Compression for training or recovery, or both? (Read 1152 times)

When I first started running, I thought what a good choice of exercise this may be as it appeared that it needn't be expensive.  Just me, some basic equipment and the road.  Suits me, and it must be said that I haven't yet bought loads of equipment.  I have a basic Garmin (FR 50), some good neutral running shoes, a drinks bottle belt and some inexpensive tracksuit trousers and old t-shirts.

 

I have just been recommended some compression tights by a colleague at work.  Apparentley these cut down your recovery time significantly and help avoid muscle aches.  My work mate is much more experienced than me and I decided to have a look online.  I have a few questions that maybe somebody can help me with...

 

Do people wear compression tights to run in,  rest in (post running) or both?  Is there a type for each?

 

Are there any specific brands that you would recommend?

 

Would you recommend them?  Do they make a significant difference?

 

Cheers,

Bernie

 

I pretty much echo MrPHinNJ  -- they are pretty hot but I wear them on longer runs because they stop the chaffing which can be a problem for me on 10 - 13 mile runs...

 

I dont know of any special properties that help them cut down on recovery time (have never heard that)...

I have a pair of the CWX tights and I've been told they can help recovery.  But honestly I'll wear them only when it's below 20 degrees pretty much just to help me warm up in the cold (once I get going it doesn't much matter what I wear on my legs when it's cold).

 

If you are buying them for recovery I think you are wasting your money.  Higher mileage people could probably benefit from quick recovery between harder efforts, but for us lower mileage people we are better off recovering differently. 

 

Try running more than 4 days per week and vary the effort. Keep the easy days easy.  Don't be sedentary after your run.  Build your mileage up slowly.  I know this sounds counterintuitive but if you do these things there won't be too many times you need "recovery".  

I hate wearing tights, ever, compression or not. However, after running (long and/or hard days), I wear graduated compression socks and I think they make a difference in recovery.  Not the over-priced sleeves, but rather ones that look just like dress socks. I've felt like I've always had a lower-leg circulation problem (feet get cold real easy) and this seems to help in many ways.

I sit on my duff most of the day and I've noticed when I'm wearing  them and I get up to walk around, my calves aren't nearly as stiff compared to when I'm not wearing them. 

This isn't necessarily responsive, but I can tell you one thing not to do in compression socks.  I have some of the nice Sugoi ones that I now use for recovery.  No idea whether they actually work, but sometimes even a placebo is great.  One of the first times I used them was during my first marathon.  It was a very cold trail marathon and I thought they might help keep my shins warm if nothing else.  They didn't.  Not only are they not insulated, they got wet and helped heat leave my legs throughout the race.  I didn't notice during the race, but my bones thawing out afterwards was intensely painful.

This is just anecdotal, but Lisa Batchen-Smith uses tights for compression, and is wearing them even in 80+ heat -- of course she is running very high mileage (250+mpw right now I think).

 

I have no experience with compression anything. I might be curious, but I am pretty sure it would be more important if I would remember to try hydration and nutrition on my long runs, darn it.

 

I've raced a HM and run long in the winter with compression tights but always feel too constricted .  I prefer them for long run and marathon recovery.  Probably a waste of money in the big scheme of things but I figured it's worth trying as I end up sitting at a desk a lot and that is not fun.

 

Also, I have some compression calf sleeves, mainly because I was having some issues prior to Boston.   They worked out very well.  Highly recommended if you have tweaked your calves.