Coaching Tip:  Avoid Chafing

Whether it be the wetsuit, shoes, triathlon kit, or some other article used while racing and training, chafing is a very common occurrence and one that should be avoided whenever possible. Chafing happens when something, usually an article of clothing, is restrictive or quite tight, and it makes a part of the body sore by rubbing it. I have seen people’s necks that were rubbed almost raw because of how the wetsuit rubbed during the swim. You then have to deal with that feeling, which may actually be quite painful, throughout the entire race.

There are many products out there that offer solutions, such as Body Glide and Ruby’s Lube, but I would like to offer another solution, in case your forget to pack those products or you run out of them. Try deodorant! It works in quite the same way. Rub it on your skin where your wetsuit meets your neck, on your inner thighs where your triathlon shorts have a seam, or along your feet where your shoes can cause a blister. Some people apply it around the timing chip band on their ankle. Just make sure that if you can only get your hands on deodorant for the opposite sex that it doesn’t smell too strongly! I was in an elevator smelling very musky one time, and it can get embarrassing. Now you have another way to use something you probably already have on hand.