OK… so those of you with weak stomachs should stop reading right now. As should anyone not interested in hearing about the unique (and painful) issues that runners sometimes face. Of what do I speak? Chafed nipples.
Yes, that’s what I said. Chafed nipples. (For more on the topic, here’s the first hit I got when I googled “bandaid on nipple” – looking for an image for this post! Too funny!)
The first time I experienced chafed nipples in any serious way was at my first Around the Bay race some 6 or 7 years ago. The weather was that changeable, in-between type. Hovering between jacket and no jacket weather…. and threatening to rain, but never really giving in, and only just drizzling on occasion. As I ran the 30 km race I kept opening my coat, zipping it back up, and finally tying it around my waist. And as the drizzle continues off and on it soaked me to the skin.
Well, as a result my shirt was soaked, clingy and most definitely turning into my worst nightmare. I’d never hear of Body Glide a this point in time (a topical “lubricant” for athletes — to reduce the chances of chafing on any part of the body — though triathletes tend to use it around the neck, lats, wrist and ankles when wearing a wetsuit), nor of a band-aid like product called “nip-guards” sold with the express purpose of protecting one’s nipples from ones shirt!
And as a result, I was a mess…. my shirt was ruined (blood stains). And my shower was more than painful as the sweat was rinsed from my body – pouring right across the raw bits on its way down the drain.
Well, since then I have learned to always have body glide on hand, and to make sure I apply a liberal amount to my nipples before running. And, although I did that today – it seems my shirt (the shirt I received at the World Duathlon Championships in 2010) had a life of its own… chafing ensued. Thankfully I was only running for 40 minutes today. so the actual time my shirt had to do its damage was limited. Nonetheless, the damage was done.
So tonight, after I climbed off my bike and jumped in the shower I suffered. The salt, once again, rinsed from my body over the chafed bits – literally pouring salt in my wounds.
Gonna have to remember that shirt is good for riding, weights, or to wear to / from races. But it is no longer in “the lineup” as a running shirt! It can’t be trusted!
