Chafing From Running

cecsav1
cecsav1 Posts: 714 Member
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!
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Replies

  • pomegranatecloud
    pomegranatecloud Posts: 812 Member
    Body glide or different shorts.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    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
    VintageFeline Posts: 6,771 Member
    Bodyglide is good. Or longer shorts.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    My extreme weight loss group have shared that baby powder DOES NOT work and can make it worse.
  • festerw
    festerw Posts: 233 Member
    Compression shorts work well.
  • Jockimom
    Jockimom Posts: 26 Member
    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
    Meganthedogmom Posts: 1,639 Member
    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
    macgurlnet Posts: 1,946 Member
    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
    cecsav1 Posts: 714 Member
    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
    SonyaCele Posts: 2,841 Member
    i use chalk, its messy but works. and its super cheap.
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    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
    sparklyglitterbomb Posts: 458 Member
    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
    Jesi0725 Posts: 92 Member
    I wear running capris in all weather for the very reason you described. No chafing!
  • meritage4
    meritage4 Posts: 1,441 Member
    Longer pants I fiund stretch shorts that were longer worked best. Body glide for me did not work as well as longer short.
  • pebble4321
    pebble4321 Posts: 1,132 Member
    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
    Elise4270 Posts: 8,375 Member
    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
    queenliz99 Posts: 15,317 Member
    edited June 2016
    Vaseline is a petroleum product, just sayin'! LOL sparks may fly!!
  • baciodolce18
    baciodolce18 Posts: 113 Member
    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
    DanSTL82 Posts: 156 Member
    A+D ointment when you're not running.
  • mccokat
    mccokat Posts: 130 Member
    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
    BlondeTheHardWay Posts: 48 Member
    edited June 2016
    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
    VintageFeline Posts: 6,771 Member
    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
    aliciamariaq Posts: 272 Member
    DanSTL82 wrote: »
    A+D ointment when you're not running.

    This works for me
  • pebble4321
    pebble4321 Posts: 1,132 Member
    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
    mumfy23 Posts: 61 Member
    vaseline or deodorant. I didn't think body glide really helped that much.
  • jenniswylie
    jenniswylie Posts: 22 Member
    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
    VanessaBenoit1 Posts: 2 Member
    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
    esjones12 Posts: 1,363 Member
    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.