I am now the not-so-proud owner of “runner’s tattoos.”

In case you aren’t familiar with this term, if you are wearing a less-than supportive sports bra and trying to expand your distances concurrently, certain….um…issues will occur.

Namely, the wide world of chafing.

Chafing is when your skin is rubbing against something (in this case, the aforementioned stretched out sports bra) as you sweat and move.  It essentially creates friction wounds in places you don’t want sores or skin irritation.

Thus far, my brush with chafing has led to amassing a vast knowledge on better sports bras and products used for treating diaper rash.  It also has led to some regrettable Google image searches.

Long story short, use Vaseline on certain spots prior to a distance run (anything over 5 miles).  Use aloe and/or Vaseline for treatment.  Invest in a runner’s stick (deodorant-like substance you apply before you lace up).

And whatever you do, don’t stop running.