The 11th annual San Diego Half Marathon is quickly approaching, and for months, other Southern California runners and I have been preparing for the 13.1 mile run. Hi, my name is Jordyn and I am a runner and SportRxer. For the past few months, I have dedicated myself to this race. There have been highs, there have been lows, and in between, plenty of blood, sweat, and tears. Continue reading for my experience training for the San Diego Half Marathon, as well as SportRx recommendations for the best running sunglasses for your own half marathon.
Table of Contents
A. Training for the San Diego Half Marathon
1. What I Learned While Training
B. Best Running Sunglasses for a Half Marathon
1. Tifosi Vero
2. Nike Tailwind
3. Oakley Flak 2.0 XL
4. Oakley EVZero Blades
5. Rudy Project Rydon
BONUS SportRx Huckson
D. Prescription Running Sunglasses at SportRx
Training for the San Diego Half Marathon
I had been mulling over the idea of running a half marathon for a few years now, but it never went further than a thought. It wasn't until a friend suggested signing up that I finally took it seriously. I saw this as my opportunity to finally achieve a goal that had been rattling around my brain for so long.
Once I signed up for the San Diego Half Marathon last fall, I found a beginner’s training guide on the race's website. It started with three run/walk days, one day of strength training, and three rest days. After a couple weeks of that schedule, it bumped up to three run/walk days, two days of strength-focused workouts, and two rest days. The distance of each run throughout the week gradually increased, with Saturdays becoming specifically dedicated to longer distances at a slower pace. Every training day was deliberate and focused on building up the strength needed to complete a race at this length.
For three months, I stuck to this training guide, finding that my endurance was growing, and my body was getting stronger. When I started training, the idea of running more than a mile seemed strenuous. But eventually, on the most rigorous training day, I managed to run a whole 14 miles! Throughout the whole training process, I learned plenty about what I could handle and how to properly prepare for a run of this caliber.
What I Learned While Training
Proper running shoes will take you far. I started half marathon training with casual sneakers that I had for a while and had been using for everyday life. After about a month and a half of blisters and lackluster support, I invested in a quality pair of running shoes — and it made a world of difference. Running 13.1 miles is a lot on one’s feet and having the right footwear is key.
About midway through the training process, I realized how important it is to properly fuel your body for a run this long. I discovered that food that digests slower and doesn’t provide energy quick enough, like protein bars, are not the best pre-workout snack. Much better to enjoy after a run. I also started carrying snacks during training runs. I found that dried fruit would give me the energy my body needed when I was struggling and felt like my legs were dragging.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. This one is a no-brainer. Adequate water consumption prior, during, and post-training runs are of the utmost importance. I purchased a hydration belt with two 10-ounce water bottles, which I knew would hold me over in between water stations.
Like many people, I find it helpful to have somebody to hold me accountable. Having a running buddy who was with me every step of the training process prevented me from slacking and skipping a run day. Additionally, running clubs are a great environment to connect with other runners and remain motivated in your own half marathon training.
For those long run days outside, you’ll want optimal gear that will keep you safe and in tip-top shape. Whether that’s a hat to shade your face, shorts that don’t ride up, or kinesiology tape to lessen muscle pain — remaining comfortable and protected is essential. Another great piece of gear to add to your collection is a pair of running sunglasses. While you’re jogging in the sun, possibly for hours on end, you’ll want to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays and provide yourself with the clarity to notice any cracks in the concrete or out-of-place curb.
Best Running Sunglasses for a Half Marathon
If you're also prepping for the San Diego Half Marathon and looking for a quality pair of sunglasses to wear, we have the frames for you! For more information on what to look for in running sunglasses, check out our Running Sunglasses Buyer's Guide.
Tifosi Vero
Packing style and performance into one seamless frame, the Tifosi Vero is ready for race day. Constructed from TR90 Grilamid, the Vero is lightweight, durable, and resistant to UV damage — perfect for however many miles you tackle. Adjustable temples and nose pads offer a fine-tuned experience, while integrated ventilation prevents the lenses from fogging up. An interchangeable lens capability allows you to swap out lenses for the best visual experience, no matter the lighting conditions.
Tifosi Vero In Iron with Brown Fototec Lens
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Vero Key Features:
- Ventilation keeps lenses fog-free
- Adjustable, rubber grips provide a tailored and comfortable fit
- TR90 Grilamid frame material lightweight & easy to wear
- Rx-able
- SFW: 130 (Men’s and Women’s M)
Nike Tailwind
From the starting line to the finish line, the Nike Tailwind is ready to go. The 8-base wrapped design blocks peripheral light from sneaking in, and the semi-rimless lenses provide unimpeded visibility. Frame ventilation increases airflow, and an interchangeable system allows you to effortlessly swap out lenses depending on the conditions. Lightweight and comfortable, the Tailwind features an anti-reflective lens coating that protects against glare. The straight temples easily fit underneath a hat, while the frame accommodates a variety of face shapes.
Nike Tailwind in Matte Oil Grey - Dark Grey Lens
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Tailwind Key Features:
- Wrap around design provides ample peripheral protection
- Made from lightweight, easy-to-wear material
- Available in Small
- Rx-able
- SFW: 132 (Men’s and Women’s M)
Oakley Flak 2.0 XL
This ultimate sports frame is ready to take you from a 5k to a full marathon! The Oakley Flak 2.0 XL is crafted from the brand’s lightweight and durable O Matter™ material, and features a semi-rimless, wrap around design. Unobtainium® on the temples and nose pad provides unmatched grip, getting stickier the more you sweat. The Three-Point Fit system evenly distributes the frame weight, eliminating unwanted pressure. PRIZM™ lenses filter out distracting colors and highlight surrounding details, so you can notice every dip, crack, or curve on the race course.
Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Matte Black - Prizm Black
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Flak 2.0 XL Key Features:
- PRIZM™ lenses increase color and contrast vividness
- Adjustable nose pad allows for customization
- Interchangeable capability lets you easily swap out lenses
- Rx-able
- SFW: 135 (Men’s M/Women’s L)
Oakley EVZero Blades
Stand out from other runners in a pair of Oakley EVZero Blades sunglasses. Mixing the EVZero series with the iconic Oakley Razorblade frame, the EVZero Blades is truly a one-of-a-kind frame. The fully rimless frame is lightweight and unique, while the Plutonite® shield provides unmatched coverage and impact protection. The PRIZM™ lenses enhance color recognition and sharpen visual perception, and the Unobtainium® grips ensure a non-slip fit.
Oakley EVZero Blades in Steel with PRIZM Sapphire Lens
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EVZero Blades Key Features:
- Wrapped shield design ensures exceptional coverage
- PRIZM™ lenses filter out distracting colors
- Unobtainium® grips on temples and nose pad gets tackier when wet
- Not Rx-able
- SFW: 136 (Men’s and Women’s L)
Rudy Project Rydon
Beat your PR with a pair of Rudy Project Rydon sunglasses. The semi-rimless, wrapped design provides unobstructed visibility and optimal eye protection, so the path ahead of you is crystal clear. The adjustable nose pad and temples allow for a tailored fit, while frame ventilation wicks away sweat and moisture. With interchangeable lens capability, you’re able to easily swap out lenses to best accommodate changing lighting conditions and sports.
Rudy Project Rydon in Carbon with Smoke Black Lenses
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Rydon Key Features:
- Adjustable features allow for a customized fit
- Rubber grips keep the frame comfortable and optically aligned
- Available in Slim and with an Rx Dock
- Rx-able
- SFW: 138 (Men’s and Women’s L)
SportRx Huckson
If you’re looking for a pair of sunglasses that can take you from the race to the brewery, then the SportRx Huckson is the one for you! The Huckson is a great everyday frame, with large, protective lenses and lightweight material. So even if you’re not racing in the San Diego Half Marathon, you can still get that Southern California vibe from your sunglasses. Rubber grips on the temples and nose pad offer a comfortable and secure fit, while frame ventilation keeps the lenses free from sweat and moisture. The cherry on top? This perfect athleisure frame is prescription-ready!
SportRx Huckson in Matte Grey with Prescription Lenses
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Huckson Key Features:
- Rubber grips help secure the sunglasses
- Ventilation increases airflow and wicks away moisture
- Large lenses provide ample protection
- Rx-able
- SFW: 136 (Men’s and Women’s L)
Prescription Running Sunglasses at SportRx
Need prescription running sunglasses? Done. When you shop with us, you’ll find video guides and tool tips throughout the build process as you customize the perfect pair. An answer to all your questions is at your fingertips, and if you want to chat with an expert, contact us. We’ll put you in touch with one of our friendly in-house opticians, who can help you build your prescription sunglasses.
Ditch risky online shopping with our See Better Guarantee™. Try your running sunglasses for 45 days and if you’re not completely satisfied, send them back. Get a full refund, exchange, or credit towards a better pair. And return shipping? Covered. Get your pair of prescription running sunglasses at SportRx today!
