I love running.

And, I’m sure you do too, or you wouldn’t be here reading this.

But, and a big but, there are some areas of running that just are so damn embarrassing.

Whether you are just the jogger that takes a lope around the block, or you spend many an hour out there slogging on the tarmac, you will experience a few or sorry for you, all of these issues.

 

A real runner has experienced some embarrassing moments in their time, and we are here to remind you just what they are.  But, not because we feel like being sadistic.  No! No!  Because, we, in fact, have some solutions too.

 

Let us start with a real doozy and the one that we all dread happening.  Mind you, it doesn’t happen to all runners, but again, when it comes to high mileage, most times you cannot avoid this one.

 

# 1 Toe It – Blackened, Discolored, Fungal and Missing Toenails

 

Oh, yes.  Not only is this painful, but quite unsightly.

 

Reasons why this occurs:

  • Generally, the toenail is hitting against the front of the trainer, and this causes a blood blister to form under the nail
  • Downhill running can aggravate the nails too
  • Too tight trainers are also culprits
  • And warmer weather makes your feet swell, causing the foot to be pushed up snuggly against the sides of the shoe
  • The nail may not fall off, but sometimes its best if it does, so that a fresh nail can be grown over the new skin
  • Fungus can collect under the toenails and mostly this is because of sweat collected whilst running, and because of old trainers (best wash your trainers regular, and change them every 1000 miles or so)

 

If this persists, please treatment from your local doctor or podiatrist.

 

The Treatment:

  • In fact, no treatment is necessary or actually available really
  • Besides wearing open shoes for a while, you should just leave the nail and skin to heal ‘al natural
  • The toenail will either fall off by itself or the blood blister will dry up and eventually grow out
  • Fungal growths can be treated with our Foot Repair Cream and regular application
  • Make sure your socks are a breathable material

 

# 2 Chafing … everywhere!

 

No matter how slim you are, you will chafe, somewhere, at some point, during a run.  The sad thing is you most times only realize it after the run.  Oh, how does that shower water sting?!

 

The most common places are:

  • Nipples – oh, yes, did you ever think, whether a man or woman, that your nipples could burn so?  I know of nipples also bleeding because they became so raw.  Ouch!
  • Inner thighs – the most common place really.  And, no matter how you try to run with those legs apart, they always find a way to touch.  Friction is a bitch!
  • Underarms and inner arms – as you are constantly moving your arms back and forward, it’s just inescapable that this will cause some friction

 

Ways to prevent chafing:

  • Wear Band-Aid over your nipples
  • Use non-chafe cream in the applicable areas before the run, and keep some on you, just in case (sweat can wash it away)
  • Wear cool, loose clothing, that doesn’t cause further rubbing

 

# 3 Trot’s (yeah, diarrhea)

 

While you may start out with a clear and unaffected stomach, it seems that running just stimulates the intestine to work.  

 

Reasons you may experience the Trots:

  • You didn’t go relieve yourself before the run
  • You ate food that has aggravated your stomach
  • You had alcohol the night before the run
  • You have irritable bowel syndrome

 

Preventions and Cures

  • Ensuring you eat basic, bland foods the night before and morning of the run
  • Not changing your diet too much before the run
  • Not drinking alcohol the night before
  • Drinking loads of water before, during and after the run
  • Checking out whether you have, and medically treating IBS
  • Taking a tablet that will prevent diarrhea before the run

 

# 4 This Little Piggy … weak bladder issues

 

And, this doesn’t just affect women who have had a child or two.  It is a very real problem for many runners.  It is more common in women though, and it has much to do with the harsh impact of running.  The motion and jarring of running causes the muscles of the pelvic floor to weaken, and of course, if you have given natural birth, you are a prime candidate for this.

 

Kegal Exercises can help to strengthen those muscles and in fact, it is a good idea to keep up with Kegal exercises throughout your life anyway.

 

As for men, they don’t generally suffer too much from a weak bladder, however, it has been known that they get a little leak here and there, which is only evident after the run.  Running tends to help us hold back the urge to urinate, however, when it needs to happen, it happens.

 

Most times, if you just pour some water over that general area, it won’t be so noticeable.  (long time runner

 

# 5 Sweat much?

 

Yes, we will all sweat when we run, but some just get the very excessive sweating dilemma.  Sweating is really good for the body, as it is the body’s way of cooling down.

 

It is when we sweat too much, or seemingly too much, that we begin to stress.  And of course, with sweat can come a lovely stench.

 

Ways to alleviate the excessive sweat and smell:

  • Wear cool, loose clothing.  Many manufacturers now have a ‘quick dry’ material, that, in fact, dries the sweat as it appears
  • Put on a good antiperspirant before your run
  • Drink lots of water before, during and after your run
  • Wash your gear often in our FungiSolve Anti-bacterial and Anti-fungal Solution

 

Know that you will sweat more as you become fitter.  Most runners that are novices or don’t put as much mileage in, don’t perspire as much.

 

Yes, we all love running, but know this, if you are a beginner, take heed of what will happen to your body over time, and try the prevention method, before the cure becomes necessary.