New Running Gear
A few months ago one of my yoga instructors had sold me on the idea of compression socks. She also happens to be a competitive runner, so I trusted her advice.
Compression socks help improve blood flow and circulation – which in theory is suppose to help runners run longer and faster, however evidence on this is not statistically significant. They seem to be better for recovery and helping to reduce shin splints. Check out Canadian Running Magazine for their review.
CEP are a popular brand and it seems that is what all the local runners are wearing (especially the ones leading the race). So naturally those were the ones I was on the hunt for. I found them in hot pink which made me want them even more. However, I wasn’t prepared to part with the $75-$90 it was going to cost me.
I ended up purchasing a pair of knee high Lululemon Compression Socks, which only set me back $24. I didn’t wear them during the half marathon, but put them on when the run was over to help with the recovery. I wore them for about 6 hours and noticed a difference compared to the parts of my legs that were not covered by the compression socks. My calf muscles felt great – hamstrings not so much.
I have yet to wear them on any long runs, just a few short 3k’s. Haven’t really noticed any difference while running. Will keep wearing them on long runs to see if there are any improvements.
However, for $24 they have been worth the investment. Love them for the recovery benefits.
This weekend I purchased a pair of Salomon Speed Cross 2 Trail Runners – to round out my running shoe collection of course. I needed a replacement for my tradition hiking boots. I had them for 10 years and they were still in great shape, but they were so clunky and awkward that I hated wearing them on long hikes. In recent years they were used more as my winter boots. I wanted something light & easy to move in, but sturdy enough for trails and rocks. The Salomon’s seem like they have all of that. Wore them on a long walk around the city just to break them in before hitting the trails. Hoping to put them to the test this weekend with some hiking/trail running in Tofino.
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