Workouts:
- Sunday: 16.45 mi run outside/ 2:27
- Yesterday: 3 mi walk/run with Chuie
- Today: eating crispy orange tofu
Sunday I had the opportunity to try out my new Pro Compression Marathon socks for the first time. I have to say, I’ve been really sceptical of the whole compression sock movement for running since it started. The therapist in me really wants some solid research about their effectiveness during runs and for recovery after long runs, but I’ve been too lazy to actually look anything up. So, since I am fortunate enough to work with some wicked smaht physical therapists, I asked my coworker Mary what she thought about them. Basically, we decided that they can’t hurt since they’re really just increasing blood flow and circulation when you’re wearing them. So, during a long run or race you could wear them to prevent cramping in your lower legs, or you could wear them after a run to increase blood flow and replenish sore muscles for faster recovery. Sounds pretty good, right? And it helps that they come in every color and look really cute, too 
Sunday was a beautiful day here in Boston. The temps were in the mid 40s and the sun was actually shining for a change! I was especially happy because it was bright enough for me to wear my most favoritest sunglasses ever. I also rocked my Gap Body jacket ($20 on clearance at Gap a couple weeks ago = WIN), drawstring Aasics running tights, and NO GLOVES. It was pretty glorious.
So how did I feel running 16 miles in my new compression socks? I didn’t really notice them at all, and I didn’t feel much different. Actually, what I did notice was that my new friend Bobby Bunion wasn’t bothering me at all. Yes, it’s very sad for me to admit, but my incredibly wise PT friends have diagnosed the cause of my persistent foot pain as a mild bunion. How NOT sexy is that? I always thought bunions were callouses or just general nastiness that occurs on your feet when you don’t take care of them, but they’re actually a misalignment of the big toe as it turns into the second toe.
Apparently it’s pretty common for runners to get bunions, but that doesn’t make them any less of a suckfest. I’ve been having pain by my big toe on my left foot for probably the past 2-3 months, and though it hasn’t gotten worse, it’s become really uncomfortable – especially as I increase my mileage. Runner’s World has some tips for preventing and treating bunions here, and I plan to try a couple of these strategies myself. However, I can’t believe that naming your bunion isn’t on this list. I’ve affectionately decided to call my special bunion friend Bobby since I like the alliteration and unfortunately it seems he’ll be with me for a while.
I think he probably looks like this:
On a more positive note – the compression socks really alleviated the pain I usually feel in my foot, probably because they wrap tightly around the foot and stimulate blood flow through the foot and leg. I just used “foot” way too many times in that last sentence. Anyway, if you’re having a similar problem, I definitely recommend trying them – they can’t hurt!
In other news, we might get hammered with snow again this week…
Just when I thought spring was in the air, it looks like we’re not going to make it through the end of winter without some more schnee (that’s German for snow, btw). Meeeerrrrrp.
Have you ever tried compression socks?
Do you have a bunion? What do you do about it? Does it have a name?
Should I name my bunion?!?! Yeah, I noticed a bunion coming about on my right foot when I started distance running more consistently. Stay away from pointed and/or narrow shoes, that can make it worse. Hmmm… I should wear my compression socks soon! Hopefully they will help the discomfort in my foot, too.
I just ran my first race in compression socks, and they are awesome! They really help reduce soreness and they made my legs feel springier while racing. They are for real!