If you’ve done any long-distance running, you probably already know exactly what this post is really about. No one likes battle scars on their boobs!
Note: I embellished the picture a bit this time, although I’ve had chafing wounds close to that several times in my running career, unfortunately.
When I first started increasing my running distance years ago, I thought there was something wrong with me. I would come back from a run, jump in the shower, and feel a painful burning on my chest and back. My bra would bother me for days, as it rubbed against my rubbed raw skin. Chafing – it sucks!
I tried buying seamless sports bras, different models, different styles. It sometimes helps for a little while, but the chafing always comes back.
Guys aren’t immune here, unfortunately. You’ve seen that guy with red rings over the nipples on his shirt. Sometimes there’s an ugly red line leading from that circle down to his shorts. Ouch…
So what can you do? What helps?
What works best for me are anti-chafing products like Bodyglide or Aquaphor.
I find that Aquaphor has the best staying power, because of it’s thick goopy consistency. That also means it’s pretty messy, so be warned! Note: It does contain animal products, so please be aware if that’s something you avoid. I’m working my way through several huge tubs I’ve had for a few years.
Bodyglide does a great job, but I have been known to sweat through it on particularly nasty run. I try to apply a few coats for long training runs and races.
This is my marathon checklist from March – notice the Aquaphor next to my Asics running shoes?
The key for either of these products…don’t forget to apply before your run. That’s the only way they work properly.
That’s the step I tend to forget periodically, which produces those nasty chafing wounds again.
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Enough about boobs, it’s time for my weekly workout accountability!
Last Week’s Workouts
This week’s workouts went pretty well, despite all the changes. It comes out to one missed bike (which I’m considering a bit of a bonus right now) and 1 less mile on my long run. My legs were pretty shot on the long run and I made a rational decision to call it a day an hour early and walk back to loosen things up.
- Monday – Making the Cut (Day 14 modified)
- Tuesday – 4M Run + Making the Cut (Day 15 modified)
- Wednesday– 6M Run (Marathon Tempo)
- Thursday – :45 Bike 4M Run (Hills)+ Making the Cut(Day 17 modified)
- Friday – 4M Run (Hills) 6M Run (Marathon Tempo) + Making the Cut(Day 18 modified)
- Saturday– 3M Run
- Sunday – 14M 13M Run
The shorter runs are feeling more normal, but the long runs are still really hard. This is the part of training you just push through and trust that it will get easier.
This Week’s Plan
Not much change in mileage this week, just keeping things moving and hopefully getting better and better at the long run on the weekend. I’m supposed to be volunteering at Leadville this weekend, so the weekend run is subject to move based on the timing of that.
- Monday – Making the Cut (Day 21 modified)
- Tuesday – 4M Run + Making the Cut (Day 22 modified)
- Wednesday – 7M Run
- Thursday – :45 Bike + Making the Cut (Day 24 modified)
- Friday – 3M Run + Making the Cut (Day 25 modified)
- Saturday – 4M Run
- Sunday – 14Mile Run
I’m still searching for a “flatter” run in my neighborhood – it would be great to get a bit of a break on the legs. Not sure if that is possible without driving through. 
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Questions for you:
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Any other tips to share to prevent sports bra (or t-shirt) chafing?
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What workout are you most looking forward to this week on your schedule?
