I am training for the Echelon Gran Fondo Century bike race, which raises money for the Livestrong Lance Armstrong Foundation, as well as local cancer research programs and hospitals.  I’m running a series of awesome raffles on the blog in hopes of raising more than $3,000 for these charities.   This raffle is for twenty of Angela’s Glo Bars!  These bars are organic, vegan, homemade, and delicious!

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This variety pack contains TEN delicious Glo Bar flavors, including Adore, Empower, Present, Refresh, Classic, Chi, Crave, Endure, Awake , and Heaven.  You get two bars of each flavor.

 

Here’s how the raffle works:

 

  • $5 gets you ONE raffle ticket.
  • $10 gets you TWO raffle tickets.
  • $15 gets you FOUR raffle tickets!  What a deal!
  • Submit your payment on the Echelon Gran Fondo website – HERE.
  • The contest will run until Wednesday, March 17 and I’ll contact the winner at lunchtime.
  • I will list everyone’s name on an Excel spreadsheet (one entry per $5, two entries per $10, and FOUR entries per $15), and the Husband will draw a winner using the Random Number Generator.
  • Angela will then ship out the bars to the winner.

 

This raffle is one day only – which means your chances of winning are pretty good! 

 

Moving on…

 

I have some epic battle wounds from Sunday’s Olympic Triathlon (recap and video).  My legs feel great, but my neck is sore from the bike crash, my elbow is banged up, and I have chafe marks ALL over my body.

 

Road rash on my elbow (yes, I bled all over my poor bike!):

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Wetsuit chafe on my neck (this tiny little mark KILLS):

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Major, major sports bra chafing on my ribcage:

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I have never been able to find a sports bra that does not chafe my ribcage when I get sweaty (or wet from being in a lake).  I’ve bought specialized sports bra for smaller ribcages (I’m short!) and they still aren’t tight enough to prevent chafing – or maybe I just have freakishly sensitive skin under my breasts.   Who knows?!  All I care about is that it hurts like a SOB when I get in the shower.

 

I’ve tried all the tricks to prevent chafing (including Body Glide, baby powder, and Vaseline), but the only thing that’s ever worked for me is taping my skin with athletic tape.  Unfortunately, I forgot to tape my ribcage on Sunday, and now I’m paying the price!

 

I taped over the burn mark for my 5.0 mile run this morning, and it worked quite well.  I managed to keep a pretty decent pace the entire time, and only started to feel my chafe marks hurting towards the very end.

 

  • Duration: 45:17
  • Distance: 5.0 miles
  • Mile 1: 9:35
  • Mile 2: 9:13
  • Mile 3: 9:08
  • Mile 4: 8:59
  • Mile 5: 8:21

 

I heart negative splits!  I was working SO hard until the end.  You gotta PUSH IT a little to get faster, right?

 

Before my run, I had sports beans (told you we are low on groceries!:

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And after, a quick lunch:

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I had a hummus, sundried tomato, and artichoke sammie:

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And a simple microwaved sweet potato.  My favorite part of sweet potatoes in the skin!  Mmm. 

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Back to work I go!

 

Do you chafe, too?  Found any creative solutions?  What “battle scars” do you have from athletic activities?

{ 114 comments }

 

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin March 16, 2010, 1:52 pm

    Wear your injuries proud as a mark of your awesome accomplishment!

    I’ve never really had any chafing, but the farthest I’ve ever run competitively is a 10k, so I’m sure it’s in my future. I’m tuning in!

    • Prisca William June 8, 2011, 11:50 am

      williamsprisca35@yahoo.com
      From Sister Prisca Williams
      Aveu 7 Rue 14 zone 3
      Abidjan Cote d’ivoire
      West African.

      Dearest in Christ,
      I am Mrs prisca William from Solomon Islands near Australia. I am married to Mr.William Lobi from Kuwait who worked with Kuwait Embassy in Ivory Coast for nine years before he died in the year 2009. We were married for eleven years without a child. He died after a brief illness that lasted for only four days. Before his death we were both born again Christian. Since his death I decided not to remarry or get a child outside my matrimonial home which the Bible is against.When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of $3.5 Million with a Bank in Cote D lvoire. Presently this money is still in the custody of the Bank in Cote D lvoire.

      Recently, my Doctor told me that I would not last for the next Eight months due to cancer problem. Having known my condition I decided to donate this fund to a church,organization or good person that will utilize this money the way I am going to instruct herein. I want a church,organization or good person that will use this fund for orphanages, widows, propagating the word of God and to endeavor that the house of God is maintained.

      The Bible made us to understand that”Blessed is the hand that giveth”. l took this decision because I don’t have any child that will inherit this money and my husband relatives are not Christians not even good at all because they are the one that killed my husband in other to have all my late husband prperties and I don’t want my husband’s efforts to be used by unbelievers. I don’t want a situation where this money
      will be used in an ungodly way.

      This is why I am taking this decision. I am not afraid of death hence I know where I am going. I know that I am going to be in the bosom of the Lord.Exodus 14 VS 14 says that “the lord will fight my case and I shall hold my peace”.I don’t need any telephone communication in this regard because of my health hence the presence of my husband’s relatives around me always. I don’t want them to know about this development. With God all things are possible.

      As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of the Bank in Cote d’ lvoire. I will also issue you an authority letter that will prove you the present beneficiary of this fund. I want you and the church or the organization to always pray for me because the lord is my shephard. My happiness is that I lived a life of a worthy Christian. Whoever that Wants to serve the Lord must serve him in spirit and Truth. Please always be prayerful all through your life. Contact me on the this email address and any delay in your reply will give me room in sourcing another church,organization or goodchurch, person for this same purpose.

      Please assure me that you will act accordingly as I Stated herein. Hoping to receive your response immedaitely and please reply to this email (williamsprisca35@yahoo.com).

      Thanks and Remain blessed in the Lord.l remain yours sister in Christ.

      Mrs Prisca William.

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) March 16, 2010, 1:53 pm

    not to be gross, but i chafe between my thighs (small hips) and so i always wear spandex of some kind. i have calcium balls that built up in my right hip and elbows from years of volleyball (diving) and scars on my toes from riding my bike in flipflops! (not so smart) 🙂

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs March 16, 2010, 1:53 pm

    Great scars!! I don’t chafe though 🙁
    I had an awesome scar for ages (faded now) when my horse fell on top of me and crushed me agaisnt a fence 😛 That incident also cracked my helmet open…but luckily no head scars!
    I also have a random one from just a simple scratch; sometimes, they just stick :s
    I love sweet potato skins too 😀 my mum always throws them away when she has them – MAD WOMAN :S

  • Maggie March 16, 2010, 1:54 pm

    Hi Caitlin:

    Try Vaseline to help with the chaffing – just apply it prior to your workout – I got this tip from my friend who is a competitive swimmer.

    Maggie

  • Maggie March 16, 2010, 1:55 pm

    Sorry – should have read further – you already tried Vaseline.

    Maggie

    • Caitlin March 16, 2010, 1:59 pm

      i totally sweat it off! 🙁 it only works for like 20 minutes.

  • Jen March 16, 2010, 1:59 pm

    Awesome raffle!

    Yikes about the battle wounds. I chafe in the same place under my sports bra! Sometimes I just roll up the bottom elastic of the sports bra later in the run to prevent more chafing. That’s not the best solution- or the most glamorous!

    I have tons of battle wounds, and I only run! I’ve fallen so many times over my own feet. Broke my foot, lost a thumbnail and have a huge scar the length of my calf. My doctor said normally he encourages active women to keep exercising when pregnant, but he told me I have to stay sedentary b/c I’m so clumsy.

  • Jessica @ How Sweet March 16, 2010, 2:01 pm

    Luckily, never any real chaffing for me. Sometimes I get it in weird spots. I usually wear lots of spandex though. Look like I’m from the 80s!

  • Laura Georgina March 16, 2010, 2:03 pm

    Ew, thigh chafing is the story of my life–no matter my weight, it’s been a problem since I was about six or seven years old! Thankfully, as long as I wear tight exercise pants with stretch in them, I’m ok, but I can’t run in shorts and have yet to find a good running skirt (shorts ride up = painful chafe). I’ve been tempted to try Body Glide, but I’m scared of what would happen if it doesn’t work…

    • Shellybean March 16, 2010, 2:27 pm

      This happens to me. Body glide is okay for short runs (up to 5K) but not any longer for me.

      • Laura Georgina March 16, 2010, 3:03 pm

        Thanks Shellybean! I’ll give it a try on a very short run and see how it goes (or hide pants in the bushes in case I need to do a quick change)!

    • LadyLara March 17, 2010, 11:15 am

      This is me, too… years ago I just settled on the fact I will never run in shorts, always spandex! Which I actually prefer anyway.

  • sarah March 16, 2010, 2:05 pm

    I suddenly feel pretty lucky that I don’t chafe! But here’s something just as nast – I have super dry skin/eczema, and one winter I ran outside in very, very cold Minnesota weather. the skin around my ankles started splitting open because it was so dry. I still have the scars, four years later.

  • Allison March 16, 2010, 2:06 pm

    I used to get those marks on my neck ALL the time when I swam. I always used Aquaphor, which is like vaseline but I think it’s a little thicker/water resistant or something. It never came off while I swam.

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound weight loss!!! March 16, 2010, 2:06 pm

    I have yet to “chafe” thank gosh, however I wonder why as I sweat a lot……..why do you think some chafe and some do not??? =)

    P.S. I have to say after watching the video you handled your crash with grace!

    • Caitlin March 16, 2010, 2:13 pm

      i have no idea! so strange.

  • John March 16, 2010, 2:06 pm

    Ouch! All I could think is ouch. Well ok and also better you than me 🙂 I’ve been fortunate not to have any sports battle scars.

  • Carolyn @ lovinlosing March 16, 2010, 2:08 pm

    Luckily, I haven’t experienced any chafing yet. Well, if I wear a loose t-shirt when working out sometimes I’ll get chafing in my armpits.

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound weight loss!!! March 16, 2010, 2:08 pm

    Oh, I forgot I do get really bad “calluses” on the side of my heals from running that never seem to go away no matter what I do or how much I scrap them!

  • skinnyrunner March 16, 2010, 2:08 pm

    i rarely chafe, only one time really bad. i tried to use bio silk hair product as lube…. did not work.

  • Kristen March 16, 2010, 2:12 pm

    I sweat a LOT and I’ve never had chafe marks as bad as that. I know they are expensive, but have you ever tried the lululemon sports bras? I run mostly in them (i have a few styles) and have only had problems once (and I’m pretty sure it was due to the shirt and not the bra)

    My worst mark came when I thought I had gotten the entire tad out of my running skirt but accidentally left a little sharp corner. 10 miles later, I had to hold the skirt away from my leg as I did my cool-down. The spot where the tag was hitting my was so swollen and red that it looked like I had been stung by a bee. That post-run shower was NOT fun…

  • Heather March 16, 2010, 2:14 pm

    I’ve heard deoderant, solid, not gel, helps with chafing.

  • Megan @ Eat.Scrap.Run March 16, 2010, 2:16 pm

    I have been lucky with scars and chafing so far…only one scar on my arm from rollerblading, and one toenail that never grew back right from running.

    It will be fun to show off your battle wounds at fitbloggin!

  • Nutritious Foodie March 16, 2010, 2:17 pm

    My 180 mile MS bike ride is coming up in 4 weekends.. yikes! I have got so many bruises and road burns from crashes during training, I am really hoping for a smooth ride on the weekend of the ride.

  • Tricia March 16, 2010, 2:18 pm

    Ouch! I’m not sure what the best anti-chafe advice is…but I do know a good healing trick! The only time I chafe is in the summer. (I went to college in Boca Raton and I swear the humidity is worse here in Richmond than it was there!) But I always chafe under my armpits from where the sports bra rubs. I ran a marathon last fall and I had some massive battle wounds from chafing! I bought Boudreaux’s Butt Paste
    (diaper rash ointment! It gave me so much relief and definitely sped up the healing! I use it anytime I chafe now. 😛 http://www.buttpaste.com

    (so weird I know but I swear it works haha)

  • sarah (the SHU box) March 16, 2010, 2:18 pm

    i chafe in the exact same place as you do! body glide does seem to help me though.

    battle scars = good topic. i have an above-the-eyebrow scar from spotting someone in a stunt in cheerleading (we caught the climber, but somehow someone’s chin ended up in my face . . . don’t ask)

  • katherine March 16, 2010, 2:18 pm

    The only bras that don’t chaffe me are the Champion bras from Target. They’re around $18 and they’re seamless so there’s nothing to cause friction!!

    • Shellybean March 16, 2010, 2:28 pm

      I use those and they are really comfy!

  • Ellen March 16, 2010, 2:20 pm

    Sweet battle wounds! At least if someone asks what happened to your elbow you can tell them you are a triathalon WARRIOR! I haaate chafing. It usually happens to be in between my thighs when I run during the summer. It’s so uncomfortable. I guess the easiest fix for that would be to tone up those inner legs!

    http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/

  • sarah (the SHU box) March 16, 2010, 2:20 pm

    PS: kickass negative split run 🙂

  • Becky March 16, 2010, 2:21 pm

    The only place I’ve had a problem chafing is under my arms, and that only happens occasionally (depending when I’ve last shaved)…I pretty much only wear the seamless kind of sports bras, and I think that that helps. I’m ~32B/C and find that the XS ones from Target and Patagonia (link: http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/patagonia-womens-active-mesh-bra?p=32103-0-868) provide enough support. I’ve also been ok wearing sports bra tops, so maybe I’m just not that sensitive to chafing in those areas!!! Good luck finding something that works!!!

  • Dori March 16, 2010, 2:21 pm

    Go to Lululemon and get yourself a TaTaTamer. My ribs are unusually close together and this bra goes by bra size. I really think you will love it!

    • Caitlin March 16, 2010, 2:28 pm

      That bra is a moving comfort bra, which comes in bra size – I bought a 32 and it’s too big. I don’t think my lungs are normal sized because no bra fits me the way it should!

      • Sara March 16, 2010, 6:36 pm

        Have you tried looking for sports bras (or even regular bras) in smaller band sizes? It could just be that you’re not in the right bra size! A lot of calculators and even professional fitters will add 4-5″ to your underbust measurement to get band size, which is 100% inaccurate, though the degree of inaccuracy will vary based on brand and the person – it was a method devised before elastic and thus before bands had stretch in them. I used to wear a sports bra in a 32 and that definitely chafed me on my ribcage, back, and shoulders. I have since bought two sports bras in a 28 band size (my ribcage is ~27″) and I’ve had no chafing issues. (However I have to admit that it was at first noticeably harder to breathe with the tighter band, but now that the bras have been worn in a bit it’s not so bad.)

        • Caitlin March 16, 2010, 6:37 pm

          a 28 inch bra exists? because my ribcage is 28!!!

      • Sara March 16, 2010, 6:41 pm

        Might as well give you links to the bras… (The sizing starts at a D, but if you wear a 32C, that’s around the same cup volume as a 30D or 28DD – or even 30DD/28DDD since these are British sizes!)

        http://www.bravissimo.com/products/lingerie/sports-bras/shock-absorber/soft-cup-bras/be53-details.aspx
        http://www.figleaves.com/us/product.asp?product=Freya-Freya-Active-soft-cup-sports-bra&product_id=FRA-AA4001

        They’re not pretty, but I guess that’s not the point 🙂 I am pretty sure that Athleta also sells a few sports bras in a 30 band size, too.

  • Matt March 16, 2010, 2:23 pm

    LOL I LOVE the skin!

  • Lacey March 16, 2010, 2:24 pm

    moving comfort seamless tanktop= life saver. i found mine at marshalls for super cheap (i looked online just now and they are expensive at retail!). but if you buy a small tank top so it is tight on you, you can use it as a base layer. i find the whole top over teh sports bra works way better. i had your exact problem- every single sports bra i wore i got teh same awful chafing. i used vaseline, everything. but i have 3 tops now i can wear and this is my favorite– seamless and soooo comfy.

  • Heidi March 16, 2010, 2:24 pm

    OWIE! That’s some major sports bra chafing. OUCH!!! I got my first teeny sports bra chafe a week ago on a 13 mile run, but it was tender. It surprised me because I’ve had it on my arms before (rubbing on my tank seams), but never there. When I did my half the other day I loaded up that area with Body Glide and it was fine.

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday March 16, 2010, 2:24 pm

    I chafe terribly when I run. On my ribs and on my inner arms.

  • Lisa March 16, 2010, 2:25 pm

    I chafe underneath my bra where my heart rate monitor is. And you’re right, it hurts like a MF-er in the shower!!! I started swiping unscented deodorant under there and it has helped a lot!

  • Hangry Pants March 16, 2010, 2:25 pm

    Formally lodging an epic complaint. 🙂

  • Shellybean March 16, 2010, 2:25 pm

    When my sports bras get old, they let me know by suddenly chafing the heck out of my rib cage!
    I also chafe where my thighs rub together when I run- for that reason I only where tight longish shorts, mid calf leggings, or running tights when I run.
    Oh and the arches of my feet blister on long runs as do my toes where they rub together.
    In general body glide helps quite a bit, but I am pretty prone to chafing!

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite March 16, 2010, 2:26 pm

    I would just use the Glide on and it worked great!

  • ActiveEggplant March 16, 2010, 2:27 pm

    I have 2 solutions for chafing…depending on how long I’m running. Under 5 miles=1 coat of Body Glide followed by a generous portion of A&D Ointment smeared over the Body Glide. (I have NO idea why this works – neither works on its own for me!) Over 5 miles=Athletic tape around the rib cage.
    My best battle scar is from 10 stitches on my shin from one of my first mountain bike outings!

  • Lauren @ Eater not a runner March 16, 2010, 2:29 pm

    The skin of the sweet potato is my favorite part!

    I’ve never had a problem with chafing, I used to get wicked bad blisters on my feet though, that is the worst!

  • Hangry Pants March 16, 2010, 2:29 pm

    P.S. Have you tried getting a smaller size sports bra or one sold by bra sizes?

    • Hangry Pants March 16, 2010, 2:30 pm

      Oh just saw your reply above, never mind.

  • Anne @thefitbridesmaid March 16, 2010, 2:30 pm

    My thighs can chaffe, which is why I wear capri pants, not shorts typically.

    I LOVE SWEET POTATO SKINS! When I microwave them, I put canola oil on the skin and it is oh so tasty. Especially the chewy ends.

  • Kelly March 16, 2010, 2:37 pm

    Have you tried the Nike Compression sports bras? I think they work wonders, also I found I chafe more when the sports bra is too small, do u think maybe that’s the case?

    • Caitlin March 16, 2010, 2:41 pm

      i havent tried those… i dont know. i just chafe regardless of the bra, i think.

    • Ana March 16, 2010, 7:10 pm

      i use these and they are amazing! i have a 30 ribcage and a C cup and i think these bras don’t move around because they don’t really scoop low in the front like most bras do– i.e., you won’t even have cleavage in these bras. the fabric is really smooth and i think that also helps prevent chafing.

  • Molly @fuelherup March 16, 2010, 2:38 pm

    Oh, I have a TON of battle scars.

    My knees are basically scars – I have a long stride, so when I’m running in a tight race or with a team, I often get tripped. I’m pretty sure I still have chunks of asphalt and track in there.

    I also have scars on my feet from blisters.

    I have chafed occasionally, but only if it’s a specific bra and if I take it out of the dryer too early or something. Do you have really sensitive skin otherwise? (i.e. poision ivy, allergies, etc.?)

    • Caitlin March 16, 2010, 2:40 pm

      Someone said on twitter that salty sweaters are more prone to chafing – i think thats it!

  • Michelle March 16, 2010, 2:38 pm

    Eeeek! those scars cannot feel good, but I really have to tell you – THEY ARE BADASS. I’m sorry they’re painful though…perhaps it’s time for a new sports bra? 🙂

  • Shannon March 16, 2010, 2:39 pm

    Gosh, I wish I could go back in time and tell my 16 year old, hickey’d self to use the old “wetsuit chafe” excuse 🙂 I hope your skin feels better ASAP!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) March 16, 2010, 2:42 pm

    I chafe on my inner thighs since I have loose skin so I only wear bermuda style shorts, capris or running tights. I also chafe on my inner arm from rubbing against my shirt sleeves but Body glide helps that. And I have to tape up my arches because they rub my shoes even with my running specialty socks.

    But wear your battle wounds with pride. I have to look at it that way or I’d hate my surgery scar. It proves you overcame your fear.

  • Amelia March 16, 2010, 2:44 pm

    I haven’t read all the comments so maybe someone suggested this but… I wear the Under Armour Women’s Endure sports bras and they are very, very tight around the rib cage– like difficult to pull down over my shoulders tight. They also come in cup sizes, which I would assume could help you get a better fit.

  • Marlene March 16, 2010, 2:47 pm

    The ONLY good thing about having no boobs is that I can actually get away with NOT WEARING A BRA even when I run, so I don’t have to deal with sports bra chafe.

    It makes it pretty fun to be able to just throw on a t-shirt and go for a run, but not so fun when I try to wear anything that’s even remotely fashionable… 😉

  • Morgan March 16, 2010, 2:47 pm

    I get the exact same sports bra chafing. it kills!
    when I swam, we used to get chafing on our neck from a combo of long swim practices and wearing 2 suits. We called them swim hickies. I would always put vaseline on before practice, but it never worked

  • Ami March 16, 2010, 2:49 pm

    Damn girl! Arent you tired of eating artichokes yet??

    I have a champion bra from target that is not C9, but it has clips in the back like a regular bra to make it smaller/bigger. You should look for those because I have a very small rib cage too and it fits TIGHT.

  • Marilyn March 16, 2010, 2:51 pm

    How long do you microwave your sweet potatoes for? I’ve never tried that method.

    • Caitlin March 16, 2010, 2:53 pm

      just wash, stab with a fork, wrap in a paper towel, and microwave for 4 – 6 minutes or until soft

  • Jen March 16, 2010, 3:08 pm

    Bummer about the chafe marks. Body glide works pretty good for me, but when it doesn’t the chafe marks hurt!!

  • Joelle (The Pancake Girl) March 16, 2010, 3:20 pm

    Oh, I LOVE sweet potatoes- I could eat them at every meal, seriously. I always microwave them, too (I’m a lazy chef). 🙂

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople March 16, 2010, 3:36 pm

    ouch! I feel like such a wimp, I don’t have any exercise battle scars.

  • Julie March 16, 2010, 3:36 pm

    oh wow, those look painful!! I don’t chafe nor have I ever gotten an athletic war wound. I’m a wimp!

  • Stephanie March 16, 2010, 3:41 pm

    Very impressed with your triathlon!!!
    I have a smaller ribcage too and Moving Comfort bra work for me- maybe give them a try?

    • Caitlin March 16, 2010, 5:25 pm

      i am sooo unlucky. that is the moving comfort fiona bra. 🙁

  • Lindsay March 16, 2010, 3:44 pm

    Have you tried enell sports bras? They’re expensive and ugly but they work. I’ve never had chafing issues (possibly cause there’s no underwire?) and I’ve been using mine with problems for 2+ years

    • Lindsay March 16, 2010, 3:46 pm

      sorry, that should say without problems!

      • RJ March 17, 2010, 5:37 am

        I second the call on the Enell sports bra. I have been waearing it for about 7 years now and would not buy anything else. I wear a 28 or 30 back size bra and have a large bust on a little frame. The Enell holds everything down baby!

  • Sarah @ THE FOODIE DIARIES March 16, 2010, 3:51 pm

    yes, if you find a no-chafing magic sports bra please let me know because i have the same problemo. i usually end up buying a size smaller so it fits my ribcage better–but sometimes that suffocates the chesticles. ew i hate that word.

  • Zoey March 16, 2010, 3:51 pm

    I’ve tried Enell. I’ve tried Moving Comfort. I’ve tried Body Glide. The only thing that keeps me from chafing is wearing a thin, thin Cool-Max type sleeveless shirt/shell as a base layer and then the bra, then a shirt over everything of course 🙂

    • Caitlin March 16, 2010, 5:25 pm

      thats a good idea!

  • Vaala March 16, 2010, 3:55 pm

    Hmmm, the only time I’ve ever chafed was after spending nearly 10 hours on my bike. I must be lucky! Battle scars on the other hand…well, most events leave me with something – scratches, cuts, bruises, scars, etc. The worst ones are too graphic to even mention! I guess this is what happens when you do adventure sports! I tend to fall or hit something hard enough (or my bike lands on top of me!) to bruise through to the bone so it doesn’t come up for a few weeks but sticks around for months.

  • Catherine March 16, 2010, 4:02 pm

    Not only do I get lovely chafing marks on my ribcage, but I get them across my chest too from my sports bra bouncing… the curse of a big chest! I generally stick with body glide, but in the winter my saving grace is under armor – those l-s winter shirts are so tight that as long as I wear body glide it holds everything in place along with my sports bra pretty well!

  • Nicole, RD March 16, 2010, 4:06 pm

    I only chafe if I run too long in shorts. Otherwise I’m good!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) March 16, 2010, 4:14 pm

    Ouch – those chafe marks look painful 🙁

  • Julia March 16, 2010, 4:35 pm

    Currrently I am sporting some chafing on my neck from an 18 mile long run on Saturday in the rain. I thought it looked like a hicky, which was embarassing enough, but then my boss informed me that it actually looks like pimples…even better.

  • Lauren March 16, 2010, 4:41 pm

    Potato skins, sweet or russet, are my fav too!

  • Amy @ Running in Pink March 16, 2010, 4:58 pm

    OUCH! Those war wounds look so sore! I can not believe in this modern age that companies do not provide sports bras for smaller ribbed people! Hope you heal very soon x

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg March 16, 2010, 5:00 pm

    Oh man! That looks really painful 🙁

    I don’t have chafing problems…but I get pretty bad blisters on my feet really easily if I don’t wear the right socks.

  • Rachel @ Suburban Yogini March 16, 2010, 5:02 pm

    I’m small and quite flat chested and I have yet to find a sports bra that doesn’t chafe. Seriously, just because my boobs are small doesn’t mean they don’t need support people!!!

  • Kristina @Mendonpondmusings March 16, 2010, 5:20 pm

    That chafing under your bra looks terrible. I also feel like most sports bras are too big for my body type. Have you tried Lululemon’s Flow Y Bra? It’s kind of pricy but gives decent support and I haven’t had a problem with chafing on my ribs or near my arm pits.

  • Emily Eats and Exercises March 16, 2010, 5:34 pm

    Ouch! I was heavily warned about wetsuits. That spot on your neck must be painful. I’ve had issues in my armpits, the bottom of my arms with short-sleeves. I guess you should just keep taping? Hope someone has some good suggestions for you!

  • Courtney March 16, 2010, 5:35 pm

    Maybe a weird suggestion, but someone already suggested it so I am just seconding – Boudreaux’s Butt Paste. I have a baby with SUPER sensitive skin who chafs anywhere a diaper rubs and that stuff works miracles. It lasts even through moisture. Also, they have a spray that you can put on that isn’t an actual cream but it builds a barrier between your skin and whatever material is going to be touching to help prevent the rash or chafing. It is relatively inexpensive and you can get a free sample if you go to buttpaste.com. Might be worth a shot!

  • Johanna B March 16, 2010, 5:45 pm

    I watched your video. Congrats on getting back on the bike and finishing. You should be proud of yourself. I love the words at the end. I wrote them down in the front of my day planner so I can read them everyday. Thanks for the inspiration.

  • Orla March 16, 2010, 5:48 pm

    another great bra is the Shock Absorber range, have you tried them? From sports bra reviews on US blogs it seems like you guys wear a lot of bandeau-style (ie no cups) bras, and maybe a bra with cups would help? They go right down to a 30 back, possibly lower, and up to big cup sizes too. I’ve never chafed with them 🙂

  • Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) March 16, 2010, 6:34 pm

    oh ow ow ow!!! I used to chafe pretty easily too but for some reason it stopped happening. I started wearing sports bras with separate cups. Maybe that’s what’s helping me? I’m not entirely sure.

    But I still chafe between my thighs. I have small hips and big thighs and my thighs rub together if I wear shorts. I hate it!!! I’m hoping that losing weight (smaller thighs) will help with that problem. Body glide has never worked for me.

  • Suzanne March 16, 2010, 7:14 pm

    I used to have problems when I wore sports bras with an elastic band around the bottom. I switched to champion bras sold at target and LOVE them. So soft, cheap, no chafing…and you can buy them in hot pink 🙂

  • Pitchies March 16, 2010, 7:26 pm

    Ahh, your under-bra chaffing looks like mine! And it definitely hurts like an SOB in the shower, I remember yelping so loudly following a particularly bad chaffe on a relatively short (for me) run.

    I’ve found Enell sports bras are good as they have a ribcage measurement. It’s great if you’ve got a little extra “up top” but still have a small ribcage (like me).

    Vaseline/bodyglide etc have never been especially helpful unfortunately.

    I’m a quite salty sweater too, so maybe that is it?

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing March 16, 2010, 7:29 pm

    Sweet potato skin is the BEST!!!! YUM!!

    And wow.. you DO have some intense battle scars!! I didn’t have any chafing until I started running long distances. I ended up having to use band-aids to cover the areas that I chafed. I just sweated body glide off…

    Glo Bars are the best granola bars on this earth.. LUCKY whoever wins them!

  • Kelly B (at Local Foodie Fight) March 16, 2010, 7:29 pm

    OMG that all looks so painful!

  • Alice March 16, 2010, 7:30 pm

    I get chafing in this tiny, dime-sized area just under my butt cheek. Wtf! Why??

  • Morgan @ Healthy Happy Place March 16, 2010, 7:48 pm

    I’ve never seen chafing like that, holy crap! I don’t really have any advice..my sports bra never moves on my body, but I have a wide rib cage. Those look really painful, so I hope they heal quickly!

  • Lauren March 16, 2010, 7:54 pm

    I guess my current ‘battle scar’ would be my faulty IT band =/ And a scar on my forearm from my own epic bike fall!

    Sorry to hear about your awful chafe marks. I always chafe around my ribcage. (Maybe this is TMI, but my breasts kind of chafe too…and they’re not all that big!) I’ve tried a ton of sports bra, but the only ones that every provide me with any relief are those sold at Lululemon. Body Glide does work pretty well for me, too. Weirdly enough, so does rubbing a little Neosporin into the sensitive skin before I got out for a run. (I discovered this technique only because I was desperate!)

  • Keri March 16, 2010, 8:05 pm

    I’m sure someone has asked this already, but how do you cook your sweet potatoes? Mine always turn out dry and hard as a rock when I nuke them. Great job on the race! You’re inspired me to train for one as well. The swim still freaks me out though!

    • Caitlin March 16, 2010, 8:37 pm

      just wash, stab with a fork, wrap in a wet paper towel, and microwave for 4 – 6 minutes or until soft. the key is wetting the paper towel!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) March 16, 2010, 8:16 pm

    Ouch!! I think I have shin splints right now 🙁

  • Cassie March 16, 2010, 8:23 pm

    omg, you look like you’ve been beaten up! so much dedication 🙂 btw, my dad bought some sport beans because i told him i saw them on your blog, and he loves them! thanks!

    • Caitlin March 16, 2010, 8:36 pm

      🙂 they are yummy!

  • Sarah March 16, 2010, 9:20 pm

    First off, great blog – I love reading your posts and especially the operation beautiful page. Second, as for the chafing of the ribcage I used to deal with that. EMS (ems.com) has great sport bras, I LOVE them. Not sure where you are from, they only have stores in New England but check them out.

  • Jenna March 16, 2010, 11:26 pm

    love me some sweet potatoessss!

  • Sophie @ yumventures March 16, 2010, 11:29 pm

    Ouch, that looks painful! I have some pretty nasty blister scars from years of poor sneakers and a lot of gym!

  • Gracie (complicated day) March 16, 2010, 11:44 pm

    I have weird scars because my ribcage is uneven and one side is higher than the other. It’s impossible to fix…I do ok with bodyglide though. My jog bra scar is just a permanent part of me now, though!

  • amanda March 16, 2010, 11:52 pm

    Hey! I am not sure if anyone has suggested these sports bras but I wear the champion sports bras from Target. I buy the razor back ones but they have traditional bras as well. I have never had a problem with them but I am always small busted. They are only about sixteen dollars and they come and cute colors. Good luck finding something that works that looks so painfull 🙁

  • Cristin March 18, 2010, 2:50 pm

    I use body glide and during my tri, I reapplied during the transitions. It worked!

  • Meg March 18, 2010, 3:45 pm

    I had my first experience with chafing from a sports bra a few weeks ago after an 8 mile run. No fun! I think it is only from one specific bra though. Hope you get that problem figured out!

    My best battle scar is probably my fake front tooth that I have when my tooth got busted at lacrosse practice freshmen year. That was definitely the most painful sports injury to date, my root was exposed in the dead of winter for 4 days. I actually wore my mouth guard around campus and to class just to keep the cold air from hitting it. But, on the bright side, now I have a tooth that glows in black lights!! Rave anyone?

  • Alina March 18, 2010, 9:42 pm

    Hey Caitlin! Just wanted to say I love your blog . . . Have been reading for about a month, and love the tips you give! If you want to prevent chaffing, you might want to try pro-wrap, or something called A Girls Best Friend. It’s basically Pro Wrap, but it sticks to your skin and to itself, so you use less. It also works really well as a makeshift hair band or scrunchie- I use it all the time in dance, or in Gym! Hope this works (P.S. It’s pretty cheap too, I think around 4 or 5 bucks?)

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