As you know from the name of my blog and my promises to you about my Web site, I’m open and honest about the good, the bad AND the unladylike parts of training. That’s why you should know that today’s topic is is going to be about as unladylike as it gets. I understand if you need to bail, but you might want to stick it out to learn something about endurance sports that no one has ever told you. [Listen up triathlon newbies and enthusiasts!]

I’ve never done much serious cycling until I started training for the Ironman 70.3 Augusta. Prior to that, I’d done a ton of sprint triathlons and one Olympic-distance triathlon, but my training time on the bike had been minimal – shorter distances, shorter time.

During the last month, I have uncovered an untold secret about cycling that no one seems to talk about. I certainly never heard about it … until it happened to me: Saddle sores.

That’s right. Cycling can sometimes be the catalyst for sores, boils and other easily perceived creepy things that are embarrassing to discuss and painful to bear.

I learned from Bicycling.com that “your saddle, shorts and dried salt crystals from sweat can work together like a belt sander on your butt while you pedal” … which can lead to saddle sores. They note that these sores first appear as a mild skin irritation, but progress to inflamed hair follicles (aka painful boils). Web MD describes a boil as a skin infection that starts in a hair follicle or oil gland. At first, the skin turns red in the area of the infection, and a tender lump develops. Often times, the lump starts turning white as pus collects under the skin.

Unladylike enough for you? Are you as grossed out as I am, yet?

Well, this is the part where I tell you I got a saddle sore as a result of my race on Sunday. It has been so painful that I haven’t even been able to go for a recovery run yet. I finally went to the doctor this morning, and she gave me some antibiotics and pain killers. It should go away in the next few days, but why does no one tell you about this when you first start cycling and training for triathlons???

After working up the courage to mention this to a few of my Ironman friends, they all shared that they’ve had plenty of these saddle sores and that it happens frequently. If you’re unlucky enough to get one of these lovey bumps or boils, here’s what Web MD advises for home treatment: Apply warm compresses and soak the boil in warm water. This helps decrease the pain and draw all the icky stuff inside to the surface. When the boil starts draining (could take 7 to 10 days), wash it with an antibacterial soap. Apply a medicated ointment (and a bandage if needed). Continue to wash the infected area 2 to 3 times a day and to use warm compresses until the wound heals. Do not pop the boil with a needle. This could make the infection worse.

So how can you prevent getting saddle sores? Gale Bernhardt, an Olympic triathlon coach and author of The Female Cyclist, shares the following tips for prevention. These come directly from her article on Active.com:

• Be certain your bike is set up correctly. A saddle that is too high can force the rider to reach for the pedals, causing either pressure or chafing. A saddle that is too low doesn’t allow the legs to support the body and puts excess pressures on your crotch.
• To help prevent chafing, slather your genital area and upper thigh with a good chamois cream or BodyGlide.
• Wear padded cycling shorts without underwear. Cycling shorts are designed to reduce friction from seams, and the padding helps reduce pressure on sensitive areas.
• Good hygiene is essential after the ride. Take off your dirty shorts, wash your crotch and don’t wear those shorts again until they have been cleaned.
• Don’t suddenly increase weekly or daily mileage on the bike.
• If you shave the upper leg and lower torso, a light application of antibiotic ointment after shaving may help prevent red spots and infected bumps. [Note from rUnladylike: Several of my Ironman friends say waxing vs. shaving has been a positive game-changer for them!]
• Be certain the bike seat isn’t tilted too far up or down. This creates pressure, causing you to constantly push back in the saddle.
• If problems persist, a different saddle may help, especially one with a soft or cutout area near the nose.

Are you thoroughly grossed out yet? Shocked? Horrified? Yeah, me too. But now you know. Just call it the glamorous life of a half Ironman finisher.

What have you learned through your training and racing experiences that you didn’t know when you started? Any other warnings you might give to others who are training for endurance events so they are more prepared?