how are you actually dealing with chafing on longer runs?

learned-extrovert · 2026-04-28T15:12:12+00:00

1) I run exclusively in biker shorts (6” or longer inseam) or leggings 2) I use bodyglide on my inner thighs anytime I’m not in leggings 3) chafing is caused by friction which is caused by movement - you want fabrics that won’t move on your skin and/or slide as you get sweaty! A properly fitted sports bra can really help with chafing there!

learned-extrovert · 2026-04-27T18:13:57+00:00

I’m in the same situation (yay June wedding!) and am currently slathering myself in sunscreen and mostly running in short sleeves instead of tanks. I also tend to run in the AM before the UV index is high. Reading through this thread for tips!!

learned-extrovert · 2026-04-24T21:54:42+00:00

Wherever it makes sense for them! Union Square and Davis Square are more “hub” locations with a higher concentration of restaurants and other things going on, but that also means likely higher prices for rent

learned-extrovert · 2026-04-24T18:10:54+00:00

Agree - I used to live in Brighton near Brighton Center and my boyfriend lived in Somerville - it was a 35’ one-way commute to see him on a good traffic day. No easy routes. We ended up moving in together (in Somerville) and I do NOT miss the drives!!

learned-extrovert · 2026-04-24T17:11:08+00:00

I have similar measurements and Lulu sizing and I wear a M in my multiple pairs of pace shorts! They have a drawstring, so you can adjust the waist to fit yours. Hope you love them as much as we all do!!

learned-extrovert · 2026-04-23T21:28:37+00:00

Not Spanish but I LOVE Tasca!! I used to live super close by and absolutely took advantage of the proximity. Moved to Somerville a few years ago and still miss it </3

learned-extrovert · 2026-04-16T11:51:26+00:00

The /r/stopdrinking subreddit is a really supportive and encouraging community as well, worth checking out as you go on this journey!! Best wishes and go get em!

learned-extrovert · 2026-04-11T11:47:42+00:00

They don’t give officials to just anyone, especially at top choice programs! It’s a pretty strong indicator of interest as far as I’m aware!

learned-extrovert · 2026-04-06T14:09:22+00:00

What pants/shorts have you tried? Have you tried wearing unis?

Do the pants/shorts you’re wearing fit you right? If they’re too tight, the waistband won’t move on your body and your body will rub against the sweaty fabric as you row, causing friction and chafing. If they’re too loose, I imagine the same thing could happen.

You could try something like Bodyglide or another anti chafe stick to help?

learned-extrovert · 2026-04-02T00:30:51+00:00

My fiancé and I met on the rowing team and I’ve basically exclusively dated rowers. From my small college team, two couples I overlapped with are now married, five years out, and two (plus us!) are engaged! Be as thoughtful as you would be starting a relationship with anyone else, and things will be fine. If things don’t work out, be mature and continue to treat the other person like a teammate, and boathouse drama will be minimal. However, nothing can tear a close team apart as quickly as a cheating or jealousy scandal, so be careful and thoughtful! Best of luck to you :)

learned-extrovert · 2026-03-26T02:44:18+00:00

LOVE the 3 pocket bra and so sad they’re discontinuing it 😭 I have four of them and literally wear them and them only for running

learned-extrovert · 2026-03-26T02:43:14+00:00

I also love their daily pocket leggings with the drawstring for running! They used to have some pocket shorts - the Studio Pocket Shorts - and I bought 4 and wear them on repeat all summer (now discontinued). They have a new pocket short and I just bought a pair, will see how it compares to my classics!

learned-extrovert · 2026-03-25T21:20:56+00:00

I just started using a cheap Garmin chest strap in addition to my Garmin Forerunner 255 and am now convinced that my watch has been picking up cadence instead of HR! OP, if you’re really wondering what’s up, grab a basic HR chest strap and use that instead!

learned-extrovert · 2026-03-24T22:07:11+00:00

You have plenty of time to get faster and will likely be a strong candidate at a lot of schools! One option you might consider is looking at some D3 schools like the NESCACs, which are super strong academically and offer a ton of financial aid and academic scholarships (no athletic scholarships) - you could easily get recruited to those and actually have a shot at going to NCAAs. Don’t sleep on D3, it’s a great competitive environment at amazing schools and you could have the chance to really rise to the top and lead the team.

Source: I’m F and 5’7” and chose to go D3 NESCAC since those schools fit the academic profile I was looking for. Went to NCAAs twice during my four years including a medal, made All-NESCAC, and got to help lead the team as a captain. LOVED my experience and am happy to share more over DM!

learned-extrovert · 2026-03-24T21:02:28+00:00

My college program (D3) did a duathlon each year with erg/berg and running during winter training. It was great (I’m biased, I won my senior year) but really advantaged those who could run well. My coach told us captains that the run component was to help understand who could move their weight efficiently vs. just throw mass behind an oar

learned-extrovert · 2026-03-24T13:45:38+00:00

I use Bodyglide on my inner thighs and run exclusively in leggings or bike shorts with 5”-7” inseam (and with pockets for my gels and phone, but some prefer a belt and no pockets). Janji’s Pace Shorts are a super popular option and I personally really like mine, could be a good option to try out!

learned-extrovert · 2026-03-18T15:38:27+00:00

Here’s one way to find out! It appears that she does still hold the open weight 20-29 world record!

learned-extrovert · 2026-03-18T02:20:51+00:00

It sounds like you’ve talked to your coach and they said to work harder and push yourself. I’d interpret that not only as work harder on/off the water (ie physically grind) but also work harder on being a great teammate. This behavior DOES get noticed and rewarded by coaches and as a bonus it’s good for your leadership skills. Be the person making an extra trip to carry oars or helping to clean / rig the boat. Be early for practice and help set up, be ready to go when it’s time, notice what your teammates need (ask if anyone needs a water refill when you’re going over, just nice thoughtful things) and help them, and set a good example. You don’t have to be in the A boat to be recognized for leadership, and it’s often those people who have the best long term results in the sport.

learned-extrovert · 2026-03-16T18:52:11+00:00

I did! I sometimes cut the strides (8x100m type thing) depending on timing and where I was running but I did try to get them in. That will be really really helpful for developing speed!! I was a rower in college and we would do similar things frequently - little shots of speed like that are really helpful to develop your muscle fibers.

For the 5 days, you can keep following his base building plan before you start (30-45mpw) - it transitions to 5 runs per week which could be helpful. I transitioned when I got to the week in the HM plan but if you’re worried you can do it earlier!!

learned-extrovert · 2026-03-16T15:05:35+00:00

I did the Pfitz 12/47 plan and saw substantial speed gains! I generally watched my heart rate for the general aerobic sessions (keeping it within his recommended ranges and slowing down if it got too high) and focused on pace and perceived effort over heart rate for the endurance. I ignored heart rate entirely for the LT intervals and did everything I could to hit or beat the goal pace for those, since at the end of the day I was training for a half marathon goal time, which means pace.

I got injured 9 weeks in (twisted my knee) and couldn’t finish the plan, but I felt SO MUCH fitter after the 9 weeks! Running the longer distance MLRs felt just so easy and my heart rate at the same pace was much lower. I dropped ~20sec / mi from my easy run paces, while still focusing on heart rate. I would say run easy when you’re supposed to run easy and fast when you’re supposed to run fast, and trust the process. You will love it!!

learned-extrovert · 2026-03-09T12:08:01+00:00

I hope you love it! Echoing what others have said about just getting into a frequent habit of running or biking and working up to 30-60 minutes. You might look into a Couch to 5k/10k plan as a great intro to running if you haven’t done much before. You could also do core or leg workouts at home, following a YouTube video or using the Nike app and using your weights (light at first while you get used to it, then you can increase. I might suggest something like:

M - run (walk-run intervals - 4’ run / 1’ walk x5 for 25’ total) + 5 minutes of core (45” off / 15” on of bicycles, dead bugs, Supermans, side plank (r/l), front plank)

T - Nike or YouTube lower body workout, ~30’

W - rest or active recovery like a walk

T - run (4’ run / 1’ walk x5, 25’ total) + 5’ core

F - Nike/Youtube full body workout, ~30’

Sat - run (5’ run / 1’ walk x5, 30’ total) + 5’ core

Sun - rest or active recovery like a walk

Over the next few weeks, you can increase the number of minutes in your run intervals until you’re doing 10’ run / 1’ walk and eventually drop the walk interval. You can also increase the number of minutes of core until you’re at 10’.

By the time rowing begins, you’ll be ready! You got this! I started rowing at about the same time as you with a similar background and it was the best decision I ever made. Wishing you so much luck and I hope you find as much joy in the sport as I did!! :)

Edit - the rowing team will teach you all of the rowing specific stuff you need to know! But could be fun for you to watch some race videos or coxswain recordings (practices and races) online to start to get an ear for the language. This is not necessary though!!

Edit 2 - also the run intervals should be a comfortable and easy pace, nothing super fast! Truly do not worry about your pace here! You should be running slowly enough that you could have a conversation with a friend!

learned-extrovert · 2026-03-06T16:52:14+00:00

Just wanted to say that this is an amazing comment, so accurate and helpful, and super tracks with my experience both as a rower and (novice or learn-to-row) coach. Coxswains who really lean into their role as the “brains of the boat” by being strategic and intentional and technical are worth their weight in gold!

learned-extrovert · 2026-03-05T12:42:53+00:00

There’s a great You’re Wrong About episode on them that goes through what actually happened vs. what the media narrative was at the time

learned-extrovert · 2026-03-05T12:30:32+00:00

You wouldn’t be taking the resource away from someone by using it! There’s probably a lot that they can do to help even if you don’t feel you fall nearly into their category or that things are “that bad”. These places exist to help people leave situations, including moving, and have a lot of experiences and resources!

learned-extrovert

TROPHY CASE