Last week, I gave a little background on compression clothing, starting with those lovely panty hose I used to wear in the 80s. I also shared some of the possible performance and recovery benefits that running shirts, tights and socks might offer.

Though research is still a bit sketchy on these benefits, particularly those that pertain to recovery, I thought I’d share the opinions of other runners and athletes.

Jenny Tobin, Former pro-triathlete,  Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier

“I wear compression socks because I had 2 DVTs (deep vein thrombosis) and 8 PEs (pulmonary emboli) in 2002 (I have a blood clotting disorder called Factor 5 Leiden). I spent a week in the hospital trying to unclot my system so I could try to a live a normal life.  I was told by a number of doctors to take Coumadin, an anti-coagulant, for the rest of my life but opted not to do so. Now, I have to be careful about certain things that I do.

I think I would wear the socks if I didn’t have a medical reason, as they definitely keep my legs fresher and the swelling way down (I used to swell up pretty badly by the end of the day).  I teach PE and am on my feet all day long.  I wear them every day and don’t think I could make it at work without them any more. Believe it or not, I sleep in them, too.  I know a number of triathletes and runners who wear them while racing. I don’t have statistics but feel like they help me a lot, even if they don’t offer the same advantages for everyone.

When I raced triathlons competitively, I wore a skin suit to reduce drag in the swim and bike but also to help reduce the “jiggle factor” on the run. I have read studies that show the jiggle factor to be somewhat significant to counteract. Thus by reducing it, you can experienced an improved performance.  Though I can’t prove it, I did feel better running in my tri suit than just plain running clothes.”

Cynthia O’ Halloran, recent Boston qualifier, author of Balls In The Air

“I love my compression socks.  I have to admit that I was doubtful at first; the first few times that I wore them I felt a bit like The Happy Hooker.

Through the winter, I didn’t wear them during my long runs, but I always wore them that night and the next day to help muscle recovery.  I’m a teacher, always on my feet, and my legs never felt tired after a long run.

In May, when I ran Toronto’s Goodlife Marathon, I wore Running Skirts compression socks.  Admittedly, I was still worried about the stares that they might cause, but I was more concerned about finishing the 26.2 miles comfortably.  It was really cold that morning (5C, which is about 45F) and the rain and wind was brutal.  I felt a blister squish around 33K, but by the time I finished, there weren’t any bubbles appearing elsewhere and the one that popped wasn’t problematic at all.  The compression socks were great that day.”

Now, I wear them during long runs and races.  I’m not sure if I’ll wear them through the winter; it’s cold and I like a warmer sock in the sub-zero weather of Oakville, Canada.

I haven’t tried compression tops or pants – interested but they are expensive.  Maybe when I win the lottery….”

Allie Gabriel, runner, doctoral candidate, author of The Constant Pursuit

“I actually do not use compression gear very frequently. However, I have used CEP compression socks (in hot pink! so fun!) periodically when I am experiencing calf soreness. I actually credit them with helping me rebound from my calf strain back in 2010.”

Christopher Zimmer, marathon runner, my running partner

“I received my compression sleeves as a gift, so I figured I better try them out! I only use them for runs over 15 miles to help relieve the aches and pains.  When I reach any distance over 20 miles, my legs definitely feel less fatigued if I have them on. In addition, my recovery is quicker when I use my compression sleeves.”

Keith Hinson, Ultramarathoner and Ironman triathlete, author of self-named blog

“Although open to debate…..I think they are good. Compression clothing offers warmth, joint support, and arguably fatigue prevention.”

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2. Rob Neely

   
   12/7 2011

   You look dorky, but they really do work. For reals.