Today on Tuesdays on the Run, April, Patty, and I are talking about compression. We want to know: do you wear it? Do you think it works for you? In what way? And what are your favorite brands?
These days, compression gear is available to “squeeze” pretty much any body part you feel the need to squeeze. You can get socks, arm sleeves, tights, shorts… you name it. But I was unable to find any definitive studies that showed a significant benefit to wearing them. Study results varied from finding no benefit to showing some recovery benefit. None seemed to show a benefit to wearing it during the actual workout.
As you can tell from my race pictures, I wear compression socks. I started wearing them regularly after I strained my calf just a few weeks before my first time running 5 half marathons in 5 days. Prior to that, I had worn them to keep warm and because I’d been sent some to try. When I hurt my calf though, they really came in handy. My left calf needed that little bit of extra support to get my through longer runs and races. But I very seldom wear them for recovery. Every once in a while when my calf is crabby, I’ll put on a pair, but generally speaking I don’t. I did wear them after every one of my half marathons when I ran the first set of five, but did not the next time I ran a series. I did not notice an appreciable difference between my recovery during the two events. Would I benefit from wearing them more after a race? Jury seems to still be out on that.
Do I still need them to run? Probably not, but it’s become something I usually wear. I find them comfortable and I admit to liking what a friend calls my “naughty school girl” race outfits. Also, they extend skirt season by a few extra months. I can run much of the winter in skirts with compression socks and that makes me happy. So, I’ll continue to wear my PROcompression and Feetures compression socks while the scientists continue to try to figure it out. Maybe someday they’ll determine I’ve been doing it right all along.
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I have a few compeession calf sleeves that I wear post race for recovery. I’m not sure I notice any difference between wearing them or not. I do like the extra support they provide.
Melanie@runnergirlinarockingworld.com recently posted…Race Recap: Race the Bar 5K- Pig Pounder Brewery
I can only stand them post race if it’s cold. Otherwise I get hot. Yes, I can wear them to run, but can’t stand the heat after. Yes, I’m weird.
NeRd AlErT
I SO SO SO DO…when I fly 🙂
CARLA recently posted…My child plays no sports.
I should!
I am a big fan of compression socks -during and after long runs and races and on flights — and compression shorts on long runs and races.
Coco recently posted…Visiting Monuments On Memorial Day
I need to remember to wear them on flights…
I wear calf sleeves but that’s it. I have tight calves and compression seems to help when I’m running and during recovery.
Lesley recently posted…I’m Back!!
I have tight calves too, but I prefer the socks. My feet get puffy if I wear the sleeves.
I don’t run in compression socks, but I love wearing them as part of my recovery routine.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Sweat Pink Athleta Yoga Recap
I’ve gotten out of the habit and now that summer is here, I’m even less likely to put them on afterwards.
LOVE my compression socks! One of the best running investments I’ve made!!
Sarah @ Sarah’s on the Run recently posted…TOTR: Compression Time!
I’ve made quite the investment in all the colors LOL.
I’m the opposite of you. I always wear them for recovery but not for running. Except when I had a strained calf I wore sleeves and loved them!
Marcia recently posted…Tuesdays on the Run and Swimtimidation. It’s a Thing.
I started wearing them for the same reason as you. Now I just like them with skirts. ;o)
I wear my compression socks every single run! I love them, especially Pro Compression. I love all the colors!
Smitha @ http://www.runningwithsdmom.com recently posted…#BlueLizard Sunscreen Review & #GIVEAWAY – Melanoma Awareness Month
I like the PROcompression a lot (as you can see from my collection), but I don’t wear them on short runs unless it’s really cold.
I like socks that compress the middle of my foot. I also like my breasts to be completely immobilized when I run! Other than that, never tried anything, and haven’t felt the need.
Julie @ HappinessSavouredHot recently posted…The Less is More Project: Week 21 – Two questions, take two
I’m with you on the completely immobilized boobs. That’s my preference as well.
I run in compression tights during winter – more for warmth than for compression. I prefer to use compression post long run. It seems to make a big difference with recovery. Totally forgot to take it when I went away for my half last weekend and I really regretted it.
Char recently posted…Noosa Half Marathon
I may have to be better about wearing them post run next fall…
I wear my compression socks for recovery. I tried running in them a few times, but I got way too hot while running! I guess that’s what happens when running with more than shorts and tank top in Florida heat
Yeah, I can’t imagine wearing them in the heat of summer to train, so Florida sounds some kind of awful LOL.
I don’t usually run in compression socks/sleeves unless I’m nursing a calf injury, but I love to wear them AFTER a long run! You have quite the collection!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Weekly recap: Speedy runs, Strawberries, strawberries and MORE strawberries….
Some might call it an addiction… But I got them all free or on sale LOL.
I wear compression socks during a lot of my races. I like them for the same reason your friend said. 😉
Lol! I really can tell a difference when I wear them. I don’t seem to be as sore, and recovery is quicker.
Katie@fromicecreamtomarathon recently posted…Noblesville Mini Marathon and my knee hates me. Again.
I feel the same way, but sometimes I think it’s in my head…
I love compression for recovery. And while I will definitely wear them on the run, it’s not every run. I still can’t bring myself to wear them when it’s especially hot out but I know I should. I love that there are so many colors to choose from now!
Jenn @ RunWithSole recently posted…Compression Socks and Sleeves: use ’em or lose ’em?
Yeah, it’s hot here now – I won’t be wearing them much for the next few months.
I love compression! I think it helps my calves and shins stay fresher, and, of course, they look cute. 😉
Beth recently posted…How to Stay Hydrated on Summer Runs
I like the way they feel and I do think that they are cute.
I don’t like to run with them, but I do wear them for Recovery. I am currently in the thick of Ironman Training and I wear full Compression Pants after my Brick workouts!
I thought about getting some of those for my two marathons in two days, but never got around to it. I could have used them LOL
I go through phases of really liking to wear compression socks especially when doing longer runs. I really like the compression tights and shorts though.
Deborah Brooks @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Transition Tips for Beginner Triathletes
I like the shorts under the happy girl. They compress just enough to be helpful without feeling squeezed…
i just found you on Pinterest and I love your site. Im coming off a two month unwanted break from running and needing a little motivation to help get me going again. I am a wife, mother of two boys and funny I have two dogs, two cats, a fish and a crested gecko. And I love running to keep me sane.