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Thursday, September 18, 2014

CEP Compression Run Socks 2.0 Review & Giveaway

CEP Compression (HERE) sent me a pair of their fabulous Run Socks 2.0 to review.  I have loved wearing CEP products in the past and I love wearing compression socks.  I have a particular pink pair that have been used for long training runs and races and make me feel great.  They've also washed up really well year after training year.  I especially love wearing compression socks this time of year - when the weather is a little cooler.  I love pairing them with a cute running skirt.  I wear them on all of my longer runs and also enjoy the benefits of wearing them after long runs or races.  My legs, feet and ankles always thank me later.


Since I have so many other brightly colored compression socks in my wardrobe, I opted for the black/grey Run Socks 2.0 from CEP.  I wear a womens size 10 running shoe and was sent a size IV (large).  Womens sizes are offered in three sizes.  

I love how you can select men or womens sizes online.  And I really think it's great that the socks define your left sock from your right sock by L and R on each.  It really helps provide additional comfort in all of the right places.  It also prevents bunching in your running shoe.  I know a few of us have suffered from that.

I chose the neutral black pair, but they are also offered in red, pink, blue, and white.


Quality characteristics of the Run Socks 2.0 include:
Filament fiber for extreme durability
Wide top band for a perfect fit

Extra-flat toe seam
Prevents pressure points
Anatomical designs

These socks seem heavier than your average low-cut sock, but they aren't too heavy or bulky.  They also breath really well.  However, I would not sport the black pair on my humid, hot runs during the summer.  The air channels allow the foot to ventilate inside your shoe and the sock wicks moisture away from your body.  I love how the structure of the sock seemed to help support my arch during my runs.




I love how my legs felt fresh each time I wore these.  I really feel they give me more energy for a longer distance event and keep my legs from getting tired, as they improve blood circulation.  Some of my clients have reported a drastic reduction in shin pain when they've worn compression socks as well.  The socks help activate the flow of blood to your muscles.
  • Increased coordination by activating the muscles for a sense of stability and se




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One lucky winner will win a pair of
CEP Compression Socks
(US ONLY)
PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!
1 – Become a follower of my blog or already are?!  LEAVE ME A COMMENT
2 – Follow Running Diva Mom on Facebook HERE.  LEAVE ME A COMMENT
3 – Visit the CEP Compression website HERE and tell me what you think is fabulous.  LEAVE ME A COMMENT
4 – Become a fan of CEP Compression on Facebook HERE (and let them know Running Diva Mom sent you!).  LEAVE ME A COMMENT
5 – Post about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter (@RunningDivaMom @CEPCOMPRESSION #RunningDivaMom) account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.
Enter now though Thursday, September 25

[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at ( runningdivamom at yahoo dot com ) ]

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Sometimes ... all you need is ...

Sometimes ... all you need is ...
 
to listen to your body
to listen to your aches
to listen to your pains
to allow yourself a break
to take a step back
to enjoy the little things
to appreciate your body
to embrace each step
to enjoy the journey
to miss the run
 
It will miss you back.
 
After a hobbling 5K run around my neighborhood on Sunday afternoon, I took a couple of days off.  Twelve minute miles while hobbling on a bum right ankle, forced me to listen to my body.  I rested.  I iced.  I relaxed.  And when I felt better.
 
I ran ...
and it felt friggin' FANTASTIC!
 

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Foam Rolling: It Hurts So Good

Within the past few years, foam rolling has begun to increase in popularity.  It seems as if every fitness club that you set foot in has multiple foam rollers, from long ones to short ones to the rollers with those weird bumps on them.  How are you supposed to know which one to use? And once youve selected your roller, how do you even use it? 

 

Before we go into the specifics about foam rolling, its important to understand why foam rolling is beneficial for runners or any active person.  Its all about the adhesions. 

Muscle fibers are intended to be parallel fibers bundled together.  In a normal state, these fibers glide across each other, resulting in muscular movement.  However, when the body overuses certain muscles, small tears begin to accumulate in the muscle.  This is also known as micro trauma.  Your body is always searching for ways to be stable, so it lays down irregular connective tissue where the micro tears are.  The irregular connective tissue, called adhesions, help support the injured muscle quickly but it also comes with its own set of problems.  Adhesions can shorten and weaken the muscle, along with cause pain and restricted range of motion.  An example of this might be those knots in your shoulder that you feel after a long day of computer work.  Adhesions can occur all over your body, especially in the glutes, IT Band and calves for our runners out there!
 
 

The good news is that you can break down these adhesions and your body can reabsorb the scar tissue.  But I have to warn you: Stripping down those adhesions can be uncomfortable.  Thats where foam rolling comes into play; the more efficient you are at it, the sooner you can get back to running pain-free.

You might be wondering how someone could possibly need instructions on foam rolling.  But you would be surprised at the amount of people I see at our gym that are actually doing more harm than good with their rolling.  Dont be that person.

 
 
Here are some tips for proper foam rolling:

-Apply moderate pressure to a specific muscle/muscle group using the roller and your bodyweight.

- Roll SLOW (about 1 inch per second).  When you find a tender spot, pause for a few seconds and try to relax.  You should feel the muscle release after about 30 seconds.

-Pain isnt always a good indicator.  If a certain area is too tender or doesnt feel as if it is releasing, then roll the areas around it.

 For example: The IT Band should be indirectly treated by rolling the outside of the quads and hamstrings.

- Do not spend more than a minute on each tender spot.  This is not a pain tolerance contest.

- Do not roll on bones or joints.

- Lastly, avoid rolling your lower back or neck.  It can cause your spinal muscles to spasm and then youll have to come see me.

Other than that, foam rolling is a pretty simple concept.  Pick a muscle group, roll it, then move onto the next group.  Be sure to drink plenty of water after, too. 

If youre wondering which foam roller to purchase, just try them all! If youre new to it, then pick a softer one and progress to a denser foam.  If youre looking for more of a massagerather than breaking down adhesions, then go ahead with the rumble rollers. 

If youre local to Sun Prairie, we do sell two types of foam rollers at Noble Choice Chiropractic and we dont mind if you try them out here.  If youre looking for some foam rolling instruction, we can help you out with that too.

Have fun rolling! 
 
 

Written by:  Dr. Steph Pinnow of Noble Choice Chiropractic
 
2410 Montana Ave
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
608-318-5300

http://www.mynoblechoice.com/

Noble Choice Chiropractic on Facebook

Business Hours:
  • Mon: 9am - 1pm, 3pm - 6pm
  • Tue: 3pm - 6pm
  • Wed: 9am - 1pm, 3pm - 7pm
  • Thu: 3pm - 6pm
  • Fri: 9am - 1pm



  • Wednesday, September 3, 2014

    Running + Yoga - Starts Sept 18

    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/running-yoga-fall-2014-tickets-12924919783

    Running + Yoga

    30 minute run/walk lead by Running Diva Mom followed by 30 minutes of yoga lead by Gail Konop

    NO YOGA EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!


    You can
    register for one session ($20) or all three for ($49).
    Thursday, Sept 18, 6-7pm - Thoreau Park, Sun Prairie 
    Thursday, Sept 25, 6-7 pm - Burke Park, Burke 
    Thursday, Oct 2, 6-7 pm - Olbrich Park, Madison

    Register by Sept 15th by email: Jamie Adcock at
    runningdivamom@yahoo.com (via check) or via Eventbrite (via credit card).

    Registration is now open for Fall programs in Sun Prairie!

    Registration is now open for Fall programs in Sun Prairie!
    Ladies Couch to 5K - Starts Wed, Oct 8, 6pm (9 weeks)

    Stroller Couch to 5K - Starts Fri, Oct 10, 9am (9 weeks)

    Speedwork for Runners - Starts Sat, Oct 4, 8am (3 weeks)