The Best Hacks for Runner’s Problems
Sometimes the things we do may look strange to non-runners, but totally works for us! Some of the best tips I’ve learned, as a runner, come from other runners. It usually starts with a nagging issue that I bring up before a group run. Then someone brilliantly teaches me an awesome trick to solve my problem. Runners are pretty cool like that.
I’ve rounded up all of the weird, but effective, hacks for runner’s problems. They may not be normal, or doctor recommended, but these are tried and true ways to beat those pesky little issues. From runner to runner, these little secrets have worked for me!
 Prevent Heel Blisters
If you’re prone to heel blisters and bandaids always fall off, try using Duct Tape on your heels. It’s supposed to do the same thing as a bandage, but won’t slip off easily. Just be sure you don’t have overly sensitive skin before attempting this one. Bonus: use duct tape to water proof your shoes too!
©JenniferHowe
Dry Your Shoes Quickly
After a rainy training session, scrunch up newspapers and place them in your shoes overnight. They’ll dry quickly and let you use your shoes again the next day.
©InMyKitchen
Prevent Cramps
Probably the most bizarre tip I’ve ever learned, place a bar of soap under your sheets at night to prevent cramps. Obviously, hydration is superior and most important. But runners swear this helps too. HERE is an article on it. My  theory? It can’t hurt and your bed will smell great!
Customize Your Shoes
There are some unique ways you can tie your shoe laces to customize the fit of your shoes. Each way helps with a different runner’s issue. New Balance has an awesome tutorial on their blog.
Prevent Chafing
Don’t have any fancy anti-friction products on hand? Use your deodorant to prevent chafing. Rub it on all the usual places where you have friction while running.
Secure Your Keys
Don’t have any pockets? Secure your keys into your shoe laces if you have no other option. Just take all of the excess off your key ring and keep the valuables on you.
Prevent Side a Stitch
Nothing is worse than having a side cramp mid-run. Try grabbing your side, pinching the area that hurts and bending over. It works for me every time.
Run Through a Rough Patch
A running coach once taught me to smile when it gets tough. Smiling makes you feel more positive and it’ll help you push through that tough patch.
Get Rid of Stinky Runner’s Feet
Soak your feet in iced tea after your run for 10 minutes. It can be any herbal tea. The tea helps remove bacteria on your skin that causes the smell. Now tea does more than hydrate post-run!
Photo credit: Hugo y Charli via Foter.com / CCBY
Wow! I’m not a runner, but I can see how I could use these ideas for just every day living. Thanks for sharing!
This is a great resource, especially for newbies. I don’t run, but I walk. I think I could still use some of these tips.
Wow all great tips! I had no idea how much runners have to prepare for a race!
Body Glide always worked for me when I was running marathons; I have definitely seen some people who haven’t prevented the chaffing and UGH…not pretty. I have never heard of the soap thing – I am totally going to check that out!
WOW! What cool tips. I haven’t heard about some of these, but i will def try them !!
I am not a runner, but I walk a lot so I know some of these tips will be helpful. We are heading to Disney World soon and I will incorporate some of these tips since we will be doing so much walking.
That ice tea tip! I’ve never heard of it!
Love the heel blister tip, I hate those – they always make running after so painful! Thanks
Great tips, going to have to try the soup trick! Was wishing there was a good one for stinky shoes because my daughter’s soccer cleats are the worst lately. Not her feet but her shoes.
I only run if I see a shoe sale, but some of your tips are very useful in other situations, such as the deodorant trick and of course new shoes can cause blisters even if you don’t run in them. Keeping duct tape handy. Thanks
I’ve never heard of the soap thing, haha! My hack isn’t really a hack but it’s effective – I wear two pairs of socks if I have shoes that are starting to cause blisters. Takes the friction off the skin and prevents the blisters.
These tips are awesome! The only ones I’ve ever done were the newspaper in the shoes and tying your keys to your shoes. I was so nervous I was going to lose my key the whole time though so it made it hard to focus!
These are some awesome tips – I have never heard of them before, except the smiling one, which I believe works, but if they work that’s great!
I really like the key to the shoelace idea! I think I will have to do this when I am just hanging out at the playground with the kids too. I usually don’t have pockets and it is such a pain trying to hold my keys and play with them! Good idea!
I didnt know runners had all of these problems but these are really interesting hacks. I think the bar under the sheets for cramps is interesting hack that works!
That is a great tip for securing your keys. I never know what to do with mine when I am running!!! Thanks for the tip!
I’m not a runner, but I do workout. I might have to try the duct tape trick on my new workout shoes as they have been causing some blisters.
LOL, I need to try the soap for cramps! I already tie my key on and my laces are customized. My feet might not be so stinky if I washed my running socks more often, HA!
Such great tips!! I’m prone to blisters and cramps so definitely will try the duct tape and soap trick!
That’s brilliant tips! I have a friend who was a runner, this might help her. I would love to share this to her.
Those are awesome tips!
And a run reminder how special runners are 🙂
Changing up how I lace my shoes has helped me so much over the years!
I also wear Injinji tow socks to help prevent blisters, and it has helped me tons too!
The soap for cramps sounds crazy but awesome! I might try the tea foot soak even though I don’t run, my feet sometimes are stinky!
Heel blisters are the worst and they are so painful. Even though I am not a runner, I am going to use these tips when I am trying to break in new shoes.
Love your tips. I never thought of using duct tape to prevent blisters. Can your stinky feet remedy work on stinky lacrosse players hands?
I would try it! It’s natural, so it can’t hurt after a practice!