The Running Thread - 2018

[Chaitali]

I like compression socks and I've used them during long runs and also for recovery afterward. I know the science is out on whether they actually help performance during runs but I use them specifically because they seem to help reduce cramping in my calfs.

 

[run.minnie.miles]

I wear compression leggings... but nothing nearly as intense as compression socks. I have thought about them, but haven't pulled the trigger yet.

 

[MissLiss279]

ATTQOTD: I've never used compression socks, but did briefly use compression calf sleeves when I first started running. I broke one of the cardinal rules when I first started running and pushed too hard too fast and ended up with some horrific shin splints. Wore the compression sleeves to run through those, but once those were resolved, I never wore them again.

Same here. When I trained for my first half, I probably built up too much mileage too fast, plus I ran everything about as fast as I could run for that distance. I started to get shin splints, but it was mainly just noticeable, but not that painful. Then, not being aware of maybe needing to replace shoes, they got really painful. I ended up getting new shoes and calf sleeves. I wore them for the next couple of training cycles, and then eventually weaned myself off of them.

 

[FredtheDuck]

ATTQOTD: No compression socks for me. My SIL, who is a nurse and swears by them for long shifts, has suggested them to me in the past and I keep meaning to pick up a pair.

 

[DopeyBadger]

ATTQOTD: I use Zensah compression calf sleeves after races. They're quite tight. My recommendation is to accurately measure your legs per the manufacturer's directions because fit is super important. I avoid using them post training runs unless absolutely necessary so that I can allow my body to make the adaptations to the training. Science is quite good in that they aid in recovery. It's a lot more difficult to prove in-race advantages to using them. But like I always say even though Science hasn't shown it yet, doesn't mean it isn't true. So if you find advantages to using them during a race, then by all means go for it.

 

[OldSlowGoofyGuy]

ATTQOTD: I have a pair of compression socks that I never wear because they are impossible to put on without injuring yourself. I wear Zensah sleeves after a race or long run. I also wear them for warmth when it's cold. I hate running in any kind of long pants, so a pair of compression shorts and compression sleeves do the trick. I also have a neoprene calf sleeve I wear if my chronic calf strain is acting up.

 

[Miranda]

ATTQOTD: I own like 5 pairs of compression socks. I have worn them a couple times for recovery. But it is so much work to use them and I think my calves and ankles are too fat or something. Like I get tired just trying to get them on and if I get stuck when I'm trying to roll them up in that no man's land between my ankle and the big part of my calf, then there is still too much sock there and it starts cutting off my circulation and I frantically start trying to roll them back off and then I don't start again.

 

[apdebord]

ATTQOTD: Just sleeves. I've worn them for a couple of races and training runs, but they are more for recovery. I actually wear all my running socks inside out, so never tried compression socks. I also have a really small foot, so they may not line up correctly for me.

 

[cburnett11]

ATTQOTD: Never have worn real compression socks. For ALL my runs I wear Swiftwick Aspire Zero. They have some compression characteristics in them, but they are no-shows so certainly don't do anything for the rest of my legs.

 

[TheHamm]

I did this for the first time on Tuesday as we were supposed to have thunderstorms after work (when I usually run). The clouds broke and it was all sun and 80* here too. And I was a sweaty mess who also did not change back into my work clothes, lol! Luckily I have my own office. Our facility runs off a boiler plant and they have turned off the heat but it takes a few weeks for the water to cool down so they can turn on the air conditioning. So my office was HOT too! I don't know if I will ever run at lunch again, at least not until they turn our air on!

Beware: I started running at lunch when the weather cooled off and it was too dark for me to feel comfortable running before work. We have a shower and changing area, which is great. Except that the cleaning crew decided to pick the time that all of the users want to use the lockers and shower. So I often end up spending a bit of time post-lunch-run at my cubicle in running gear. This + some weight loss got me nominated for the office wellness committee. So I am hoping to hide my habits from the office folks in the future to not get extra not-so-interesting work.

ATTQOTD: I ended up having 'prescription' compression socks during pregnancy. Seriously, my OB wrote a script. I wish I knew there was more variety than I was offered! My experience of trying to be 30 weeks pregnant with twins and putting on compression socks resulting in very high heart rate (super bad for preeclampsia) has resulted in me being terrified of the things! Yet I remain curious..... I would be interested to see the scientific reasoning mentioned by @DopeyBadger- any links? My google search did not send me to anything that looked reputable.

 

[DopeyBadger]

Yet I remain curious..... I would be interested to see the scientific reasoning mentioned by @DopeyBadger- any links? My google search did not send me to anything that looked reputable.

I don't have any scientific papers saved on my computer, so I will search them out for you.

 

[SarahDisney]

ATTQOTD: So, this was my question. I got compression socks as a surprise gift with purchase when I bought a skirt. Never worn compression socks before, never had an interest or felt a need. But these are sorta cute, so I wanted to see if/how others use them to get some ideas. So please keep the good info coming!

 

[KSellers88]

ATTQOTD: I will wear and sleep in compression socks after a race or if my legs are feeling tight. I tried to run in them once and had to stop and take them off mid-run. They gave me the worse shin splints ever when I was trying to run in them!

 

[gjramsey]

ATTQOTD: I use compression sleeves that I will wear during challenges or post race for marathons. I think I have 4 of them from different makers, have not really noticed any difference. I have one set of running socks and I have used them during the challenges as well.

 

[DopeyBadger]

Beware: I started running at lunch when the weather cooled off and it was too dark for me to feel comfortable running before work. We have a shower and changing area, which is great. Except that the cleaning crew decided to pick the time that all of the users want to use the lockers and shower. So I often end up spending a bit of time post-lunch-run at my cubicle in running gear. This + some weight loss got me nominated for the office wellness committee. So I am hoping to hide my habits from the office folks in the future to not get extra not-so-interesting work.

ATTQOTD: I ended up having 'prescription' compression socks during pregnancy. Seriously, my OB wrote a script. I wish I knew there was more variety than I was offered! My experience of trying to be 30 weeks pregnant with twins and putting on compression socks resulting in very high heart rate (super bad for preeclampsia) has resulted in me being terrified of the things! Yet I remain curious..... I would be interested to see the scientific reasoning mentioned by @DopeyBadger- any links? My google search did not send me to anything that looked reputable.

Not sure if you have access to this:

Compression Garments and Recovery from Exercise: A Meta-Analysis by Brown et al.

But at a quick glance it is a meta-analysis that covers a variety of sources and different types of exercise.

 

[PrincessV]

My question for everyone is, how frequently do you eat something during a race? I've read some people say every 45 minutes, others say every 90. Is it a matter of personal preference, or is there a recommended frequency?

I have chronically low blood sugar all the time, and exercise drops it even more. Like, a "fasting" blood glucose test 20 minutes after eating a bagel comes in at 80 (normal is considered 70-100) - if I actually fast it's been as low as 45 and I was so sick I couldn't drive. So I need a LOT of glucose on a long run just to maintain a normal level. I sip Tailwind or Powerade continually - about 12oz/5-6 miles, figuring around 100-150 calories in that 12oz - and take a gel (100 calories) every hour.

QOTD: Today lets discuss compression socks. Do you use them? Do you wear them while running or for recovery, or both? What would you suggest to someone who is looking to get a pair?

ATTQOTD: I own a couple pairs of compression sleeves, but rarely wear them: they're more costume accessory than functional running item. I do wear Zensah compression socks often as post-run recovery - I don't know if they're actually doing anything exciting, but they make my calves, ankles, and feet feel good! Also awesome after a long day walking around WDW. I guess I'd recommend just trying a few things and see what feels best.

 

[AFwifelife]

ATTQOTD: another vote for Zensah sleeves for recovery. I want to get some of the cheaper compression socks for costumes but worried how they will work out with actual running. If anything I can use them for a post race costume.

 

[avondale]

ATTQOTD: I own exactly two pairs of compression socks and one pair of compression calf sleeves. I never wear either when I run. I got the first pair of compression socks to wear post-long-run to help mitigate soreness when training for my first marathon. The calf compression felt good, but they made my feet very uncomfortable and crampy - I have high arches and wide feet, so I guess that does it. (This was when I only had one calf sleeve, having lost the other, so I couldn't use those. I have since bought a full set of calf sleeves.)

So why did I get a second pair of compression socks? Well, I have found in the last couple years that my calves get very uncomfortable while flying, almost to the point of getting something akin to restless leg syndrome, where I can't get comfortable and they won't sit still. (Before anyone mentions it, yes, I hydrate very well - usually drink over 1 gal per day.) Compression socks are wonderful to help with this, but I accidentally forgot to bring them for a recent flight and had to buy another pair at the airport. Oddly in that situation, they don't make my feet cramp.

I keep calf sleeves around for help with minor injuries, mostly tennis-related, and in fact carry them in my tennis bag.

 

[TheHamm]

Not sure if you have access to this:

Compression Garments and Recovery from Exercise: A Meta-Analysis by Brown et al.

But at a quick glance it is a meta-analysis that covers a variety of sources and different types of exercise.

Thanks, I can't get it there, but I can get it from my library. For the benefit of others, someone uploaded it on research gate here: https://www.researchgate.net/public...ts_and_Recovery_from_Exercise_A_Meta-Analysis

 

[DopeyBadger]

Thanks, I can't get it there, but I can get it from my library. For the benefit of others, someone uploaded it on research gate here: https://www.researchgate.net/public...ts_and_Recovery_from_Exercise_A_Meta-Analysis

Nice find!