how important is wicking material

[treehugnmama]

if I am walking? I bought a w.i.s.h. shirt but not the cool max version. I am overweight and read they ran small so I just bought the regular shirt. I am training in cold weather so I don't really have a chance to try out gear.

Next weekend I am going to great wolf lodge and will be able to do my long walk on the treadmill. It will be my trial for my gear. Being overweight I don't know how possible it will be to get gear from a running store XL. How bad would non wicking shorts be? I have no idea what to buy?


Everyone here has helped me SO much along the way I thought I would ask one more question

 

[FireDancer]

It depends on how much you sweat. If you go at a pace that is fast enough for you to perspire I have to recommend it. Cotton in some places will help along blisters, in other it will chafe, and in all it will just absorb moisture. I'll admit I run and don't walk so other might have a different experience but I make sure nothing on my body isn't either technical or, in the case of my running gloves, wool.

 

[treehugnmama]

ok no cotton ....got it
polysester? would this be a good choice?
I haven't been sweating with my training but it has been 20degrees below 0 with the windchill factor....I think I will sweat in florida.

 

[FireDancer]

ok no cotton ....got it
polysester? would this be a good choice?
I haven't been sweating with my training but it has been 20degrees below 0 with the windchill factor....I think I will sweat in florida.

Many wicking shirts have some sort of polyester blend. Just make sure it is breathable. If you can blow through it you are probably good. What you don't want is one of those old 80's soccer jerseys that just act as an isolator.

 

[WDWFAN9]

Both Target and Wal-mart sell wicking apparel in a wide range of sizes. Look for words like duo-dry, wicking, or something similar. It really makes a difference comfort-wise. I do a lot of my training on a TM and wouldn't ever want to be wearing cotton. Good for you for planning ahead and getting your steps in while getting away.

 

[Sarah_Rose]

ok no cotton ....got it
polysester? would this be a good choice?
I haven't been sweating with my training but it has been 20degrees below 0 with the windchill factor....I think I will sweat in florida.

I see you're in Canada - try Zellers and Superstore, if you have one near you. They have a good selection of exercise gear in a wide range of sizes, for great prices. Zellers sells their own house brand of fitness gear (I can't remember the name right now!) but also Champion, Nike, Reebok stuff, but at lower prices than fitness stores. At Superstore, the Joe range of clothing has a lot of exercise gear in all sizes, and most of the shirts are in the $8 range. I have a couple pairs of Joe exercise/yoga capris that are a polyester/spandex wicking material and I wear them when running on the treadmill or in weather where it's not quite short weather, but too warm for tights. I also have a pair of light nylon running shorts that I bought there for less than $10.

Personally, I wouldn't choose to do 13 miles in Florida in March in clothing that could chafe or rub when you sweat. And if you've been training in sub-freezing temperature, you just don't know how your body will react when you get to mile 11 and you're sweaty and starting to rub. Pick up a few pieces of dedicated exercise clothing that are comfortable to you - even though you're walking, it's a long way and you want to be comfortable.

 

[treehugnmama]

Thanks for the replies. I see my wish shirt is polyester and looks breathable. I will try zellers, superstore and walmart for the proper shorts.

Silly question but does is matter what your underwear and bra are made off.

 

[momof2minnies]

OK this is just an opinion and what I do.I don't wear underwear when I run I wear compression shorts under my shorts and they have a liner.I have never had chafing in a marathon and 3 1/2s. As for the bra it does depend on what type/ size you need.They are made different dep. on type of support needed.

Linda

 

[treehugnmama]

ok thanks....I do have a great sports bra as I need lots of support but I wasn't sure if the material mattered...thanks you

 

[FFigawi]

Personally, I wouldn't choose to do 13 miles in Florida in March in clothing that could chafe or rub when you sweat. And if you've been training in sub-freezing temperature, you just don't know how your body will react when you get to mile 11 and you're sweaty and starting to rub. Pick up a few pieces of dedicated exercise clothing that are comfortable to you - even though you're walking, it's a long way and you want to be comfortable.

This is where Body Glide comes in handy. It's the best stuff ever made for preventing chafing and blisters. A few swipes on any potential problems areas before you dress works for hours.

 

[jmasgat]

Silly question but does is matter what your underwear and bra are made off.

Not silly at all! I'm a runner, so your mileage may vary, but I have found that I need wicking materials and Body Glide to avoid chafing and overall discomfort. I own some UnderArmour briefs and bras, which serve me well. For me, it's moreso the bra that matters than the briefs.

Hope you find what works for you with a minumum of trial and error and cost!

Maura

 

[Sarah_Rose]

This is where Body Glide comes in handy. It's the best stuff ever made for preventing chafing and blisters. A few swipes on any potential problems areas before you dress works for hours.

See, I've never needed Body Glide, ever. I own a roll of it, and have put it on occaisionally during my long runs, but I have never noticed a difference between days when I wear the Body Glide and days when I don't. I attribute this to the clothing that I wear when I run - sweat wicking and flat seams = no rubbing. I brought it to Florida this past month, but didn't use it at all for anything other than chap stick (it works great for this!) when my lips were all wind-burned after the full marathon. But then again, I'm not sure I sweated AT ALL during marathon weekend, over 3 events.

However, if I was heading to Florida to run my first half marathon during a time of year when it can get quite toasty towards the end, AND I had never ran/walked a long distance in warm temperatures before .... I would be pulling out every bit of insurance available.

 

[FFigawi]

See, I've never needed Body Glide, ever. I own a roll of it, and have put it on occaisionally during my long runs, but I have never noticed a difference between days when I wear the Body Glide and days when I don't. I attribute this to the clothing that I wear when I run - sweat wicking and flat seams = no rubbing. I brought it to Florida this past month, but didn't use it at all for anything other than chap stick (it works great for this!) when my lips were all wind-burned after the full marathon. But then again, I'm not sure I sweated AT ALL during marathon weekend, over 3 events.

However, if I was heading to Florida to run my first half marathon during a time of year when it can get quite toasty towards the end, AND I had never ran/walked a long distance in warm temperatures before .... I would be pulling out every bit of insurance available.

My stick of it has lasted five years so far. I only use it for two thing: 1) my chest because even the best wicking material doesn't help me there and no one likes to have or see bloody nipples and it's a lot more comfortable than nip guards, and 2) my feet when it's raining. Helps keep the wet socks and shoes from causing blisters. Other than that, I'm right there with you on the right clothing. Compression shorts have to be the best anti-chafing invention ever!

 

[tiberius]

My stick of it has lasted five years so far.

I've never had it last longer than 6 months before I manage to lose it.
However, the shorts with the built-in compression lining have become my saving grace from a chaffing point of view.

 

[fashionista311]

EVERYTHING i run with is coolmax. shorts, top, bra, socks, hat/visor, you name it. i don't wear underwear since everything i wear has a liner. walking, run/walk, running...no matter what i 100 percent recommend it for racing. i won't even cross train at the gym in cotton!

and other's have said it already...but body glide is so helpful. my hot spot is around my waist where i wear my fueltbelt/number belt if i can't tuck it in over my bottoms with the layers.

 

[crewmatt]

I have to agree with the people on this board. I'm a runner not a walker so I'm not 100% sure if it translates. I'll sometimes do a cotton longsleeve shirt or sometihng like that if its a shorter distance. But anything over a 10k I really stick with a synthetic. For shorts I use all synthetic with the built in liner. Its really night and day. Body Glide is also one of the best inventions ever for marathons. One other amazing thing - double layered socks made of coolmax. You can find them in any running store in sizes up to like 15. I ran 2 marathons recently, not a single blister thanks to those socks.

 

[treehugnmama]

Thanks for all the help
I bought body glide and double layer wright socks not sure which worked or if it was both but NO blisters this week yeah!!

I am off to find some wicking material for my shorts as well. I am a bit worried about that floriday heat. I kinda like the snow blowing in my face to cool me down

 

[momof2minnies]

OK I may be in the minority here but I don't not use body glide- I use my solid antipersperant/ deodarant on all potential chafing areas including my feet.Not only are there no blisters but they sweat less and smell better too.

It works really well and I always have it with me.I do shower before it goes on.HA!HA!


Linda

 

[JimB.]

Personally, being a long time Florida resident & hot/HUMID weather runner, I find wicking material to be of little value in the roasty, toasty Florida summer. When you are sweatin' like a race horse in 85% + relative humidity, it does not matter because because the sweat that goes into the material just does not evaporate.

The "wick away" quality depends on the surrounding dryness of the air.

I DO wear it, however, just because it is lighter in weight.

I do swear by body glide though, esp. on the feet and um, uh, other places that do not see much light.

 

[crewmatt]

And dont be embarassed about applying it at the start somewhere, you'll see dozens of people doing it. But its no where near as bad as triathlons when you see people spraying themselves down with PAM (yes the cooking spray and yes I'm quite serious). The Wright socks are the ones I have, swear by them.