Running Update

[teaberryblue]

Guys! So I haven’t had a chance to make a real for-real update since I spent most of my weekend busy, but Saturday morning, bright and early, was the Run For Congo Women.

Our team was made up of about 20 cartoonists, comic fans, friends, and people who lost a bet. Everyone was so nice and a lot of fun to chat with. We also ended up raising about $3500, the second-highest amount raised by any other group in the run! I personally raised about $300, and I would like to thank all of you so much for contributing.

I was very proud of myself– I ran all 5k from start to finish without stopping or walking. I ran a bit slower than a lot of people, but I met my goal of running the entire thing. It was a bit intimidating, though, when the lady pushing the double-stroller ran faster than me. That might get turned into a comic. It was a pretty hard run, harder than my usual track, but it was so gratifying to finish it.

I have decided that I want to keep running in the morning, although I am not going to run 5k every morning– that was a bit much, and I often felt a bit strained by the end. Today I ran 3k, but I made a point of making myself run harder than I did when I was running 5k, so it was still a proper workout. One thing I really like about running in the morning is that if I get up at 6:30, by the time I get to work at 9 am, I’ve already been up for two hours, and that really makes a difference in how I feel at work. I’m ready to work, and not groggy for the first hour.

There is one drawback I haven’t mentioned, and that is the effect on my boobs! My breasts are really sore when I finish a long run– on Saturday, they were pretty painful, more painful than anything else I felt. I also have been breaking out like a kid who just hit puberty in my cleavage area, with really big, painful acne. Which is ugly, too. And it’s a place I rarely got acne before I started running, so I can tell it’s directly related. I was wondering, do any of the runners who read this have either of these issues? What do you do about them? Thanks!

Mirrored from Antagonia.net.

Comments

[hxcpunkchick.livejournal.com]

To cut down on my boobs hurting, I have to wear two sports bras and I generally wear a tight-fitting tshirt or tank top. If it's especially tight, I'll only have to wear the one sports bra.

Can't help ya with the cleavage acne...

[zia-narratora.livejournal.com]

I only own one sports bra, alas! I haven't been able to find another one that fits me. The only reason this one fits is because I bought it when I weighed a lot less and it stretched out as my boobs went back to their normal size.

[whirled.livejournal.com]

Yay for the run! *wild applause*

Re: boobs - I don't know if you've already gone and done this so it might not be any help. Go out to a sports store or a really good bra shop and get yourself fitted for the best bra you can afford. It might take a couple of hours of trying things on, mixing and matching with crop tops or tank tops and whatever you usually run in, but once you find a bra that you can jump up and down in with minimum jiggle, buy it. Buy two or three, if you can!

[zia-narratora.livejournal.com]

I've been trying to find a sports bra, but I haven't found any that fit me yet. I've been to about six stores and tried on about thirty-five bras.

[daydreamweaver.livejournal.com]

Freya Active Soft Cup would be my recommendation if you can find it to try on. I'm a 38E and while it does give me a slightly 90s Madonna silhouette, it has been fantastically supportive for running.

It fits higher on the ribcage than a good-fitting regular bra, which does feel strange when you first put it on, but the wide strap on the shoulders makes it quite comfy once you get used to that sensation.

[zia-narratora.livejournal.com]

Oh, that one is in the US so I wouldn't mind buying one to try on and returning if necessary! Thanks for the rec.

[whirled.livejournal.com]

Ack! Good luck with the search...

There's some links here for some sports bras in ze US. I think the ultimate would be a custom bra!

[sileri.livejournal.com]

You seem to get what you pay for with sports bras. I buy from the outlet to save a few bucks, but not nearly enough. A moisture wicking material helps, followed by application of antiperspirant or powder to help things stay dry. Even then I have a near perpetual rash in my cleavage during the summer so I'm still looking for a full solution to do something about the sweat.

[zia-narratora.livejournal.com]

Yeah, unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a new bra that fits me yet. I will try adding some powder, though, I didn't think of that!

[negativeneve.livejournal.com]

Congrats! Doesnt it feel awesome? I havent ran since the beginning of the month and it really sucks. I want to start up again but I dont know where to fit it in. Im going to have to figure it out though.

I dont have any useful advice, sorry. :( I second the deodorant and moisture wicking one though.

[zia-narratora.livejournal.com]

It's ok! I am really proud of myself. I ran 3k this morning in the rain!

[balcarin.livejournal.com]

I get that kind of acne on my chests/breasts in the summer too (when I sweat the most/go horse riding the most). I wish I had some suggestions that were for sure, but I usually put a zinc sunscreen (face ones usually have zinc) because it treats the acne already there and then I usually do a dash of baby powder. Also once and awhile I will scrub it with this oatmeal based face scrub I have, which seems to help with the oil/dead skin build up that I seem to get more often in the summer.

[balcarin.livejournal.com]

Also I second the two sports bras + tight tee shirt thing. I sometimes work out in a full-cup, minimizing industrial strength underwire, but I actually like sports bras and think they work pretty well. The ones with two distinct "cups"/pockets are supposed to be the most supportive. I have never tried one, but they also might help with your chest acne because your boobs won't be smashed together and sweaty like a regular sports bra.

[zia-narratora.livejournal.com]

Oooh, thanks for all the tips. I will try the sunscreen thing. And face scrub seems like a good idea.

I am still trying to find a sports bra that fits me. I really like the one I have, but it is five years old.

[gildedage.livejournal.com]

I have the acne problem from working out. I take off my sports bra asap after working out, jump in the shower and use Neutrogena acne stuff along with body wash. It works!

[zia-narratora.livejournal.com]

Oh that is a good idea. I eat breakfast before I shower, but I can switch my routine around.

[prydera.livejournal.com]

The soreness definitely sounds like a too much movement issue. I don't know how big you are, but Bravissimo is a UK company that is for women with D cups and larger. They've got a sports bra that is by far the best one I've ever owned (I'm a DD) and well worth the cost and the shipping from the UK. http://www.bravissimo.com/products/lingerie/sports-bras/royce/sports-bras/ro10-details.aspx?colour=white&ck=C0ltqxqea5Q%3d is the bra I had.

[zia-narratora.livejournal.com]

Do you know if there's a place where you can try them on? I'm a little leery of buying off the internet for something that is going to be that expensive to ship back if it doesn't fit.

[dragonmagelet.livejournal.com]

Just adding +1 to the bra comments; what kind of bra are you wearing to run in now? A good friend of mine worked in a women's running store fitting bras and shoes, and he (is trans and) still knows the best companies for the well-endowed ladies.

[dragonmagelet.livejournal.com]

The Maia by Moving Comfort is the one he thinks is the best.

[zia-narratora.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I looked it up, but it doesn't come in my size. Oh, if your friend knows one that comes in a 32F, that is what I need. Also, I can't wear underwire.

[kittenboo.livejournal.com]

great job on the running! I've been trying to get to 5K but I am not there yet

[beeker121.livejournal.com]

If you haven't found them yet titlenine.com is a US company and has a pretty great bra selection that they rate by how static the bra keeps you. It doesn't help you try anything on but might give you ideas of things to look for.