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?
{ 34 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s the reason I stopped running! Bleeding boobs just aren’t my thing. I changed to sprints and walking- works a treat. Cycling, sprints, swimming, walking, weights, classes I’m there! but a huge chest and running long distances just don’t work :( The best bra I found was an ennell sports bra that’s more like a crop top with hooks all up the front but no products ever worked for me… I’m so impressed by all you super runners!!
I don’t have a schedule but I’m hanging out for some yoga and a nice long hilly walk tomorrow. Hope you enjoy your runs xxx
Claire recently posted..Oops!
Instead of stopping, the Aquaphor and Bodyglide work really well – you just actually have to remember to use it! :) This is when boobs are less fun, right? I haven’t tried ennell, I’m not sold on the way it looks (not that anyone really sees it I guess).
Yoga sounds fantastic, need more of that in my life again!
we use body glide for sure!! Champion bras seem to help as well. or just don’t wear one. LOL. jk.
lindsay recently posted..Don’t Stretch it & Recipe
I have mostly Champion Bras – I think my boobs plus sensitive skin make the chafing thing more common. I wish I could get away without one!
I’ve had that problem too and body glide seems to help me. It’s always underneath my boobs and that shower feeling is so awful!
Lee recently posted..Sunday at Stone Mountain
Why can’t we remember to bodyglide up before every run – just not a habit I guess?
Now I feel really lucky I haven’t had to deal with chafing. Maybe it’s a benefit of being boob-less? ;)
I have a modified leg day tonight due to my heel pain. It looks more brutal than the original workout. LOL!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..Chick-less Nuggets + Sweet ‘n Spicy Mustard Sauce
Yea, boobs are overrated sometimes. I also have really sensitive skin, which doesn’t help.
OWWWWW! I am wincing in pain for you. That looks miserable. Hope it heals fast…and that your showers aren’t too painful. ;)
Tina @ Best Body Fitness recently posted..Nutrition Talk: Have Your Cake and Eat it Too
It’s actually getting much better already – AND I remembered the bodyglide for this morning’s run. :)
OW, I seriously saw those and kind of flipped out. I have been lucky and never had any sort of chaffing. My gear has always made sure to prevent that.
Alex @ therunwithin recently posted..Trade em Up Tuesday
It’s a touched up photo remember, some good wound stuff in picmonkey. :) I’m glad you haven’t had to deal with it!
just tweeted about yer boobs…. :) :) :)
Hehe – I knew you would appreciate this post. :)
That’s awesome that you’re volunteering at Leadville! JEALOUS.
Do you like the Making the Cut workouts a lot? I’ll have to take that book off my shelf and look through it again. I’m always looking for ways to shake it up.
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning recently posted..Workouts Lately
Finally emailed with them this afternoon – still waiting on time and place, but I’m getting excited!
I have really been enjoying the workout, although remember I modify them to get rid of the cardio portions. I’m pretty sure I would die with marathon training + the full Making the Cut. I have some thoughts about new workouts to write with all these new moves I’m learning!
Oooh, never heard of Aquaphor so thanks for bringing that up. I have body glide on constantly but you are right that sometimes it doesn’t cut it. Today, I have random chafing on my mid back (where the bottom of my sports bra hits). It’s hard getting anything all the way back there!
Ericka @ The Sweet Life recently posted..Marathon Training That Wasn’t (Yet)
Glad to share! Yep, mid back is another area I get hit (a faint scab there right now). Another reason to work on shoulder flexibility, so you can prevent chafing! :)
I’ve never dealt with bad chaffing while running, but I still love Aquaphor. Great product.
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers recently posted..Prague!
Glad to hear it – it’s not something I would wish on anyone!
Wow, it’s times like these when I’m even happier I don’t have boobs. I’d never thought that this would be issue! Bleeding?? Youch!
Allie recently posted..Weighing My Options
I wish there was a button to retract them when they aren’t helpful, like for running. :) It rarely gets to bleeding, but lots of ugly looking stuff.
Haha, now I’m just imagining retractable mechanical boobs…
Allie recently posted..What I (Should Have) Eaten Wednesday
I must be weird, but I have never had runner’s chafing.. maybe this is because I’m built like a little boy?? haha!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted..Homesick & Change
Hi Heather,
chafing can be really painful! I usually try to wear comfortable clothes that aren’t too tight but that still fit snugly. I also use some Vaseline if I feel like my skin is getting too irritated. It’s better to prevent than to treat:)
Mariella
Mariella Lombardi recently posted..Amazing Exercises for Senior Health & Fitness – You’re NEVER “Too Old” to Experience the Benefits of Exercise
Thankful I haven’t had too much of that problem. I usually only have an issue if I run in something really dumb!!!
Corrie Anne recently posted..Chopping Trees & Burpee Knees
So happy to hear that! I wish it was just a matter of good clothes, that I could fix (and get new workout clothes!).
You kicked some serious butt in your workouts last week!
I’ve actually never experienced chafing like that- probably because I’ve never run distances longer than 8 or 9 miles. But, it looks so painful! I’m actually hoping to sign up for a half-marathon soon so I’ll have to remember these products in case I start experiencing that!
Emily recently posted..fresh from the press #3
Thanks Emily!
I had hoped it was only when I ran in humidity, but guess I was wrong. Exciting to hear that you’re going to sign up for a half marathon!! Let me know if you want any help training – that’s my favorite distance. :)
I’m lucky in that I’ve never dealt with chafing *knock on wood*. I think in terms of boobs, it’s probably because I’m in the itty bitty committee, so little bouncing translates to less sport bra movement. That looks super painful though!
Lena @Fit on the Rocks recently posted..Trespassing for Sibling Bonding
I’m happy to hear the chafing issue isn’t everyone – although I’m a little jealous too. Itty Bitty is underrated – lots of perks for you!
ahhh body glide.
we love ye here!!
Miz recently posted..Happy.
I haven’t had any chafing issues yet. (Maybe because I don’t really have boobs?)
However, this morning my pinky toenail cut into my next toe. Blood. Not gonna lie, I felt kind of awesome about it.
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen recently posted..Guac-arita Sauce
Chafeaway.com they are selling a body wrap that you peel and stick on the skin to prevent chafing. I really think it should be talked about on this site. It works great. I found it on ebay cheaper than their web site.