In reply to The New NickB:
> (In reply to Steff)
> [...]
>
> It depends on the individual, I have a regular training partner who looks like he has been shot in the chest after 6/7 miles if he doesn't tape up.
I think it improves over time though, maybe they toughen up. I used to get sore and bleeding nipples on marathon distance runs without taping up (maybe a couple of years ago), now it doesn't seem to bother me.
That said, certain running tops give me a bit of discomfort, and I seem to be better when I'm running with a backpack, I think the strapping stops the shirt from moving as freely over the nips.
To the OP - welcome to the sport and enjoy. Despite all the gruesome anecdotes and conflicting advice it will be a lot of fun