The news article Marathoners Run a Greater Risk for Skin Cancer reports serious worries for those of us who run every day and largely run outside. At first glance, the advice sounds straightforward -- run when the sun is less intense, wear gear that offers greater protection, use sunblock. But for me, at least, it turns out to be a tall order.

Run when the sun is less intense? Well, no. The whole point is to push ourselves to the limits -- to see what we're capable of, to reach complete exhaustion. Running at off-hours is a step in the opposite direction. I'm fortunate at least to have great flexibility in my schedule -- but for those who worry about safety, or whose families or careers constrain their schedules, there are extra complications.

The article suggests wearing a long sleeve shirt and a hat while running. That doesn't work for me, particularly on the hot and sunny days that are most at issue. Skin needs to breathe for effective exercise, and wearing so much would slow me down.

The article readily admits that sweat tends to defeat sunblock. That has certainly been my experience too.

So the net effect is that we runners face serious risks, and it's not obvious what we can practically do about, while remaining true to the sport and our chosen level of intensity. For myself, I try to run in the shade when running in the sunniest climates on the hottest days; and I try to avoid the peak of the day when I can, all else equal. But it's a tall order, and it's on my mind.