You've trained for this. Don't let chafing be the reason you don't finish strong.
The Problem Nobody Talks About Enough
You're half way into your long run. The legs feel good. Your pace is holding. Then it starts - that familiar sting where your thighs meet, under your arm, across your chest. With every stride it gets worse. By the time you finish, the damage is done.
Chafing. It's one of the most common issues runners face, and one of the most underestimated. It doesn't just hurt in the moment - it can force you to cut runs short, change your gait to compensate, and take days off to recover. That's training time, race preparation, and momentum you don't get back.
What's Actually Happening to Your Skin
Chafing is caused by repetitive friction — skin on skin, or fabric on skin — combined with moisture from sweat. The longer and harder you run, the worse it gets.
Here's why runners are particularly vulnerable:
- Distance and duration: More kilometres means more repetitions of the same movement. Even minor friction compounds quickly.
- Sweat: As you sweat, skin softens and becomes more susceptible to abrasion. Salt crystals left behind as sweat dries act like sandpaper.
- Heat: Warmer conditions mean more sweat, faster skin breakdown, and higher risk.
- Clothing fit: Seams, tags, and loose fabric create friction points that you barely notice but have an impact.
The result? Raw, broken skin that stings under the shower, makes your next run feel daunting, and in serious cases can lead to skin infections.
The Spots That Get Hit Hardest
Every runner's body is different, but these are the most common chafe zones:
Inner thighs — The highest-friction zone for most runners, especially on long runs or in warmer weather.
Underarms — Arm swing creates constant sleeve-on-skin contact that builds up over distance.
Nipples — Often the last place runners think to protect until it's too late. The pain can stop a run entirely.
Sports bra edges (women) — Underwire lines and band edges cause persistent friction on longer efforts.
Feet and toes — Sock seams and moisture create ideal conditions for blisters, a form of friction injury.
Why "Pushing Through" Is the Wrong Strategy
Chafing tends to follow an all-or-nothing pattern. It's manageable for most of a run, then crosses a threshold where it suddenly becomes unbearable. Pushing through rarely ends well — you change your stride, you lose focus, and if skin breaks down, you're risking infection and a longer recovery.
The better approach is prevention. Consistent, simple prevention that becomes part of your pre-run routine.
The Fix: Premax Anti Friction Balm
Premax Anti Friction Balm was formulated by Sports Physiotherapist Randall Cooper specifically to address the realities of training.
What it does:
The balm creates a protective barrier between skin surfaces (or between skin and fabric), significantly reducing the friction that causes chafing and blisters. It's built for endurance — meaning it stays effective through sweat, heat, and long efforts.
Key benefits:
- Prevents chafing and blisters — Apply before you run, and the balm works continuously throughout your session
- Ultra-endurance formula — Designed to hold up over distance, not just the first hour
- Nourishes while it protects — Skin-conditioning ingredients including Aloe Vera and Vitamin E mean you're not just blocking friction, you're supporting skin health
- Water and sweat resistant — Stays put even when conditions get tough
- Made in Australia — Formulated for athletes of all abilities
How to use it:
Apply liberally and evenly to any high-friction areas at least 5 minutes before your run. Reapply at regular intervals on ultra-distance efforts. Don't wait until you feel discomfort — apply before you head out the door.
Make It Part of Your Pre-Run Ritual
The best athletes aren't just physically prepared — they're systematically prepared. Protecting your skin before every run is the same category of decision as lacing your shoes correctly or dialling in your hydration. It costs you nothing and saves you a lot.
Anti Friction Balm belongs in your kit bag alongside your GPS watch and your race nutrition. Apply it before every long run, every trail session, every race. Build the habit before you need it.
Train More. Recover Faster. Run Further.
Chafing doesn't have to be an accepted part of running. With the right protection applied before you head out, it becomes a non-issue — and your focus stays on performance.
