The Running Thread - 2016

[MommaoffherRocker]

ATTQOTD: I run in store brand moisture wicking socks from Academy. I just grabbed them when I first started running and they have been doing the job so I'm going to stick with them.

I have been using compression sleeves during my runs for about a month now and they have been awesome for me. Before I got them I was having pain on the inside of my right calf for months that no stretching or strength training would help. I wasn't able to run as much as I wanted so I tried the sleeves and it is a night and day difference.

My local running store put out in there newsletter recently that compression sleeves should only be worn during runs and never afterwards but compression socks could be worn before, during or after. I think they said it had something to do with blood clots. Has anyone ever heard that or have an opinion?

 

[disneydaydreamer33]

AAQOTD: I mostly run in Belaga socks (I don't know what kind they are specifically). I really like them, but if there aren't any available I'm just as happy with the Adidas low cut athletic socks I just bought from Costco. It seems for me, as long as the socks are still like new then I'm good. It's when they start to get worn down that I encounter problems.

 

[cavepig]

I always run in Injinji toe socks now! Midweight for the extra cushion. My toes next to my picky toes curl under & are like sideways I guess, so without toe socks it was getting smashed under the other toes and I would get blisters so I was very happy when I started in toe socks a few years ago. Plus I had to go up to size large in them when I went to bigger shoes. And in my normal just everyday cotton socks I just had to go to the large socks, my right foot in particular can't stand anything tight as I've got some nerve issues.

So, onto compression sleeves (never worn the sock ones) I have Zensah calf sleeves I loved them for when I had shin/calf issues....but most of those issues are gone now that I wear bigger shoes & socks & not just for running but all the time (my right foot is very sensitive to anything snug, a battle I've been figuring out slowly over like 3 years now, ugh!)

 

[cavepig]

I mean, if this was a contest, we can all agree that @cavepig won this one as soon as she typed "found someone's goat", right?

Country (but not too country) running at it's finest!

 

[PrincessV]

QOTD: Lets talk about socks! What is your favorite brand/type of running socks? Do you think the socks you run in really matter? Do you use compression socks during and/or after a run?

ATTQOTD: Smartwool, Smartwool, and only SMARTWOOL!!! For running, walking around parks, and any other time I'm wearing running shoes. They fit great, keep my feet warm in cold weather, happy (not cool - nothing can keep feet "cool" in FL summer) in summer, and are an absolute dream for the large amount of rain running I do. I do use Zensah compression socks post-run. I have a previously injured tendon that likes the compression after running long, and the other leg feels left out, so I wear both socks. [/QUOTE]

 

[DopeyBadger]

I'm a balega guy myself. Have tried a few others and they've worked the best for me. I need something that covers the ball of my ankle because on occasion my right foot will kick my left ankle.

I own a pair of zenzah calf sleeves. Here is my understanding of their benefits:

During running the only benefits yet to have been proven are from the placebo effect. They make you feel better so you run better. I have yet to read a paper that shows a physical benefit during running (but if someone finds one let me know).

Post running they can speed recovery of muscle fatigue by keeping the blood flowing and can help with shin splint provention. Helps move out the by products of running which causes the feeling of fatigue. The reason there is advice out there not to wear calf sleeves post running is because of blood pooling. So if you choose to wear them post running keep it to a few hours not the whole day. Because otherwise you'll cause pooling in your feet. Same goes for don't sleep in them.

With all that being said I only wear my calf sleeves after a race or during the dopey race weekend. Part of my training is to build cumulative fatigue and carry the fatigue from one run to the next. I'm trying to teach my body how to run on tired legs/become more efficient. So if I speed up the recovery from a training run then I dampen the benefits of the next run. However during dopey weekend I want to feel fresher each morning so I wear my calf sleeves for a few hours each day after the races while touring the parks.

ETA - I'll add one more thing. Just because something hasn't been scientifically proven to be beneficial doesn't mean that it isn't beneficial. It just means that there hasn't been a well designed robust scientific study that has proven that benefit. So there very well could be a physical benefit to running any calf compression sleeves, however at this point there haven't been any well designed studies that I've read that give that conclusion.

 

[surfde22]

I need something that covers the ball of my ankle because on occasion my right foot will kick my left ankle.

I have this problem too, except left foot kicking my right ankle. Though for me it seems to happen when playing soccer with my cleats more than running. My left cleat is spotted with blood thanks to the texture on the heal of them busting open my ankle.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Can I ask a possibly dumb newbie sub-question to today's question. When should I wear compression socks? What do they help with?
(I'm not to half marathon distance yet...will be working towards that in the fall/end of this year but I'm doing 10k and less primarily for awhile.)

I personally do not wear compression socks or sleeves during a run. I wear my compression socks to bed when I start to increase the mileage. I find that it helps reduce soreness significantly. I didn't wear them the first year I ran. I read nothing indicating they were beneficial so I was skeptical. I decided to try a pair last year and they made a big difference for me. I tried a couple other brands to see which I liked best. I have CEP, 2XU, and Features. If I were to rank them I would say they would be 1) 2XU 2) Features 3) CEP.

ATTQOTD: I run in store brand moisture wicking socks from Academy. I just grabbed them when I first started running and they have been doing the job so I'm going to stick with them.

I have been using compression sleeves during my runs for about a month now and they have been awesome for me. Before I got them I was having pain on the inside of my right calf for months that no stretching or strength training would help. I wasn't able to run as much as I wanted so I tried the sleeves and it is a night and day difference.

My local running store put out in there newsletter recently that compression sleeves should only be worn during runs and never afterwards but compression socks could be worn before, during or after. I think they said it had something to do with blood clots. Has anyone ever heard that or have an opinion?

I have researched them a lot and I saw no information that indicated in either direction what I should do. I never heard of the blood clot thing though.


QOTD: I wear good old Champion socks. I have a few different brands of running socks and I find that the thin ones cause me the "hotspot" on the bottom of my foot. I have tried them even with bodyglide on my foot but they still hurt. I don't run with compression socks or sleeves. The socks are also thin so I think they would cause the same problem.

 

[LSUlakes]

I need something that covers the ball of my ankle because on occasion my right foot will kick my left ankle.

I had this same problem as well, and thought I was the only one. I just figured I was a clumsy. Then I switched from my mizuno wave creation to Saucony Kinvara S and have never had the problem again. I did not think the style of show was to different, but apparently it was different enough to prevent me from cutting my ankle anymore. So it could just be the shoe...

 

[alexce]

ATTQOTD: Balegas all the way! Mostly the hidden comforts, which i have in a bunch of colors. I also have a pair of CEP compression sleeves which I usually wear after long runs. I wasn't sure if they were really making a difference until after a 9 miler a few weeks ago I forgot to put them on and had sore calves for 3 days. I've never actually run in them though, just wear for recovery.

Same story for me, including the brands. Balegas are awesome - no blisters!

 

[MommaoffherRocker]

I have researched them a lot and I saw no information that indicated in either direction what I should do. I never heard of the blood clot thing though.

I went back to look at what they said and it didn't say blood clots it was blood pooling. When I was researching compression sleeves I did not come across anything that said that either, I thought maybe it was just me being a rookie so I thought I would ask here. Here is what the newsletter said "Sleeves are great to wear during a run! We do not recommend that you recover (keep on for extended amount of time after run) in sleeves. While wearing sleeves during periods of inactivity, blood can pool around the ankle and foot. This is especially true on a long flight, so don't wear sleeves on an airplane!"

 

[Slogger]

ATQOTD: Socks and Compression........

I used to get blisters and switched to Swiftwick a few years ago and have not had an issue since. Have not worn out a pair yet.

Don't normally wear compression except for a run longer than 14 miles.
One pair is a sock/sleeve combo and the other are just sleeves that fit above ankle and go just below my knees.
One benefit to wearing the compression socks is that I can get away with wearing shorts on chilly days which tend to be most of my late fall and early spring races. Wearing running pants always tends to get uncomfortable after a few hours.

 

[DopeyBadger]

I had this same problem as well, and thought I was the only one. I just figured I was a clumsy. Then I switched from my mizuno wave creation to Saucony Kinvara S and have never had the problem again. I did not think the style of show was to different, but apparently it was different enough to prevent me from cutting my ankle anymore. So it could just be the shoe...

I wish, maybe the brand, but it happens in my Triumphs, Rides, or Kinvaras. You can actually see additional wear off the inner side of every pair of my right shoes.

 

[SunDial]

Didn't realize that had missed this many. Hard to quote a lot from my phone. Finally on my laptop.

QOTD: For how many years have you been running? Any long periods of time off and then have to start all over? Was the comeback just as hard as when you started or a little easier?

It has been just about 3 years. Not hard to get back into running as I had stopped only a couple of months into it because of my dads health and then passing.

QOTD: Did you (or do you) have a hard time calling yourself a runner at first??

A little at first but then no even though I was doing intervals.

QOTD: How much does your pace vary for your weekend long as compared to your race pace for either a half of full (Which ever applies to you)?

Pretty much the same pace from training to racing. I am not out to burn up the course and end up with some type of injury. I want to just enjoy everything.

QOTD: What is your favorite training route and why?

I train all around my neighborhood. I drive up to Disney every month or 2. When I am up there I like running around hour Glass Lake at POP and AoA. My favorite area would be running the Fort Wilderness Loops. I have do that a couple of times. My next long training runs for any of the Olympic/Half triathlons coming up will be all around the Fort.

QOTD: Have you ever found anything of value while out for a run?

Nothing found out on the road for me.

QOTD: Lets talk about socks! What is your favorite brand/type of running socks? Do you think the socks you run in really matter? Do you use compression socks during and/or after a run?

My favorite socks are the Balega Hidden Comfort. I can't remember the name I used before.

 

[Baloo in MI]

I have been away on business and then dealing with a significant family illiness so I have fallen pretty far behind. I feel the need to catch up on the QOTD's, so sorry in advance for the bookI am about to create!

QOTD: What are your go to vitamins, dietary supplements, protein powders/liquids, and/or nutrition bars/energy gels do you use during training/events? What benefits do you look for and get from them? Any other go to recovery items besides the standard beer and chocolate milk?
For those that run ultra's, duathlon's, triathlon's does your nutrition intake change by events and distance?

In general I take vitamin C, D, Fish oil and a probiotic. During races I am pretty loyal to shot blocks. I take one 15 minutes before the race with water and then depending on the race distance one every 30 minutes to 45 minutes.

QOTD: For how many years have you been running? Any long periods of time off and then have to start all over? Was the comeback just as hard as when you started or a little easier?

I started running as a kid in AAU. I stayed with this through high school but also ran cross country and track in junior high and high school. I spent two years on my undergrad club team as the program was dropped in my freshman year. I then took a hiatus for more than 10 years. Since then I ran on and off for a year here or six months there. Never enough to really commit or see change. Then a few years ago I got sick of being over-weight and recommitted. Have not looked back since. About three years now.

QOTD: Did you (or do you) have a hard time calling yourself a runner at first?

For a long time I saw myself as an athlete and in school had moderate success. Years later when I picked up running again I still saw myself (see myself now) as a runner. My opinion is that as soon as a person starts moving faster than walking, they are running and therefore a runner. However, I am good with whatever some one wants to refer to themselves as. Running is a personal endeavour anyway so I think we should call ourselves what we feel we are.

QOTD: How much does your pace vary for your weekend long as compared to your race pace for either a half of full (Which ever applies to you)?

I mostly run by feel, so I don't have specific numbers I can share. Based on my times and distances though I am about a minute slower, and sometimes a minute and half slower, as my distances really start to stretch.

Good morning folks! Hope everyone had a good weekendQOTD: What is your favorite training route and why?

Saw the comments from the administrator, so I guess I missed some drama. Hope those involved a ok and we have moved on... My favorite place to run since moving to Michigan is a wooded trail at a state park about 45 minutes form my house. It offers lots of trials and distances but the main circuit is 13 miles and is super hilly and windy and very challenging. I love to run that one a few times each year. I have a race on the that course I April and need to get out there and do some hill work. Ran it last year, my legs were sore for days! Beautiful views though, great place to run!

QOTD: Have you ever found anything of value while out for a run?

Not to sound to corny, but while running I found my love for challenge and self again. For too long I focus on who I was and now I am able to focus on who I am and who I want to be through running. I did find 20$ one while on a hike, but nothing while running.

A pair of really nice sunglasses. I had seen the person a few weeks prior wearing them outside their house, so I just took the sunglasses back to their house and put it in their mailbox.

Just had to say that I think that was a really classy move DopeyBadger! Especially given the hat I can't keep a pair of sunglasses for more than a few months with out losing them or breaking them.

QOTD: Lets talk about socks! What is your favorite brand/type of running socks? Do you think the socks you run in really matter? Do you use compression socks during and/or after a run?

I use smart wools in the winter as running in Michigan in February is VERY cold, and they work great. The rest of the year I simply run in generic athletic socks from Dick's. I am beginning to think about my Ultra in the fall and what might be best for my feet. I have never had a problem but I have also never run 50 miles? Thoughts/suggestions?

 

[LSUlakes]

QOTD: How are you celebrating St. Patricks day?

ATTQOTD: Hopefully with a run this afternoon and of course followed with beer. If things work out this weekend, I plan to have a little crawfish boil and a few folks over.

Update with the home buying process. Inspections went well and only minor issues which will be resolved prior to moving day. So we only have a few weeks left at the old house and I will miss our outside area. I will have to maximize my outdoor cooking time in the coming weeks.

I wish, maybe the brand, but it happens in my Triumphs, Rides, or Kinvaras. You can actually see additional wear off the inner side of every pair of my right shoes.

I had the same issue, but haven't since I switched shoes. I don't think it was really the shoes... maybe my stride changed and that just so happened around the same time as the new shoes. Either way, I am glad I don't do it anymore.

I have been away on business and then dealing with a significant family illiness so I have fallen pretty far behind.

Sorry to hear of the family illness. Sending prayers your way.

 

[Chaitali]

Congrats on the inspection going well! As far as the QOTD, not really celebrating St. Patrick's Day. I even forgot to where green today. I am planning to go for a run this evening so maybe I'll find something green to wear then

 

[BuckeyeBama]

QOTD: How are you celebrating St. Patricks day?

Both my family and my wife's are half Irish, but we do nothing other than have corned beef and cabbage to celebrate. My son's birthday is tomorrow and mine the next day, so we begin celebrating birthdays tomorrow instead.

 

[ZellyB]

QOTD: How are you celebrating St. Patricks day?

ATTQOTD: Hopefully with a run this afternoon and of course followed with beer. If things work out this weekend, I plan to have a little crawfish boil and a few folks over.

Update with the home buying process. Inspections went well and only minor issues which will be resolved prior to moving day. So we only have a few weeks left at the old house and I will miss our outside area. I will have to maximize my outdoor cooking time in the coming weeks.

No celebrating here. We ran our Shamrox run on Saturday, so that was our premature celebration.

Congrats on the sale of the house and a good inspection.

 

[Dis5150]

QOTD: Lets talk about socks! What is your favorite brand/type of running socks? Do you think the socks you run in really matter? Do you use compression socks during and/or after a run?

I have 1 pair of socks that I use for all my long runs and for races. They are Darn Tough no show ultra light cushion merino wool socks. They have the tab on the back to keep them from slipping down. Darn Tough socks will last forever or they will replace them free. I bought them in September last year and they are still like brand new. I have never had a problem with them until my half a couple weeks ago and I got my first blister! But I am thinking it is from my Brooks being a bit big in the toe box for me, as it was on the outside of my big toe. That was my first race in the Brooks and while I LOVE them for correcting the problems I was having with my tendons, my toes slide around in them a little bit. It wasn't a bad blister, I didn't even know I had it until after the race so I think the benefit outweighs the problem.

If it is cold I will run in compression sleeves so I can wear my Sparkle Skirts without tights under them. But I get too hot for them most of the time. After a long run or a race I change into my Pro Compression socks with my Crocks slide sandals for recovery, but I could never run in them. They are too tight in the foot and smash my toes together. Plus the foot part is too thin. I love them for recovery though. Even if it is a placebo, it works for me. I will also wear them around the parks after a Disney race.