CRAZY COMPRESSION Socks & Sleeves

I am a big fan of calf compression for enhanced running performance and recovery, so when I came across the company, Crazy Compression, I was certainly intrigued.  After discovering the company on Twitter, the owner sent me a pair to try out and review.

I was psyched when my sleeves arrived in the mail three days ago!  I decided that I needed to try them immediately on a three mile run around the neighborhood.  I am totally sold.

Pink Sleeve "Groovy"  Compression Arm or Leg Sleeve

Crazy Compression Sleeves come in bold, bright colors, with fabulous designs.  If you want to be noticed in a crowd, these will certainly do the trick.  However, more importantly, they are super functional and made in the USA.  The photo below shows some of the awesome features of Crazy Compression:

Crazy Compression Sock Features

When I went on my three mile run three nights ago, I actually was not aware that I was even wearing compression sleeves; however, my calves felt great and I was able to "heat up" faster than usual.  Unlike some of my other compression sleeves, Crazy Compression felt "just right" -- I did not experience any calf cramping, which has been a problem for me in both 2XU's  and Skins.

After I finished my three mile run, I tried the sleeves on my arms and was equally impressed.  The compression felt great on my arms and definitely kept them warm.

I am definitely going to purchase a few more pairs of Crazy Compression Sleeves to match different outfits.  I particularly love the new patriotic sleeves as shown below:

The "America" Sleeve - 10% of Proceeds go to the Wounded Warrior Project

It's time to get crazy while enhancing circulation and recovery!  Check out the Crazy Compression website at:  http://crazycompression.com/.  Happy shopping!

5K Race on Martha's Vineyard

I had a great time this past Sunday, May 25th, when I ran in the 21st Annual Oak Bluffs Memorial Day 5K Run!  The day began with a ferry ride from the town of Falmouth (on Cape Cod) to Oak Bluffs (on Martha's Vineyard).  Of course, since we were paranoid about being on time for the ferry, we arrived with 45 minutes to spare -- this left us with plenty of time for photo opportunities.

My Daughter, Brianna, & I -- Waiting for the Ferry to Oak Bluffs

My Running Buddy, Ann, & I -- Waiting for the Ferry to Oak Bluffs

Our Mascot for the Day -- Louie

Brianna, Ann & Her Niece, Rachel

Finally, it was time to board the Island Queen Ferry.  At first, it cruised slower than my race pace, but once we were in the open waters, the ferry began to really move -- the wind in my face felt great!

The Atlantic Ocean -- Our View from the Ferry

Michael (Ann's Nephew) on the Ferry

Thirty minutes after boarding the Island Queen, we reached our destination -- yeah!!!

So Happy to Be in Martha's Vineyard on a Beautiful Day!

We had to hustle to race headquarters, the Wesley Hotel, in order to sign up for the race by the 10 am deadline.

The Wesley Hotel

There was a kid's one mile fun run at 10:30 am.  We used this time to pose for more photos.

The Fearsome Foursome -- Pre-Race

Our race began at 11 am.  It was the most beautiful course, with at least half of the total distance right on the water.  We could not ask for more perfect weather conditions!

We all finished with respectable times.  I certainly cannot say that it was my best performance, but it ranked up there as a very fun and quite scenic race.  I just wish I would have kept my mind focused on the uphills (I admit it, I walked three times, but for very brief periods -- truth is, I really did not need to walk -- ugh, so why do I sometimes do that)?

I am Crossing the Finish Line

It was time for lunch.  We found a great place to eat outside.  I had a mudslide -- I am a very cheap date!

A Rare Moment -- Judy With a Mudslide

We had to catch the 2:15 pm ferry back to the Cape.  It was sad to leave the Vineyard, but we vowed to run this race again next year.

On Our Way Back to the Ferry for the Return Trip

Congratulations to Rachel on Finishing Her First Race!

We celebrated back on the Cape with delicious home made ice cream.  We made plans for some upcoming summer races.

Michael is a Natural Runner!  He's Talking About Doing a Marathon...

Thanks to Mary Jo, Brianna, and of course, Louie, for being our support staff.  I hope you all run with us next year!

Louie, Mary Jo (Ann's Sister), & Michael

What is Your "Why?"

My very first blog post on March 11th, 2014 was all about Finding Your 'Why' -- do you know why you want to run a marathon?  Click on the following link to read that post:  Deciding to Run Your First Marathon.

I just found a great blog post from a blog called Running Around the Bend.  This post really discusses the personal metamorphosis that you go through after completing your first marathon.  Please read this thought provoking post by clicking on the link directly below:

The 'To' and 'From' of Running

If you need to REALLY be inspired, read Running Around the Bend blogger, Michael's entire running story at: 

 http://txa1265.wordpress.com/mu-running-story/

2005 Chicago Marathon -- We Are Forever Changed After Crossing the Finish Line!

Thinking of Running a Marathon?

Is completing a marathon on your bucket list?

  If so, please:

1.  subscribe to my blog

&

2.  read the following very compelling blog post from Sarah Dudek's blog entitled Running on Healthy:

Peer-Pressure and Marathon Spirit

When you cross the finish line of your first marathon, it is a life-altering experience, and, as Sarah Dudek explains in her wonderful blog post, the entire training period is a most memorable journey! 

So, what are you waiting for???  Let's get the journey started!

Please ask any questions in the comments section below or send me an email at:
endure262@gmail.com.  Look forward to hearing from you!

2005 Chicago Marathon - near the finish line

Running Uphill

image from:  http://elmarieporthouse.com/out-of-steam-but-still-writing/exhausted-runner-clipart/

Have you ever watched how some runners "attack" a long, steep hill during a race? They begin their ascent, charging doggedly up the huge incline with all their might -- they huff and they puff the entire time, leaning way forward at their trunks, as though they will get to the summit that much faster.  Well, truth be told, this is not the way to run hills.  Inevitably, the "charging hill runners" peter out way before they reach the top of the hill -- they are the ones who are laboriously walking halfway through their "climb."

So, what are the critical form components to running uphill?

• Upright posture - Do not lean forward!  Keep your abdominal muscles contracted (as though you were doing a plank).
• Pump your arms - Your thigh muscles get very tired when going uphill so they need all the help they can get; when you pump your arms, you are using a lot of upper body muscles to assist you in getting up the hill.
• Stay relaxed & let the hill come to you - Do not attack the hill!  Keep an even rhythm and you will reach the top of the hill way before the "charging hill runners" get there.  It is totally normal to slow down when running uphill -- do not worry about it; you will make up the time on the downhills.

Running uphill is a great way to strengthen your buttocks and thigh muscles.  Once you have logged sufficient and consistent weekly mileage (at least 20 miles per week for three weeks), you can add a hill workout to your weekly or biweekly running schedule.  I will discuss specific hill training workouts in a separate blog post some time soon -- stay tuned...  and, in the meantime, please remember...

You do not get better at running hills by walking them.

Aging Gracefully

image from:  http://www.linesofbeauty.com/2012/04/aging-gracefully-with-wellness.html

Chronologically, I am 55 years old.  However, in my mind, I am 35 years young, perhaps even younger. This often creates a dilemma when I set out to go on a run and especially when I am racing.  I think back to my younger years and delude myself into believing, on some level, that I am still capable of the same running intensity and weekly mileage as my 35 year old self.  Well, guess again -- the reality is that I am not able to do what I once could.  Sometimes, this is a very difficult concept to grasp and accept.

My greatest limitation is a left knee that does not want to cooperate with the rest of my body.  I also have noticed that my body weight is slowly increasing and it takes me longer to recover from races, hill training, and long runs.  Ugh -- but, aging sure beats the alternative.

One day running will become jogging; then, jogging will become shuffling.  When shuffling becomes my predominant form of locomotion, I promise myself that I will use the knowledge and wisdom that I have gained from running countless miles to inspire others to continue the journey where I left off.  I love running.

Run Like a Mother 5K

I ran in a great race yesterday -- Run Like a Mother 5K in Ridgefield, CT.  I have run this race several times before and have watched the number of participants exponentially increase over the past five years!  Run Like a Mother (RLAM) celebrates women on Mother's Day. This is a women's only race with runners of all different fitness levels.  Some have never raced before and others are elite runners. The bottom line is that your running ability is very secondary to the fact that you are just out there participating!

That's me prior to the race, wearing my new Swirl Gear racing shirt and hat.

Although RLAM originated in Ridgefield, CT, this annual race now takes place in eight cities across the country.  RLAM is truly a family event -- the day begins with a timed one mile kid's race, and 30 minutes later, the 5K begins.  The camaraderie is amazing -- the women are all cheering for one another!

5K Mother-Daughter Team - Nancy & Caitlin Pires  (check out the socks & the tutus)

When you cross the finish line of the 5K, you receive a rose and a beautiful medal. Then, the celebration begins -- there are all sorts of post race festivities. 

That's Me Again, Crossing the Finish Line on a Beautiful Day!

My favorite post-run activity was Jockey's version of Jeopardy.  For each correct response, I received a coupon for 10, 20 or 30 percent off of a Jockey performance bra.  There were also tons of healthy food choices at the post-race party.  I celebrated with my friends who participated in this great event.

Yep, That's Me Again, Being a Total Goofball!

Post Race Celebration With Friends

RLAM offers training programs for those who are new to running and racing.  For more information on this event, check out the following link:  Run Like a Mother.