Tired of singing soprano every time you jump in the shower after a run, and your hubby bursting into the room wondering what body part you’d just torn off? Me too – give me lead legs or gutrot any day over chafing!
The salt we runners excrete through sweating is akin to covering ourselves in fine sand, and just as gritty and uncomfortable. For those of us that are very ‘salty sweaters’, it’s a real problem (I’ve got the scars to prove it too, although you won’t see pics here anytime soon).
Regardless of our gear’s comfort and design, at some point on a run we often notice that fave shirt, bra, shorts – even socks – starting to rub. And, before we know it, that tiny irritation turns into a source of great discomfort or pain. Of course, some gear’s worse than others, which we all learn by trial and error.
As I mentioned in Part I of this mini-series, the 3rd item in my quest was to find an anti-blister/anti-chafe product that would last for the long haul (read Part II here). KY Jelly may work for Dennis Doyle in Run Fatboy, Run, but it definitely wasn’t designed to hold up to the rigours of prolonged physical activity (emphasis on prolonged).
The key to selecting an anti-chafing product or skin lube is that it can’t have too high a water content, since perspiration will wash it right off.
Vaseline seems to be a favourite in some circles, and often it’s handed out on popsicle sticks at some events (note: DO NOT mistake it for gel! Just sayin’…). Vaseline’s uber-sticky properties means that it stays put for quite awhile, but let’s face it, it’s pretty hard to wash off and it stains. Plus, the petrochemicals used in manufacturing are hard on our running clothes, breaking down the synthetic fabrics and weakening the fibres.
Most running stores I’ve been in carry Body Glide - a lifesaver if I’ve ever seen one. Disguised in a portable deodorant-style stick, it’s easy to transport and apply, and is made from non-staining natural products. Plus, it’s great to use post-run on the raw areas. Their smallest size makes it perfect to toss in a purse or running belt for application on the fly.
The one thing I’ve noticed this year though, is that Glide no longer lasts quite as long in some areas as I’d like it to. And so another search began.
When my girlfriends and I ran Cincinatti’s Flying Pig in 2010, small tubes of Aquaphor were handed out in the refreshment area post-race. I became very good friends with Aquaphor, and guarded my tiny tubes like they were bricks of gold bullion. When I ran out, I was at a loss because – of course – it couldn’t be found north of the border. A co-worker happened to pick up a jar (yes, a BIG jar) of it down south a couple of months ago, and I now rely on a combination of it and Body Glide now to provide extended comfort on my runs.
Like Vaseline, Aquaphor’s a petrochemical product and equally-sticky properties, but has a few other goodies in it to promote healing and softening. It’s easy to apply, since you just smear or glob it on with your hands, and is great post-run wherever you need it. Plus, you can pamper your hard-working tootsies when you apply with before bed (wear socks with it for best results, and to avoid the middle of the night slip-side to the bathroom).
I’ve also found it’s more washable than the big V, and doesn’t stain gear. For you Canucks, Aquaphor Healing Ointment as it’s officially called is now carried at Wal-Mart, in the specialy skin care section.
Oh, and for those extremely chafe-prone areas where it just doesn’t seem to matter what or how much stuff you gloop on, I discovered the double-up: 1st layer Body Glide, followed by a 2nd layer of Aquaphor. Keeps me and all my parts upright and smiling (well, upright anyway) for the duration.
Got a chafing preventer or remedy? Share it in the comments!
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