I've done several marathons. This is a common issue for long distance runners.
Some approaches that runner's take:
1) Vaseline, diaper cream (usually a heavy zinc oxide cream) or (imo, better) 'body glide' (any running store will carry it, or try Amazon) ... glide works well on your feet and the inside of your thighs, too --- other common areas of chafing.
2) Band-aides. You may need/want to shave around the nipple. Combine this with vaseline or glide. Usually this is needed if your nipples are already injured and you have to run,
3) Look at the clothing you're wearing. Different fabrics behave differently when they are wet, I find that some of the newer 'dri-fit' fabrics chafe less when wet than many of the older fabrics. If you are using cotton tee or similar, definitely ditch that --- it's like sandpaper when wet. As cooler weather comes around, running shirtless probably isn't an option.
Give chafing some time to heal, if you can, It's an injury like any other and it's easy to keep re-injuring yourself if you don't give it time to heal completely.
If you are looking for something soothing when your are not running, try one of the 'heavier' hand creams. I like Norwegian Formula Hand Cream, but ymmv. Creams made for diaper rash are also supposed to be effective, and I've also heard of people using nipple cream and udder cream. I have no personal experience with those.
Believe it or not, if it's race day, try running a little harder to pump up your endorphin output. Once the endorphins kick in there are all sorts of aches and pains that you stop noticing while running. Many races I've ended up with blood-soaked socks because my toes have been bleeding but I never noticed due to the endorphins.
Good luck.
Posted By: Beachs
Started jogging couple months ago and my nipples are getting chaffed really bad and with the cooler weather in the morning they are getting worse. Any suggestions on what to do to sooth them.
Thank in advance for any help.
