Compression Socks: A Runners Best Friend

Zensah Compression Socks

Several weeks ago, I purchased a pair of Zensah Compression Socks from a local running store. I had read about compression socks on several occasions - most recently in the article Feeling The Squeeze from the August 2010 issue of Runner's World Magazine. However, I didn't think much about using them because the socks can be pricey. The least expensive pair I found online were about $26 and the most expensive pair were about $80! When you compare the cost of the socks to the price of a good pair of shoes ($100), one would think the socks would be a little less expensive.

Ok, enough of my complaining.

I am thoroughly impressed with these socks. After every run, I wear the socks for hours and my legs/feet never feel any discomfort. I once wore them to bed but that's probably not something I'd do often because I hate anything covering my feet at night even in the winter. And as advertised, my legs feel much better the next day as if my entire leg has been massaged!

Zensah says their product is the only compression sock with arch support which allows your legs to last longer. They also claim their product has graduated compression that provides muscle support, increases circulation and reduces edema when traveling.

Simple put, Zensah's compression socks make my legs feel much better. In fact, I've been able to run longer and more often. I plan to buy at least one more pair soon!
__________

If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to my RSS feed! Also, check out my articles on Examiner.com.

Treating Exercise as A Project

Whether I am working in my garden, adjusting our wireless network, or painting a room, I treat work as a project: there's always a beginning and an end, tools or equipment I need to use, and milestones that help me see progress along the way. I find that this method helps time pass and keeps me focussed on the end result. If you can treat work as a project, why not view exercise as a project?

How I Run My Exercise Project

Every day I workout, I plan the start and finish of my routine. The night before I run, I review my equipment list: I layout my clothes, ensure my shoes are ok, check my Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) to make sure it works properly, drink plenty of fluids and try to rest my body as much as possible. Just before I run, I do a final equipment check. Finally, when I run I check my mileage, heart rate and pace periodically to ensure I hit the milestones I've set.

You do not have to be as anal as I am with my exercise project. However, developing an exercise project of your own could help you surpass some of those obstacles that have held you from incorporating running or other exercises into your lifestyle.

It's The Shoes

Instead of running on Saturday, I decided to visit a local shoe store, The Human Race, to look for new running shoes. My legs were starting to hurt and I was beginning to develop blisters on my feet. I did not realize how much detail a runner must devote to his/her shoes. In the past I wore Nike running shoes exclusively. Well as soon as I walked in the store, the salesman pointed out that Nike running shoes are not as comfortable as others. And, I'd have to agree knowing how my legs hurt after running 10k or more, especially outdoors.

At this store, they take you through a series of tests to determine you are an under/over pronator (that's how much hour feet lean outward or inward). They also check to see if your stance is balanced to determine if you need shoe support. When I finished my tests, I ended up with a size 11 Adidas Supernova Sequence Control. I had no idea I needed to go up almost a full size for running purposes. However, after running a 12k indoors at LifeTime Fitness yesterday, I am convinced I made a good purchase. The run felt very comfortable and I ran my fasted 12k ever.

If you have any pain after you run and you have a similar store in your, I would highly recommend a similar set of tests to ensure you get fitted properly for your next pair of running shoes.