# Marathon runners (or runners in general)... A Question **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 10, 2005, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marathon-runners-or-runners-in-general-a-question/325544 "2005-10-10T12:09:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Tyrsenos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e19adc/32.png) [@Tyrsenos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tyrsenos)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2005, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marathon-runners-or-runners-in-general-a-question/325544/1 "2005-10-10T12:09:51Z")
I myself have taking up running as a way to loose weight in in the process discovered I liked it. Anyway I’d like to do a few actual races at some point (just to actually do them, I have no allusions of being anywhere within the top 1000), and it is in my 5 year plan to at least do the Hawai’ian Marathon. Anyway, my curiosity though extends to… underwear. What is the type of underwear a runner should wear? Obviously chaffing can be an issue and I want to avoid it. So boxers? jockstraps? Anything in particular? ---
**Author:** ![Dunderman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecb155/32.png) [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2005, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marathon-runners-or-runners-in-general-a-question/325544/2 "2005-10-10T12:18:00Z")
I’ve never had any chafing problems with my underwear. I go with my usual boxers. However, many runners experience nipple chafing during long races. It gets very annoying, then extremely annoying, then more painful than it has any rights to be, and then it becomes a health risk. Tape your nipples. ---
**Author:** ![Racer1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ee59a6/32.png) [@Racer1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Racer1)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2005, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marathon-runners-or-runners-in-general-a-question/325544/3 "2005-10-10T12:26:35Z")
To mirror exactly what **Priceguy** said, I’ve never had a problem wearing normal boxers, but my nipples have sure been chafted in the past. I’ve never taped, but at the very least avoid shirts with rough manufacturer logos in the nipple area. ---
**Author:** ![Crotalus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crotalus/32/41_2.png) [@Crotalus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crotalus)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2005, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marathon-runners-or-runners-in-general-a-question/325544/4 "2005-10-10T12:34:28Z")
I usually wear knit “boxer-briefs”. Regular briefs, especially new ones, chafe my upper thighs. Boxers also are OK, but I prefer the boxer-briefs. ---
**Author:** ![Bewildebeest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/779978/32.png) [@Bewildebeest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bewildebeest)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2005, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marathon-runners-or-runners-in-general-a-question/325544/5 "2005-10-10T13:20:21Z")
Lined running shorts are the way to go. There is much less chaffing and they don’t get all weighted down with sweat. They also dry out much more quickly. I find that a little vaseline down there, and on the nipples and toes goes a long way to preventing any chaffing or blisters on really long races (\>10 miles) ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2005, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marathon-runners-or-runners-in-general-a-question/325544/6 "2005-10-10T16:31:15Z")
> [@Bewildebeest](#): > > Lined running shorts are the way to go. There is much less chaffing and they don’t get all weighted down with sweat. They also dry out much more quickly. > > I find that a little vaseline down there, and on the nipples and toes goes a long way to preventing any chaffing or blisters on really long races (\>10 miles) That’s my experience, too. No underwear needed. I sometimes have to dab a little vasoline on my sides, too, to prevent chaffing from my upper arms. But I always put some on my inner thighs, even for short runs. It’s a quick, simple way to avoid the chaffing problem altogether. ---
**Author:** ![Tyrsenos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e19adc/32.png) [@Tyrsenos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tyrsenos)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2005, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marathon-runners-or-runners-in-general-a-question/325544/7 "2005-10-10T16:43:58Z")
Commando eh? 😉 Thanks for the suggestions, keep 'em coming. I have to admit I heard of the nipple thing, though I figured putting a couple of bandaids over 'em would do the trick. Of course it would look weird, but thankfully nobody will see it. I stopped wearing Y fronts because they caused chaffing on me, and have being wearing of all things a pair of old cotton pajama shorts (the ones you tie with a string, not the button type). Of course the issue is they retain the sweat like it is nobodies business and go ripe pretty fast. I will at least experiment with my other boxers. I should by some Lined running shorts at some point though, though I don’t know if I am brave enough to let it all hang free! :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Bewildebeest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/779978/32.png) [@Bewildebeest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bewildebeest)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2005, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marathon-runners-or-runners-in-general-a-question/325544/8 "2005-10-10T17:37:22Z")
No, not commando. The running shorts have underware built in. ---
**Author:** ![sishoch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3e96dc/32.png) [@sishoch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sishoch)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2005, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marathon-runners-or-runners-in-general-a-question/325544/9 "2005-10-10T19:29:20Z")
For short runs (\<10 miles), I still wear a pair of lined running shorts. For long runs, I wear compression shorts, to keep my thighs from rubbing. Valeline helps but doesn’t last long enough. I never have trouble with my nipples though. ---
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2005, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marathon-runners-or-runners-in-general-a-question/325544/10 "2005-10-10T20:56:35Z")
For any decent running, get those microfiber shirts. They are far better than cotton. Don’t buy expensive name-brand stuff – I found them for around ten or fifteen bucks at WalMart. They make all the difference. My cotton shirts used to get funky to the point where washing them didn’t help, and they got drenched in sweat. The microfiber ones are much better. I feel like a run tonight! ---
**Author:** ![Schuyler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/54ee81/32.png) [@Schuyler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schuyler)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2005, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marathon-runners-or-runners-in-general-a-question/325544/11 "2005-10-10T21:15:40Z")
You have lots of good responses, so I’ll just add a couple of things from my own perspective. First, to second the idea of running shorts (synthetic fabric ones with built-in liners), these can be found pretty reasonably, and last forever. Next, a non-cotton shirt for any run where you’re going to sweat a lot, keeps you cooler in hot weather, warmer in cold weather, doesn’t get laden with sweat, and then smell terrible. Third, I like synthetic socks, but YMMV - I have 3 sets of cheaper RoadRunnerSports socks that have lasted literally forever (I’ve wanted to plug these loyal socks for a while now - glad I got that off my chest). For chafing on longer runs, I’ve successfully used something called BodyGlide - you’ll know from experience if/when/where you’ll need this. Finally, if/when the weather turns cooler, you can really extend your wardrobe (I hesitate to call clothes in which you sweat a “wardrobe”) with cheap, hardware-store cotton gloves and a knit cap. ---
**Author:** ![Valgard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/7feea3/32.png) [@Valgard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valgard)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2005, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marathon-runners-or-runners-in-general-a-question/325544/12 "2005-10-10T22:23:34Z")
I’m not a long-distance runner (3-4 miles is enough for me) but I do like long hikes so similar experience with socks/undies/chafing. First thing - no cotton! Ditch the cotton undies, shorts, t-shirts. They soak up sweat, lose any insulating value and then stick and rub you raw. I wear inexpensive polypro boxer/briefs (they don’t fit loose and they extend mid-thigh which I think helps armor me against chafing) and tshirts; I get mine at REI (their “MTS” house brand) but any good midweight thermal underwear should work well. They wick moisture, don’t leave you boiling or chilly and don’t bunch up and rub. I wear wool/synthetic blend socks (Thorlos or equivalent, I get packs of Fox River wool hiking socks at Costco) for the same reason. Even when running I’ve found a midweight hiking sock to be quite comfortable. For long hikes and backpacking I add a pair of thin polypro sock liners which work wonders. You can find 'em at REI, they are dark blue and cost about $7 a pair, they will last for years. Haven’t had a blister in many years and I ditched all my cotton socks back in the late 90s. Good luck on the Hawaii Marathon, a friend of mine did it last year as part of a fundraiser for cancer research. ---
**Author:** ![Tyrsenos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e19adc/32.png) [@Tyrsenos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tyrsenos)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2005, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marathon-runners-or-runners-in-general-a-question/325544/13 "2005-10-12T12:32:54Z")
Thanks. Admittedly the Hawai’ian Marathon is still a long long long way off. Remember my five year plan doesn’t expire until 2010! 😃 So no cotton? Check. I have to admit it will take a little to wrap my head around. Not because it is wrong, but because after years of having messages of ‘natural clothing’ shoved down my throat, it’ll take a bit to realise synthetic is superior at least in this case! 😃😃 You guys have been fantastic with your advice. I am certainly taking it all on board. ---
**Author:** ![Jurph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/50afbb/32.png) [@Jurph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jurph)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2005, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marathon-runners-or-runners-in-general-a-question/325544/14 "2005-10-12T14:04:55Z")
> [@Schuyler](#): > > I have 3 sets of cheaper RoadRunnerSports socks that have lasted literally forever. Nitpick: these socks have lasted you literally months/years, or figuratively forever. Call me after the heat death of the universe with any valid claims of “literally forever”. ---
**Author:** ![mazinger\_z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5f9b8f/32.png) [@mazinger\_z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mazinger_z)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2005, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marathon-runners-or-runners-in-general-a-question/325544/15 "2005-10-12T15:32:46Z")
[Bodyglide](http://www.runnersroost.com/bodyglide.html) is your friend. 🙂 Personally, I like the security of briefs or boxer briefs when I run. Lined shorts are too skimpy for me - think worse than 80’s basketball short shorts. ---
**Author:** ![scout1222](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/34f0e0/32.png) [@scout1222](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scout1222)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2005, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marathon-runners-or-runners-in-general-a-question/325544/16 "2005-10-12T18:18:44Z")
There are lots of different styles of shorts. [www.roadrunnersports.com](http://www.roadrunnersports.com) has the real short ones you’re talking about (I think they call them splits or something) but they also have longer versions that cover more leg. I’d never be caught dead in the really short ones with side splits! No one needs to see that much thigh. ---
**Author:** ![Gangster\_Octopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a8b319/32.png) [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2005, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marathon-runners-or-runners-in-general-a-question/325544/17 "2005-10-12T18:36:53Z")
Let me add that I am a Bodyglide, no-cotton, lined running shorts kinda guy. Also, get your shoes from a specialty running store. I suppose some might disagree with that, but the one I go to is invaluable. I also like the anti-blister running socks. I also don’t think you need to wait five years to run the Hawaii marathon, seriously last year I ran my first marathon after six months of training. And the first day out I could not finish a half-hour run. Find a training regimen online possibly or beter yet find a running club, there may be a trainig group already out there in your area (wherever that may be). ---
**Author:** ![Visceral](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/977dab/32.png) [@Visceral](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Visceral)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2005, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marathon-runners-or-runners-in-general-a-question/325544/18 "2005-10-12T19:19:33Z")
Most of my running comes from my soccer obsession. I run a bit in the off season just to keep fit. I don’t have the nipple problem because I wear a sports bra. But I have the whole boob to contend with. Two of them even. And also for the girls: I found that most underwear available ends up being bum munched. I hate having to dig it out all the time, it’s just not a good look. This could be a problem peculiar to me, but maybe others have this happen to them. I’m not at all overweight - quite the opposite. I had to look around for underwear that wasn’t to high in the leg. I found some at the local department store. I don’t know if there’s specialty sporty girls knickers available. Does anyone know if there is? Soccer shorts don’t come with lining btw. ---
**Author:** ![Schuyler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/54ee81/32.png) [@Schuyler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schuyler)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2005, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marathon-runners-or-runners-in-general-a-question/325544/19 "2005-10-12T20:01:37Z")
> [@Gangster Octopus](#): > > I also don’t think you need to wait five years to run the Hawaii marathon, seriously last year I ran my first marathon after six months of training. And the first day out I could not finish a half-hour run. Find a training regimen online possibly or beter yet find a running club, there may be a trainig group already out there in your area (wherever that may be). Just to offer another perspective - not everyone can ramp up that quickly, and it may make sense to listen to your body’s feedback as you set and assess your goals. Some people (like me) aren’t as physiologically suited to running as others, or as they are to other sports (such as biking). YMMV. Oh, and I meant “literally forever” above to mean a really long time - I wasn’t aware that this usage of [literally](http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=literally), as an intensifier before a figurative expression, would get jumped on. And, I did mean a **really** long time for socks - I’ve had these 3 pairs for about 6 years. 🙂 > [@Jurph](#): > > Nitpick: these socks have lasted you literally months/years, or figuratively forever. Call me after the heat death of the universe with any valid claims of “literally forever”. ---
**Author:** ![Excalibre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/898d66/32.png) [@Excalibre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Excalibre)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2005, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marathon-runners-or-runners-in-general-a-question/325544/20 "2005-10-12T20:16:38Z")
> [@Jurph](#): > > Nitpick: these socks have lasted you literally months/years, or figuratively forever. Call me after the heat death of the universe with any valid claims of “literally forever”. Actually, “literally”, along with its literal meaning, has a figurative usage as a general-purpose intensifier that dates back a very long time; it manages to maintain both usages because there are very few situations in which it creates ambiguity. It’s perfectly correct English, if perhaps faintly stylistically off.