I got the opportunity to try to #BeaLEGEND and sport some Legend Compression socks. I have always been a fan of compression gear post big events/hard efforts. As soon as each marathon/ultra is finished I slip into some compression calf sleeves and start the recovery process. I have been using compression gear for a few years and really do believe the technology behind it works for recovery. For those of you who aren't aware of the benefits of compression gear, I grabbed a snippet of information from legendcompressionwear.com. The following information is directly from their website and shows the uses during as well as post workout:
During Sporting Activities:
INCREASES PERFORMANCE Increase oxygen levels mean more power and endurance.
IMPROVES BLOOD CIRCULATION Graduated compression pushes de-oxygenated blood from the veins back to your heart and allows the flow of oxygen-rich blood back to your legs resulting in faster recovery.
DECREASES THE RISK OF DVT Compression levels (mmHg) provide the optimal pressure to reduce the risk of blood clots, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and swelling in ankles, legs & feet.
REDUCES MUSCLE FATIGUE Limits muscle movement to reduce vibration during exercise.
INCREASES RESPONSIVENESS Compression to the body increases the body’s awareness for improved position, responsiveness and strength.
REDUCES INJURY Reduces vibration, increases oxygen and removes lactic acid to provide all athletes with calf support & fewer cramps, shin splint relief and decreased fatigue.
Post Exercise:
REDUCES SORENESS Helps eliminate blood lactate in the muscles to reduce soreness and revitalize muscles.
ACCELERATES RECOVERY & HEALING Graduated compression accelerates the recovery cycle by enhancing the action of the body’s vascular system.
I had always used my compression socks/calf sleeves as a post hard effort recovery tool, but had never tried using them during these hard workouts/races. I am also a Registered Nurse who loves compression gear for those long 12 hour shifts at work. As a Nurse, we stand for nearly 12 hours a day which often leads to swelling and pain in your legs. While I haven't used Legend compression wear for this, I have used multiple other styles for those long work shifts. I am a compression believer, but I had never used them during a race or hard workout. With a pair of Legend compression socks to put through the ringer I now had the opportunity to see what all the fuss was about. Stand at the starting line of any big marathon and a huge percentage will be decked out in knee high compression socks so there has got to be something to it right?? I have now used these socks on a few tough workouts and here are my thoughts an opinions below:
To find a true fit you will need to measure you leg right above the ankle and then at the widest part of your calf. I measured mine, placed the order and received a perfect fit in the mail a few days later. The compression around the calf area isn't as tight as other brands that I have tried before, which was perfect.
I didn't feel like my calf had no room to expand or contract like seen with other brands. As their slogan goes these socks are #rightnottight I had never worn a full calf covering sock for any length of time, so that is still a little difficult to get used to. The fit is perfect and there is no slipping and bunching of the socks, but the compression is definitely something I will have to get used to. I recieved a pair of blacks performance socks with Legend written in white and grey. It is a very nice sleek design and there are multiple other color schemes available.
I had been having some calf soreness recently as I have been dabbling in some zero-drop running shoes, so the added compression from these socks seemed to provide me with a little more support. The performance sock is rated at 15-20 mmHg graduated compression, which provides a moderate therapuetic compression level. Now on to the pros and cons!!
Pros:
-Calves seemed to be less sore after hard effort
-Very comfortable, #rightnottight
-Sleek design with multiple color schemes
-Moisture wicking
-Provides UV protection (Great for those Arizona desert summers)
Cons:
- $49.99 is mid to high price range for knee high compression socks
-Thinner than my usual running socks, which caused a little chafing.
-Special directions for cleaning/drying socks
All in all I will now be using compression socks for my longer/harder efforts a majority of the time. I am definitely a believer in compression gear for recovery!! If you have a pair of Legend compression gear, let me know what you think in the comments. If you would like to try some of their gear here is a special code to save a little moolah! Type "AmbFriend2016" for 15% OFF your online order. Check them out at www.legendcompressionwear.comAfter many different types of protein and a ton of different ingredient combinations we found the best shake for post long run or hard workout. Not only does it contain the right mix of vitamins and nutritional value, it also tastes great. Following is the ingredient list and the quick and easy instructions on how to prepare:
1 cup almond milk
1/2 cup berries mixed (black/blue/raspberries/strawberries)
1/4 frozen kale
1/2 tbsp hemp seeds
1 whole cooked beet
1 serving Orgain™ protein
1 serving Orgain™ superfoods
Start by placing all ingredients except protein/powder in blender. Blend until uniform liquid consistency. Now place protein and superfood powder in blender. This will prevent powder from sticking the sides of the blender. Everybody hates that struggle trying to scrape the blender to not waste your precious protein powder.
This makes one serving with around 300-325 calories, 23 g protein and not to mention iron potassium, and many B complex vitamins. (See nutrition labels linked above for complete nutritional value.) We here at runthatworld.com drink this shake daily after our long runs or intense gym workouts and it keeps up ready to get up and go the next day.
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