Houston we have chafing…

I have learned a lot about running gear since I started running… I’ve learned not to run in cotton (especially when it’s raining!), I’ve learned that it’s a good idea to wear gloves on those cold days and I’ve learned that when you’re attempting to do an endurance run of more than 2 hours taking along some sort of energy bar, gel or chew is probably a good idea. All very basic running lessons that I felt the need to learn the hard way.

You’d think with all of this basic knowledge that I’ve acquired I would have also learned that it’s important to run in a sports bra that fits and doesn’t rub you in uncomfortable places. Last week when I was running my bra was rubbing slightly on my breastbone – leaving a chafe mark the size of a dime. No big deal. You’d think I would have learned from that experience before heading out on my long run this week. Not so much. This time when the bra started to rub (about 10 minutes in) it HURT. I managed to block that out and kept running – readjusting as needed as I went.

By the time I finished my run I was rather uncomfortable. I checked out the damage at the gym and the dime sized mark had grown to a mark the size of a loonie and it wasn’t pretty. Polysporn will be my best friend for the next few days.

So today’s running lesson was that the items you wear UNDER your running gear are just as important as those you wear over them. And while it IS true that to run all you really need is a pair of shoes (or with the next barefoot running trend not even those) gear like dry fit shirts, running socks, jackets and bras exist for a reason. It’s not a bad idea to invest in them.