A Sensitive Topic

The topic that I'm about to write about has been on my mind since I started this blog. However, I haven't been able to figure out how exactly to write about such a topic. I mean, it's gross. Yet everyone who has been (or is) a runner knows exactly what I'm talking about, so it shouldn't be that big of a deal to write about it because these are the pains every runner goes through and experiences. The topic I'm delicately trying to describe is chaffing. Yes, raw nipples and monkey-butt. These have often been the headliners of running horror stories.

Don't worry, there will not be any photos for this post. I think our minds can paint a clear enough picture as it is. So what exactly causes chaffing? About.Com's Christine Luff has this to say,"Chafing is caused by repeated motion -- specifically, skin rubbing against loose fabric or other skin. Chafing most often occurs around the bra line (women), nipples (men), inner thighs, and under the arms. Moisture, either from sweat or rain, can worsen chafing. It can also be caused by a poorly fitted bra." I had always known about this problem but I never experienced it until I started running 5 or more miles at a single time. And if you don't take proper precautions it can ruin a run and be quite serious. If it gets to the point where blood is present on your nipples or inner thighs, no matter what the quantity, it's serious.

I don't remember the exact date when it first hit me, but I have since taken it upon myself to do some preventative measures where I'll be less likely to become the victim of raw nipples and monkey-butt. Step one is to use some personal lubricant, like Vaseline or petroleum jelly, I personally use Bag Balm, and apply it to the sensitive regions of your body. Step two, Band-Aids. Specifically, two of them on your chest. These little guys act as a force field. I forgot to use them on a 8 mile run and that will be the last time I ever forget. In addition, spandex shorts are always a good idea, but they're not full proof. I've also tried a variety of t-shirts to wear without any luck.

So there you have it. If you were to type "runner chaffing" into a search engine, you'll find a plethora of other helpful materials.

Week 5 Training

Here it comes and there it goes:

Monday: 3 miles
Tuesday: 4 miles
Wednesday: off
Thursday: 4 miles
Friday: off
Saturday: 12 miles
Sunday: off

Long over due

On Tuesday December 8th, 2009 I officially completed my second to last semester of graduate school. I took the liberty of taking a week long siesta. Thus, I also neglected this blog, but I knew it was only a matter of time before that happened. "I'm back on the wagon," as they say. Much has happened since my last post, so I thought I would break down my runs. I know this isn't creative but I hope it will get me, and those of you that follow, back on track and up to speed in the wacky world of Chad's Marathon Training.

By far my biggest highlight of week 3 came on Saturday December 6th when it snowed. Saturday was my long run day of 10 miles. 10 miles was the furthest I have ever ran continuously, so I was apprehensive and excited about the challenge all at the same time. That morning when I woke up the trees were covered with big fluffy wet snow, the kind that can stick to anything. This was the type of snow that it would stick to anything but pavement or blacktop, because the ground temperature isn't cold enough. So my paths were free of any snow except on the occasional bridge that crossed a stream. So many memories were evoked as I was running. One of those memories was playing hockey back in Minnesota on the frozen pond behind my house. The snow continued for most of my run, except for the last 2 miles. This run was a big confidence booster because afterwards my mind and body felt great.


Week 4 was also marked by interesting weather patterns. Early in the week there were highs of 60 degrees and as the week progressed the temperature plummeted to a low of 20 degrees. I didn't update the blog in time to show you my training schedule so here it is

Week 4 Training Schedule
Monday: 3 miles
Tuesday: off
Wednesday: 4 miles
Thursday: off
Friday: off
Saturday: 12 miles
Sunday: off

The run on Wednesday and Saturday are worth mentioning. Wednesday's run was interesting because Knoxville experienced 40 mph plus winds (I think this was also the same time that a major storm system swept across the Midwest). The winds were brutal. My route kept me mostly in the downtown area and when I would pass alley-ways in between buildings the gusts would cause me to stagger. When I arrived back on campus, with less than a mile to go, I had to run under very old oak trees. I could hear the branches cracking and popping. I pictured myself in Harrison Ford's shoes in the movie Indian Jones and the Last Crusade where he navigates the final obstacles to reach the cup of life. Nonetheless, I made it home safely.


If I was apprehensive about running 10 miles, I was even more jarred with the thought of running 12 miles in temperatures hovering around 25 degrees. Before my fellow Minnesotans comment about that last statement, let me just say that after living in the South for nearly 5 years one becomes accustomed to things, temperature being one of those things. So, this run was my longest and coldest so far. During the first 2-3 miles I felt really stiff and tight. By mile 7 I could feel my right big toe becoming hot (indication of a blister). The sensation wasn't great enough to cause me to stop, it was just irritating. I finished in about 1hr 45min. Despite me thinking my body can handle whatever I throw at it, this run taught me that there is still a lot of training that I need to do.


OK we're up to speed. Again, sorry I haven't been posting that much.