Snag List for runners. (Read 1146 times)

In the past when I have been running well, it has unfortunately come to an abrupt end, as I have got injured. However, now I am not gonna let this happen again, as I am more sensible with my training regime. However, there are a couple of things that are bothering me. 1) I arrived home the other day, and took off my jacket, to see that my running vest was covered in blood. My right nipple had chaffed so much that it had turned my vest from white to red. Gross eh! 2) 2) Yesterday, I felt great, running really well, despite the zapping heat. However, after about 7 miles or so, I was forced to slow down due to my left upper thigh chaffing. It became quite an intense. Fortunately I had some lip salve with me, and so I had to apply that, but it didn’t really help. On arriving home, yet again a very red area. 3) Whilst running, I feel more secure if I tie my laces quite tight, so that they are snug to my feet, although I have noticed that when it is warmer, my feet begin to ache. Is this because they are too tight? How tight should my shoes be? 4) My eyes become filled with flying bugs, anyone recommend some good glasses for wearing? Anyone else have these problems and can help me would be great. Be great to list all our annoyances.

For #1 I use a small strip of surgical tape (available at CVS and such) to prevent chafing. Sometimes I use little cirle bandaids but they can be quite sticky. #2 for me compression shorts on really long runs. #3 feet swell during long or hot runs so tie your shoes with this in mind. Ive used quick laces like the triathletes use at times and you can adjust these quickly while on the road. #4 I wear a pair of $10 cheapo wrap around oakley knockoffs to keep stuff out of my eyes and give me some sun protection. I still make sure they have UV protection. I see lots of folks running in really expensive glasses but thats not how I roll. Ask some of your local runners what they like and where they buy them. Might be helpful.

Corn pads work well for the nipple issue. Sometimes a little difficult to remove but not as bad pain from the bloody nipple.

Bandaids, vaseline and sunglasses. Be careful on the sunglasses though. I've read (not sure how much truth is in this) that the very cheapest ones block visible light but don't block UV rays. So what happens is that the dark shades block enough visible light to allow the pupils to open up and get damaged by the unblocked UV. I think safest bet is to get some real sunglasses that block UV and are polarizing.

1.) Compression shirt. You can get them at Walm-Mart for like $10. They're tight on you, but it's better than bloody nips. 2.) Compression shorts underneath regular shorts. If that's not your style, then vaseline it up before you go out. If it is still rubbing up, then when you get back - neosporin, or some type of antibiotic cream works well.

There is "zapping heat" but you are still wearing a running vest and jacket? Dress down man! It's trapped moisture that's causing your chafing. In warm weather I'll either go shirtless or wear a Dri-Fit singlet. In fact, that's what I wore this morning on my run and it was a sweltering 56F. The cause of your thigh chaffing is also likely to be clothing related. Make sure your running clothing is made for running, no cotton allowed. Shoe laces need to be loose and for that matter, your running shoes need to be a full size larger than your street shoes. Your feet swell when you run and if there is no room you'll lose circulation, hence your achy feet. Tom