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Chafing Prevention for RunnersAvoid Painful Skin Rubbing for Smoother Runs
Four key elements help prevent chafing to keep running routines pain-free.
Injury may be the ultimate roadblock for runners, but chafing can be just as painful and annoying to those who make jogging a regular priority. As summer settles in, chafing can become a problem for some runners, as sweating increases the rub of clothing against skin. Fortunately, paying attention to four key elements – clothing, lubrication, hydration and staying dry – can help stave off chafing and keep runs comfortable. Clothing and Chafing Though loose clothing may feel more relaxing on hot days, shorts and shirts that fit incorrectly can cause painful friction. According to Dagny Scott, author of The Complete Book of Women’s Running (Rodale, 2000), clothing that fits poorly can shift as the runner moves, slowly rubbing away small bits of skin. Particularly painful spots include the inner thighs, underarms and the bra line on women. To prevent rubbing, runners should choose clothing that fits snugly and is made of synthetic material like Lycra or Spandex. Skin Lubrication for Runners and JoggersIn addition to suiting up properly, runners can also apply store-bought lubricants to problem areas before setting out to jog. According to Wendy Bumgardner, a certified marathon coach based in Portland, Oregon, lubricants ensure that body parts will glide past one another instead of sticking and rubbing. Though sporting good stores sell lubricants specifically designed for runners, such as BodyGlide, Bumgardner mentions that good old Vaseline or an everyday hand cream can just as easily do the trick. Hydration Drinking plenty of water before, during and after a jog will also help runners stave off painful rubbing. Bumgardner advises that runners stay hydrated to keep sweat flowing freely, rather than drying into gritty salt crystals that can make chafing worse. Good hydration serves as an all-around preventative measure against the potential hazards of exercising in the summer, when temperatures increase and the body loses fluids more readily. Staying DryAs a final means of chafing prevention, runners can include not only lubricants but drying powders as well in their pre-run routine. Columbia University’s Health Services recommends sprinkling talcum powder, cornstarch or potato starch on chafe-prone body parts to soak up excess sweat. Clothing made of synthetic materials can also keep runners dry, as wicking fabrics like CoolMax pull moisture away from the body and prevent rubbing. Being mindful of these four elements can ease chafing problems for runners and prevent painful rubbing. With a few simple adjustments, runners should be able to continue their routine pain-free through the summer months and year-round.
The copyright of the article Chafing Prevention for Runners in Running Training & Fitness is owned by Anne Valente. Permission to republish Chafing Prevention for Runners in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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