For Well Endowed Athletic Women Everywhere

SO, it's Friday, AGAIN (already??). I had a productive exercise week despite the weather in Boston (rain, rain and more rain). I ran 4.25 on Tuesday (in the rain), and felt really good. I forgot my stopwatch, so I have no idea how long it took me, but I think around 40 minutes. On Wednesday I went to spinning, and even though I hadn't been in a few weeks, I felt really good. All of this is extremely POSITIVE, considering I have a half marathon next weekend. I'm supposed to be tapering, but I'm going to do one last long run this weekend, mostly to test out my running gear, and to see what's most comfortable.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I'm about to get into some of the down and dirty aspects of running long distances, if lady problems upset/disgust you, just stop reading now.
SO, a half marathon at the end of May in the NE is tricky to prep for clothing wise. I'm talking about pants vs. shorts here, which is huge, especially as a lady. I'm sure you've all heard of chaffing, and guys and girls get it in different places for different reasons.
As a well-endowed woman, I basically deal with chaffing anywhere you can possible imagine getting it. The worst kind happens on your inner thighs, and can be prevented by wearing long-ish shorts (which are hideous) or using an anti-chafing product like glide. Glide is essentially lube, that helps the skin "glide" off itself, to prevent any sort of sticking which leads to irritation. This is certainly no laughing matter, as I've actually bled due to chaffing on several occasions. I don't really like Glide because it's just gross, and long shorts are not flattering on anyone, except men who should ALWAYS wear them. SO what's a girl to do? I'm hoping I can wear leggings -- NOT the "fashionable" ones, the kind made for running. They come in different weights, so make sure you're getting some that are seasonally appropriate. BUT it could be like 90 degrees next weekend, so I might have to wear shorts. In which case, they make awesome running shorts with built in undies (I always wear reg underwear too), which prevent riding, which prevents chaffing. Mine are Nike, but other brands are just fine.
The other MAJOR issue is the chestal region. Those of you who know me can certainly imagine what I'm dealing with up top. Men deal with nipple chaffing (which sounds awful), but I also deal with chaffing around my rib cage, between my ladies and just general soreness from two hours of bouncing up and down. Step #1 involves finding a quality sports bra that properly supports the twins. I'm not talking about the $20 champion bras you buy at target. I like the Athleta Juno and the Under Armor Women's Endure. BOTH of these come in regular bra sizes, not S, M, L which is super helpful. Step #2 buy as many of the bra as you can afford, especially if you find one that you don't have to double up. Don't worry if the ladies in the dressing room are looking at you weird. Do jumping jacks, down dog, cartwheels, whatever you have to do to determine if this bra will work for you. Step #3 try it out on a long run. It's amazing how comfortable something might feel for 3 miles, but after 8 you're body is screaming in pain.
The LAST issue, which is gender neutral, is investing in some quality socks. You have to find what works for you, but I prefer thin socks. Nike came out with some socks that are as thick as tights, and I like them the best.
I'll let you know how all of this works out for the weekend, and if it doesn't I'll be out investing in some sweet new threads.
Happy Friday, Happy Running!