Photo: Ariel Avila
We happen to have a lot of runners here at The Strategist, so this week we're getting serious (literally), testing tons of running gear, and interviewing experts to bring you the information you need for every type of runner.welcome to running week.
The only sport I've taken seriously is running. But every time I started a consistent routine, I started getting shin splints after about a week. I was in so much pain that I could barely bend my toes without a sharp pain shooting through my legs. I tried massaging it, but even pressing on the upper part of my calf hurts. I just had to wait until it was finished and as a newbie I found the whole process discouraging.
Two years ago, I started running again. This time, I started jogging very slowly, which helped me avoid the pain. Then last fall, I decided to train for my first half marathon. That meant running longer and picking up the pace. My training plan was to log at least 10 miles a week instead of the 1-2 mile easy jogs I was used to. Not surprisingly, my shin splints came back. Earlier this year, the pain was so bad that I could barely go half a mile before the sharp pain came back, so I took a full week off.
Around this time, I was also researching compression socks for a story. After talking with my running coach about the benefits for athletes, I decided to try this shoe myself. He explained that after long, high-intensity workouts, lactic acid builds up in his muscles, causing pain. Compression socks stimulate blood flow and oxygen to release buildup. I chose Bombas because he was a fan of Bombas' cushioned running socks. This brand offers socks with moderate compression levels (20-30 mmHg) that are perfect for recovery.
After Sunday's long run, I went through my typical post-run routine for a few hours: shower, replenish electrolytes, stretch, and eat some vegetables. I also tried wearing compression socks. It is designed to be tightest around the ankle, with some compression around the calf. Thankfully, the pressure on my calf wasn't enough to make the pain worse, like when I tried massage guns and tennis balls in the past. In fact, it didn't feel too tight and felt like my calf muscles were being hugged tightly. I kept the socks on for the rest of the afternoon (about 4 hours) and took them off right before bed. The best way to describe it was that my feet felt refreshed the next morning. Of course, I was still in pain, but not as much as I was used to after running such a long distance.
The next day, I was able to go for a light run without any pain. That's when I realized that compression socks were actually speeding up my recovery. Usually it takes him at least two days to recover after a long run. Still, you can expect to develop shin splints at some point while running comfortably. Socks quickly became a staple in my recovery toolkit. I wore this shoe for a few hours after every long run (even short runs) to help me feel better. Thanks to Bombas, I was able to stay on track with my training schedule and finish my first half marathon feeling strong.
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