Compresion tights question

[bunnyfoo]

You're such an enabler! You know I can't say no to shopping!

 

[FFigawi]

I'm also thinking about ordering a pair of CW-X capris for the full in January. Assuming the weather wasn't as cold as it was this year, will I be too hot running in them? I'm getting the non-insulator pair but I see from the RunningWarehouse website that they're still rated for temps between below 30 and up to 55.

I guess maybe the better question is what has the finishing temp on marathon day been in the past.

TIA

I think that as long as the temps are below 50 or so, you'd probably be okay with the capris. I get too hot wearing anything but shorts unless the temps are in the 30s, but a lot of the women I train with wear tights and capris in the 40s and low 50s.

 

[rubato]

You're such an enabler! You know I can't say no to shopping!

I live vicariously through your wallet!!

 

[bunnyfoo]

So I finally got my compression tights on Friday! Unfortunately I got them after I had already finished my 13 miler but I did take them out on a short 3 miler run this afternoon. The pair I got was the Expert Insulator tights. One thing I'll say right off the bat, is that they're not warm. They have a slight fleece lining but that's about it. Of course I was running into a strong wind on a day where it was -7C (19.4F). Not sure how much colder the wind made the temperature.

These tights are designed to give support primarily to the knees and quads. Perfect for me! And it kind of works out since I lost my patella strap last week The fit on the tights are well... tight! More so than my UA, Nike or Adidas tights but not uncomfortably so. I was in between sizes - a small and a medium and opted for the small. No big deal, this will force me to keep my eating in check

During the run, I had no knee pain whatsoever... no pinching in my hips and no pulling or uncomfort in my ITB. I felt like there was "something" holding my knees together and my legs did feel like they had a little more energy. Overall I have to say that I really like them.

The only thing I did notice was that my gait on my left side seemed to change a little bit. While my right foot was landing normally, the left side seemed to be landing on the ball of my foot This eventually caused fatigue in my achilles but whenever I noticed my foot strike was off, I tried to correct it. I was also testing out a pair of Sugoi compression socks but can't imagine those would have affected the foot strike pattern (especially since it was just one foot). My left side always gives me problems.

So I guess the real test will be on my LR next weekend. I also picked up a pair of compression capris (the CW-X Stabilyx capris). I think they're the same idea as the Expert tights. I'll have to test those out on the TM at the gym this week. But if all goes well, those are the pair that I will likely wear for the full in January.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Any major difference between the capris and the full length tights as far as support goes? Did anyone else end up getting a pair. I am hoping to have some by tomorrow. I am getting frustrated because CW-X does not update their list of retailers so many in Atlanta have stopped carrying their stuff.

 

[FFigawi]

Why not buy them from Amazon or some other online retailer? None of my local running stores had them in my size, so when I needed to upgrade my Hind tights, I bought a CW-X pair from Amazon. Free shipping, no tax, and the size and color I wanted. I always try to support my local stores, but sometimes that's not possible.

 

[ludari]

I have run in both compression shorts and compression tights and I prefer them over running shorts. It's all a matter of prerference but I have found that the compression shorts keep me warmer and prevent muscle fatigue. I also like the fact that I don't have to worry about chafing or rashes while wearing compression shorts/tights.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Why not buy them from Amazon or some other online retailer? None of my local running stores had them in my size, so when I needed to upgrade my Hind tights, I bought a CW-X pair from Amazon. Free shipping, no tax, and the size and color I wanted. I always try to support my local stores, but sometimes that's not possible.

I want to try them on first only because the sizing is such an issue for so many. I would rather not order a pair and have to return it. But, I will probably order some too if they are as good as the reviews claim they are. I am just looking for some insurance against any IT band pain this time around and I hope that these help!

 

[cewait]

Any major difference between the capris and the full length tights as far as support goes? Did anyone else end up getting a pair. I am hoping to have some by tomorrow. I am getting frustrated because CW-X does not update their list of retailers so many in Atlanta have stopped carrying their stuff.

I want to try them on first only because the sizing is such an issue for so many. I would rather not order a pair and have to return it. But, I will probably order some too if they are as good as the reviews claim they are. I am just looking for some insurance against any IT band pain this time around and I hope that these help!

Hit the expo early and head to the CW-x booth. I have purchased tights there a couple times will no problem. I think either will serve you well, though if you tend to have calf, lower leg cramping issues then I would suggest the tights over capris. CW-x has a Ventilator model that works well in warmer weather. One reason I suggest the expo is that the folks working the booth actually know how to fit the CW-x product. Many stores are a little clueless.

I would not have any issue running a marathon in a new pair of tights. The caution I will give with this recommendation is that you still need to lube where you normally lube in the chub rub region. You are less likely to rub in the tights but an ounce of prevention is worth a million. Also, most brands of compression tights run a seam from belly button around to the tramp stamp area. If you opt to run in a new set of tights (even if you find them today) I would not go commando until you understand what that seam does. Make sure that layer is thin and wicking material

I will be running in a brand new pair, only washed never worn this weekend. So I am really walking the walk that I preach on this. I will also pick up a new set of the new product to replace a pair that had a long seam split a couple weeks ago. As with the pp, I also run in both their compression short and tights

 

[bunnyfoo]

No major difference between the tights and capris (for me, anyway... YMMY). Both were supportive in the knee and ITB area. I ordered mine from Runningwarehouse.com - they have two day shipping.

As for sizing - I found myself in between a medium and a small according to the CW-X charts. The small was a tad on the snug side when I initially bought them but I knew I had gained a bit of weight I opted for the small knowing that it would force me to keep my eating in check.

Coach - is it better to wash the tights before wearing them?

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Hit the expo early and head to the CW-x booth. I have purchased tights there a couple times will no problem. I think either will serve you well, though if you tend to have calf, lower leg cramping issues then I would suggest the tights over capris. CW-x has a Ventilator model that works well in warmer weather. One reason I suggest the expo is that the folks working the booth actually know how to fit the CW-x product. Many stores are a little clueless.

I would not have any issue running a marathon in a new pair of tights. The caution I will give with this recommendation is that you still need to lube where you normally lube in the chub rub region. You are less likely to rub in the tights but an ounce of prevention is worth a million. Also, most brands of compression tights run a seam from belly button around to the tramp stamp area. If you opt to run in a new set of tights (even if you find them today) I would not go commando until you understand what that seam does. Make sure that layer is thin and wicking material

I will be running in a brand new pair, only washed never worn this weekend. So I am really walking the walk that I preach on this. I will also pick up a new set of the new product to replace a pair that had a long seam split a couple weeks ago. As with the pp, I also run in both their compression short and tights

Thanks Coach! I will go that route as I didn't look to see if there was a CW-X booth at the Expo but am so relieved that they will be there! I hope no one goes to the Expo on Thursday so that first thing Friday I will have a lot to choose from! Your advice is always great so I will definitely follow all of it!

 

[cewait]

No major difference between the tights and capris (for me, anyway... YMMY). Both were supportive in the knee and ITB area. I ordered mine from Runningwarehouse.com - they have two day shipping.

As for sizing - I found myself in between a medium and a small according to the CW-X charts. The small was a tad on the snug side when I initially bought them but I knew I had gained a bit of weight I opted for the small knowing that it would force me to keep my eating in check.

Coach - is it better to wash the tights before wearing them?

I usually wash everything prior to wearing, especially if it will ride in a sensitive area. I am sure that synthetic material is not as bad as natural fibers so you could probably get away without laundering. If I wear a new set from the expo I will run them through a wash cycle at the villa. Its a little tougher in a regular room.

Speaking of laundering... We all know that we wash sprots clothes in cold water and never never use a fabric softener. Also the CW-x tights do not go in the dryer.

Thanks Coach! I will go that route as I didn't look to see if there was a CW-X booth at the Expo but am so relieved that they will be there! I hope no one goes to the Expo on Thursday so that first thing Friday I will have a lot to choose from! Your advice is always great so I will definitely follow all of it!

I think I purchased my last set there on a Friday or Saturday afternoon and I am a grande, one of the more common sizes for this side of the gene pool

 

[princessbride6205]

I got two pairs of the CW-X tights for Christmas - and they already feel like magic. They have really helped keep my hip and knee issues in check. My only concern for longer distances (which I haven't done in these yet) is that center seam the Coach mentioned - it's a little uncomfortable - I'll have to see how I can fix that.

 

[smileyk8]

Vicky you crack me up!

I just looked at the sizing chart for the tights and i sit in the grey area between small and medium- it doesn't even tell you which to go for! Very helpful.... not.

I have some Asics that have a similar pattern around the knee, but are much heavier material so something a bit lighter but with compression sounds great. I haven't noticed any magical difference from them to be honest.

Oh my word, i hope you're all super excited about Marathon Weekend! I'm a little green to be fair!

 

[marathonmommy]

I got two pairs of the CW-X tights for Christmas - and they already feel like magic. They have really helped keep my hip and knee issues in check. My only concern for longer distances (which I haven't done in these yet) is that center seam the Coach mentioned - it's a little uncomfortable - I'll have to see how I can fix that.

Um...yeah. It wasn't until my 3rd commando run in these that I had a problem. There is no built in crotch in the ProX pair. I wound up with some irritation near the backish bikini area. Still LOVE them a believe they save my knees!

Vicky you crack me up!

I just looked at the sizing chart for the tights and i sit in the grey area between small and medium- it doesn't even tell you which to go for! Very helpful.... not.

They actually suggest you go to the larger size if you are near the edge . . . I would suggest the same.

 

[Trudes]

Speaking of laundering... We all know that we wash sprots clothes in cold water and never never use a fabric softener. Also the CW-x tights do not go in the dryer.

I always wash my running gear in cold water and NEVER put it in the dryer, but I had NO idea about not using fabric softener. Does it break down the fibers? I won't be using it with my running gear anymore. Thanks!

I just looked at the sizing chart for the tights and i sit in the grey area between small and medium- it doesn't even tell you which to go for! Very helpful.... not.

I was just looking at the CW-x tights and shorts last night, and right below the sizing chart it said if in the grey area to go up one size. Maybe not all web sites list it, but I read it on a couple sites. Hope that helps.

I was thinking about the running shorts. I have wanted compression shorts for a while now, and my hips like to flare up a bit and I think it might really help. Anyone buy the shorts vs the tights? I was thinking of wearing them under my regular running shorts. But the tights would be great for my cold weather running.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

When you have moisture wicking material and use fabric softener or sheets
these products can leave a residual film on the fibers that can inhibit their properties of the moisture wicking.

I usually cold water wash and hang dry.

I've always wondered about the CW-X items and maybe some day will try them.

 

[cewait]

Yeppers... Fabric softener has a fat based component and the fat coats the wicking fibers preventing them from absorbing moisture and pulling it away from the body.


As a little added thought... Fabric softener also cause bath towels to not absorb moisture as well.....

 

[disneygirlinnj]

I'll be wearing the CW-X capris. HUGE fan of CW-X. Wore the Stablyx during the half last year with my IT Band problems and they were awesome!

I also have the Ventilators but I haven't run in them yet. Not sure if they'll be cooler to run in or not compared to the capris. I know they're made for warmer weather.

Any thoughts?

 

[cewait]

I'll be wearing the CW-X capris. HUGE fan of CW-X. Wore the Stablyx during the half last year with my IT Band problems and they were awesome!

I also have the Ventilators but I haven't run in them yet. Not sure if they'll be cooler to run in or not compared to the capris. I know they're made for warmer weather.

Any thoughts?

Obviously (at least I hope it is) I am not built to wear capris........

I will say that the ventilators work well. I packed the wrong tights last year and ended up running in them in the 2010 Canadian Invitation Disney Marathon. I was miffed but am going the long way to say that i will wear them when the starting temps are in the upper 50's to low 60's and the finish will remain the upper 60's or less. The long path was to say they work kind of well in the 30's. I did over short them to keep the privates happier and that covered part of the grid.