About 1.5 miles into the race, I came upon a group and smelled something really foul. Initially, I thought it was a dead animal; then I realized it was from someone very alive in front of me. Process of elimination led me to a very tall gentleman in his late 60s, maybe older. The stench grew stronger as the race intensified and no matter where I ran, I always seemed to be downwind from this guy with a major hygiene FAIL.
This was no regular body odor, and I kept gagging. I noticed everyone who came up behind him make a face and sometimes quietly, sometimes not let loose with comments like “Sweet Jesus!” and "Peeee-eeeew!" There came to be a wide berth around this fellow, but no one said anything to him directly. It was a polite crowd.
By mile 4, I was really starting to gag and also tiring of passing the guy only to be passed by him a few minutes later. I decided to slow slightly until the invisible plume of unpleasantness was well ahead of me. When I thought it was safe again, I sped back up.
Here’s what I think contributed to this man’s major funk:
- He most likely didn’t shower prior to the race. Everyone should, whether you normally do or not. One of the SDTC coaches just the day before explained that a pre-race shower not only makes you feel, look and smell fresh, but it loosens muscles and opens pores.
- He most likely didn’t use deodorant either. Remember, there’s a difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. Deodorants disguise odor; antiperspirants narrow the pores that produce sweat. Many products contain both now, but always check.
- He wore a technical shirt. Synthetic T-shirts are wonderful at wicking away moisture so you feel cooler; however, artificial fibers also hold in odors. Sometimes the smells do not come out in the wash either, which is why there are now products specifically designed to wash athletic wear.
15 comments:
sounds like a great day at the races despite the smelly circumstances...
i have noticed more detergents on the market specifically for athletic stench...glad you had such a good day out there Anne, you've worked hard for it.
Maybe it's a race tactic on his part? I've been down-wind of smelly people at runs before, but this guy sounds extra special. Regardless, you still did quite well for yourself.
I have to shower before a run/race. I just don't feel right if I don't hop in the shower before a run...that and I would hate to be "that guy"...
Wow, I don't think I've ever had an experience like that at a race before! I've encountered some overly perfumed men and women in starting corrals, but thankfully distanced myself during the race. Hard to choose which kind of stink is worse!
Hmmmmm, I must have missed this guy. Good job on your race, you must be thrilled to be back out there(despite your odorous friend)! See you Wednesday?
I sort of feel sorry for the guy...I wonder if he knew. Still, I wouldn't want to have been in your place :)
Man he must've really stunk!! Poor guy? They say "a skunk smells himself first" .....not! Good advice!
Ewwwww, yuck! Sorry about that, but I wonder the same thing as Irene - ha. Some people just don't smell their own stink, unfortunately. And I've probably run about 400 races in my lifetime and never have showered before. But hey, if it's going to help me PR then I'm all over that shower :). Thanks for that info.
For first congrats on your race and the negative split. Interesting post, I had a worse experience during a half marathon. A fast guy decided to not stop his race and "lost" urine and shit while running! I had to be faster because the smell was terrible.
I wondered if the guy PR'd? lol. I am with Irene on the whole race tactics thing. I am glad that My long run yesterday was solo. Anyone with me would have either passed out or died laughing. lol. Well, seems you had a good go of it and enjoyed yourself anyways. Just think, if you had not have come to the race, you wouldn't have "ran" into or around (whatever) Mr. Stinkster! Way to go! and 5 thumbs up to a "your post stinks". Have fun.
Wow. I don't always shower the morning of, but try to the night before. When I have, though, you're right, the shower does help loosen up the muscles ahead of time. I'd recently read that in a runner' world issue, I think.
To run a race without deodorant, though, wow. OMG.
Ughh...having annoying people around you while you race is the worst! A bad smell...or people who chat without stopping. At least those things make you run faster!!!!
Maybe he was on some sort of medication that caused the ill odour. Either way, the poor mand and you.
how nasty! i do not get those who do not bathe daily. maybe he has some medical issues but he should not impose on breathing space.
Congratulations on your return to racing! Nothing quite like gagging while running though... it does make for a good story. I'm with Anne - I wonder if he'd gone nose-deaf. Maybe he didn't know. OH, or maybe that was his Lucky 10K race shirt...
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