THIS IS the dark side of running. The part they don’t tell you about. It’s not an injury free sport. Running can stress your joints (although I think some of my supplements mitigate that aspect – or maybe I’ve somehow gotten used to it). But it can chafe! It can cause blisters.
I thought I was over this. I had thought I was finally chafe proof. I thought I had somehow built up a layer of protection or something. Nope! This summer has been one long heat wave, and last week I decided to go on a 7 mile run. The temperatures were approaching 90 degress. Not smart to run if your body isn’t used to it, but I figured I probably was I’d be fine.
During my run I drank plenty of water (much thanks to whoever installed the water fountains along the path I took). But I was drenched in sweat. Before I was done it looked like I had jumped into a lake. And the heavy, sweaty, oversized shirt I was wearing was starting to rub on some sensitive areas.
The next day, they were still sensitive. In fact, one of them itched like there was no tomorrow. Ugh! I had an infected nipple! All that running with heavy, sweaty cotton rubbing on it was not good. All that bacteria probably rubbing into it. Well I fixed in a couple days by covering with a bandaid and neosporin . No big deal. Thank goodness for neosporin.
I also got a toe bister. Again, not a big deal, fixed by keeping a bandaid around it. But still! Be careful! Running can be dangerous. Sore knees, toe blisters, and the dreaded itchy nipple! Mind and know what you’re body is capable of and drink plenty of water in the heat. And if it’s too hot, if you’re not very sure about the temperature, go easy or take the day off.
One time last year I got downright nearly-dizzy from the heat and had to sit and rest for a good ten minutes at least before walking the rest of the way in defeat (about a mile and a half). It was a lesson that stuck with me. The heat can get ya. Heat stroke can be deadly. And although I rested and walked, not finishing the workout that day, I lived to run another day. It was good I was careful.
Take care, know what you can do, take precautions, and jog on!
Edit: I ironically hurt my foot the same day I wrote this. I wore some old shoes figuring they’d be fine haha. I need to take my own advice and be careful! Sigh.. gotta rest it for a couple more days..