Training for my first Duathlon, shorts!
 

I live in MN and have been running for about 2 years now. I completed my first marathon in October and now would like something different. I've purchase a new bike, Specialized Secteur sport disc. I've only been able to use it on a trainer; I purchased a pair of Canari Gel. Today I ran 3 miles with leggings since it was around 30 outside. Got home, put the Canari's on over the leggings and rode for an hour. My questions are:
1. Are you suppose to wear anything under the short, like a base layer? I ask because it really seems like I was much more comfortable wear the base layer, leggings and Canari vs. just wearing the Canari alone.
2. In preparing for the Duathlon, should I be running in the bike shorts?

That's it for now, but I know I'll have more questions.

Thanks, Bill

Ttt

Hi Bill,

Idea is to not wear anything under the shorts. Anything such as leggings with seams can rub and cause discomfort.

Wouldn't run in bike shorts, especially in training. Just use your regular running gear. For racing look at try shorts - they have a thinner chamois so you can still run.

You can do a duo in biking shorts but it's uncomfortable and you get a lot of rubbing which can ruin your race. I do duathlons in triathlon compression shorts. They don't have as much padding but, if you train in them, you get used to them pretty quick.
I too moved from marathons to triathlons and I think I'll stick with them. They are a lot more fun to train for (more variety), you get a lot less injuries, and they are better for the whole body.
It must be nice to be running down south there. There's still a lot of snow here in Northern Ontario.

I got a good laugh from running down south comment. To me down south is Texas Florida etc. but from your perspective I guess Iam down south. The streets are clear, but cold. But presently Iam in Palm Springs Cal, enjoying some warm weather.

thanks for the advice

Yeah, I guess everything is perspective with north and south. Have you tried Beginnertriathlon.com forums? I've got a lot of great info there. They have mentoring programs also but they're probably all full by now.

1. I don't wear anything under bike or tri shorts. If you wear something under, look for something that won't bunch up and does not have seams at the points where you sit on the saddle.
2. I've run in bike shorts before but usually the pad is a little too bulky. Some are worse than others.

My opinion would be to use a tri suit. I just bought one from Hincapie that is incredible and very comfortable to run in. I am also a duathlete and needed something. Tri suits run somewhat on the high side i ended up getting mine for about $130 but the comfort is seriously worth it. Two small pockets in the back and definitely enough air coming in to make it cool. Never wear anything under your bike shorts and once you get a great pair you know it and won't want to wear anything underneath.

zoot tri shorts are awesome for running in.

I just got myself a pair of tri shorts and they work fine. Depending on the length of the ride, I've also done duathlons in just my regular running shorts. Which du are signed up for. The Cinco du Mayo is next weekend over in Stillwater and I'm signed up for the short course.

i was lucky and got a pair of tri shorts on sale at the end of the season last year.. i only use them a few times but they are nice

best of luck in your duo