Last Updated on January 27, 2015 by Heather Hart, ACSM EP, CSCS
Race day ailments seem to be a (painful) rite of passage for new runners; and an unfortunate recurrence for forgetful running veterans. There is nothing quite like finishing your first race, only to step in the shower and wince in pain as the hot water discovers all of the places your sports bra or shorts chafed your sensitive skin. Though easily preventable, often times new runners (and sometimes even the seasoned pros) are so focused on the race itself that they overlook potential ailments that could totally ruin the race they trained so hard for. Here are six common race day ailments experienced by runners, and tips on how you can prevent them from ruining your race.
(Disclaimer: I initially hoped to post pictures of said ailments, but decided I’d spare you guys. You are free to eat lunch and read this post simultaneously.)
Blisters
A runners nemesis: blisters on your feet can be incredibly painful, but are often preventable. Wear the same sneakers that you have trained in; avoid wearing brand new shoes on race day, as they may have what is known as hot spots, or areas that have yet to be broken in and may cause irritation. Be sure you are wearing the appropriate socks, with proper fit and sweat wicking fabric. Lastly, help avoid chafing by covering your toes in anti chafing cream such as Trail Toes
Upset Stomach
Trust me and the Baltimore Marathon of 2009: nothing will ruin your race like having to stop for port-a-potty breaks due to an upset stomach. DO NOT try any new foods the night before, the morning of, or during the race. This is not a friendly avoidance suggestion, it is a warning to NOT try new things. Instead, stick with foods that you know your stomach can easily digest, and you have had success with during your training runs. If you are sensitive to high fiber foods, it is recommended that you avoid them the night before and morning of a race. Instead, try foods such as bananas, pasta, or plain bread and bagels, that tend to slow down your digestive system. Stay properly hydrated, and avoid alcohol consumption the night before a race.
Chafing
Chafing can occur in numerous places on a runner, typically anywhere that continuous rubbing of clothing, accessories, or even skin to skin contact occurs. Common sites of chaffing include between the thighs, on the shoulders under sports bra straps, or in the armpits. To prevent chaffing, first ensure that you are wearing dry-wicking, technical fabric. Avoid cotton, as it is more likely to absorb sweat and irritate the skin. Second, generously apply an anti-chafing lubricant, such as Vaseline, or a sport specific product such as Body Glide to the areas that are most prone to chaffing. To avoid any surprise hot spots, race in clothing that you have previously trained in and haven’t experienced any issues with.
Bloody Nipples
Yes, this is actually a thing. One that I’m happy to report I’ve yet to experience, but I hear is incredibly painful. Because women typically wear tight fitting sports bras, this ailment typically only affects men. I’ll spare you a photo in this post, but if you are oddly intrigued, visit this flikr album. Over the course of a race, nipples constantly rubbing against a shirt can cause irritation, and even bleeding. There are a number of ways to prevent this condition. First, avoid wearing cotton shirts, as they are more likely to chafe, and instead opt for a dri-wicking technical fabric. Apply some sort of lubricant directly to the nipple area such as BodyGlide or Vaseline. Lastly, if necessary, a Band-Aid, or a product designed specifically for this purpose such as NipStrips
Bruised or Lost Toenails
Another gross, yet common ailment especially among longer distance runners, is the bruised or lost toenail. To avoid such toenail injuries, be sure to wear properly fitting shoes. Often, runner’s feet swell during longer races, or toes bump against the front of shoes on courses that contain a significant amount of downhill. For these reasons, it is often recommended to size up one half of a shoe size in your running sneakers. Also, keep your toenails short to help prevent pressure on the toes from the impact of running.
Dehydration/Overhydration
During the anticipation of an upcoming race, or during the excitement of running a race, a runner may find themselves drinking too much…or too little water. This is not only an ailment, but a situation that could quickly become dangerous to the health of a runner. Hypernatremia (dehydration) or hyponatremia (due to low levels of sodium, or too much water) can not only ruin your race day experience, but can potentially become life threatening. Though these situations are more common in longer distance races, they can affect any athlete at any time. To prevent drinking too little…or too much… water, practice your race day hydration during training situations. Account for changes in climate on race day (such as really high temperatures) but don’t go overboard. If your hydration plan worked well during training, stick with a similar plan on race day.
While some race day ailments may simply be bothersome, others may start out small, such as a blister, and eventually become debilitating over the course of the race. Keep in mind the simple suggestions listed above to help prevent these ailments, and you’ll be able to focus simply on running your race.
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What is the worst ailment/injury that you’ve experienced during a race? In retrospect, was it preventable?
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*Amazon affiliate links used in this post.
Heather Hart is an ACSM certified Exercise Physiologist, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), UESCA certified Ultrarunning Coach, RRCA certified Running Coach, co-founder of Hart Strength and Endurance Coaching, and creator of this site, Relentless Forward Commotion. She is a mom of two teen boys, and has been running and racing distances of 5K to 100+ miles for over a decade. Heather has been writing and encouraging others to find a love for fitness and movement since 2009.
John (Daddy Runs a Lot)
As a bloody-nipple sufferer, the only advice I can give for avoidance is a compression top. If I run while wearing a shirt, it’s tight, wicking material. When I was a bit…um, heftier, I’d wear a looser fitting top on top of the compression layer, but I always wear a compression layer. Without it, if I’m wearing a shirt, I’ll end up with “gunshot wounds” by mile 6 (and uncomfortable nipples for a week, if I run even a 5k)
Heather
Great tips John! And makes me even more thankful I’ve yet to experience the chafing nips!
Cheri @ Overactive Blogger
I woke up sick the morning of the Greensboro Marathon and barfed from mile 18 on. Will watch what I eat in the days leading up to a race next time!
Heather
oh my gosh that sounds HORRIBLE! Lesson learned the hard way! I’m so sorry!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner
Sometimes I get chafing on the bra strap during longer runs and boy do they hurt. They just come and go. I started using a chamois cream and it works really well.
Larisa Dixon (@0to26point2)
oh these are great ones. I have experienced them all minus the the whole bloody nipples. I think thats more of a guy issue. 🙂
Eat Pray Run, DC
i ran forever w/out having any toenail issues…and then it happened. i kinda managed to save it but it made me recommit to keeping those toenails trimmed down! 🙂
Pretty Little Grub
I appreciate you not showing pictures! I’ve had my fair share of these but luckily no bleeding nipples…ouch!
Katie (@momslrb)
I use to think the bloody nipples was just legend until I saw a poor guy one time.
Erica G
Out of these, over the course of the years I have experienced blisters, chafing, upset stomach, and perhaps a case of dehydration. I was definately out of whack on my salt balance!
Stephanie H. (@FitMomTraining)
Blisters are always my downfall! I just can’t get away from them. I’ve had the underhydration issue as well which has left for a very crappy end to a half marathon. Yuck.
Toni Church (@tonee78)
Sadly I have experienced them all. The stomach issues hit me hard during the NYC marathon, but I think it was more nerves than food. I never try anything new on race day anymore for that reason!