Newbie question - Chafing 🤔

[Lazyfrog]

Hi everyone, I am new here and I am currently training for a HM, I am only at 11k atm. I have recently noticed chafing on my back and arms, usually around the edges of my sports bra /top or the armband I use for my phone. It didn't use to be a problem but now it happens more often on my longer runs 😖 I thought I'd seek the advice of the running hive mind🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ I know that Vaseline might help, any other tips for how to treat and avoid chafing? Is it possible to avoid it at all on long runs?

[misswobble Marathon]

I get it ! I got it badly doing PE with Joe everyday 🤨

I’ve got psoriasis too 🙄. I know everyone says Bodyglide is best but it did nothing for me. Vaseline is best for me and it’s cheap.

Important is bathing or showering immediately post run , and laundering clothes as well. I use Halo sports wash. It smells lovely

I’ve not stopped it completely, and it’s worse in humid weather. I’m just trying to make it least worst 😃

I wear many of my clothes inside out and look for seamless gear Dri-fit and clima lite gear is good and very light

[Lazyfrog Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Thanks, it's good to know I'm not alone! 😁I'll check out Bodyglide and the sportswash 😊

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

I've had a few issues with this and Bodyglide has been the answer for me. Another product, all natural, and vegan is called Happy Bottom Bum Butter. It's designed for cyclists (hence the bottom bit) but works as a general anti-chafe too.

It's also worth checking the sizing of of your bra top. I can't wear certain tops for long runs for this reason too.

[Lazyfrog Half Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thank you, Bodyglide seems to be popular but I love the name of the Happy Bottom Bum Butter, so I might give that a go! 🍑😊😊

[Hidden in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

That GoGo_JoJo has to win product name of the day😂

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Hidden]

My husband uses it, and now sells it through his business. It did raise my eyebrows when he started enthusing about it 🤣 it does smell lovely and being all natural and vegan gets extra kudos 👍🏻

[Couchpotato2 Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

😂😂😂😂 the name!!

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

I can recommend a flip belt to carry your phone instead of the arm band. It holds keys , tissues ,small water bottle .....

[Lazyfrog Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Yes, thanks, it seems sensible😊 I do like the freedom of the armband though... might try some anti-chafing lotions first before I give the armband up 🤔

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Lazyfrog]

Lanacane anti-chafe is good but it ain’t cheap.

[triumph-tiger Half Marathon in reply to Lazyfrog]

I can also recommend flip belt and body glide - these work well for me.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Hi and a very warm welcome to this forum! I gave up my arm holder when it started chafing. My preferred place is a pocket on the side of the leg (that's what I now look for in every pair of run tights) - I literally forget I have it on me. I can second Bodyglide; its amazing stuff. My hydration vest chafes the inside of my arms without it, but with it I have no problem and you absolutely don't know it's there (unlike vaseline!). I hope you find a solution because chafing is a distraction of the worst kind!

[Lazyfrog Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thank you 😊I think I will definitely try Bodyglide and will consider giving up my beloved arm holder... I think I'll skip Vaseline altogether because I'm worried it might stain my clothes and block my pores 😖

[misswobble Marathon]

“Four-way stretch” fabrics might be worth a look.

I like a merino top Lightweight, seam-free and breathable. My latest one is from Aldi (as my first). Machine Washed at 30 degrees in Halo, and dried away from direct heat, keeps it soft and lovely.

[Lazyfrog Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Hmm I shall look into four-way stretch fabrics, I never really knew what they are exactly 😅

[misswobble Marathon]

Chafe is caused by friction so if the fabric moves with the body the chafe should be less. I found some Inov ones, Under Armour and Ron hill on google. Seamless clothing is good, or with fewer seams as poss 🙂.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to misswobble]

I love my Ronhill tops, and shorts 👍🏻

[misswobble Marathon]

My ROnhill trail capris are pockets heaven Plus loops to thread and hang stuff, and side slide pockets as well as a big, expandable pocket. I paid £15 for them and they’re ace. Don’t make em anymore 🤨 I’ve got some RonHill winter tights with soft fleecy lining. They’re generous in the legs with lots or reflective bits. My poshest tights are Ron. Winter Radiance I think they’re called In the sale of course but they’re fab. I like my RH merino hat and gloves too 🙂.