Compression socks/sleeves

[Davy Insell]

Anyone using them? Just bought a set of sleeves at Easy Runner today. Not really having any issues, but I did notice my calves were pretty hard after running Heart and Sole Half. Wearing them right now and can see they will take some getting used to.

[NewlyImproved]

I've used them on numerous occasions. There are tons of studies that prove they improve recovery, but none that can prove "performance enhancement" during the actual activity.

I have always done my speed workouts on a Tuesday and Friday. Recently, in an attempt to provide a more efficient long run on Saturday(by pushing my anaerobic threshold session to thursday), I took all the extended precautions to recover faster. I ate a Clif or Power Bar within the 30 minute window after my cooldown, I took an ice bath directly after my clif bar, and I wore "compression leggings" from post ice bath until I woke up the next day. My findings were astounding. Not only was a able to speed on a days rest, I could even do my Wednesday recovery run 15 seconds per mile faster with the same heart rate exertion.

Don't ask a runner how much recovery matters, ask a cyclist! Cyclists and Triathaletes are a step ahead of us runners.

Another thing the compression clothing is good for is traveling. I promise that if you wear your compression socks or leggings after an hour+ in a car, you can tell a difference the second you get out!

'NI

[Davy Insell]

That's good info. Are you saying wear them WHILE you travel or put them on after you arrive?

[maxirunner]

There was an article in the Journal of S&C a few months ago that actually showed performance improvement in 5-k times with compression socks at a specified mmHG. Funny, I actually thought they might make the few seconds of difference to break 17 in 5-k...now I am wearing one to help control the chronic inflammation in my surgically-repaired ankle.

[The Pink Panther]

I wore a pair recently in the Soaring Wings Half Marathon and they made my calves burn through the whole race. I feel like such a rookie! ......maybe wearing them after makes more sense at that distance.