January 15, 2009
Posted by simpsoka
Runnerspeak 101: Vaseline vs. Body Glide
Marathon runners probably know the reason why both are important, and triathlete certainly understand the pain averted by using these products. But when it comes down to it, there are two schools of thought for a successfully chafe-less race.
Which one are you?
The first is product is Vaseline Petroleum Jelly. This is a classic fallback for many runners and endurance athletes, and is usually available at aid stations throughout a well supported race. Apply it to already chafed regions, or those you anticipate are especially vulnerable to excess rubbing. Vaseline doesn’t usually have an odor, but it can be a bit… gooey.
Second: another group of runners use a specialty anti-chafe product called Body Glide (I like this just for the name!). Body Glide looks like deodorant, but definitely doesn’t smell the same. The odor is similar to the BO you’re going to experience post race, but gooey-ness is a non-issue. Directions: apply to chafe susceptible areas, or those that have already fallen victim to the burn. This is the product I use, and rarely have a chafing incident.
3 Comments
January 15, 2009
I’m definitely a Body Glide user because it’s less messy and stay on longer. But — there is one disadvantage: it’s not really “shareable.” Watch where guys put it and you won’t want to borrow theirs, if you were ever inclined. At least everyone can dip into a jar of petroleum jelly.
January 15, 2009
I guess I’m the odd one out. I’m a big fan of a product from the UK called Physio Sport Anti-Friction Skin Barrier Gel – kind of like vaseline in a squeezy tube. Basically it’s a waterproof gel to help prevent rubbing and help protect against harmful bacteria (it contains tea tree oil – a proven anti-bacterial agent).
Unfortunately they stopped making the product a few years ago, but I’m still able to pick some up on eBay once in a while.
I must say in my triathlon days, Bodyglide was great for preventing wetsuit chafing and unlike vaseline didn’t eat into the neoprene…
Sorry for rambling…
–Steve
January 16, 2009
Update: just ordered 5 tubes of Physio Sport from an eBay guy in the UK – http://tinyurl.com/physiosport
Thanks for the reminder – I’d forgotten I was down to my last tube…
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