and I felt REALLY uncomfortable. I felt overweight and strange. So, that being said, are there other options besides these ultra tight shorts that will not hinder my performance? I have a sprint and an olympic coming up soon.

ultratight? Sounds like they may have just been sized too small. My tri shorts are not any tighter than my biking shorts. Different manufacturer's sizes can be very different - my sugoi tri shorts are tight, but my zoot tri shorts are almost loose. Try on a bunch of different ones and find ones that fit better.

the main difference between tri shorts and regular shorts is the pad is thinner to dry faster, if they feel tight, they are the wrong size or just crappy shorts

What type of shorts do you wear when you ride on regular days?

I wear regular shorts. No pad. Usually some cargo shorts or something. I can go up to 25 miles without discomfort.

That's probably part of the problem, you aren't used to "bike" type shorts. They should be tight, but not constricting. They are form fitting for aero and hydro -dynamics. They need to be tight for compression, but not uncomofortable.

And as for wearing something else, you can wear anything you want, but I wouldn't recommend it. About anything besides tri shorts or a speedo will feel like you are pulling a parachute through the water.

Trust me, there will be plenty of other guys there wearing the same thing, that are just as self consious. You'll be fine! :)

Welcome to racing versus relaxing. Go with the tighties! Besides a more comfortable ride the compression helps reduce fatigue from muscle vibration as well. Snug but not constricting is what you need. Next to the guy with the bikini style speedo you'll look fine.

Not to mention, you will stand out if you DONT wear something like this.......