Three Things Thursday ~ What made the Difference Edition

Today is Day #305 of my running streak.

For those of you who follow me on DailyMile and if you are not, you should be? or FaceBook you already know that my streak survived the first of my two March Ultras.

Some of you have been wondering how I was able to keep running in the days after my race.  I'm going to tell you how. 

I did have a little help.

I wore these bad boys on race day.

#1  CEP Compression Tights

A little of what CEP says:

The CEP Compression Tri Shorts represents a unique new version of what you've known as triathlon racing apparel. The shorts feature a compressive knit in the leg section which absorbs less than 3% moisture and dries very quickly. Constructed with an upper and lower section, the compression Tri shorts offer an incredible amount of compression for the quads and hamstrings for a truly new experience in muscle oscillation dampening.

Features:

•Secure back pocket

•Elastic waist band

•Flat seams

•3D Fit with Ventilation Panels in the back

•Compressive legs, no gripper needed

My experience. 

The downside.

The Pocket.  First off I am searching for the downside but if I really had to pick the product apart one downside is the back pocket.  The placement of the pocket on my backside is a little low.  It hits right below my tailbone.  I didn't use the pocket while running at all because anything hard would have felt awkward.  I put my car key there before the race only to remove it and put it in the pocket of my carpi's which sits higher on the top of my backside.

The length.  While I was running I actually noticed a big huge difference in the way my muscles performed once they were fatigued.  The downside to that was "cuff" at the end of the shorts is where any noticeable compression ends and I could actually feel a difference in the way my muscles felt from the cuff down.  I wish the compression had gone past my knees or at least to my knees.   

The upside.

Everything else. 

I thought that the seeming would rub over the 32 miles distance but I never noticed the tights at all except for the warm energized feeling I had in my legs from them.  I did not feel wet from sweat being held by the tights.  Even when I stumbled when crossing the creek and got my left leg wet, I felt dry in no time.  I wore the tights the night before, during the race and then after the race.  The tights did not seem to "loosen" over the more than 24 hours I wore them.  Now you might be thinking, "Gross!  Stinky tights" and while I did wash the tights the evening after getting home, they did not hold onto that old sweat smell even before I washed them.  Not that I recommend sniffing your sweaty tights wearing them without washing them but it's nice to know that I was able to wear them without grossing out those around me for the ride home which sometimes can be long.

I also used these beauties.

#2 CEP Compression Socks

A little of what CEP say:

For all Runners and Endurance Athletes: The scientifically optimized pressure flow provides your muscles with the maximum amount of oxygen and energy during performance and recovery.

The times are over where the sole purpose of socks and stockings was to protect feet from blistering. The CEP compression sportsocks are the first functional sport socks with a unique compression profile that provides a scientifically proven increase in blood circulation and a consequent increase in performance.

Prevent:  •Shin Splints •Cramps •Achilles Issues •Fatigue •Micro Muscle tears •Vibration trauma •Blisters •Blood clots from travel

My experience.

The downside.

The only possible downside is that I only have one pair.

If I had to find something negative about this product it would be that my compression socks pick up every cat and dog hair in my house.  Come to think of it, that might actually be an upside.

The upside.

Everything. 

I like that they are hard to get on.  That means they are perfectly tight in a supportive not constrictive way.  I love that they do not make my feet or calves feel hot when wearing them.  I love that they do not cause blisters in fact I attribute the lack of major damage to my toes ~ something I am famous for ~ to wearing the compression socks on training runs and right after finishing the race. 

I did not wear them during the race for several reasons.  I did not want to destroy them on a trail run where I knew I would be running through brush.  I also wanted to be able to review the performance of the short tights alone.

My calves did not cramp and my ankles did not fatigue during or after the race.  These are a must have for every runner!

 

# 3  The Right Attitude

While great gear can improve your comfort level, performance and recovery; nothing can ruin it like going into an event with the wrong attitude.  As you are standing nervously at the start line remember you can not change how your training went.  You can't make up that missed workout.  You can not change the fact that you fell short of your racing weight goal.  You can not undo that extra spicy meal you ate the night before.  But you can trust that you will give everything you have to give on that day, in that moment; relying on your support products and training to fall into place because

on any given day you might just see what was just beyond your eyes to see...

just beyond your dreams...

just previously out of reach...

and just might AMAZE yourself.

I was given these products for my honest review and was not paid for a positive review.  My opinions and experinces are my own.