Last night I suffered from blisters. I started the run pretty strong on the first half of our Tempo run-cum-LSD, even pacing with one of the fastest beast in takbo.ph group named Wilnar during warm ups. However, the other half was a different story. My legs were still strong, able to kick some ass but unable to run faster. Why? Same story even seasoned ultra marathoners suffer at some time in their running careers. B.L.I.S.T.E.R.S. For newbie runners, blisters are caused by abrasion against your skin. To keep that abrasion from causing blisters, you’ll need to apply some sort of lubricant to your skin. Ideally, use one that will last for the entire duration of your run. As I’ve already been applying Petroleum Jelly from my previous race, I reckon that its probably not ideal for my body anymore.

And so I fired a quick shoutout at my facebook wall and asked where I can buy Body Glide which according to runners are better than Petroleum Jelly. Sir Jovie (aka Bald Runner) told me “baka hindi mo alam maglagay ng petro jelly sa paa?”(Translation: Maybe you don’t know how to apply petro jelly on your feet?). Like a grandfather’s advice to his apo, he asked me to check Ultra marathoner Scott Jurek to look at his video for a demo on how to apply petroleum jelly correctly. Visit this link to see the video.

Anyway, I did some research in the internet to educate myself on how to avoid blisters during my run and so I hope these tips will also help you out:

Tip 1: Apply lubricant, liberally. There are several available in the market such as the following:

1. Vaseline Petroleum Jelly
2. Body Glide
3. Sport Shield and Blister Shield
4. Sport Slick
5. Hydropel
6. Squeaky Cheeks Performance Powder
7. Band-Aid Blister Block Stick

The cheapest and easiest to find is petroleum jelly (any brand will do). Again, apply them liberally on the section where your feet lands and between toes.

Tip 2: Wear the proper socks. Socks made of cotton is a big NO. You should look for one made of Cool Max(polyester). These high-tech fabrics wick the sweat away from the foot and help prevent blisters. Or, you can also try Dry Max (albeit more expensive). Dry Max work by moving moisture away from the skin and truly keep your feet dry while Cool max brand simply dries faster.

Tip 3: Buy shoes that fit properly: When you buy new shoes, ensure that it fits your feet properly. Take your time, test the shop’s treadmill using your new shoes or walk around the shop, or even run outside the store to test it on asphalt road. I was told by a runner friend that Mizuno at BHS allows this Additionally, feel the area of the shoes above your toes to ensure they’re not too tight. Press your thumb down on the end of the shoes. There should be a thumb’s width of room between your big toes and the end of the shoes. Also, check the sides along the widest part of your foot, as well as the heels, to make sure they don’t rub your feet.

Tip 4: Remember chafing. This can be just as disabling. Typical areas of chafing include the groin, around the armpits, and under the bra line or straps. Use petroleum jelly on these areas for prevention.

I hope these tips will help us be blister free in the future!