Compression Leg Sleeves : Why do I need them?

I remember when I started running (the accidental 10K run), 500m to the finish line I felt my muscle cramps at the back of your lower leg. I started to skip and run just to reach the finish line. It lasted a few minutes and then I was fine. I did some stretching to ease the pain. On my next run, I did finish the 10K race without any hiccups but while walking back to the parking lot, the sudden pain stopped me at the side street and it was too painful to talk. I had to stop at the sidewalk and stretched my leg. When I came home. I had ice pack all over my legs.

So aside from proper training, how do I avoid having muscle cramps? Compression Technology is the answer. And as a serious runner you have to really invest in either a compression tights to leg sleeves. So in my first 21Km run, It was a good decision to bought a Compression Tights (from New Balance, priced at P1,950) and it made a lot difference in my long distance run. I did not feel any muscle cramps at all.

So yes, I do recommend them. I also want to get a compression leg sleeve but those in store are really expensive. So I seeked the advise of one of my running idols, The Bull Runner herself, Jaymie Pizarro. In one of her instagram posts, she was wearing a compression sleeve so I ask which is a good brand. As they are really expensive. Jaymie said:

" I wouldn't recommend buying cheap brands. I would go for  Zensah, Compressport, 2XU or CWX. Pricey but you are paying for the compression technology." 

And so as I search for these compression leg sleeves (there are available online too) I found Zensah at Runnr Store in BGC (priced at P1,995) and pick out the xs/s as this fits those in the height that ranges from 5'3" and below.

Wore it for the first time in Coron during our runcation

Training for TBR Bream Marathon 2016.. 23 weeks to go

Before I got into serious running, I thought that running is the most less expensive sports because you only need the road and a rubber shoes. But no... to be safe and injury free in this sport, you need to invest, know your feet (get a free gait analysis) and know your body. As for me, I've invested on Stability Shoes (for training and race day), compression tights, compression leg sleeves, dryfit and anti-chafing shirts, sports bra and a good pair of socks. Not to mention other essential accessories to runners like cap, hydration belt and a Garmin watch. But all these were acquired on a budget and had been carefully saved for...for those practical runners, go and shop during sale season or visit our secret shop (the Surplus Shop).

Happy Shopping :)

xoxo,

S