Starting running- need some clothing advice

[Crusher Disciple]

I live in Texas (where the term "hot as hell" gets a new meaning), and I've decided to take up running (that's just what we do in Austin).

So it's hot and sunny, and I'm thinking the best thing to keep me from turning into a blob of goo during my early morning runs is to wear light colored (usually white) clothing and go with dry wicking fabric.

I've also heard horror stories about some runners encountering chafing (!!!) from shorts that are too small. So the skimpy stuff will stay at home.

But am I going the right direction with dry wicking and light/ white colors? Is there any reason to go with some other kind of outfit?

I'm such a girl- my most pressing worry is my outfit. I have running shoes the running store fitted for my under pronating and high arched feet. and I have a hat and sunglasses. And 1000 SPF sunscreen and a bottle. I also signed up for a training class with a qualified instructor.

Any of you runners out there got anything I need to think of?

PS- If I disappear from the BBS for more than 2 days, I died of exhaustion and somebody please call APD.

 

[DarkHelmet]

Good outfit choice in terms of color and material (DriFit type of material, it sounds like). Chaffing can come from the shorts, but it often is simply a matter of sweat combined with friction.

Other that that, have fun.

 

[Crusher Disciple]

Aw, thanks.

I'm really worried about chaffing in sensitive places.

 

[bigdaddy]

Good outfit choice in terms of color and material (DriFit type of material, it sounds like). Chaffing can come from the shorts, but it often is simply a matter of sweat combined with friction.

Very true, I knew a lot of trck members who didn't wear underwear because of that.

Things go flying...

 

[Starseeker]

I was a bit worried about chafing too when I started running in April, but I find that as long as you have no skin in direct contact with skin in those sensitive places, you're good to go. There just needs to be fabric keeping things apart.

 

[Crusher Disciple]

I was a bit worried about chafing too when I started running in April, but I find that as long as you have no skin in direct contact with skin in those sensitive places, you're good to go. There just needs to be fabric keeping things apart.

Ah, thanks for the tip.

I made sure at least that none of my shorts are going to be too small. I had some shorts I bought years ago that are now too tight. I made sure not to wear them. Course, the shorts and matching top are navy, so wearing them in town is out of the question.

 

[The Lady Eve]

I use Glide anti-chafing stick, CD. I "power walk" (stupid term, I know) a lot and swear by this stuff. You never know when material or a stray hair will get in a sensitive place without your knowing until it's too late and you have a blister.

You can probably get it at your local sports store.

Glide

 

[Crusher Disciple]

Where can I get that? At a grocery store? Running store?

 

[The Lady Eve]

^ A running/sports store should definitely have it. You can probably find it at one of the larger drug stores too.

 

[WillsBabe]

I've never had any chafing from either tops or bottoms. A tip to stop chafing in your shorts is to buy a pair or two with the built in underwear.

 

[Crusher Disciple]

The people at the forum for my coach's site suggested using Vaseline instead. But the goopyness of Vaseline just makes me go ew. Particularly in 100 degree weather.

 

[ManOnTheWave]

That's funny. I'd just wear skin tight compression shorts or boxer jocks under my regular shorts to prevent chafing. I think the women's section calls them "boy shorts." I assume you're afraid of your thigh chafing? I had a similar issue a few years back. Hadn't exercised in years, and ouch.

 

[Crusher Disciple]

That's funny. I'd just wear skin tight compression shorts or boxer jocks under my regular shorts to prevent chafing. I think the women's section calls them "boy shorts." I assume you're afraid of your thigh chafing? I had a similar issue a few years back. Hadn't exercised in years, and ouch.

I have no idea what's going to (or if) chafe. I'm just scared.

I wore shorts with attatched underwear this morning. I walked slowly and I didn't notice any untoward rubbing.

 

[ManOnTheWave]

That's funny. I'd just wear skin tight compression shorts or boxer jocks under my regular shorts to prevent chafing. I think the women's section calls them "boy shorts." I assume you're afraid of your thigh chafing? I had a similar issue a few years back. Hadn't exercised in years, and ouch.

I have no idea what's going to (or if) chafe. I'm just scared.

I wore shorts with attatched underwear this morning. I walked slowly and I didn't notice any untoward rubbing.

Then you may not have a problem. If your thighs "kiss" or whatnot, you'll know after a half hour. Oh boy, you'll know.

 

[archeryguy1701]

I wouldn't worry too much. I've been running for 7 years, and with few rare exception, I've only chaffed during one or two 30km races and a pair of 24 hour relays. As for what to use, while some of the thicker stuff (vaseline or the stuff I use that I can't remember the name for) seems a bit nasty, the thicker it is the more lickely it is to work. The less goopy stuff may not last as long and will eventually do very little for the friction.

Wicking technical shirts are really good, and if you go to enough races (especially trail races), you'll get a ton for free. What sort of hat are you using? There are some really good wicking caps out there. I have a couple that have a sweat band on it and one that is designed to take heat from your head and move it to the bill. Those work really well. What distances are you looking at?

 

[Crusher Disciple]

I went to REI yesterday and got the stick with 30 SPF. I realized that I'm more worried about blisters from my shoes and socks not getting along.

 

[Super Grover]

Just be old school and walk it off.

 

[apostle83]

Crusher, the appropriate thing in Texas is to run WITHOUT clothes. You see, clothing provides minimal protection against the sun (SPF 4). If you wear clothing, you're actually rubbing off any sunscreen you've put underneath it. If you want to protect yourself, you must run nekkid with spf 30 all over you.

There is only one solution that meets your moral obligation to not create a burden on the health care system from your impending skin cancer: Nude, sun screen laden running.

Think about the children.

 

[Crusher Disciple]

Crusher, the appropriate thing in Texas is to run WITHOUT clothes. You see, clothing provides minimal protection against the sun (SPF 4). If you wear clothing, you're actually rubbing off any sunscreen you've put underneath it. If you want to protect yourself, you must run nekkid with spf 30 all over you.

There is only one solution that meets your moral obligation to not create a burden on the health care system from your impending skin cancer: Nude, sun screen laden running.

Think about the children.

Well- it is Austin, after all....

 

[Super Grover]

Crusher, the appropriate thing in Texas is to run WITHOUT clothes. You see, clothing provides minimal protection against the sun (SPF 4). If you wear clothing, you're actually rubbing off any sunscreen you've put underneath it. If you want to protect yourself, you must run nekkid with spf 30 all over you.

There is only one solution that meets your moral obligation to not create a burden on the health care system from your impending skin cancer: Nude, sun screen laden running.

Think about the children.

Well- it is Austin, after all....

You'd get all sorts of funny looks just for not having enough tats and body piercings in Austin.