Why should you trust me with the rubs? Well, I once ran the equivalent of 67 marathons in 67 days with a 25-pound backpack. This is my toolbox for anyone trying to avoid pain.
Lubricate: Anti-chafing products like petroleum jelly or specialized balms are your best anti-chafing defense. Even if your carefully selected fabrics are letting you down, generous coats of lube can save the day. You can’t afford to be shy. Especially downstairs. You want to make sure you get into places even if you rarely go.
Go ahead with complete transparency: I choose shorts, leggings, basic shorts, t-shirts, and running underwear that are seamless or have flatlock seams. I always check the seams on built-in twin shorts and rarely trust the built-in inner briefs on regular shorts. When in doubt, layer with your own trusted underwear.
Tighten: I choose tighter, body-hugging layers rather than baggy clothes. It seems counterintuitive, but fabrics that stay in one place, close to the skin, work better than loose fabrics that move more.
Avoid cotton: Cotton is heavy and can be abrasive even when dry. When wet from salty sweat, it’s a disaster for your soft parts. Diapers that touch your skin should be made from synthetic or wool-based fabrics. These dry faster and reduce friction.
Powder your toes: Blisters are essentially irritations gone nuclear and they can be harder to avoid. Powdering my feet and socks can help reduce moisture which increases the risk of chafing and hot spots.
