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| Recovering after Big Sur...I wore these for about 36 hours straight. Tiny piece of heaven wrapped around my sore legs. |
Here is what Zensah says about their compression socks:
The Zensah Athletic Compression Socks are the most innovative athletic compression socks within the athletic market. Each pair of athletic compression socks is made in Italy using seamless technology to prevent any irritation. The athletic compression socks were designed by a professional athletic trainer and feature ProGrade Compression Technology - the optimal amount of compression for athletes.
The athletic compression socks use graduated compression to increase oxygen blood flow to energize your legs prior to any athletic activity, enhance athletic performance during an athletic activity, and aid in recovery after any athletic activity. The Zensah Athletic Compression Sock will enable you to perform athletic activities at a whole new level.
The Zensah Athletic Compression Socks are the only athletic compression socks to incorporate arch support as part of the athletic compression socks - allowing your legs to last longer during athletic activities. Each pair of athletic compression socks are made with propriety Zensah fabric, which is both anti-microbial and thermo-regulating. The athletic compression socks keep your legs cool in hot weather and comfortable in cold weather.
I must say the first thing I noticed when I slid these socks on was how soft they are. Unlike the two other pairs (two different brands too) these aren't scratchy and stiff. They felt soft and did not irritate my skin.
I think compression is very important for recovery, in fact that is when I wear them most. I usually get super hot and annoyed when I wear my other brand's compression socks while on a run, however, these are soft (ok already mentioned that) and most importantly, even in the heat, I do not feel hot. During a recent run in the Zensah socks it was 8 PM and 82 degrees with unmentionable humidity. I was nervous to wear them because the last thing I want is to have to cut a run short because my socks are slowing me down, or driving me crazy. I have been known to roll my compression socks down, 80's style, just to get them off my legs. But...THIS DID NOT HAPPEN, that was NOT the case with the Zensah socks. Maybe it is the softness or the thermo-regulating fabric, but whatever it is IT WORKS. Not only did I complete my 2.5 miles run (hey, recovering from an injury here-with a cyst in my knee, 2.5 miles is AWESOME) but my pace was about 23 seconds per mile faster than previous runs, in the heat, without the socks. Now, to be fair I am running slow, but any improvement in pace is welcomed. And most notable was the decrease in calf pain on my left leg. During previous runs without the socks I had to stop and walk, not because I was tired but because my calf was so tight and hurting. But with the compression socks I was able to continue running with a decreased pain in my calf, and no walking. Win WIN!
Do you know how hard it is to get a picture of your own legs? Pretty hard...But either way, here are the socks. They fit perfect and feel so good
I had LB snap some shots....he did pretty good...LOVE the one where my head is completely cut off. That is not the result of cropping.
And here we are...he's my training buddy these days. I CAN NOT keep up with him when he's on his bike, but it makes for a good fartlek workout.
Either way, check out Zensah compression products! If you have a 4th of July race coming up check these babies out HERE:
Pretty awesome right??
Do you do compression?
And do you have any 4th of July races coming up? I'm going to have to find one! I'm in the mood to race!
It's so funny you should write about this today. I spent about an hour last night looking up compression socks. I have CEP sleeve but my poor feet have been sore lately so I have been looking into some socks. I will definitely have to check out the Zensah socks.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, I didn't even mention how these feel on the arches! There is compression there too and my arches feel so so good in these! I have high arches and I think sometimes they just need to be coddled. The CEP socks I have fit tight through the foot but I can't say for sure if they actually are compression through the foot. Maybe something to consider in your search.
DeleteI love my Zensah compression socks! I've got a hot pink pair :)
ReplyDeleteAh yes!! I want some pink ones! And black ones! And the funky calf sleeves, all of them! =)
DeleteI love my Zensah compression socks, I wore them Saturday at the Seattle RnR, then changed into a new pair after I showered. Love them.
ReplyDeleteYep! That's the way to go! At Big Sur marathon I realized I like my Zensah ones so much better that I didn't want to change into my other pair, so I didn't want to put them on until I after I showered. HA....we runners are peculiar people.
DeleteI do have compression socks but not from Zensah. They look great! I do have a race on 4th of July and need to find an outfit!
ReplyDeleteYes! A flashy American Outfit! Good luck!
Deletemmmmmmm compression....
ReplyDeleteMmmmmmmm yes! =)
DeleteI just bought the CEP sleeves. I only got to wear them twice because of my injury. I don't know if they made a difference or not....I didn't wear them during recovery and I've read that is the most important time to have them on.
ReplyDeleteI love that your son bikes while you run. My daughter just learned to ride with no training wheels recently. She's gotten drastically better so I'm excited to get healed up and bring her out with me!
Oh yeah, give your daughter a month or two and she'll be putting you through a serious fartlek workout, fast, slow, faster, slooooow, faster than a speeding bullet, complete dead stop, fast....and on it will go until your tongue drags the ground. =)
DeleteI think sometimes it is difficult to tell if there is an improvement with the compression but every once and a while I'll be like, wait a minute I just increased my pace or I usually have to stop because my calf cramps or whatever it may be, you'll just notice you feel better. But I agree, I prefer to wear mine for recovery. But one of my 5K PR's I was wearing compression 2XU tights, never worn them before and I KNOW it helped with that race and my performance.
My hubby and I love love love love love (a lot love) our Zensah compression! I'm on the injured list too (bummer) and haven't been putting in too many miles so I don't get as much use out of my calf sleeves. BUT I have been known (during the last 6 wks) to wear them to bed, just because. lol Hope you're recovering/healing up nicely.
ReplyDeleteI can feeeeeel the love. HA!
DeleteI hate that you are on the injured list. Total bummer. I would sleep in mine too after a tough run! Feels so good!
Rest up, injury is no fun. =/
I LOVE compression socks!! They are a life saver after a long run!
ReplyDeleteLittle hugs for our feet and calves, right?! =)
DeleteBeen wearing mine today due after a rather difficult hike which has made it difficult to walk, let alone run. Finally wearing them in the hopes of relief so I can get back to running!
ReplyDeleteAh hope they help! But it's such a good feeling when you KNOW you got a good workout, right?
DeleteI wish I could afford the 4th of July styled compression socks! Cute! I do have a pair of UA capri compression pants that I swear by. (Back when I had extra spending money...what's that again? Lol) I am racing this 4th. My first 10k! I'm getting excited and waaay nervous. Its a local one so hopefully I can pull out a decent time. Love the pictures! My son takes some pretty awesome shots too ;) you two are adorable!
ReplyDeleteMoney? You had extra spending money? =) I feel ya, my only complaint about these ad any compression gear is the cost. But comparatively I do think most brands are very close to the same price.
DeleteGood luck with your 10k!! It will be amazing!!
This was a timely post as I was seriously considering pulling the trigger on buying compression sleeves for my calves. I prefer those to the socks because I often run without socks.
ReplyDeleteOh man! Don't pull the trigger without trying everything first!! The sleeves might be just what you need! And those red white and blue ones are screaming KEPA WONG! =) No but really, I do feel they help with both performance and recovery. It's worth a shot.
Delete