Running and Chafing: Ouch!!!!

It all started last year when I missed being listed in the New York Times' NYC marathon page by only a few minutes because of a bathroom break. I knew I needed help and decided to seek out some of the best runners for advice. I had lots of questions, much more than just potty breaks, in particular, what to do about some serious chafing.

I thought I had good running shirts/shorts and have been using body glide but jeez – sometimes there's just no relief, especially on runs longer than 3 miles. The nipples and other tender regions were, well, quite sore. There's no need to really get into much more. The comments speak for themselves; a great bunch of people with great advice.

An experienced runner with 25 marathons under his belt, Dan, from Los Angeles, agrees that chafing is one of the most dreaded aspects of distance running. "The nip issue is simple he says. "If you have a non-hairy chest, simply affix a bandaid or two to each nip before each long run and marathon." Although the bandaids work for him, he also mentions checking into Nipguards at http://www.nipguards.com. "They've sold a million of these since 1999 and apparently work. And are feasible for those with hairier chests for which bandaids aren't as feasible," he added.

Matt from Minnesota says he "started using some industrial bandages over the nips. The cheaper band aids seem to fall off as soon as the sweating starts."

Paul from Columbus has run 110 marathons and ultras and the only thing that works for him he says Aquaphor. "Aquaphor beats chaffing. I use it liberally. It stays on for the entire event and then washes off nicely. No staining of clothing either."

Chris, also from Columbus, has run 100 marathons and ultras (weird, I wonder if they know each other) and he also swears that Aquaphor is the key. "It just gets more slippery as you sweat... just glob it on! It's available at most pharmacies."

Another marathoner Richard, from Greenville, recommends compression gear. "Tight is the ticket," he says. "I use compression shirts and lined shorts along with a glide bar. I might look funny but it eliminates chaffing for me." I'm with him here on the funny part. Not 25 anymore you know?

Speaking of being bashful, Chris, a marathoner from Chicago says: "Go tight! If you don't want to show off the bod with a compression shirt then put a tank top or sleeveless shirt over it." Chris also recommends to "double it up" by wearing the compression shirt, nip guards, body glide and lined shorts. He also had a great basic tip that I should mention: simply staying away from cotton in any form and sticking with lightweight moisture wicking apparel.

Bill, from Michigan, swears by compression gear and tape for the nips, but with two very special bonus tips. "I wear compression shorts, but I turn them wrong-side-out. That way, no seams are against your skin. Some athletic tape over the nipples ought to solve that problem. Just remember to pull it off if it gets hot and you take off your shirt. I forgot one day, and couldn't figure out why someone in my neighborhood was giving me funny looks."

All in all 14 very experienced runners weighed in on the chafing issue with some great tips for a newbie like me. I have been using all them actually. See you on November 7th for the 2010 ING NYC Marathon!

Stay tuned for my next post: where to put those extra gels packs on long runs!

And be sure to click on my Team Red Cross fundraising page. It's the only reason I am running this thing. Click here to make a donation now - thanks!

http://american.redcross.org/site/TR/NYCMarathon/COGPNYGreaterNewYork-32500?px=5807805&pg=personal&fr_id=1259

Marathon Runners and Potty Breaks: Yep, a big deal as it turns out

As a newbie runner, I recently asked a group of experienced marathoners if they had any tips on potty breaks. Last year's ING NYC Marathon porta-john lines were long and I really didn't want to stop at all and loose momentum. I held it for as long as I could but by mile 18 I had to relieve myself. I found a porta-john with no line but by then, I had been stalling it for so long it took forever and I lost a lot of time.

Dan from Los Angeles, an experienced runner with 25 marathons under his belt, agrees that it's a big issue, "a last minute potty break is my single worst enemy."

He says bathroom breaks are all about timing, which is hard to get right, "some of my best marathons have been ruined by porta-john breaks." He recommends getting up early and drinking as much as you can. "Then you must time your last bathroom break as close to the marathon start as possible, thus reducing the chance of having to stop early on in the race." He says the timing in this way increases your chances that you won't have to make a pit stop as you'll be sweating at the same rate as taking fluids in."

Bill, a marathoner from the Michigan area, says to avoid bathroom breaks stay away from gel packs that contain caffeine. He also says to use your long runs as training to aid in avoiding bathroom breaks. I didn't know about the caffeine and I'll definitely be doing this when I do my long training runs!

"The bathroom break was always a problem for me too," says Matt from Minnesota. "I started to time my fluid intake before the start. I drink plenty of fluids up to an hour before, but none until after the gun fires. I found that I also felt better at the start with no sloshing belly. If I hydrate properly the day leading up to the race, the few ounces I lose in that last hour never affects my performance."

Matt also suggests for any last minute emergencies you can bring a "relief bottle" of some type to the start of the race. A great idea for those that are worried they might miss the start from a last minute potty break (porta-john lines can be long).

And probably the best tip comes from Paul in Ohio (he's an advanced runner and also a regular marathon pacesetter). Paul says don't be shy about taking a break if needed. "Can't find a porta-john, find a tree."

Good luck runners!! Next post is all about chafing. You won't believe what the experts say here. Amazing tips that have already saved me some skin.

$5 Team Red Cross #ingnycm Twitter Challenge is at $947

Thanks to some great friends and randoms I am up to 27% of my Red Cross fundraising goal. Need to raise $3500. Less then 10 weeks to go to the big day (11-7-10) so any little bit helps. Remember, I am training and running all 26.2 so you don't have to!

Click here to make a donation now - thanks!

Tiny URL at http://tinyurl.com/2wsxk5l

Back in Action for 2010! Join in and Support my ING NYC Marathon Run to Raise Money for the American Red Cross

It’s on! Last year I joined a small group of runners who raised more than $100,000 for the Red Cross by running the 2009 ING NYC Marathon (that’s me on the far right above). As the busiest chapter in the country, the Red Cross in NY needs our help, every little bit you contribute makes a difference. The group is back together again for this year so please support me in my run by making a contribution on my 2010 Donation Page.

Donate Here on my 2010 Donation Page:
http://american.redcross.org/site/TR/NYCMarathon/COGPNYGreaterNewYork-32500?px=5807805&pg=personal&fr_id=1259

On Twitter: I raised $3,400 last year partly through my $5 Red Cross Twitter Challenge (last year this type of thing was still new - not so much anymore). You can help by donating and also by helping spread the word by retweeting and mentioning @nealgorman $5 Red Cross Twitter Challenge. Check back here for results and see me @nealgorman (http://twitter.com/nealgorman) and share some tweets!

Here are a few neat little news articles from last year too!

PRWeek: October 19, 2009
http://www.prweekus.com/fundraising-for-the-red-cross-with-twitter/article/155736/

Oregon Red Cross Blog: May 6, 2010 (an update)
http://redcrosspdx.blogspot.com/2010/05/go-neal.html

Oregon Red Cross Blog: October 30, 2009
http://redcrosspdx.blogspot.com/2009/10/run-neal-run.html

Brooklyn Daily Eagle: October 15, 2009
http://www.brooklyneagle.com/categories/category.php?category_id=8&id=31324

Most importantly, Donate Here on my 2010 Donation Page: http://american.redcross.org/site/TR/NYCMarathon/COGPNYGreaterNewYork-32500?px=5807805&pg=personal&fr_id=1259

or use the Tiny URL at http://tinyurl.com/2wsxk5l

Want to support another runner? Visit the links at www.nyredcross.org for more information.

2010 American Red Cross Fundraising Breakfast

Benefiting the American Red Cross in Greater New York

Are You In?

Registration - 8:00 am,

Breakfast - 8:30 to 9:30 am

Mandarin Oriental New York

80 Columbus Circle,

60th Street

For more info e-mail me at nrg1998 at hotmail.com

ING NYC Marathon Success - $3,343 Raised for Red Cross!

On November 1st, 2009, I joined more than 40,000 runners from around the world in the 40th running of the ING NYC Marathon. Like them, I trained for months and surprisingly, conquered the distance and self-doubt. Some call it the Mt. Everest of running races, a grueling 26.2-mile race through all five boroughs of New York City. I am not sure I will ever run it again, but I am very glad to have had the privilege, especially knowing that I was running for a good cause too - the American Red Cross.

The race is over but the fundraising goes on and so do all the fires, disasters and emergencies in New York - which is why we ran. Please continue to help if you can. My fundraising page will be active and online through mid December. Every little bit you contribute helps.

Contribute Here:
http://american.redcross.org/goto/ngorman

I didn't break any records but achieved a personal milestone in the race, finishing at 4:53:02. I wanted to give up plenty of times, especially at mile 8 when I was only a few blocks from my apartment (photo above, that's me on the left of the 4:45 pace setter), but I was surrounded by so many inspiring people who helped keep the momentum going.

$5 Red Cross Twitter Challenge is at $2190!

Donate here http://american.redcross.org/goto/ngorman
 
Only 4 days left to the Marathon!
 
Thank You!

Twitter Challenge Gets a Mention in PRWeek Blog

Fundraising for the Red Cross with Twitter
From The Cycle on PRWeek
"Neal Gorman, the VP of PR at Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, and chairman of the Brooklyn Chapter of the American Red Cross, is using Twitter to raise money as he runs the New York City Marathon on November 1..."

Full story online here: http://www.prweekus.com/Fundraising-for-the-Red-Cross-with-Twitter/article/155736

See posts below for $5 Red Cross Twitter Challenge information.

$5 Red Cross Twitter Challenge Gets a Mention in Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Marathon Runners Look To Raise Money as They Race
From the Brooklyn Daily Eagle
"Neal Gorman, my golf buddy and a chairman of the Brooklyn Chapter of the American Red Cross, is running in the NYC Marathon and using Twitter to raise funds for the Red Cross. That’s right, Twitter."

Full story online here: http://www.brooklyneagle.com/categories/category.php?category_id=8&id=31324
See post below for $5 Red Cross Twitter Challenge information.

Can Twitter help raise money for a good cause? $5 Red Cross Twitter Challenge starts now!

Like you, I'm on Twitter and catching up on all my friends and followers. But can Twitter help raise money for a good cause?

Update: Not into Twitter? I've added a $5 challenge on Facebook too - please join here http://www.facebook.com/nealgorman?ref=profile#/event.php?eid=293661790493&ref=mf

Here's the challenge, I'm running the NYC Marathon (see full post below) as part of an official American Red Cross charitable team. There are 15 of us and we each need to raise $2,500. As you know, every little bit helps - that's where the $5 Red Cross Twitter Challenge comes in. Lets prove that a little tweeting can go a long way. If you are on Twitter, play along and when you contribute your $5, please re-tweet (RT) a $5 Red Cross Twitter Challenge mention. Like this:
"RT @nealgorman Can Twitter help raise money for a good cause? $5 Red Cross Twitter Challenge starts now! Details at http://bit.ly/macGc" so we can track it.

If you do a Twitter search you'll see that it's picking up some steam, but we need to turn the RTs into $5 donations to the Red Cross.

Twitter link http://twitter.com/nealgorman.

See Progress here: http://american.redcross.org/goto/ngorman.

Thanks!

I am a Runner for Team Red Cross in the NYC Marathon

I need your help! I have accepted a challenge from the Red Cross to change a life, starting with my own. I have registered to be a Runner for Team Red Cross, one of the charity partners for this year's 2009 ING NYC Marathon.

There is nothing more powerful than the heart of a volunteer, which is what's inspired me to do what I can to help the Red Cross and the over 7,000 volunteers that support the organization. On Sunday, November 1st I'll begin my long journey through the five boroughs of New York Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens and the Bronx. I'll be running those 26.2 miles alongside my fellow Red Cross team, including the CEO of the organization Theresa A. Bischoff.

I've committed to raise $2,500 to support my Red Cross's ongoing, vital programs and services. Every day, the Red Cross offers domestic disaster relief. It also provides compassionate services in five other areas: community services that help the needy; support and comfort for military members and their families; the collection, processing and distribution of lifesaving blood and blood products; educational programs that promote health and safety; and international relief and development programs.

I'm reaching out to family and friends like you, to help me reach my fundraising goal. I'm asking for your help to ensure lifesaving courses are always available in our community. I'm asking for those who have suffered by the devastation of a house fire. I'm asking because I know nearly everyone in this community has been touched by Red Cross, directly or indirectly, through services and programs vital to our community.

Please join me by making a gift. Your donation makes a critical difference in the lives of so many. Just follow the links: 

Click here to visit my personal page.
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://american.redcross.org/site/TR/NYCMarathon/COGPNYGreaterNewYork?px=5807805&pg=personal&fr_id=1221&et=8dPsLdtKWzBXjH1GJxpVbw..&s_tafId=2346

Busy Year Puts Strain on Brooklyn Red Cross Coffers

Change a life. Be a Hero for the Brooklyn American Red Cross.

From News12
Busy Year Puts Strain on Brooklyn Red Cross Coffers

(09/09/09) BROOKLYN - The Brooklyn Red Cross has been struggling to stay afloat amid a tough economy coupled with a series of emergencies that took a toll on its resources.

In the 2009 fiscal year, the Brooklyn Red Cross responded to 864 emergencies at a total cost of $2.9 million. Since the beginning of the 2010 fiscal year in July, the Red Cross has responded to 528 disasters, offering victims food, clothing and shelter.

"I wouldn't say the Red Cross would close, but our funds and services would be severely limited," says Neal Gorman.

Red Cross officials say they will begin a fundraising campaign to help the organization.

If you are a subscriber you can see the full story and video here on the News12 site http://www.news12.com/articleDetail.jsp?articleId=235381&position=4&news_type=news.

Please consider helping us by joining our new campaign, We Are The Red Cross - Here In Brooklyn. It's easy and all you need to do is sign up online at  http://american.redcross.org/brooklynheroes.

<<RedCrossHeros.jpg>>

Be Red Cross Ready with your September Preparedness Tips

The American Red Cross in Greater New York is here to help you avoid, prepare for, and cope with emergencies. Please click on the image below to access your September preparedness tips.  Click here to get prepared! http://www.nyredcross.org/page.php/prmID/598

 

Last chance to help Red Cross get double!!

Your Red Cross donation will be matched if you donate today or tomorrow, visit now!

Pretty Please!

http://tinyurl.com/qao4tj

Closing Bell at NASDAQ

Brooklyn Red Cross Board Member Helps Ring NASDAQ Bell

And you all thought nothing was happening on Wall Street. Brooklyn board member, Fred Leahy, helps ring the NASDAQ bell, see him 2nd photo far left. Click the link below:

 

http://www.nyredcross.org/viewnews.php/prmMediaTypeID/38/prmMID/653/prmID/115

Become a Red Cross HERO! Change a life.

You can become a HERO for the American Red Cross in Greater New York by raising $1,000 to support our mission. These funds will be used to assist our neighbors when they need it most…providing food, clothing, shelter and crisis counseling to those affected by disaster.

HEROES are encouraged to be creative in the way they raise funds, to engage in friendly competition and to have FUN while meeting their goals. Online fundraising is one of the easiest ways to reach your goal. All you need to do is to start your own personal page now by clicking here: https://american.redcross.org/site/TRR/Heroes/Heroes09/801941218?pg=ptype&fr_id=1201

Want to join with friends or co-workers and raise even more? Create your own team and set your own goal (with each team member pledging to raise at least $1,000). When you create your team, you designate yourself as Team Captain, choose a name for your team, and actively solicit team members to join your efforts to support the American Red Cross in Greater New York! Click here to create a team: https://american.redcross.org/site/TRR/Heroes/Heroes09?pg=tfind&fr_id=1201&fr_tm_opt=new&JServSessionIdr008=9eammae8e1.app195a

Join a Team that has already been created. You will be asked to search for and select the team by name. You may want to contact the Team Captain for the team name if needed. Click here to join a team: https://american.redcross.org/site/TRR/Heroes/Heroes09?pg=tfind&fr_id=1201&JServSessionIdr008=9eammae8e1.app195a

Prefer to change a life now? Donate by clicking here: https://american.redcross.org/site/Donation2?idb=981507192&df_id=3678&FR_ID=1201&PROXY_ID=1201&PROXY_TYPE=21&3678.donation=form1









For more information about donating, volunteering and training, call 1-877-RED CROSS (1-877-733-2767), or visit http://www.nyredcross.org/.

Preparedness Tips

The American Red Cross in Greater New York is here to help you avoid, prepare for, and cope with emergencies. Please click on the image below and learn how to keep communications open with your loved ones when disaster strikes. Click here and Get Prepared!

NDC New York Chapter donates to Red Cross Haitian Relief Fund

At a special ceremony held at the Brooklyn Red Cross, the New York Chapter of Grenada’s National Democratic Congress party donated a check in the amount of $3,000 to aid the ongoing hurricane disasters relief efforts in Haiti.

“It is an honor and a privilege to make this donation to the Red Cross for the Haitian Hurricane relief effort,” said Alfred Butler, the Chairman of the NDC NY Chapter, addressing those gathered to witness the handing over of the check at the downtown Brooklyn office of the American Red Cross.

“There can be no better organization to present this check to than the Red Cross because we know that these monies would get to the people we intend to benefit,” Butler continued.

“We appreciate the accommodation which you are giving to us today; and I am sure that the members of the National Democratic Congress [in NewYork] as well as our party’s affiliates in Grenada are proud and happy that we are doing this,” he said in closing.

More information about volunteering, donating and obtaining safety training in Brooklyn from the American Red Cross, can be obtained by calling 718-330-9200 or visiting http://www.nyredcross.org/.

TD Bank in Brooklyn Heights Donates $2,000 To Support Disaster Response And Preparedness

TD Bank donated $2,000 to the American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY) for the Chapter's disaster relief efforts in Brooklyn. The presentation took place at ARC/GNY's Brooklyn office in January.

Pictured above, left to right: Denise Bloise, Director, ARC/GNY–Brooklyn; Randy A. Estrada, TD Bank Brooklyn Heights store manager; Fred Leahy, member, ARC/GNY–Brooklyn Board of Advisors; and Neal Gorman, Chairman, ARC/GNY–Brooklyn Board of Advisors.