Compression Socks and Athletes
I’ll never forget the first time I raced in compression socks. It was the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2013 and I had chosen a pair of lime green CEP Compression socks.
I hadn’t done much research on the benefits of compression gear although I am a big believer in it for recovery now. I just knew that they were bright and quality and I wanted something to focus on other than my marathon pain, so I snagged them at the expo.
To sum up how I feel about compression socks, it is like a very small person giving your leg a hug. And after 20 plus miles on a flat road or a steep trail incline, I can use all the hugs I can get.
It was that race where I fell in love with compression socks. And because I have a number of friends that work in high fashion and are always explaining the necessity of quality craftsmanship (while eyeing up my H&M tshirt…), I strive for quality in things that matter.
I have done my research. I have tried other companies and raced without the socks and it all comes back to the fact that if the distance is a marathon or over, I want to wear compression and I want it to be CEP.
Here’s why.
Backed by medi’s 60+ years of experience, CEP uses the science behind medical compression to help athletes maximize performance and recovery. For the athlete, improving arterial blood flow is the key to peaking performance. CEP compression socks apply consistent compression to the calf, allowing the arterial walls to relax and the flow of oxygen-rich blood to increase by up to 40%. More oxygen means more power during performance and a faster recovery.
Graduated medical grade compression that is tighter at the ankle improves vein health by reducing the veins’ diameter and pushing de-oxygenated blood back to the heart.
So those are the facts. Now for my feelings.
I love the colours that CEP socks come in. I especially love the Canadian socks that they have created so I can proudly show off my citizenship while racing internationally.
I am a cross country and downhill skier in the winter and I love their winter line of compression gear for the added support and minimizing blistering and chafing.
I use their braces for my knees and ankles when I am feeling an overuse injury coming on.
I sleep in the socks and I use them as a fashion statement.
Recently, there was a race photo taken of me without my socks on because I normally don’t wear them for anything less than a marathon unless I need the support and someone joked that they didn’t recognize me because I wasn’t wearing neon socks.
Touche friend.
Do you wear compression gear? Why or why not?
“Like a hug for your legs” <- I love it! And yes, I've become very accustomed to seeing you in compression socks at most races. Neon is your jam!! 🙂 As for me, I haven't actually done a race in compression socks (although I have run in the 2XU compression tights), but I do love wearing them afterwards. I think I'll have to add a few more pairs to my collection so that I can round out my colour choices! 🙂
I have tried compression socks in the past, I’m not sure if it was the wrong size or what but it actually was causing me more pain than helping with it. I would love to give them a go again as I do find my legs cramp and tire after long runs.
Recommend a good place to purchase them and how do I know if they are the right fit?
I know most running stores carry CEP. They have a measuring system on the back of their box and on their website, but I got my local running store to measure for me. I wear a III. Make sure you know your size before trying it out.
I first put on a pair of compression socks to recover from the Around the Bay Road Race in Hamilton 2 years ago, and I haven’t looked back. I wore them in a race a couple of months later, and now I even wear them training.
I do sport a couple of different brands, but CEP is definitely my go-to. I like the little touches, like the extra padding in the heel and toe.
I totally agree! Also, we ran Around the Bay the same year! 🙂