Get a Wiggle On . . . talks “undergarments.”

The subject came up again yesterday on our 7 mile walk. We’re at the halfway point of our half-marathon training, at least for those of us in the Foot Traffic University program. We’re headed for the big event on July 4th on Sauvie Island, the Foot Traffic Flat Half-Marathon, affectionately referred to as “The Flat.” Inevitably, by the time we get to this point in long-distance training the subject of clothing comes up. Not the clothing that everyone can see, that’s pretty obvious. You look around and take note of the fact that no one is wearing cotton, and you follow suit.

We’re talking undergarments, the bra and panty choices of the serious walkers. What do experienced walkers wear? How do you get the 13.1 miles covered without chafing, blisters, or feeling dragged down by unresilient fabric. I mentioned a few ideas in my March 8, 2010 article, Non-Shoe Essentials, but it’s worth a closer and more personal discussion.

There are dozens of options for undergarments for walking. Remembering a few things about the event will help you make some informed decisions. For the half-marathon on July 4th, you’ll be walking in the heat for at least 3+ hours, some of you a solid 3.5 hours. You want to minimize chafing, friction, and bunching that can come with all kinds of ill-fitting undergarments. I’ll mention a few options, and if I were you, I’d begin experimenting now. This is the time to sort this out, not the night before you head to the Island.

I’ve worn sports bras, racer backs, underwire or not, and every combination in between. You have to decide what you like and what feels okay. Many everyday bras have elastic in the bands and edgings that when you’re working hard will be uncomfortable. That’s where the idea of the sports bra comes in. But, if you’re like me, you’re not that comfortable with something that just squishes you flat and the dynamics of what will keep you from bouncing are not that effective. I’ve never found a bra that prevented bouncing, especially a sports bra. Who did they think was participating in this event? Some of you will love a sports bra, great, go for it. Others will need something else.

After all my searches over all the years, this year I’m wearing an everyday bra that’s very well made. It’s the Wacoal Awareness Bra, and some of the proceeds go to support the Susan G. Komen cause, and NO, I am not doing an ad for them. I happened to go out on a walk one day that was pretty long and even after working up a good sweat, I realized the bra was really quite comfortable. It has cloth on the back sides of the areas that have elastic so it’s non-chafing, the seams are finished on the inside so there are no places that rub and the fabric is synthetic. Suddenly, it made no sense to go in search of another option, since this one worked really well.

Other bras I’ve had in the past and liked, Moving Comfort has a tank bra that is comfortable, but does not prevent bounce. It is good if you’re wanting to shed your shirt and still be covered. It’s a full tank with a racer back. Nice when it’s hot and you need to cool off. However, having said that, bare arms are not a great an idea for the half-marathon. If you like to swing your arms to get into a rhythm, it’s a good idea to wear a short-sleeved t-shirt of synthetic material. That will reduce the chafing on your underarm area which can be excruciating.

Undies are the other issue. Some women wear lycra shorts which are a great option. You really don’t have to wear any underwear with these, especially if they are lined. Or, there are some nylon shorts that are loose and have a panty inside. Beware of chafing on your thighs. You can use BodyGlide but the right fabric short that doesn’t creep up is the best defense against this. Many of the Foot Traffic walkers wear a capri-length pant or at least a knee-length pant and this solves the problem. Then, you decide if you’re adding the underwear. Of course, check for see-through. I’ve seen some black lycra that when stretched out was still see-through and that’s likely not your intention.

There’s a new style of everyday underwear out on the racks that have no elastic band. I found some Shimera briefs, 91% nylon and 7% spandex. They fit great and you’ll forget you have them on. They breath and they stay where they are supposed to stay. Personally, I’d suggest giving the bikinis and the thongs a miss. You need coverage in the right areas and no extra elastic to cause you a problem in others.

And, finally one last plug . . . Just Like a Woman, on Macadam, has all your fitting and bra needs. They specialize in hard-to-fit sizes on all ends of the spectrum. I love the staff there and the vibe is fabulous . . . plus, they have a dog in residence. I’ll see you there, even if it’s to hang out and drink a cup of tea.

Whew . . . was this personal enough? Hope so. Hope you got your questions answered. I’ll be happy to email you in private if you’ve got more thoughts or questions and don’t want to post them here. You can find me at kim@kimcottrell.com.

And now, to the walk . . .