In runners, thigh chafing usually results from one of two things: 1) your shorts moving around too much and creating friction against your skin, or 2) your thighs rubbing together. Whatever the cause, it’s something distance runners could do without.
I know a guy who ran his first marathon and had horrible bloody chafing on his inner thighs by mile 16. The last 10 miles were less than enjoyable for him. And the post-race shower was just plain painful. Although it’s not a topic you hear much about, thigh chafing can turn an otherwise enjoyable and pleasant race into a personal hell. (If you think I’m being overly dramatic, imagine being halfway through a marathon and feeling pulses of pain with each stride.)
There are two basic solutions. First of all, you can try topical products. One of the more popular products is Body Glide. Body Glide is a skin lubricant used to prevent blistering and chafing. It can be used on many body parts–even the nipples. (Yes, often male distance runners do get bloody chafed nipples, but that’s a topic of another day.)
Does it work? Yes. Many runners swear by Body Glide and would never leave the house for a run without it. However, you should know that if you are running a marathon you will most likely need to apply it more than once. Get a friend to throw it to you from the side of the road every 5 miles or so. It stands up relatively well to sweat and rain, but reapplying is a necessity if chafing is a typical problem for you and you’re attempting a longer distance.
Another solution is to try Vaseline Petroleum Jelly. Typically, this tends to be more goopy and is less likely to stay put. Yet, it works for some runners and is cheaper and easier to find than a product like Body Glade.
I do not regulary use Body Glide or Vaseline. I have chosen, instead, to change my shorts. I’ve gone to all spandex. There are cheap spandex shorts at places such as Wal-mart, but I often find that these ride up, and I am either continually tugging them down or developing some pink chafed areas.
I find that the best spandex sports for running come from Champion. Make sure to get shorts that are long enough to cover areas that are likely to chafe. (The short bun-huggers you see on volleyball players don’t work.) Although spandex shorts are not my most flattering fashion choice, I can no longer tolerate in running any other shorts.
I know that men are often challenged when they attempt to find spandex shorts. Many men buy women’s spandex shorts because there isn’t much selection for men! I find that this alternative is more appealing for men who are a little thicker through the thighs.
You don’t have to put up with thigh chafing. It’s not an uncommon runner’s problem, but it is one that is easy to cope with. Body Glide can be purchased at most sporting goods stores or from many online retailers. Champion spandex shorts are available at http://www.championusa.com/champion/ or many department stores.
