Go Commando: Things I Wish I Knew

#2 Go commando.
Series: Things I Wish I Knew as a New Triathlete.

"Don’t you see what’s going on here, no boxers, no jockeys," Jerry asked Elaine during a 1994 Seinfeld episode. "The only thing between him [Kramer] and us is a thin layer of Gabardine."

Two years later Joey would pull-off the phrase "going commando" during a 1996 Friends episode "where no one's ready." Youtube clip here.

Even as a Seinfeld and Friends fan, I knew going commando was TV talk, not real-world material. Well maybe Joey-Kramer types, but not me. As you know from my last post (#1 My swimsuit was see-through) married mothers don't intentionally flash their bottoms. We cover up appropriately, underwear included.


I'd pull on my bike shorts and apply Chamois Butt'r under my layers. Going bare under there seemed too extreme.

I didn't know. Apparently that chamois pad was meant to absorb sweat. Wearing underwear made it harder for the pad to function. And my underwear seams rubbed against my short seams, making chafing much worse. My long rides hurt, but I thought it was just me.

Years later, I finally ditched the underwear. So much had already gone wrong on my first bike tour (for starters I got lost, sunburned, bit by something and DNFd my first Century attempt). It was an awful week.

I thought, "what the hell, today I go commando."

And now, like Kramer, "I'm out there--and I'm loving every minute of it!" And in Kramer fashion, there's nothing but a thin (nontransparent), black layer of lycra separating you and me.

I also give Joey credit. Now, as I slip into my bike shorts, I can't help but sing to a new version of the Friends' chorus, "I'll be bare it's true! . . ." [vs. I'll be there for you!]

Tip for new triathletes: Commando works best with black shorts. I suffered too long. Be bold. Be wise. Go commando.

Tri tidbit: Underwear does have a special place in triathlon. A traditional Underpants Run is conducted in Kona each year before the Ford Ironman World Championship. 2008 had a record turnout. Underwear required.

Triathlon is a rewarding sport for people of all ages and abilities. 2009 is your year to taste triathlon. As a triathlete, you'll surprise yourself as you face fears and set personal bests. You'll be more confident, have more energy and smile more often. People will be drawn to that difference. Triathlon is a rewarding sport for people of all ages and abilities, underwear while cycling is optional.

Check out Why You Can series:
Common excuses:
1-I have no time. 2-I can't afford it. 3-I'm too old. 4-I'm afraid. 5-I'm not an athlete.

Also see:
#1 My swimsuit was see-through.Series: Things I Wish I Knew As a New Triathlete


photo credit: free wallpaper from official Seinfeld site.