It Rubs Me the WRONG Way!

on March 6, 2009

Yesterday, Jessica asked:

I have a question for you. Yesterday I did a longer run (7 miles- a new distance PR-yay!) and my heart rate monitor band started chafing. Does this ever happen to you? It was so painful. Any tips to make it stop? Thanks!!

Boy-oh-boy, can I relate! I have developed a permanent heart rate monitor/sports bra "burn" around the middle of my ribcage.

Nothing says sexy like a chafe mark!

Unfortunately, I have no idea how to stop this from happening to me (or to Jessica). It happens regardless of whether I wear a different sports bra or skip the HRM. I’ve had this "burn" for about 6 months and it doesn’t seem like it’s going to go away any time soon. I’ve kind of gotten used to the uncomfortable sensation (and occasional bleeding), but there HAS to be a solution!

Do any runners have advice for Jessica and I? Is the solution Vaseline? Moleskin? Something else? Or are we doomed?

Lunch was pretty delish! I had my favorite thing in the whole world… Anne’s All Natural macaroni and cheese!

Mmm cheesey, gooey, goodness!

Plus carrots and broc for VEGGIE POWER!

Back to work I go!

{ 64 comments }

colleen March 6, 2009, 10:59 am
Have you tried Body Glide? I can’t do long runs without it!
inmytummy March 6, 2009, 11:04 am
I was going to suggest Body Glide too.
Colleen March 6, 2009, 11:04 am
I would agree with the other Colleen 🙂

Vaseline is my cure-all for anything like this…blisters or chafing.
Carlee March 6, 2009, 11:05 am
I heart body glide!
VeggieGirl March 6, 2009, 11:09 am
Eek, hang in there!!
greendogwine March 6, 2009, 11:10 am
Hey! I haven’t tried it out myself yet – but I just got a Glide Stick at my local specality running store – I get horrible chafing under my boobs on my long run (sorry – TMI!) and my girlfriend who has run marathons swears by it – she said it helps everywhere!
therunningaddict March 6, 2009, 11:10 am
I have the SAME thing! VERY annoying and yes, it HURTS. I guess, like you, I just got used to it. Now its happening at my upper arm! I guess from the sweating and all…I will try the Vaseline though…
Hillary March 6, 2009, 11:11 am
i love body glide and for long runs it helps in all places, but for day to day it helps lessen the bra line mark. It is a nice roll on too!
lauren March 6, 2009, 11:15 am
I see others already said this, but Body Glide works wonders.
Mica March 6, 2009, 11:18 am
I get a sports bra burn too–I’m glad I’m not alone! I thought I was anatomically malformed or something.
Tami March 6, 2009, 11:18 am
vaseline. i had HUGE HUGE problems and now I use vaseline daily when I run and it all works out. i am not sure body glide is any different than cheap vaseline so i would try that first

i was worried about it messing with my heart rate monitor but it hasn’t.

the pain when the water hits when you take a shower is the WORST
Lacey Nicole March 6, 2009, 11:28 am
Vaseline is your best friend!!!!!
girlrunningaround March 6, 2009, 11:32 am
I haven’t tried it for this problem, but Body Glide is a miracle product.

Did you get the second email I sent you? If not I’ll try to send it from my other email account.
aron March 6, 2009, 11:37 am
I dont have a HR monitor but I get it around the top of my sports bra… I always put body glide there before long runs and it usually helps.
Missy March 6, 2009, 11:38 am
Looks like I might have to get some Body Glide too! Love the mac and cheese!!
ksgoodeats March 6, 2009, 11:53 am
Oh pretty ring!! Your lunch epitomizes comfort food for me 🙂
Adi (oatonomy.com) March 6, 2009, 11:54 am
Ouch!
I’ve never experienced this, so I have no suggestions, but I hope the pain lets up for both of you!
ttfn300 March 6, 2009, 11:55 am
body glide!!
Haleigh March 6, 2009, 11:59 am
I just got a major craving for mac and cheese! It looks delish!

P.S. your wedding band and engagement ring is beautiful!
kilax March 6, 2009, 12:06 pm
That book Eat This Not That: Supermarket Edition (or whatever it’s called) recommends Anne’s All Natural macaroni and cheese over Kraft! I’ve so been wanting to try it! It looks so good!
kara March 6, 2009, 12:16 pm
Mmmm LOVE Annies! Everything I’ve tried in the brand has been fabulous!
peanutbutterandjuli March 6, 2009, 12:22 pm
As a chafer myself- I use body glide or vaseline. Hope it helps!!
Beth March 6, 2009, 12:29 pm
I have used body glide for this. Miracle product.
Danielle March 6, 2009, 12:33 pm
I can’t be of any help but hope you find something that works for you both!
Rachel March 6, 2009, 12:34 pm
Body Glide! It’s amazing. I haven’t used Vaseline, but the stick form of Body Glide makes it easy to apply and it’s not super sticky like Vaseline. You can get it on Drugstore.com.
Carolina John March 6, 2009, 12:35 pm
body glide. slicker than owl shit (as we say here in SC)
Amy March 6, 2009, 12:48 pm
I also use New Skin (a liquid bandage) on chafing/blisters. That will stop it from getting worse each time you run.
Then, once it’s healed you can prevent it from happening again with Body Glide.
It works, but it burns going on!!
KK @ Running Through Life March 6, 2009, 12:56 pm
Two words, one product: BODY GLIDE!!! This is the best stuff and a necessity for all runners!
Janet March 6, 2009, 1:01 pm
That’s funny – I’m eating that same mac and cheese as I read this!

I totally have a permanent mark from my sports bra!
Justine March 6, 2009, 1:27 pm
I, too, was going to suggest BodyGlide! I haven’t used it myself (yet!) but I need to get some…I get chafe marks from my sports bra on the underside of my boobs…not too attractive. And I get them at my collar bone where my shirts rub sometimes. Usually it’s not until I’m doing 8+ miles though. Still, not fun and they kinda hurt! Good luck!

Also, awesome job on the run + Shred workout this morning! You must have been a motivated lady this morning 🙂
Matt March 6, 2009, 1:27 pm
Try some body glide!
Meg March 6, 2009, 1:30 pm
I am a distance runner and do the marketing for a sports bra with built in heart sensors called NuMetrex. The NuMetrex bra replaces the traditional chest strap. The only time I had abrasion with NuMetrex was at 20+ miles. At that point I used Body Glide with it. Here’s a link to the site. http://www.numetrex.com I’m also posting a coupon code so you can get a discount if you decide to try it. At check out enter the code Blog1 and you will get 20% off.
healthy ashley March 6, 2009, 1:43 pm
I love reading your blog so much more now that I’ve met you!

I have no suggestions on the sports bra/HRM issue. I’ve never had a problem?

LOVE MAC N CHEESE!!

Happy Weekend!
jane March 6, 2009, 1:45 pm
well, looks like everyone had the same idea i did- BODY GLIDE!

p.s. my post today is about why trail running is better than road running…you should check it out, with the trail race coming up and all 😉
eatfabinnyc March 6, 2009, 1:57 pm
Oouuch! But awesome run and such colorful delish and healthy eats!
Sara
http://eatfabinnyc.wordpress.com
Serena March 6, 2009, 2:08 pm
I second/tenth/twentieth body glide – it lasts forever so is worth buying!

I’ve had this question for a while – is the Anne’s mac and cheese and bbq sauce different from Annie’s? Or is it the same? I love Annie’s mac and cheese, but yours looks so much creamier and I didn’t know if it was a different brand with a similar name or if maybe Annie’s is called Anne’s in other parts of the country?
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point March 6, 2009, 2:11 pm
serena – they are all the same thing – annie’s homegrown product line.

http://www.annies.com/products

this mac and cheese was the kind with liquid cheese, not powdered cheese… maybe thats the difference?? try making yours with plain yogurt if you use the powdered cheese – it is SOOOO GOOOD MMMM i want some NOW.
alessa March 6, 2009, 2:26 pm
i have actually never had a problem with my heart rate moniter band. one thing i do is tuck it under my sports bra so it stays in place and that has worked perfectly for me. occasionally it feels a little tight, but it hasn’t chafed at all. even when i have done 6 or 7 milers.
jane March 6, 2009, 2:41 pm
damn girl, you’re fast! i just got it up so check back when you get a chance 🙂
Runeatrepeat March 6, 2009, 2:48 pm
I would say Body Glide or Vaseline. I kinda think body glide is basically a stick of vaseline marketed to runners at a higher cost.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to really “glop” it on. If you use too little it will just get sucked up by your clothes and be pointless.
Mollie March 6, 2009, 3:01 pm
I finally tried Annie’s Mac and Cheese after seeing it on your blog so much… and I LOVE it! Thanks for introducing me to it! 🙂
redheadedjournal March 6, 2009, 3:05 pm
Annie’s and broc. go so good together!

I don’t have a HRM so I’m not sure how to avoid that 🙁
chrissyfox March 6, 2009, 3:09 pm
I have the same problem! it drives me crazy! I usually put a band-aid over the spot, but that can get really expensive after you have to go through like 10 boxes of band-aids! I’ve also used band-aid’s blister block which helps (and isn’t messy/goopy like vaseline).
Erin March 6, 2009, 3:25 pm
Hooray for the puppy pictures!!!! They are so cute!!! Love your ring by the way!!!
Erin of Care to Eat March 6, 2009, 3:29 pm
I used to use one and I took a week off from it occasionally. 🙂
Anonymous March 6, 2009, 4:21 pm
the answer is BODYGLIDE…look for it a running store!
greenbean March 6, 2009, 4:31 pm
have you tried monistat’s chafing powder? http://www.monistat.com/soothing-care-powder-gel

“This breakthrough product is great for daily prevention and relief of chafing and irritation in delicate areas like your inner thighs, bikini area, underarms and breasts. The formula is unique: the easy-to-apply gel dries to form a silky, breathable barrier. It calms skin while preventing the irritation caused by moisture, heat and movement. It’s also great for soothing skin after shaving or waxing.”
lolaberly March 6, 2009, 5:00 pm
I’ve used Body Glide as many others have mentioned and it really works well for me!
Run Saraah March 6, 2009, 5:06 pm
Ouch, that looks painful. I LOVE Annie’s, we buy a bulk box from Costco and my FH gets through it in a month…he’ll eat an entire box as a SNACK!
Mara @ What's For Dinner? March 6, 2009, 5:33 pm
I have a very similar mark on my right side from my HRM… everyone I talked to said Body Glide too!!!
angelcubbie March 6, 2009, 5:36 pm
Hey Caitlin, I have a 15K tomorrow and it’s my first official race I’ve ran since the RNR Marathon last year. I was just wondering what your favorite pre-race dinners and breakfasts are? Thanks! : )
Jessica March 6, 2009, 5:42 pm
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I will definitely be trying the vaseline tomorrow, and body glide if that doesn’t work.

Thanks to Caitlin for making my question public 🙂
just me March 6, 2009, 5:44 pm
ohhhh chafe marks are the worst. i have an entire mark around my body from my sports bra…and just under my arm pits! i’ve found them easiest to keep from being painful if i add vaseline right before hand, or even CHAPSTICK. that was it’s super portable!
angelcubbie March 6, 2009, 5:49 pm
Oh and one more quick question, do you think one glass of wine tonight would be a bad thing? What’s your take on any alcohol before a race? I’ve read mixed things.
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point March 6, 2009, 6:30 pm
GREAT SUGGESTIONS!! i am definitely going to keep my eye out for body glide!

thank you!

angelcubbie – i try to eat a slightly larger dinner than normal so i don’t wake up hungry. i like to eat something like pad thai or pasta or rice… to boost up my carb stores. in the morning, i typically eat something simple, like oatmeal or PB with toast. the number 1 rule of racing though… is POOP in the morning! as crass as it sounds. LOL.

and i dont think its bad to have wine before a race. i had 2 glasses of wine (during the day)right before my half marathon, but i just made sure to hydrate up and i was totally fine.

wine is always OK 🙂
Lauren March 6, 2009, 6:43 pm
Two questions:
First, is your mac and cheese the regular box of Aimee’s shells or is it the delux kind? It always looks so incredibly creamy and when I make the kind from the box, mine seems to come out too runny!
Second, can you recommend a good heart rate monitor? I am in the market to buy my first and don’t have any good idea on what I should be looking for.
Thanks and hope you have a great weekend!
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point March 6, 2009, 6:47 pm
lauren – my annie’s is the kind with the liquid cheese, not the powdered kind. when i make the powdered kind, i use nf plain yogurt instead of milk and its soooo good!

i have a polar f4 and i like it a lot. its around 89$ and measures heart rate, calories burned, and duration. if you have more to spend and would like to track your running distance, a garmin forerunner is my dream heart rate monitor, but its more like $200!
Katie March 6, 2009, 6:57 pm
I love that mac & cheese. I've never had that problem with my HRM, but Vaseline seems like it might work.
Anonymous March 6, 2009, 8:16 pm
i use a little vaseline or that body glide under the plastic part where it bothers me. but i have also found that putting it on top of my sports bra (below my chest, right on the elastic) helps too.

-rhodey
ChickPea March 6, 2009, 9:27 pm
Ha! I am VERY familiar with the HRM mark, but I haven’t yet devised a solution. I should try some of the above suggestions.

I love all the colors in your lunch!
kimmitri March 7, 2009, 7:04 am
body glide is the greatest! another vote!
Angie Eats Peace March 7, 2009, 7:48 am
Another vote for body glide!
Laura March 7, 2009, 8:44 am
Body Glide is the best and it doesn’t stain your clothing like Vaseline can. It doesn’t interfere with your HR monitor either.
Skinny March 7, 2009, 7:45 pm
That mac and cheese looks really good. Hope the vaseline works.. I pretty much use that for most things too..

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