Tuesdays on the Run (a day late) – Compression Gear- Love it or Leave it?

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with April @ Run the great wide somewhere and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is: Compression Gear – Love it or leave it?

When I first started running, I didn’t know what compression gear was.

I bought my first pair of compression socks for my first half marathon because I heard that they would help.

I don’t know if they helped but I finished and feel good after.  So who knows?

After that, I wore that same pair on long runs and for half marathons.

In 2012 after coming back from ankle surgery, I bought more pairs of compression socks and started to wear them for most of my races.

Now, I am addicted and wear them almost all of the time.

Asbury Park Half Marathon

3rd

FRW

So as you can see I wear them A LOT and I have quite a few pairs – I buy whatever is on sale.

Recently, I have worn compression sleeves to see if I can prevent those nasty blisters. (Didn’t make a difference.)

So why should you wear them?

1. Protection:  They protect your legs from small scratches, abrasions and nasty things like poison ivy on a trail.
2. Swelling:  Compression technology has been proven to limit swelling.
3. Dirt:  Collects on your socks and not on your legs.
4. Warmth:  Allows you to wear skirts on those iffy days when you’d reluctantly wear tights.
5. Coolness:  No, they don’t keep you cool, but they look good when you color coordinate them with your outfit.

Happy Running?  How do you feel about compression gear? What and when do you wear it