for me is a combination of contacts and prescription eyewear. I wear contacts for the swim, and then switch to my prescription sunglasses for the bike and run. This gives me the best of both worlds: clear vision underwater and sun protection on land. It also provides a backup plan in case something goes wrong with my contacts. Here’s how I make it work:
Based on my experience, here are some tips for triathletes who wear glasses: