The Running Thread - 2026

[Erika10021]

For me, lots of vasoline or Vick's vaporub helps prevent blisters. The bodyglide and such do not provide near as much friction protection. If I have a blister already, then I will apply vasoline or vaporub under the bandaid and then all over it too. During the last Dopey, I got a blister during the 10k and did the above for the half and marathon. Made it through both of those okay (had to add more vasoline during the marathon).

 

[marty3d]

QOTD: How careful are you about potential exposure to illness leading up to an A race?

I'm in the same situation as you - I am aiming for a big jump in my PR for Chicago. If I had a similar event 2 weeks ahead of the race, I'd absolutely go- but I'd be careful. I also think the timing may be good - you really aren't into the peak of flu season yet. Honestly for me, I'm more concerned about catching something at Chicago and being down for the count 2 weeks later at W&D. (And because the US has Flu/ COVID vaccines available about a month before we do in Canada, I might just drive across the border pre-Chicago and load up)

 

[The Expert]

Thanks for the responses to QOTD -- it's given me some good perspective. I'm not particularly susceptible to illness, so yes I'm being a little paranoid. And I appreciate those who pointed out that a lot can change between now and then, so why take away the option so soon? So I'm going to RSVP yes and hope that I'm in a position to proceed with caution and enjoy the events when the time comes.

 

[Naomeri]

ATTQOTD: no more careful than I normally am. If I know someone is actively sick, I’ll avoid them and do extra handwashing, but I don’t do anything about the potential germ carriers in the general public.