Pro Compression Calf Sleeves Review!

Disclaimer: As a Sweat Pink Ambassador I received this product free to review. I received no other compensation. All opinions in the post below are mine and mine alone!

Most of you know that I love my compression socks! I wear them to run in (except for the summertime...it's too hot here on the Gulf Coast) and after my runs for recovery. Pro Compression makes some of my favorite compression socks (you can read my review of their marathon sock here)! 

So I was super excited to have the opportunity as a Sweat Pink Ambassador to review a pair of the Pro Compression Calf Sleeves! 

Here is some information about Pro Compression via their website and what makes them so awesome!

When it comes to compression socks you have many choices so why choose PRO Compression?

1. MADE in the USA

2. We always have a super fun Sock of the Month! A new sock designs every month with a discount! (so make sure you are on our email list). Can sign up on the home page under: Receive Monthly Specials.

3. One of the few compression socks companies that makes a true graduated compression sock (the ones that work!).

4. We sell direct, what does that mean to you? Bigger discounts and more focus on the customer. Our goals is to make sure everyone is in the correct sock or sleeve that is best for them!

Key Features.

1. True Graduated Compression

2. Arch support with just the right about of compression

3. Stabilization zone thru the sides to mid foot. Helps provide foot bed comfort.

4. Open toe box so it will not keep your toes to tight.

5. Wide cuff for added comfort.

6. Moisture wicking materials

7. No blisters!

PRO Compression socks deliver maximum comfort and speedy recovery times. The science is complex, but benefits such as improved blood flow, stability and comfort are universally understood. The moment you put these socks on your feet, you will feel the difference.

This design requires more effort to put on than standard socks. But it’s that extra effort and much-needed compression that make all the difference. Be patient and your feet will thank you.

True graduated compression promotes circulation by pushing fluid up from your feet and ankles to toward your knees. This design also helps reduce swelling and inflamation while providing critical support to muscles and tendons.

I can say that I LOVE wearing Pro Compression socks while I am running AND after runs for the recovery! They always make my legs feel better. I don't feel that acid lactate in my legs after wearing compression socks or sleeves. 

I loved the calf sleeves! I love that I can run in them and then after the run I can take off my running shoes and put on my flip flops right away and not have to take off the socks! The recovery begins automatically! These are going to be a staple for race days!

And there's nothing like relaxing on the couch after a long run with your Pro Compression Calf Sleeves doing the work for you! 

Pro Compression Calf Sleeves are also great for the little athletes in your life! My son (who is a gymnast) wanted to try mine on. He loved them! He proceeded to do all kinds of gymnastics throughout the house with them on! It took hours for me to convince him to take them off! 

I loved the calf sleeves so much that I bought more! Pro Compression has a calf sleeve grab bag where you can get 3 pairs of sleeves for only $10 more than one pair!!! It's a surprise which colors you will get but it's a deal that is too amazing to pass up! These are the ones I got!

Pro Compression and Fit Approach are also offering a chance to save 40% on your purchase (this works for the grab bag too)! Use the code PINK at checkout! And share the code with your friends!!!

Tweet: I #KeepItTight w/ @PROCompression! Use the code PINK for 40% OFF your entire purchase! http://ctt.ec/ngGd5+ @fitapproach #sweatpink

QOTD: Do you prefer compression socks or sleeves?

Pro Compression Marathon Sock Review and Giveaway!

I told you this would be a week of giveaways!!! I'm getting you ready for Christmas! ;-)

Compression socks seem to be the craze these days. But what's the big deal? Does compression really work? Does it help?

Here are some benefits of compression socks:

• Improves circulation
• Supports your muscles and ligaments
• Aids in recovery by flushing out the lactic acid in your muscles
• And they are soooo cute!!! (my opinion of course!)

I have been wearing knee high socks while running for a long time. But I really wanted to try some socks that were real compression. Eric at Pro Compression told me their marathon sock would really help me during marathon training! He sent me two pairs to try!

I could not wait to try them! But I wanted to test them out on a really long run. The first run I wore them on was a 16 mile run. These socks were a lot tighter than my normal knee high socks and it took me a minute to get them just right on my legs. But they felt great!

My 16 mile run was awesome! I think the compression socks helped with that! But I also wanted to test them after a long run. So I came home and showered and then put on the second pair. I wore them all day! And my legs felt great!

You know that achy feeling you get in your legs after a long run? Well that feeling wasn't there. And I had just ran 16 miles!

I also wore them for my 18 mile run...before and after! And it was the same awesomeness!

I am definitely a fan of Pro Compression!!! And I really like that their socks come in so many different colors: black, pink, red, purple, orange, lime, white, baby blue argyle, pink argyle, and khaki argyle! A girl has to have options!!!! ;-)

And right now for Christmas they have the Limited Edition Marathon Holiday sock!!! Soooo cute!!!! You can save 40% and get free shipping on this sock with the code SOM12!

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I believe these socks are a must have for any runner! YOU need a pair and the awesome Eric at Pro Compression wants to make that happen! All you have to do is enter!!! :-)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Pro Compression sent me two pairs of socks to review. I received no other compensation. All opinions in the above post are mine and mine alone!

Top Gifts for Runners!

It's getting close to Christmas time...the most wonderful time of the year! And today is Black Friday...and yes I am out with the crazies doing some shopping! I love it! And what's great about it...me and my hubby shop Black Friday together every year...and have a blast! His sister watches our boys for us so we can shop 'til we drop (thanks Katie)! Believe me...this is the ONLY time of the year that I can get Andy to shop lol!

So with shopping on my mind I thought a post about the top gifts for runners would be appropriate!

Now keep in mind that these gift ideas are my opinion....and things I need like as a runner! ;-)

• Gift Cards. Who doesn't like gift cards? Especially ones to your local running store or running stores online (roadrunnersports.com or runningskirts.com)!

• Medal Hanger. All runners need a place to display their most prized possessions...those race medals! I am in need of another one..mine is full! 

• GPS Watch. All runners need a way to check their pace, time, and distance! I absolutely love my Garmin! It's pretty old and I would love one of the new ones! Other brands include Polar and Nike+ but I can't steer away from Garmin.

• Running Clothes. All runners need the right running clothes. In the winter we need tights, pants, and long sleeve shirts. In the summer we need running skirts, shorts, and tank tops.

You know I LOVE my skirts from runningskirts.com! I have my eye on the Chevron Athletic Skirt!

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• Socks and Compression Socks. Socks are an essential need for runners. You can never have too many socks! My favorite brands are Swiftwick and Pro Compression. And compression socks are awesome for running in AND for recovery.

• Headbands. Runners don't like hair falling in their eyes or face while running. And sweat is another factor...it's not fun getting sweat in your eyes. So some kind of headband is a must. My favorites are Bondi Bands, BIC Bands, and Sweaty Bands!

• Fuel. Those packs of GU, Sports Beans, Sharkies, or Gummy Bears are perfect stocking stuffers for the long distance runner! 

• Lifeproof iPhone case. There have been many times I've been on a run and a rain shower has appeared out of nowhere. Then I am freaking out because my iPhone can't get wet. This case is waterproof, shock proof, dirt proof, and snow proof!

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In my opinion I would be happy opening any of the above gifts and I'm sure the runner you're buying for would too!

QOTD: What running item is on your wish list?

16 Long, Slow Miles!

This morning I ran 16 miles!!! Last marathon training, 16 miles was NOT a good run for me so I have been dreading it all week. And then I get a warning on my phone yesterday afternoon that we would be under a dense fog advisory...it was super foggy on the 16 miler last marathon training too! Great! Just what I need...tons of fog when I am going to be running tons of miles! Yay.

The alarm went off at 4:30 AM. I got dressed and put on my Pro Compression socks for the first time (review coming soon). I was crossing my fingers these were going to help me have a good run!

I made a waffle with peanut butter and ate it while I stretched and rolled with my Trigger Point Therapy Kit. Then I grabbed my fuel belt, Gu, water, and Garmin and headed out the door. I was doing one of the water stops so I had to stop and drop the water off before I went to our meeting place. In the car, I sampled another item in my Kona Kase for October. It was the Gatorade Prime 01 and the directions said to drink it about 15 minutes before running. It tasted good but the pouch dug into my lip and it hurt. But the actual drink was pretty yummy..except for when I swallowed some wrong and had a coughing fit lol!

The first 4 miles of the run were tough...I'm never warmed up at this point. But once we hit about mile 5, I started feeling awesome! The miles started flying by! The sun started coming up around mile 7 and we could see the fog rolling in and the gorgeous sunrise!!!

Thanks Angela for taking this picture of us! I hate she couldn't get in the pic too.

The rest of the run was great. But around mile 14 my legs were super tired. I was ready to quit. I'm sure this is due to my body being so used to half marathons...it was telling me I was supposed to be done lol! But FINALLY I hit mile 16! I did it! And it was a MUCH better run than last marathon training!!!! Yay!!!

Slow for a lot of you but it works for me! I'll take it! :-)

After the run, I stretched and then drove home. I came in and grabbed my Premier Protein Chocolate Shake and took an ice bath! I haven't taken an ice bath in forever and I really think they help with recovery! My son Sawyer had a blast dumping the ice on me! :-)

The run is done and now me and Andy are headed to the University of South Alabama football game! Go Jags!!!

QOTD: Have you ever taken an ice bath? Do you think it helps?