If you've ever had diarrhea, sore nipples, rashes, or other embarrassing issues while running and you thought you were the only one, don't worry, you're not alone. Most runners have had to deal with their share of embarrassing running-related problems. But they're often too embarrassed to ask their running friends, coach, or doctor what to do.
Over the years, as a runner and coach, I've personally experienced and heard stories about all kinds of embarrassing situations. So here are answers to questions about the most common embarrassing and sensitive topics for runners.
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Thanks for addressing the embarassing topics. I often wondered but never asked… I have a question about earbuds. My Ipod earbuds fall out every few minutes. Is there a specific style earbud that runners favor? There are a lot of styles on the market and I dont know where to begin.
Kelly, I recently purchased an mp3 player and the same thing happened to me with the earbuds and it was annoying. You can spend about $20 on some new ones that have a hook that goes around the ear and secures the earbuds so that you don’t have to touch them the entire run. I bought the following pair at a grocery store and they work great: Philips SHS8000 Premium Sound Ear hook Headphones
Hey Kelly,
As an avid runner I like using my iPod as well. I don’t know if you’re doing this already but using the black “foamy” ear bud covers makes a huge difference – especially when the sweat starts to pour.
Yuri
Treadmill Trainer iPod Running Workouts
They also make this kind of ear bud that have different sized “ear plug” style tips on them that you push into your ear canal like an ear plug. The different sizes are for a better fit. I know Best Buy has them, I haven’t tried them but know people who live by them.
that’s what I had to get – earbuds with a choice of several sized squishy plugs around them, $20 on amazon by Skull Candy. Regular earbuds won’t stay in for me and hurt.
Tahnks for posting
I have something to add for item number 10, Menstrual Concerns. Christine says, “Tampons are recommended over pads for comfort and to avoid chafing. Just make sure you carry an extra one on your long runs during that time of the month.”
I agree that tampons are more convenient than pads, but would recommend menstrual cups over both. I have used a menstrual cup for almost two years now and I can’t believe I went as long as I did without it. I have gone scuba diving, competed in wrestling tournaments, attended yoga classes, boxed, cycled, and led a generally active lifestyle without having to worry about leaks.
A menstrual cup can be safely worn for up to 12 hours at a time and far exceeds the capacity of an “ultra” absorbency tampon (30 ml vs. 15-18 ml of fluid). Furthermore, menstrual cups have not been associated with toxic shock syndrome (TSS), are known to reduce menstrual cramps for some women, and cost less over time because a cup can be used for several years before being replaced. Personally, I use a DivaCup and love it, but there are several other brands available on the market. Some brands, like DivaCup, are made of medical grade silicone. Others, such as The Keeper, are made of natural gum rubber.
In the LiveJournal menstrual_cups community, there is a very informative post about what cups are, the different brands, sizes, and so on. Check it out and browse around while you’re there. The community has a lot of information for those considering cups, those already using them, and those who just want to learn more. http://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups/1285963.html.