Chafe Much??

Lesson Learnt...

The searing pain of arm pit chafe-age has led me to writing this blog post. Seconds after completing my first half marathon I was subjected to the most excrutiating pain under my arms imaginable. It felt like red hot pokers had been placed on my skin and led to me walking around like a 6 year old doing an 'aeroplane'. This was the only thing I could do to stop the burn. What went wrong? I had no idea why my underarms were on fire, everything else felt fine; legs were still in working order and not cramping up, not gasping for breath, rehydration was underway etc. How random.

It wasn't until after a few minutes that it dawned on me; I was the victim of chafe-age. I would always lube up before a triathlon for ease of slipping on / removing my wetsuit and on the heels of my running shoes, yet I had failed to give my half marathon its dues, failing miserably in considering the toll it would eventually take on my body. I had run the distance numerous times before in training with no poker pits (heretofore known as). But racing and training are 2 very different entities. Training is far more relaxed; I find myself in races running 2-3 minutes faster per mile than training pace, hence the incredible amount of rubbing that takes place between the arms at race pace.

My lesson has been learnt the hard way and I would like to share my solution with my readers to avoid you suffering from the same fate. The answer is simple: Body Glide. I use this during my triathlons and now all my running races to avoid the dreaded poker pits. It is extremely easy to apply, just like a roll-on deodorant. It is non-sticky and makes no mess, unlike traditional pre-race lubing methods such as vaseline, which also does not do your trainers any favours. It works by penetrating the skin  to create an invisible barrier against friction and moisture, without clogging pores or trapping perspiration. It also feels dry to the touch, is hypoallergenic, does not contain petroleum and is sweat and water resistant.

The product's strapline is 'Stops Trouble Before It Starts®', and it definitely does the job.

For more information go to www.bodyglide.com

If you are prone to developing blisters or rubbing between your thighs, Body Glide will also help ease this pain.

So long poker pits!