PRO Compression provided me with a complimentary pair of calf sleeves in exchange for this review, through my association with SweatPink. All opinions are my own.
After my injury and bout with plantar fasciitis, recovery is something I am taking extremely seriously. I have a long way to go until my first marathon, and it’s important to keep my eye on the finish line.
So, how does this change things for me in my training?
Last year, when I was new and not quite as serious, I ran without much regard to taking care of myself in other ways. I ignored designated rest days. I neglected stretching. And let’s be honest. I pretty well forgot about cross training. I didn’t foam roll or ice or do any of the things recommended to keep me healthy and well.
Lesson learned.
I had to make some serious adjustments and break some bad habits. My experience showed me that rest and recovery are just as important to the training process as logging miles, and if I have any intention of finishing a marathon on my feet, I need to respect that.
After running 11 miles and then Tour De Pain (three races worth eight miles in 24 hours), my body was begging for a bit of a break. I committed to several days of resting, promised myself for at least two yoga classes, and took a lesson from this little pug (she has “resting” down to an art form).
My calves have proven to be a big source of my problems, and while stretching and resting help, the use of compression sleeves help my muscles heal and recover.
The calf sleeves from PRO Compression will definitely be a regular part of my recovery routine. They are made of a soft, wicking material, which I found to be extremely comfortable. The fabric is a bit thicker than I’m used to, but it makes the quality of the sleeves quite evident. Something else I appreciate is the length. I am on the taller side and I have long legs. Usually, things like knee socks (or anything that is supposed to come up to, or even down to the knee) fall several inches too short. With the PRO Compression sleeves, I got complete coverage, from low on my ankle to right beneath the knee joint. Totally comfortable and I didn’t have to worry about things riding up or down.
Which is certainly helpful for spending the day out and about with little man and friends, fishing and playing.
I was comfortable all day and my calves absolutely appreciated the support. There are no aches and no soreness, and I know it’s because I’m taking those extra steps and being more careful about my recovery habits.
What are some of the essentials in your recovery routine?
Do you use compression socks or sleeves to help give your legs some extra help after particularly strenuous workouts?
Interested in trying out PRO Compression marathon socks or calf sleeves? Now is a great time to try them out (or stock up on some favorites). By entering “PINK” at checkout, you will get 40% off your entire order. And don’t forget to share the word with your friends by tweeting about this great offer (just click on the link!): Tweet: I #KeepItTight w/ @PROCompression! Use the code PINK for 40% OFF your entire purchase! http://ctt.ec/W2UDL+ @fitapproach #sweatpink
Have fun shopping and happy running!
Love pro compression! I’ve never tried to calf sleeves, and will have to look into them! But, the tall socks I have do work wonders!
Sarah @ Sweet Miles recently posted…Vinyasa Vibes: Hot Yoga with a DJ
I don’t love socks in general. My toes get all constricted and trapped feeling. I’m such a baby, sometimes! PRO Compression promises a larger toe box on their socks, so maybe I would like those better, but not ready to go there, quite yet.
HI. great work…. I am curious as to when you would start wearing compression. I am doing up to 6 miles at the moment and looking to up to 10. calves are not my problem, my hip flexors are when I run. I think I will look into them. Thanks for the review. How tall are you? I saw a photo of you and another woman and you are tall! I am only 5 5.
For me, I start around the 8 mile mark, or if I’m feeling twinge-y. If it’s not your calves that give you issues, you might want to look into the sock. They offer graduated compression that starts in your foot, and gets the circulation going up through the leg. I wear socks as rarely as I can (basically, I put them on right before I run and strip them off immediately after), so I prefer just the pressure on my calves, but everyone is different.
I am about 5’9.5″. I love my height, but it can definitely make it hard to find things like running skirts, shirts that don’t ride up (long torso) and shorts that provide coverage LOL.
I love compression sleeves, I’ll never run a marathon without them!
Kristy recently posted…2014 Raise the Roof 5K
I don’t love them to wear while running – for some reason they bother my ankles. But afterwards? Heaven.
I LOVE my ProCompression socks! I’m a big fan of the marathon socks over tha calf sleeves (I think they are too darn tight!). I usually wear them on runs over 6 miles but sometimes on shorter runs during the fall/spring when I want to keep my legs warm 🙂
Karen @karenlovestorun
Karen @karenlovestorun recently posted…ALL IN {Goofy Challenge/ Philadephia Half Marathon Training}
I may try to wear them in the colder weather for actually running, but so far, I haven’t used them for anything but recovery. Because they were always falling down on me LOL. These, I think would be ok.
runswithpugs recently posted…recovery with PRO Compression
I love how calf sleeves/compression socks feel! I do notice they help my calves feel better if one is a little tweaky.
jan recently posted…Transverse Abdominal Muscle Update
It’s the little things. But it’s amazing how a little extra care makes everything work better.
You are nominated – http://myfirst5k.wordpress.com/2014/08/06/i-guess-im-inspiring/ – Congrats!
Darlene recently posted…I guess I’m “inspiring”
Thank you!
I love ProCompression socks! I have a couple of pairs of the calf sleeves but I prefer the socks. If I wear the sleeves too long, they start to hurt my ankle area. But I wore the socks during the marathon and several halfs and so glad I did!
Andrea recently posted…Stitch Fix #2