Woosy, Boot Camp, Chafing and Poop

Nolan's been sick with what has been going around in concentric circles here: my Mom thinks we've all been variously afflicted with swine flu, and I'm not convinced either way but I've been making a lot of pumpkin soup, giving multiple leg rubs, and keeping the fireplace well stocked with crackling firelogs.

A few things:

1)A little story about humiliation on the Grade 5 basketball court

2) Why I want to meet my ex's new girlfriend

And a plea for your thoughts.

Corey and I are running our first ever half marathon next weekend, on Sunday.  We have been running like demons and we are ready, we think, except for 2 major issues.

3) Corey is getting severe chafing on his leg from the rubbing of his, uh, male appendage, I guess, over very long distances.  The result is red and raw skin and not pretty and I can only imagine how much it will suck to have that much friction over 20+ km.  I tried buying him lycra underwear to no avail.

4) I am terrified of the potential of crapping my pants.  Or of feeling like I'm going to.  I don't want to have to frantically ponder the possibility of hovering desperately behind a random juniper bush, especially in front of Corey, oh my god. I am deciding between not eating before the marathon for a day (not good for energy stores) taking Metamucil a few days before (debatable?) -- and just crossing my fingers and praying (not good enough) 

Any suggestions on the above?  Googling "chafe and crap prevention during half marathons" is not helping me. 

Also, a little sweetness to combat the gross:

Comments

[Courtney]

Get him some body glide! I've heard vaseline can work, too.

[Keri Ogrizovich]

I'm not a runner by all means but I've heard of people using vaseline to prevent the chafing. Maybe use lycra underwear (instead of boxers/undies) and then lycra shorts or pants over that? Hope you find a solution before next weekend!

[Keri Ogrizovich]

Just thought of another thing...jock cup?

[Angella]

I'm sorry. Were you saying something?

*Distracted by the pipes*

[Keri]

Sorry for the multiple comments...here's a link I found: http://running.about.com/od/commonrunninginjuries/p/chafing.htm

[hillary]

I vaguely remember Camels & Chocolate writing about poop and running. You could try emailing her for advice.

http://camelsandchocolate.com/

Hope you're all feeling better soon!

[Leanne]

For chafing- lube it up. I use vaseline, I rub it everywhere I might get chafed, for me it was armpits and between the legs where the shorts hit. I even used it in the crack of my butt when I ran my marathon as I find when I run 35+ km, I actually got bum chafing from the cheeks rubbing together...wow, can't believe I'm admitting this! This is probably way more than you wanted to know. But seriously, vaseline. It works.

For the second thing- believe me, I understand, I've had the same problem many times. I find what works for me is just eating really well nutritionally, carb loading and all that. Just eating pure, good food. I seem to have problems in this department when I don't eat as well (ie. too much sugar, too much fat or too much salt seem to bring it on). But it sounds like you eat really well normally so I don't know what to suggest....

I've taken immodium before long runs too and it works but I would not recommend it because I found it made me feel dehydrated and sick on long runs.

Whatever you do, don't starve yourself the day before. You will regret it.

Happy running!

[Katie]

pumpkin = laxative properties

so, maybe think about how much pumpkin soup you eat before the marathon

[Ali]

eat eat eat. don't starve yourself prior and do not, i repeat, do NOT eat something goofy or new prior without having tried it out first.

you will be fine. you are trained and most every race has port o johns all along the run for those types of emergencies. every one i have done, i have cramped and felt like i *could* shit myself around mile 9, but i never have, never even have had to take a pit stop. trust yourself and your training.

as for corey: body glide, vaseline, and spandex. there is some stuff i use for biking chaffe that is called chamois butt-r for that which works well too.

GOOD LUCK!

[Christina]

Vaseline! Or some sort of product like that and oddly maybe some baby powder to make it all dried out and cake-y. Hmm sounds lovely, eh?

And seriously I had err issues with runner runs but when I have run 5ks anyway I have not had that trouble till after if at all. I think adreline has something to do with this in a race?! Nerves made me pee a 100 times before the races but the runs were not an issue. I would stick with carbs and nothing out of the ordinary - plain simple wholesome foods. GL!

[Junie B]

someone sent me the link since i am a marathoner, but looks like everyone has you covered...body glide but in the sense of economy use vaseline..works like a charm!!!!

i have had the gastro issues...where Mother Nature doesnt cooperate the morning of a long run or race...so to MAKE sure all food is digested, i just dont eat past 6pm ... and make sure you have something with olive oil or good fats, like avocado...helps with the 'passing'..you dont want to load up on fiber, or heavy proteins...takes too long and/or difficult to move through...

[Sundry]

Chamois Butt'r: http://www.trisports.com/chamoisbuttr.html

-- and if you get the runner's trots thing figured out, do let me know. It is my personal pet phobia.

(Also, you should be doing the New Orleans half in February. By then it'll be no big deal and you can encourage the rest of us!)

[Ashley]

I have seen that body glide at the running shoe store near my house, no experience with it however. I think if I were running to the point that I might shit myself one major precaution I would take would be drinking a cup of Smooth Move tea the night prior. I find it takes my body about 5-6 hours to process, so do a trial run before the actual night before the event. It is very gentle but does the trick. And lastly, I would absolutely want to meet anyone having a close influence on my child be it teacher, ex's girlfriend, swim class teacher... all the same in my opinion.

[Elmwood]

yes Immodium!!!!
And you can take it with you on the run if you get the pill form

[Hänni]

I'm a long-distance cyclist and I put Sundry's chamois butter in my shorts, but I'm not sure what the solution is for runner's junk chafing/pants pooing. I do want you to know this post made me laugh, and also here's a message just for you and Corey. Good luck!

http://www.someecards.com/card/good-luck-not-hitting-the-wall-and-shitting-your-pants-in-public

[Lauren]

body glide is neater and works better than vaseline! Go body glide! Good luck on the run!

[Bridget]

First of all, best of luck on your race! I've done three 1/2 marathons and they are just thrilling. You'll have such a great time!

My own personal guidelines are as such:
1. Always body glide--nothing works better than that.

2. Never eat, drink, wear anything new to you within 3 days of the race and on race day. Don't break out a new shirt just for that day--you'll regret it.

3. Drink at every other water station. Don't gulp, just sip and you'll be fine.

4. Smile and have some fun!

Looking forward to hearing about the race.

[kgrrrl]

Bodyglide- running room has it and they also have more 'supportive' shorts. Compression shorts (as most people in my martial arts use this as well, which is good for non-movement) and I'm sure Corey is stoked that you're talking about this, LOL! Poor guy!
And you? remember how you DIDN"T on the 10km we ran? It's in your head. Just make sure you go beforehand RIGHT before the run and the idea of immodium is pretty good too!

[Paige]

If you're just (JUST!) running a half, I wouldn't worry about going #2. I ran a half back in the spring, and never felt the slightest, um, urge, despite the fact that I had an upset stomach before the race from nerves. Once I started running, the adrenaline kicked in, and all bowel-related issues disappeared. Good luck with the race! If yours is anything like mine was, you will have a shit eating grin (no pun intended) on your face for the next week. :)

[Jannette]

I second the calls for Body Glide all the way -- I used it to get through my first full marathon at the beginning of October. It works -- and it lasts. Worth the small investment!

[Hilary]

Get Body Glide! It comes in a container that looks like deodorant.

[Angela]

body glide for him and for you-stay hydrated, including electrolytes! Good luck!

[Motherhood Uncensored]

I hear amazing things about glide.

And immodium.

Good luck. May the force (well, not the bowel force, but the other one) be with you.

[DBN]

Just echoing the bodyglide. They sell it at most sporting goods stores. http://www.bodyglide.com/

[theresa]

monistat makes some anti chafing stuff sold in drugstores, 6.99. my sister uses itfor running and o just bought my husband some. not sure of the specific name but it's with the other monistat stuff.