tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post9002216475748437186..comments2024-01-04T02:28:32.637-07:00Comments on athenadiaries: This one is for the girls: Advice from Athletes #2Herself, the GeekGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17990186920123895227noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post-22722562048534796812009-09-15T18:19:01.418-06:002009-09-15T18:19:01.418-06:00Thanks for sending me the link to your post! Your ...Thanks for sending me the link to your post! Your readers have some great ideas. I am going to try a seat that belongs to someone else this weekend and will start checking out the other ones recommended here. I know I need a cutout (or cl** slit, as you reader named it.)<br /><br />I also got some assos chamois cream. I knew I wanted some. <br />The bike shop recommended taking you bike shorts out of the wash and before hanging them to dry apply the chamois cream to the pad. He uses a putty spatula to make a thin layer. <br />I guess in some Lance video you can see him teaching Cheryl Crow to do it for him- with the assos brand name covered up since they don't sponsor him.Hi, my name is Judy.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05414799869060033047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post-13860185197954206532009-01-22T22:05:00.000-07:002009-01-22T22:05:00.000-07:00Oh thank gawd someone brought up female saddle iss...Oh thank gawd someone brought up female saddle issues. I did my first century a few years ago and I had no clue about "saddle issues." After the ride I used the restroom and I wanted to scream out loud in pain! I mentioned it to my Husband and he didn't have any suggestions - he mentioned all the information he's ever received about saddle issues was about men and the controversy about extended time on bike seats possibly leading to impotence. I said, "surely there MUST be some information about saddle issues for women?!" I ended up doing some research about this issue but I wasn't able to come up with anything concrete. Lots of TITS recommendations, etc. I even tried different shorts and saddle positions. As far as creams...I have to say...the creams made things worse for me as it uhhhh...well, it made my parts split open like a "blooming flower" [sounds hilarious but it's the only way I can describe it]. Things were much better when it was together as a "bud." Anyway, I do have to give kudos to Shebeest cycling shorts! The contours and the different padding zones help tremendously (without adding a lot of bulk). One thing I do know is...getting off the saddle and "standing" once in a while is my best remedy! It took me some time to be able to do this but it's well worth it. I certainly pay the price for sit climbing. OUCH (seriously loosing skin)!!Taliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07149134327870092964noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post-78638373110001373452009-01-04T10:45:00.000-07:002009-01-04T10:45:00.000-07:00Anyone having any trouble with uterine bleeding? ...Anyone having any trouble with uterine bleeding? It seems that after a ride I am experiencing some bleeding which is partly due to peri-menopausal issues at the age of 42, but it appears to get aggravated by my TITS! So, if anyone, hopefully, someone has run into this before, I would love to hear if it is just part of the deal, or if there is something to be done about it. Otherwise the seat is fine, no yeasties or chaffing...Maria Phillipshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11229978884472033852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post-13683128594351301612008-04-30T13:06:00.000-06:002008-04-30T13:06:00.000-06:00Alright "Mrs Bigun", I will be the first guy to po...Alright "Mrs Bigun", I will be the first guy to post on this topic. In my 20 plus years experience in the bicycle industry, I've suggested all remedies to my female clients. "Slit" saddles with medium padding consistently received positive results ONLY if the fore-aft is adjusted well. Feedback on the shorts was mixed however, more padding isn't always consistent with comfort. Actually the more padding, the more risk of a bunching and/or a pinching feeling. The difficult part is finding that short/saddle combo that works best without spending a fortune and acquiring a mountain of discarded gear. Find a shop that will offer you a long test ride on a couple of saddles and of course proper adjustment. I've also been informed by that "grooming" helps reduce chafing and abrasion. "TITS" is truly the best option to train the sit bones, however seat choice and adjustment play a big role. Hope this adds some insight from a different source. Don't give up!garyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03307847696798571489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post-5824108167484314852008-04-09T18:57:00.000-06:002008-04-09T18:57:00.000-06:00My two cents - because the irritation would cause ...My two cents - because the irritation would cause me pain when I peed - ISM Adamo saddle - has the slit in the middle. No pressure on the pudendum - no pain when peeing, no pain at all in that area.Terrihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11908774231315451713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post-43836821502970620172008-01-20T21:47:00.000-07:002008-01-20T21:47:00.000-07:00Wow - the first time I'm commenting on your blog a...Wow - the first time I'm commenting on your blog and it's this topic. My first tri in wet shorts gave me a "great" souvenir of my race with torn up girly bits. Basically I rubbed the skin right off on either side of my whoo-ha. Wow - not fun. I had never had problems before and had spent lots of time on my bike. I figure it's just from wet shorts! Next time I'm getting some butt butter or something!Kristenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14589585649635160707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post-70544802252640114812008-01-18T14:33:00.000-07:002008-01-18T14:33:00.000-07:00Great topic! For me less is more. A less padded s...Great topic! For me less is more. A less padded seat and tri-shorts (less bulky than full cycling shorts) worked for my IM Lake Placid training and racing. I also endorse the "slit". Of course this assumes you already have built up some tolerance on the sit bones from "TITS". I also use body glide on areas that are prone to chafing.Nitsirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05180758156444549882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post-23034377746536177172008-01-17T09:28:00.000-07:002008-01-17T09:28:00.000-07:00A Brooks (leather) women-specific saddle is the on...A Brooks (leather) women-specific saddle is the only thing that works for me. I use a neophrene cover for triathlons when I am riding in wet shorts. I also recommend Flanders Buttocks Ointment, a particularly thick diaper rash ointment.<BR/><BR/>Persistant problems with yeast infections can come from high blood sugar. The test that doctors usually do (fasting blood glucose) doesn't show if your blood sugar goes very high after meals but eventually comes down again. For more information see http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/ (not my site but lots of good information).Pemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15013673393201944341noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post-12429843400732073662008-01-15T08:46:00.000-07:002008-01-15T08:46:00.000-07:00Without going through the excruciating task of rea...Without going through the excruciating task of reading everyone's posts, my main advice is wear thinly padded bike shorts, no underwear, and make sure your saddle is adjusted properly.Vickiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12302710072433158197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post-53126509185409110092008-01-15T07:36:00.000-07:002008-01-15T07:36:00.000-07:00and I paid for this site.Oh, never mind. That's a ...and I paid for this site.<BR/><BR/>Oh, never mind. That's a different site.Pathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post-60313585380782090162008-01-15T06:10:00.000-07:002008-01-15T06:10:00.000-07:00Terry saddles and Assos chamois cream, applied lib...Terry saddles and Assos chamois cream, applied liberally. I have found Castelli shorts to be the most agreeable for me, even though they are grotesquely expensive. <BR/><BR/>I made the mistake of trying a pair of shorts with gel padding once, and it took me weeks til my butt stopped looking like a fourteen year old's face.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post-125267426542612492008-01-14T15:05:00.000-07:002008-01-14T15:05:00.000-07:00I love cycling!Here are my tips:1) get a bike fit ...I love cycling!<BR/>Here are my tips:<BR/><BR/>1) get a bike fit by someone who is trained to fit bikes. Time in the saddle works great if your bike fits correctly. My bike seat supports most of my weight on my sit bones not my crotch.<BR/><BR/>2) Time in the Saddle - you have to build up to long rides over time. Only increase 10%/week - just like running. Don't expect to be comfortable if you double your time/distance - whatever the tolerance is - callus, muscles, dead nerve endings from the vibrations (just kidding) - it is does develop over time and you will be able to ride long distances without pain if you increase slowly.<BR/><BR/><BR/>2) Invest in quality shorts - find what works for you. More padding isn't necessarily better if it wads up, I find a shaped pad w/welded seams works best for me. My favorite brand has been SHEBEEST. Their "shelastic" chamois is great w/ adequate padding on my sit bones without any extra padding up front. I'm very fond of their "SB Ultra D Short" with their "Century Stretch" Chamois for any rides over 50 miles - I've got two pairs and they are worth every penny. I can't find them locally so I shop at teamestrogen.com<BR/><BR/>3) Chamios Buttr really helps to eliminate soreness from friction - apply it often and liberally (for long rides I rub an 1/8th cup on my chamios at the crotch the night before and allow it to soak in - then apply more to my skin before and during the ride) <BR/><BR/>4) As for yeast infections <BR/>- get out of your shorts asap after the ride <BR/>- I agree with ana - blow dry<BR/><BR/>5) keep hair trimmed<BR/><BR/>6) Use Desitin (diaper cream) to heal up any abrasions or soresLeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08323022110158060720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post-10071181487514824382008-01-14T10:19:00.000-07:002008-01-14T10:19:00.000-07:00Thanks for posting thing. Here are my pointers tha...Thanks for posting thing. Here are my pointers that help, although the missing skin thing happens more often than it should. I can handle a bruised sitbone but um...not having it hurt when I ...ahem..use the ladies room after a ride would be lovely!<BR/><BR/>TONS of chamois cream. I pack a little tube with me when I ride for anything over 2 hours. <BR/><BR/>Play with the seat. Right now I have a split saddle, before that I didn't. There are so many studies saying that the split is good b/c it relieves pressure on soft tissue. Honestly, it made my issues worse. <BR/><BR/>After the fact, if you're...um...torn...use some bacetracian. DO NOT use the analgesic one, it burns to high heaven. Thought it would be a good idea. Not so much.CCPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12658737500678370331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post-46464894321423153512008-01-14T05:58:00.000-07:002008-01-14T05:58:00.000-07:00You know what I love about your blog?You keep it r...You know what I love about your blog?<BR/><BR/>You keep it real. Thanks.Melissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13490274518809587487noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post-53730617743576139512008-01-13T20:52:00.000-07:002008-01-13T20:52:00.000-07:00Okay, first off, this is further evidence of why I...Okay, first off, this is further evidence of why I DETEST cycling. I love all things outdoors, except for riding a bike. <BR/><BR/>As such, I have absolutely no suggestions. But, thank you for further reaffirming my disdane of cycling.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11947826758155217498noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post-42108432952976489952008-01-13T20:20:00.000-07:002008-01-13T20:20:00.000-07:00My pearls of wisdom:1. Woman-specific saddle. T...My pearls of wisdom:<BR/><BR/>1. Woman-specific saddle. The padded back should line up with the sit bones perfectly.<BR/>2. Split saddle. They don't call that a clit slit for nothing.<BR/>3. TITS. The more you do it, the less it hurts.<BR/>4. This is my best one: To cure/prevent yeast infections, use a blow dryer. The one you use on your hair. Yeast thrives in warm/damp environments, so use the blowdryer to remove the 'damp' element. Just put the dryer on low, hold it near the knees and aim up, and blow all those folds for a few minutes until they are dry. Imagine all the little yeasty organisms screaming and dying as they shrivel and dessicate. Spread those folds and hit the entrance to the playground until it's dried somewhat, too. I'm telling you, do this a few minutes every morning you will be yeast-free forever.Anapicohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05223151422932503685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post-62809415389121024062008-01-13T18:18:00.000-07:002008-01-13T18:18:00.000-07:00The best advice I was given was from Ryan...His wi...The best advice I was given was from Ryan...His wife is a 2-time Ironwoman...and she just loads up every possible spot with Butt<BR/>Butter...It works well. So does taking some time off the bike to heal up all the bad spots. I got so used to being in bad pain (believe I'd blogged about my lacerated lady parts about 6 mos ago) that when I took a month or two completely off the bike to focus on running...when I returned to riding, the lady pain was gone and all had healed. Kathy owner of the bike shop said I'd likely worn out my saddle and that could have been part of the problem. I may invest in a new one soon.Mary Sunshinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17563785057840279623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post-36137864094414281352008-01-13T18:04:00.000-07:002008-01-13T18:04:00.000-07:00I find that standing up the entire ride alleviates...I find that standing up the entire ride alleviates a lot of the hooptie pain.<BR/><BR/>In all seriousness, I don't have too many issues with the stock saddle on my road bike, but have noticed increasing distress with the stock saddle on my tri bike. I'm going to try a women's specific saddle, but I don't know which one yet.<BR/><BR/>Things that have worked for me so far:<BR/>*Expensive shorts with just mid-weight chamois. Bulkier seems to be just as bad and too little. My $20 Performance chamois shorts just don't cut it. I can barely handle 30 mins. in them. My favorites are the SheBeest Triple S shorts, Pearl Izumi Sugar Short w/ the mid-distance chamois, and Ooomph tri shorts.<BR/>*Assos chamois cream, and only Assos. I think it's the witch hazel in it, but there's a numbing aspect that, ah, helps.<BR/>*Since we're being so honest...shave it off, particularly the area that contacts the seat -- and maintain daily.<BR/>*I drop those bike shorts within minutes of finishing my ride, even if it means changing under a towel in a parking lot. <BR/>*I actually go commando a lot too, when I'm done training and lounging around the house, which seems to help with infections.IronSnoopyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01981949502472813578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post-13468413464738468332008-01-13T16:51:00.000-07:002008-01-13T16:51:00.000-07:00For me, I found that a relatively cheap gel saddle...For me, I found that a relatively cheap gel saddle with a split = happy tender female parts.<BR/><BR/>Other saddles, including a not so cheap saddle with a split but no gel, and a gel saddle with no split have caused many unpleasentries to the tender female parts.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03231464198799653331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post-33316554167025832008-01-13T16:06:00.000-07:002008-01-13T16:06:00.000-07:00Thanks for putting this out there GGtI - as a cycl...Thanks for putting this out there GGtI - as a cycling newbie I have nothing to add but a lot to learn.LBTEPAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17630217889998453714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post-12274383822375217552008-01-13T15:03:00.000-07:002008-01-13T15:03:00.000-07:00Oh wow! I did two tris last year on a bike with a...Oh wow! I did two tris last year on a bike with a mile-wide gel seat. I'm doing 5-6 this year, so I got a full carbon-fiber bike with the appropriate racing saddle. I was super-excited . . . until the pain began. I was really worried until i read these posts -- I guess I just have to ride it a while and "toughen up." It's not the 'lady parts' that seem to be painful. . .it's further back, closer to the sit bones, and feels like bruising. That's "normal" for a new rider?<BR/><BR/>Also, off-topic, but if anyone wants to answer. . .are there trisuits for ladies with fuller thighs? At 150 lbs, I look like a sausage in my bike shorts already.Mrs. Gagerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12536222562246461235noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post-6862929538332050402008-01-13T14:23:00.001-07:002008-01-13T14:23:00.001-07:00I did two things to solve my down there problems:1...I did two things to solve my down there problems:<BR/><BR/>1) bought a woman's saddle. Sella Italia "Lady" to be specific<BR/><BR/>2) I use baby cream, the same you use on babies when they have diaper rash. Just slather a bunch on before and I'm okay for a long ride.Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07317985324165071497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post-22131392934207727672008-01-13T14:23:00.000-07:002008-01-13T14:23:00.000-07:00Ok, I'll come out of the woodwork, too! This is t...Ok, I'll come out of the woodwork, too! This is the main reason why cycling isn't my very favorite sport....the numbness, occasional blistering, and the poor squished girl parts that make me writhe in agony for rides longer than 10 miles. (Yes, that bad) I've had my seat adjusted (so it's not on an upward angle) and converted to a thick-padded bike short, but still need to work on the girl saddle and the chamois butter. I am not sure what to think of the chamois butter suggestion, but at this point, anything is worth a shot.<BR/><BR/>So, just wanted to say that you are not alone....and if I stumble upon anything brilliant, I'll come over here and share it!MtngirlinCalihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01673061711610647249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post-2995075163891053432008-01-13T11:30:00.000-07:002008-01-13T11:30:00.000-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.KrissyGo!https://www.blogger.com/profile/10203111892322949643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11786280.post-71540846028815233892008-01-13T07:16:00.000-07:002008-01-13T07:16:00.000-07:00BTW- I am still cracking up over the fact that not...BTW- I am still cracking up over the fact that not a single guy has posted a comment on this post!! Cracking up...Dihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15781853264376775665noreply@blogger.com