Famous last words (and more TMI)

Going along with the theme of things you never knew about running, the topic for today is another unmentionable: chafing. Unfortunately, the increased friction of body parts rubbing onto body parts plus a little moisture (ie. sweat) can cause an uncomfortable condition known as chafing. Thankfully (and for reasons not quite understood, since I've got an extra 20+ pounds of "body parts" rubbing together on me) I'm not much of a chaffer (is that even a word?) But, it has been known to happen . So, I picked up a wonderful item at Fleet Feet called Body Glide (see picture at left).

It comes just like a stick of deodorant, and you basically run it all over the places on your body that are likely to chafe. It lubes things up, and eliminates the friction that can lead to painful chafing (keep your minds outta the gutter people!)

But, like I said, I rarely have the need for my Body Glide, and it rarely gets used. So, when I set out for a 15-miler the other day, I had a passing thought that maybe I should put some on. But I was already out the door and didn't want to go back. I reminded myself that, "self, you rarely chafe anyway, so you'll be ok."

But, you see, I wasn't ok. I had made a crucial mistake when putting on my running clothes: I had put on an old sports bra. So old in fact, that it was from the pre-baby days, when I was about 30 pounds lighter and the sisters were several letters lower in the alphabet. Now why I put this particular bra on, I have no explanation. My laundry was actually caught up, and I had better options. It was dark while I was getting dressed, so maybe I can claim night blindness. Regardless, there was some extra "friction" going on that I normally don't experience during my run.

I actually completed my 15+ miles without realizing my mistake. In fact, it wasn't until I got into the shower, and the stinging water hit my breasts, not unlike thousands of tiny needles. Its was agony. Boob chafing is by far the most painful kind of chafing (well, that a woman can experience. I can imagine that there may be something worse, but luckily I don't have to parts to ever find out).

I don't think I'll be making this mistake again.

**Why the heck can't I fix this spacing??