I run and bike for a lot of reasons. It feels good. It hurts good. I like to sweat. I like to eat bacon and thousand island dressing (not the fat free kind either!) on my hamburgers. But I have a secret reason that I only recently discovered.

I like to run and bike because I do it…commando…

Yeah…no undies for this runner. I wear running shorts and skirts with built-in briefs or boy shorts. I’m a big fan of the basic ones from Old Navy. As I was getting ready for one of my recent runs, I decided to just try it. Obviously the shorts were made to be worn that way. I shouldn’t have been surprised, but it felt so good. I felt just a little lighter in my step. Nothing riding up anywhere. No cotton to rub or feel icky against my delicate bits. I’m anti-cotton when it comes to running clothes. I want polyester/spandex wicking fabrics only.

As far as biking goes, underwear is apparently an obvious no-no. I was having some issues with my bike shorts not being comfortable. My wise husband said simply, “Are you still wearing underwear with them?” Uh…yeah. His response, “Of course, it hurts then!” On my next ride, I ditched the undies and applied a thin layer of glorious Her’ Chamois Butt’r to the orange chamois of my Pearl Izumi shorts and off I went. As much as it pains me to admit, my husband was right. I could have ridden all day like that!

In addition, the Chamois Butt’r is good for the dreaded chub-rub. You know that tiny area where your very upper thighs still touch and rub uncomfortably together as you plow your Mizunos forward on the pavement. I don’t know why women are afraid to talk about that! Just put a little Butt’r on your thighs and you will be comfortable for miles of running.

So say it with me! Ditch the undies! Run commando. And smile when you do it!