Chariots of Fire might be an all time great running movie, but I am going to top it with a new one titled Quads of Fire, which will follow my journey from an average runner to one that couldn’t walk because I had one session with a Personal Trainer. Quite the testament to why I am doing 3 months of forced cross training!
BEAT THE FIRE BACK
After meeting that personal trainer evil man I was barely able to walk for the next three days and the only thing that made it bearable…and of course tempted me to run were my CEP compression shorts and foam roller!!
I will give the evil one credit for showing me some additional ways to use the roller on my IT band…otherwise I will continue to curse him, but not really since no swearing is a goal this week…man!
COMPRESSION SHORTS
I dedicated an entire post last week to how compression socks have saved me from future ER visits, but haven’t spent much time telling you about the other ways in which compression makes working out fun, ok less painful. My CEP Compression shorts have helped me to increase my biking time, run when my butt hurts like crazy from Core Fusion and yes recover. I walk around looking like a little sausage many days trying to keep all my muscles in a happy state of repair, but I think it's going to all be worth it!
A quick definition for compression is something to "keep the muscles warm to prevent muscle strain and fatigue, and wick sweat away from the body to prevent chafing and rashes." I really like them both for speedwork, to help keep the pain at bay and for long runs to keep the blood flowing.
COMPRESSION SHORT SECRETS
I have to warn you that should you take an epsom salt bath and then try to slide in to these puppies…it’s going to be a workout! They are ACTUAL compression shorts, meaning they are a very tight fit. I have previously worn Under Armour compression shorts and while those are tight fitting, they aren't in any way comparable to the compression offered by CEP. I guess it's not suprirsing that the folks who make the pretty green compression socks that many of us lover for recovery would make an awesome short as well. Important to note is that while they are really snug on the thighs and bum, they are a nice fit around the waist and don’t feel like you are being chopped in half.
Beyond the wiggle dance, the CEP compression shorts also have a fun little pocket in the back. Which is likely for GU, but since I don’t carry GU it’s for KEYS!!! Seriously I get so tired of holding my keys, so I'm all about hiddent pockets...and yes through that little mesh vent you can see my pink underwear...there's a secret for ya!
Have you worked out in compression shorts yet? Am I making you want to go shopping for running gear this week?? What can I say, running gear therapy shopping makes me happy!
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Gratitude Journal
March 17
I am grateful no one is here to pinch me
I am grateful for St. Patty’s day fun
I am grateful for the out pouring of love to Japan
I am grateful for the awareness Japan has created
I am grateful for those who are honest
19 good vibes:
After a long run last weekend I was thinking about compression shorts/pants and wondering how good they were. CEP socks are amazing, so I'm sure their shorts are great too. Maybe it's time to go shopping!
No way! I just clicked over to your blog to look at some archived posts about compression socks, and I found this! Great timing :)
I need to get some of these to give my quads some love!!! Awesome hidden pocket too... I always have SOMETHING to stash.
I am addicted to my compression sleeves but haven't done the shorts thing yet. clearly i need to.
I run in Salomon compression shorts - hard to find and expensive, but definitely worth it! No more hip soreness.
Since I started running with compression socks, I've noticed that my thighs are considerably more sore than when I ran without the compression socks.
I've also had some hip pain and by reading Kovas comment, wondering if that would eliminate some of the hip pain and thigh pain when wearing the compression socks.
Wondering if more people where compression shorts than I realized/thought/knew?
You are totally making me want to go buy new gear!! BAD INFLUENCE! Lol. Those shorts look awesome! I've never tried compression anything but I think once we're settled into our new place and I can spend a few bucks, I'm definitely going to give some of this stuff a try!
I lived in mine for the week after the ultra. I know it made a big difference is getting my legs back so quicily! I plan on running in them and recovering in them again with this Saturday's race. I just wonder how I ever did it without them!
LOL! You are so right about those hidden pockets, I look for them in everything and am often swayed by whether they are there or not.
I've never had compression shorts, but i've been curious to try them. The only reason I haven't is I don't like spending a ton of money on any running stuff. (I make an exception on shoes)
I am learning alot about compression things. I am looking into the socks, but now I will have to check out the shorts to.. One question I hope this is not stupid. I have heard you wear compression socks durning or after a run. So the compression short for while you are running or after your run. Thanks for the info.
I didn't even know shorts existed. I use the socks and they really are amazing.
Hi there! I just found your blog. I have the under armour compression capris. I bought them when I was having some hip pain during marathon training. I was skeptical but I think they really help for support. I might have to try the CEP one's you're talking about. Thanks for sharing.
If putting on compression shorts is anything like putting on compression sleeves socks, I might start crying now even before I buy them. Those things are tight.
I'm definitely going to have to make a trip to the store this weekend! I've been looking for some good shorts so thank you for sharing!
oh girl, i couldn't live without my compression shorts. and it's so odd to me, in Oz they're very common. you go into the store and there's an entire wall of product. but when i visited Canada in January, i went to multiple sporting goods and running stores and hardly ANYONE knew what they were! i actually left the country without a pair. is it the same where you live?
Wow, those CEP compression shorts are expensive! I've been getting by with Under Armour ones, that only cost around $25. Also, last year I tried a more expensive pair by "CW-X", but I got the worse backache each time I wore them, and now they've been just sitting in my drawer for a year. :( So back to the Under Armour...I also have some Champion shorts, that are light compression--they're great for hot summer days.
Last fall I broke down and spent $40 for compression calf sleeves after having problems with my left shin, and I think they really helped me recover from that. No shin problems lately, and I haven't been wearing them. But I think I should go back to wearing them at least on longer or harder runs, because I'd like to do a half marathon this summer, and if I get injured, it will go down the drain...again!
I know the compression shorts are expensive, but I swear the difference between these and the under armour is like night and day.
i've been giving these products a thought with my upcoming 1/2 and full in the next few months...i'll have to look into it!
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