MapMyRide Community - Running shorts

Running shorts

Randy Jewell — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:16:56 -0500

I have been funning for many years and have found that wearing tight spandex type shorts work best for me. My thighs are large enough to rub together and the shorts remove all the friction. I have noticed that all the new running shorts are much baggier. I have a couple pair of these but after about two miles my legs are burning even wearing underarmor type shorts does not relieve this due to the extra material swishing around.

I hate having to goop up with stuff like Vaseline or body glide.

My daughter has always made fun of me and calls the “package shorts” since I run alone for the most part I do not worry too much about how they look.

So here are my questions.

How do you deal with leg friction?
What type of shorts do you wear and why?
Do you think “guys in spandex” (lol) is bad for running?

Running shorts

dbikekc01 — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:20:55 -0500

I'm new to running myself and have not had the displeasure of suffering from leg friction. However, I did all of my first 6 months of running in a pair of tri-shorts (triathlon/cycling shorts wo/the pad). This worked well for me as my leg did rub together. I too run alone so the look have never been an issue. I was a bit self-conscience about running in what are essentially cycling shorts. However, the thickness of the material provided some much appreciated warmth during colder runs and I felt the added support from the material gave my legs some additional comfort.

I finally purchased a pair of "baggy" shorts, which I thought I would not like because of the bagginess. However, they are comfortable and seem to shed the sweat better in the heat and therefore are cooler.

"Guys in Spandex" have never bothered me since I ride my bicycle about 2K miles per year and wear it myself. If the guy is out of shape, then it can tend to exaggerate his condition.

FWIW

Running shorts

doxeysmith — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:27:32 -0500

I don't have to worry about friction, since I'm more of a beanpole build. I wear typical running shorts with a liner, not to short (7-9" inseam) cuz I'm not overly interested in the retro runner look. I thought the xtra length might bother me but it doesn't. When I first started I also stayed away from shorts with a liner, but have since come to prefer them to unlined shorts and underwear. I found the unlined combo did create friction so they got the boot.

As for the spandex issue, whatever, let your daughter tease you. It's really not that big a deal if your actually working out. I certainly would recomend going to the store afterward. I say tease her back, tell her your advertising, or ask if she's afraid people will notice her dad's hot etc.

Running shorts

Steve921 — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 20:54:14 -0500

Yeah I have no problem with friction, but i still wear compression shorts and russel athletic shorts most of the time

Running shorts

KDogg — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 22:02:40 -0500

there are actually womens running shorts that have the spandex inner lining, but are still running shorts on the outside. Many of them that I have seen are not overly feminine, they are just marketed as womens running shorts. Maybe something to at least look into

and for what its worth, I know a lot of people who run in half tights (and tights in the winter) with nothing over them. So I wouldn't say its an overly big deal. Then again, personally I look for the shortest and craziest shorts I can find, so maybe my opinion is a bit skewed :)

Running shorts

vmoney — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:24:07 -0500

I wear tights and that works for me. Tried shorts and experienced chaffing. Went back to tights.

Running shorts

nadeem — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:57:35 -0500

i wear what we in england call lycras, and my old college rugby shorts, which are loose and short. as iv run more and more my legs have got bigger and the lycras get higher and higher up my legs, so now it looks like i run with massivly short shorts on but the lycras at least stop my balls from falling out... with this iv never had a problem with friction. its good. i spose lycras are sorta like spandex. in fact thats what they are i think.