I tell this story so that my fellow runners don’t have to experience the pain and suffering of the chaff. But something tells me that if you are a long distance runner, at some point, you too will have the dreaded chaffing. I am showing my boobies not because I am an exhibitionist but as a warning…ladies with big boobs, do not, I repeat Do NOT do this ever!
This is what my breast looks like a week post injury. However, last Friday after my four mile run, my white shirt had a large brown spot on it (which I knew was not make-up because I wasn’t wearing any) that I soon realized was blood. After removing my shirt and bra I saw the gashes (and there are more) above. Luckily, it didn’t hurt – well, not until I hit the shower. Oooowwweeeeee! And despite my injury, I ran 8 more miles on Saturday. Again, pain in the shower. So, I’ve taken the week off to let things settle down and heal up before my half-marathon this Saturday.
At this point you are probably wondering how this type of injury can occur, well ladies and gentlemen, fabric rubbing against my skin is the cause. I wore a bra that works extraordinarily well at keeping the girls tamed but apparently is too snug to keep from chaffing. Now this is not the first time I’ve had this problem but it has been so long that I just skipped a vital step in my preparation for a long run – lubricant!
My favorite brand is Body Glide. It works miracles and I used to slather it ALL over my body. Under my bra, my bra straps, even my lady bits. Chaffing is real and REALLY painful. And it usually doesn’t get to the point of bleeding unless like me your skin comes off completely!
Folks please heed my warning. SLATHER your body with Body Glide or a similar lubricant before long runs. MEN – slather the jewels, I have a number of friends who shared that they screamed in agony in the shower after a long run. Also, guys, don’t forget your nipples! I also know of men who have experienced bloody nipples. Don’t let that be you.
Ladies! If you are wearing shorts and your legs rub together even slightly, slather up! Also, hit any other places – under the arms is often forgotten but can also be damaged – you might have rubbing.
Please consider this a public service announcement. I showed you my boobs and I didn’t even get beads for it! Yup, I’ll take one for the team to prevent this from happening to you!
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I am continuously a victim of the under breast and shoulder chaffe. It is killer in the shower. I do know your pain. I also get it in my cleavage area at times when I wear certain bras. But yet we go on. I bodyglide my thighs everyday, tend to bypass the others unless its a long run and I have the scars to prove it, lol. Feel better
Love Body Glide! But if you do get the chaffing, know what works great to soothe and heal you? Diaper rash cream! Somebody looking in my medicine cabinet might wonder why I still have a tube of that when my youngest is eight – that’s why.
Thanks for the tip Amy! I never would have thought to do that. *Wondering if I have 5 year old diaper cream around here someplace*
Ouch..yes..I do get that too and I don’t use body glide everyday. I need to especially under the bra. It’s better with newer bras but my older bras make it the worse.
I actually was wearing my Enell bra which I don’t use frequently and I think maybe the “girls” have grown! I will be using body glide from here on out!
Body Glide is fab. Now if only I remembered to use it during my transitions!