Chub rub - Running with fat thighs

[puginamug]

Help me out here.

I've rather foolishly entered a half marathon. Training is going sort of OK although if I get round without walking it will be a miracle

I am overweight. I'm currently 16 stone and size 18. I'm hoping this will change as training progresses.

My main issue is that I get terrible chafing on my thighs! It really stings!

I don't want it to stop me training.

Are there special leggings or underwear for this purpose?

I also get very hot very quickly so don't want something too sweaty.

Snag tights do chub rub 'shorts' they work really well for running.
Also, the big bloomer co do similar but I've not used them.

Ooh I have seen those but assumed they were more for picnics.

I shall investigate.

Body Glide

Sold for distance runners of all shapes and sizes

Lanacane anti-chafing gel. Should be stocked in most Boots etc. Can’t recommend it enough! You don’t need much, just a thin layer, one tube will probably last the entire pre-race training. Also, more cycle short type bottoms rather than cotton if you can.

There's a tube Lanacane does called anti chafing gel which can help too although you won't need it if you have a good pair of shorts. I have it for holidays and it reduces the friction without adding an extra layer as sometimes that makes me too hot. Something to try if shorts don't work.

Try runderwear for pants. It's seam free and not cotton (cotton feels wet when you inevitably sweat).

Leggings wise you want tech fabrics (not cotton) and compression can work well. I'm very chafing prone but ok with leggings and long cycling shorts. Loose or short shorts are a disaster. Leggings need to stay up - tie or loop drawstring waists are essential for me. This means that fabric is covering all of your thighs so no opportunity to rub.

Decathlon are good but sizing is unpredictable.

Aurique from Amazon. Around £20 - I'm on the fence with these as they stay up ok, decent drawstring, price good but I'm not convinced on the inner thigh durability and thigh pockets even though convenient tend to help them work down in that crucial top of the thigh/groin region.

Aldi and Lidl are good when they have them. Nothing at the moment in my local stores.

Supermarkets have some that look decent but I've not tried them yet.

More pricey, Gymshark Speed are supportive and stay up really well. Not the coolest option but solid and comfortable for me. Gymshark Training are too flimsy for support and no waist tie - useless for running.

Tikiboo if you like funky prints. Similar price to Gymshark. I like so far.

Sweaty Betty Power are the best at staying up according to my friend who has them. They're hopefully my 'prize' for the virtual half I'm doing tomorrow, if I meet my target. Will wait for a sale though as they are £££.

I forgot to say, moisturise the heck out of chafey areas post-shower.

You'll be fine with normal running leggings - they compress everything and don't let anything rub.
If you don't want full leggings in the summer, don't be tempted by the pretty skorts. The shorts on them ride up appallingly and are never long enough. A running skirt (I get mine from Gins Running Stitch) and the giant Runderwear long leg shorts will do you right

Decathlon are brillant and although the cut if their shorts can be weird (leading to erratic sizing and fit) the tights and capris, and the longer length tight/cycling-style running shorts are all reliable fit and could be helpful for you.

Thanks everyone.

I've bagged a pair of gymshark leggings in their half price sale.

I'm also quite taken with running dresses!

The 2 in 1 shorts are great. M&S do some and Decathlon etc