Sweaty Head

I have lots of favorite things. Some of them are essentials in my mind - the Garmin, for instance, or my FSA compact crankset on Vapor. Others please me, but I could probably live without them. I had thought until last week that my Headsweats bandana fell into the latter category, but I was wrong. Turns out I'm a dribbling mess without it.

If you don't know, Headsweats makes headwear with some crazy advanced sweat-wicking system. Sweat-wicking hats are a dime a dozen, and I have lots of 'em. My must-have item is called the Cool Max Classic, which is "multi-use headwrap" - think bandana.



Right, the little tail thingies, I guess those are just for looks or something, because you don't actually tie anything - it just quickly fits on your head, all stretchy and elastic like. And the bandana look invokes images of rogue motorcyclists in the photo...it's actually pretty subtle. Here I am at Ironman '06, and you can't really see it at all underneath my cap:



(Thanks for the photo, Steve!)

Here you can see it from the side, mostly just the little tail thingy sticking out:



Anyway, the thing is a friggin' sponge. I put it on in T1, and it stays on the rest of the day, underneath my bike helmet and then my running cap. Here it is under the bike hat - again, except for the tail thingy (which you can't see in this picture), pretty much unnoticeable:



So I've used it for years and years, and just kind of accepted it as part of my training/racing attire. The other day on my 26 mile ride, though, it was in the wash, so I just headed out sans anything underneath my helmet. It wasn't even that hot of a day, and seriously within 20 minutes I was dripping all over my Oakleys, having to rub my brow every other minute. Stuff like that adds to a hassle factor that I have little tolerance for - I figure the work is hard enough, small discomforts shouldn't add to the challenge. I realized how essential the Headsweats thing is, and how much I appreciate it.

I've been out in 100+ degree weather with this thing on my head, and it just sucks up sweat. I never have to think about it when I'm biking or running. It's pretty much an essential for summertime workouts. Added bonus - on really hot races, I soak it with ice water at an aid station, or even cram some ice cubes underneath it.

Extra points: They carry Ironman licensed gear, so if you're all about the M-Dot, there you go.

Anyway, I've purchased from them online, and I've seen them in a few stores here and there. No more expensive than another running hat, and you'll use it for years. Besides the bandana thingies they have lots and lots of hats - I've picked up a few visors for my peeps. Check 'em out - I bet you'll dig it like I do. Tell 'em x sent you!

(PS - a la Steve in a Speedo - dear Headsweats people, please send me free junk. Love, x).