Why should you trust me about chafing? Well, I once ran the equivalent of 67 marathons in 67 days with a 25-pound backpack on. This is my toolkit for anyone trying to avoid pain. Lube up: Anti-chafing products like petroleum jelly or special balms are the best anti-chafe defense. Even if the carefully chosen fabric annoys you, a generous layer of lube can save you. You can’t be shy. Especially the bottom. You want to make sure you get into that space even if you rarely do. Run smoothly: I choose shorts, leggings, base layer shorts, t-shirts and underwear that are seamless or have flat seams. I always check the lining of the twin shorts built in and I rarely trust the deep-briefs built into regular shorts. When in doubt, layer up with your own trusty undies. Tight up: I choose a tighter, body hugging layer through loose fit gear. It sounds counterintuitive but fabric that stays in one place, close to the skin works better than loose-hanging fabric that moves around more. Avoid cotton: Cotton is heavy and can be abrasive even when dry. When it rains salty sweat, it will be a disaster for your delicate pieces. Layers that touch your skin should be made of synthetic fabrics or wool. This dries faster and reduces friction.Powder toes: Blisters that mean chafing gone nuclear and they can be harder to avoid. Foot powder and socks can help reduce moisture that increases the risk of chafing and hotspots.
