Chafing From Running

cecsav1

I just started the Couch to 5k program (one week down!). I'm loving it so far, except... since I'm still overweight, my thighs chafe! I do my running outside, and here in MO, it's 95 degrees out, so I don't want to wear long pants unless I absolutely have no choice. I've tried rubbing cocoa butter on the inside of my thighs, but it rubs off or absorbs. Hate to be gross, but it's not just a rash either. I have red bumps and what looks like pimples or ingrown hairs as well. Does anyone have any remedies for this? The cheaper the better, please!

queenliz99

Have you tried this?

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_7?url=search-alias=outdoor-recreation&field-keywords=bodyglide&sprefix=Bodygli,aps,273

pomegranatecloud

Body glide or different shorts.

jgnatca

My first google hit.

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=20188

It looks like you can try lard, vaseline, pam, K-Y, silicon lubricant, or degree anti-perspirant. YMMV

VintageFeline

Bodyglide is good. Or longer shorts.

jgnatca

My extreme weight loss group have shared that baby powder DOES NOT work and can make it worse.

festerw

Compression shorts work well.

Jockimom

I find that skorts with compression-type shorts work better than classic running shorts without compromising coverage, and yes, bodyglide helps too. Congrats on "getting off the couch" (to 5K)! Don't let this setback derail you - it happens to everyone sometimes

Meganthedogmom

I wear running tights because I can't stand the feeling of my thighs rubbing together. The tights are moisture wicking so they keep me pretty cool. However, if you are dead set on shorts, use body glide or bandaid brand friction block stick.

macgurlnet

Another vote for bodyglide. Longer compression shorts might work, too, or maybe some capri-length pants?

As an aside - I'm a healthy weight now and my thighs still rub when I run. Some of us just have big thighs, so be prepared for this to be an issue for a while.

~Lyssa

cecsav1

I'll see if I have any Vaseline. I know I don't have any of the other stuff lying around, and I'm not in a position to go spend money. The shorts I already own will have to do. Thanks for all the advice

SonyaCele

i use chalk, its messy but works. and its super cheap.

3dogsrunning

A few things I've heard besides the Bodyglide mentioned (it never worked well for me) - Vasoline, deodorant, longer compression shorts. If you don't feel comfortable with tights on, you could try wearing them and a looser pair over. Capris are what a lot of people choose to wear instead. I find it hard to find shorts that don't cause a problem.
I've been using TriSlide, it's a spray lubricant and find that works well. I don't think it is widely available though.

sparklyglitterbomb

And a little extra tip, rub some A&D ointment into the chafed area before you go to bed and it will help it heal quicker.

Jesi0725

I wear running capris in all weather for the very reason you described. No chafing!

meritage4

Longer pants I fiund stretch shorts that were longer worked best. Body glide for me did not work as well as longer short.

pebble4321

I run in capris summer and winter. I have a lighter pair that are OK in summer, but if you don't want that you could look for above-the-knee tights. If you are self conscious about the tights get a longer loose tanktop to wear over a sports bra, then you will stay cool but not get the chafing.

Elise4270

Body glide is great. Cheep roll on deodorant works ok too. I heard Trail Toes works great, but haven't tried it yet. My thighs rub too, and I'm also a normal weight. I wear loose shorts.

I used Vaseline during a race once, it helped but the body glide worked better.

Happy running!

queenliz99

Vaseline is a petroleum product, just sayin'! LOL sparks may fly!!

baciodolce18

I wear capris. They make ones better for hot weather. Body glide doesn't really work for me. Or you can find 7" Inseam shorts.

DanSTL82

A+D ointment when you're not running.

mccokat

I have a pair of running shorts from old navy that are a pair of compression shorts and a pair of running shorts in one, and they are my favourite.

BlondeTheHardWay

Body glide saved my thighs! Then I got compression shorts and they help a lot too. When you get that chafing and the skin turns RED and it feels like you are losing your skin, I use A&D ointment AFTER I apply Ace Cold Compresses to the chafed area. Believe ME!! You need to take the HEAT out of your skin and reduce the swelling then put that goopy stuff on and watch TV.

Sometimes its just the way we are made. Even slender ladies can have thighs that rub so stock up on the Body Glide.

VintageFeline

I don't chafe nearly as much as I used to and still losing. I can wear skirts with just Bodyglide in the summer now but prior I used Bandelettes. Total genius. I don't know if they'd work for running. I have longer shorts for indoor workouts and as others, wear capri tights for outdoors but yeah, Bandelettes for summer chafe!

aliciamariaq

DanSTL82 wrote: »

A+D ointment when you're not running.

This works for me

pebble4321

VintageFeline wrote: »

I don't chafe nearly as much as I used to and still losing. I can wear skirts with just Bodyglide in the summer now but prior I used Bandelettes. Total genius. I don't know if they'd work for running. I have longer shorts for indoor workouts and as others, wear capri tights for outdoors but yeah, Bandelettes for summer chafe!

Thanks @VintageFeline , I'd never heard of Bandalettes, they look very cool! I might have to get some of them next summer. Too cold right now, I'm in pants or tights so there's no problem, but they look fantastic when the sun comes back

mumfy23

vaseline or deodorant. I didn't think body glide really helped that much.

acbraswell

Bodyglide and new shorts. I have the same problem and found these shorts from Athleta to be cooler and stay in place with no chafing: http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=215752002&vid=1&locale=en_US&kwid=1&sem=false&sdkw=ready-set-2-in-1-short-6-P215752&brandCvoSid=CZ2DVTK46KDB&sdReferer=http://www.athleta.com/products/womens-shorts.jsp

jenniswylie

festerw wrote: »

Compression shorts work well.

This. I went to winners and bought legging style shorts, and a longer tank top to cover my butt lol. I also bought running shorts with compression shorts attached = no. they just rolled up and made my run unbareable. Legging shorts that come to the knee!

VanessaBenoit1

You should definitely try them next summer. Bandelettes work amazingly well. They stay on perfectly with silicone and look awesome with shorts and skirts. Be sure to measure before buying.

esjones12

Longer shorts definitely help. I wore longer shorts all through playing soccer due to thick thighs. Body Glide and Trail Toes are great to help prevent chaffing.