Why should you trust me to yell at you? Well, I once ran the equivalent of 67 marathons in 67 days with a 25-pound backpack. This is my toolkit for anyone trying to avoid pain.
Lube up: Anti-chafing products such as petroleum jelly or special balms are your best anti-chaf defense. Even if your carefully selected fabrics let you down, generous coatings of lube can save the day. You cannot afford to be embarrassed. Especially the bottom. You want to make sure you’re going to places you rarely go.
Go smooth: I choose shorts, leggings, base layer shorts, tees and running underwear that are either seamless or have flat-lock seams. I always check the seams of built-in twin shorts and I rarely trust the built-in inseams in regular shorts. If in doubt, layer with your trusty undies.
tightening: I choose tight, body-hugging layers over loose fitting gear. It sounds counterintuitive but fabric that stays in one place works better close to the skin than loosely-hanging fabrics that move more.
Avoid cotton: Cotton is heavy and can be damaged even when dry. When it gets wet with salty sweat, it’s a disaster for your tender bits. Layers that touch your skin should be made from synthetic or wool-based fabrics. They dry quickly and reduce friction.
Powder your fingers: Blisters inevitably become nuclear and can be difficult to avoid. Powdering my feet and socks can help reduce the moisture that increases the risk of chafing and hotspots.
