Newbie question about shorts/underwear

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3335 Views 14 Replies Latest reply: Feb 8, 2012 6:15 PM by Scotty670

ryankilgore

1 posts since
Aug 12, 2011

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Aug 12, 2011 9:53 AM

Newbie question about shorts/underwear

Hi Everybody,

This is my first post on here. Nice to meet you all.

I just started running at the end of May and finally picked up some dedicated running shorts yesterday (men's, btw). In my rush at Dick's, I grabbed some Nike DryFit shorts that were on sale and checked out before trying them on.

They fit fine and all, but I wasn't expecting the swim-trunks-style underwear inside. Are these meant to be worn with no additional underwear?

What do most people wear under their shorts when they run? I usually wear boxers. I have a pair of cotton briefs, but I tried running in them and they stuck to my body and gave me a wedgie. Not pleasant.

What are the ups and downs of different methods? Impart to me your collective wisdom...

-Ryan

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Tags: gear, underwear, shorts

ManikSona
55 posts since
Aug 11, 2011

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1. Aug 12, 2011 2:03 PM (in response to ryankilgore)
Re: Newbie question about shorts/underwear

I would avoid cotton underwear as it may cause chafing. I'm not a man, but I can say that I prefer to just run in my running shorts. I am always uncomfortable when I wear underwear under my running shorts. I think you need to do what is most comfortable for you.

Manik Runner - Training for a Marathon

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Dobrobuck
151 posts since
Apr 17, 2011

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2. Aug 12, 2011 2:35 PM (in response to ManikSona)
Re: Newbie question about shorts/underwear

I wear the shorts by themselves. The only thing I would consider wearing under is compression shorts and thats mostly in colder weather. Just my preferance and wouldn't take a chance of something else under the shorts causing chafffing especially for long runs.

4/30/11 IL Marathon 10K 57:43

5/14/11 Kirby Derby 10K 57:49 3rd place in div

7/4/11 Freedom 5K 28:59

Lost 80lbs since 6/17/10 starting wt 280lbs

Joined Second Wind Running Club 9/2011

8/27/11 13.38mi 2:32

9/17/11 13.45mi 2:27

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Cycled 1600 mi summer of 2012

Cycled Hilly Hundred 10/25/12

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tsh48
18 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

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3. Aug 23, 2011 12:37 PM (in response to ryankilgore)
Re: Newbie question about shorts/underwear

I use different types of support depending on my needs or muscle soreness at the time. When everything is ok, I wear a simple jock underneath my dri-fit shorts. If I've got some
residual soreness, I'll wear long compression shorts underneath for extra support and warmth. I run 50+ per week and haven't considered running in regular underwear or shorts with
built in liners. Don't be afraid to try different things.

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Dread27
2 posts since
Sep 6, 2011

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4. Sep 6, 2011 6:43 AM (in response to ryankilgore)
Re: Newbie question about shorts/underwear

I hate the liner in running shorts. I tend to get compression shorts to wear underneath. I find that I get a lot less chaffing and that makes me want to run more.

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how2runfast
207 posts since
Sep 21, 2008

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5. Sep 10, 2011 2:08 PM (in response to ryankilgore)
Newbie question about shorts/underwear

I just wear the shorts with the liner. If you wear regular underwear, it's going to get bunched up something awful. Some people wear compression shorts, as others have mentioned.

Mike

Boston Marathon Finisher

How 2 Run Fast

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Albany (NY) Times Union Runners Blog

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64spokes
59 posts since
Apr 24, 2009

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6. Sep 19, 2011 9:40 PM (in response to ryankilgore)
Newbie question about shorts/underwear

The liner should support you just fine. No underwear. I do find that some shorts are more comfortable than others, particularily for long runs. Just like shoes, make sure you know how they feel before and event.

CIM 12/4/2011 (1st Marathon) 3:27:19

Run Rocklin 12K 4/7/2013 52:59

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slowrunningpete
18 posts since
Oct 7, 2008

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7. Oct 18, 2011 11:38 PM (in response to ryankilgore)
Newbie question about shorts/underwear

Myself i wear compression shorts for all my runs.

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ChipperT
101 posts since
Apr 24, 2009

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8. Jan 5, 2012 8:09 AM (in response to ryankilgore)
Newbie question about shorts/underwear

I like the running shorts with the liner. I find them very comfortable and I do not wear underwear with those. In cold weather I will add a base layer under the shorts.

"What distinguishes those of us at the starting line from those of us on the couch is that we learn through running to take what the days gives us, what our body will allow us, and what our will can tolerate." - John Bingham
--------

C25K Graduation Run - 6/6/10 - 38:18
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squilky
90 posts since
Jul 18, 2007

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9. Jan 6, 2012 8:10 PM (in response to ryankilgore)
Newbie question about shorts/underwear

I like compression shorts as well. I have some Under Armour running shorts that have the underwear/mesh lining and I don't find them as comfortable as the Adidas shorts I have without the lining. The compression shorts help keep my thighs warm in the colder weather and keeps everything in place while I run. I really like the compression shorts Under Armour makes. Running with just the built in lining seems like it could cause irritation, which is why I've never tried it myself.

Couch to 5k completed: 7/15/2011

USPTO 5K 10/16/2011; 29:14 110/238

Bull Run Festival of Lights 5K 12/31/2011; 31:30 324/683

Primal Mud Run 4/14/2012; 1:29:29

Cody's Crew 5k 9/16/2012 31:15

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gpb11
156 posts since
Feb 13, 2006

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10. Jan 20, 2012 5:41 AM (in response to squilky)
Newbie question about shorts/underwear

and I'm just the opposite, I far prefer running with just the shorts lining. Keeps things in place and ventilated in hot weather with no chafing of discomfort. My preference is for Mizuno Mustang shorts.

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ydiez
105 posts since
Nov 7, 2011

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11. Jan 21, 2012 7:47 AM (in response to ryankilgore)
Newbie question about shorts/underwear

I personally always wear boxers underneath whatever I am wearing, the trick is that they should not be cotton, those that arre part lycra work best for me.

As a side note, I have found out that slightly longer shorts (about knee long) agree more with longer runs, I have a tendency to produce some friction in the inner part of my tighs so if they are not long enough I end up with some chaffing, leggins have the additional bonus that then you have to wear much less about underwear as they absorve much of the friction.

Current PB:

5k: 20:12 (December 31st 2012)

10k : 44:30 (November 6th 2011, March 18th 2012)

Half Marathon: 1:35:27 (February 3rd 2013)

Recently running half marathons. Six completed so far. Now looking for number 7. Once I get to 10 I will start thinking about full marathons.

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hegnessevents.com
58 posts since
Dec 9, 2011

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12. Jan 28, 2012 9:18 PM (in response to ryankilgore)
Newbie question about shorts/underwear

Another vote for compression shorts here. I can't stand running shorts with liners or "innernets" or whatever they're called...

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ryanxcrunner
5 posts since
Feb 3, 2012

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13. Feb 3, 2012 8:31 PM (in response to ryankilgore)
Newbie question about shorts/underwear

For great, comfortable shirts to wear wile running or really any time, check out Wiz Wear clothing at http://www.wizwearinc.com/
and if you use the promo code, wiz2 you get free shipping for any items as many times as you want! GET INSPIRED, GET WIZ WEAR.

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Scotty670
27 posts since
Jul 7, 2008

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14. Feb 8, 2012 6:15 PM (in response to ryankilgore)
Newbie question about shorts/underwear

I just got some Addidas running /cycle/swim shorts at MC Sports. They are awsome.

Scotty

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