Workout gear – Body Glide

Doctors are amazingly devoted to healing their patients. They just can’t know everything about everyone – particularly oddjobs who like to run. So doctors think about what works for most patients. Mainly, this works fine. Just remember you’re a little different from most people.

Always pay close attention to your body (except when it tells you to stop!). Keep your ears perked when your running friends talk. Grapevine advice can outperform even the brainiest doctor.

…

I started running a few years ago to get back in shape.

The sides of my ribcage – a little below my armpits – were uncomfortable when I ran. Then I started getting some annoying kinda-rash. I just wasn’t smart enough to connect the rash to my runs.

My doctor told me I had “contact dermatitis” (skin problems from touching something) and prescribed a steroid cream (strong, dangerous stuff!). I occasionally applied the ointment and it helped. Still, I was annoyed that my body was letting me down. What went wrong that I needed to start using medicine?

I eventually blundered into Body Glide (a skin balm that resembles an anti-perspirant stick). You just apply it to any part of your body that gets chafed. Surprise – no more need for nasty steroids. Technically, the doctor was correct about contact dermatitis – but he didn’t solve the problem.

This product rocks. Best Canadian innovation since really thick blankets! My skin stopped annoying me during runs and I began running more often. Body Glide created a virtuous circle: I ran more often, cut weight through running, and stopped needing to apply it. My extra chub caused the rubbing problem – which explains why I didn’t have this trouble as a kid.

I don’t need Body Glide any longer, but I still cache some anyhow. I’ll keep applying it for long runs or beach running. And I’ll definitely rub some in before long bike rides.

Great product, which also taught me two important lessons:

1. Don’t accept expert advice blindly
2. Always simplify – especially in running

Related posts:

1. Workout gear – Yaktrax
2. Workout gear – Ziploc bag
3. Workout hack 4 – dilute your efforts
4. Workout hack 6 – great music
5. How to iPhone in the snow

Tagged as: Chafing, Gear, Simplicity