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Newbie question - Chafing ๐Ÿค”

Lazyfrog profile image
LazyfrogHalf Marathon
โ€ข18 Replies

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 ๐Ÿ˜– I thought I'd seek the advice of the running hive mind๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธ 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?

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Lazyfrog profile image
Lazyfrog
Half Marathon
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18 Replies
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misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon

I get it ! I got it badly doing PE with Joe everyday ๐Ÿคจ

Iโ€™ve got psoriasis too ๐Ÿ™„. I know everyone says Bodyglide is best but it did nothing for me. Vaseline is best for me and itโ€™s cheap.

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

Iโ€™ve not stopped it completely, and itโ€™s worse in humid weather. Iโ€™m just trying to make it least worst ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

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 profile image
LazyfrogHalf Marathonโ€ข in reply tomisswobble

Thanks, it's good to know I'm not alone! ๐Ÿ˜I'll check out Bodyglide and the sportswash ๐Ÿ˜Š

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoUltramarathon

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 profile image
LazyfrogHalf Marathonโ€ข in reply toGoGo_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! ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š

โ€ข in reply toGoGo_JoJo

That GoGo_JoJo has to win product name of the day๐Ÿ˜‚

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoUltramarathonโ€ข in reply to

My husband uses it, and now sells it through his business. It did raise my eyebrows when he started enthusing about it ๐Ÿคฃ it does smell lovely and being all natural and vegan gets extra kudos ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2Marathonโ€ข in reply toGoGo_JoJo

๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚ the name!!

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Miles

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

Lazyfrog profile image
LazyfrogHalf Marathonโ€ข in reply toDexy5

Yes, thanks, it seems sensible๐Ÿ˜Š I do like the freedom of the armband though... might try some anti-chafing lotions first before I give the armband up ๐Ÿค”

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathonโ€ข in reply toLazyfrog

Lanacane anti-chafe is good but it ainโ€™t cheap.

triumph-tiger profile image
triumph-tigerHalf Marathonโ€ข in reply toLazyfrog

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

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon

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 profile image
LazyfrogHalf Marathonโ€ข in reply tolinda9389

Thank you ๐Ÿ˜ŠI 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 ๐Ÿ˜–

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon

โ€œFour-way stretchโ€ 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 profile image
LazyfrogHalf Marathonโ€ข in reply tomisswobble

Hmm I shall look into four-way stretch fabrics, I never really knew what they are exactly ๐Ÿ˜…

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon

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 ๐Ÿ™‚.

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoUltramarathonโ€ข in reply tomisswobble

I love my Ronhill tops, and shorts ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon

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 ยฃ15 for them and theyโ€™re ace. Donโ€™t make em anymore ๐Ÿคจ Iโ€™ve got some RonHill winter tights with soft fleecy lining. Theyโ€™re generous in the legs with lots or reflective bits. My poshest tights are Ron. Winter Radiance I think theyโ€™re called In the sale of course but theyโ€™re fab. I like my RH merino hat and gloves too ๐Ÿ™‚.

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