Happy Friday!
Yesterday we had the most amazing weather I have seen in a long time. It was in the low 80’s which is really hot for up here this time of year, but you will never see me complaining!
I will say though that my body isn’t quite adjusted to running in warmer weather.
I went out for an easy 6 miles after getting off work. I contemplated putting it off until later in the day because I had the worst trouble sleeping the night before and ended up only getting about 3.5 hours worth.
Once I got home after work though I felt energized so decided to go for it. I was so glad I did because the heat picked up as it got later!
I can’t tell you how good it felt to get some natural Vitamin D in though. 🙂
This week I have been focusing a lot on recovery. I average 3 pretty tough speed workouts a week so it is key that my legs and body are recovery properly in between.
I thought today I would share three products that I swear by for proper recovery.
Primal Sport Mud
A few weeks ago I tried Primal Sport Mud for the very first time. I’ll admit at first I was very skeptical. How can a simple mud paste that I rub on my muscle and let sit really aid my recovery?
I wasn’t the first to try it out. My husband had a pretty achy quad after the Boston Marathon and I suggested he give it a go and see how it worked.
He immediately texted me a couple hours later saying that it had really helped his leg and it was already feeling better after several days of aching.
After my first workout my right leg was having a harder time recovering. One night while I was sitting at home I decided to give Primal Sport Mud a try.
I put the mud on my leg, wrapped in plastic warp and then put a heating pad on top of it. I did this right before bed and didn’t think much of it.
The product itself is water soluble so it comes off your skin and hands very easily.
The next morning when I woke up I was amazed at how much better my leg felt. The pain was gone and my leg felt fresh! I have since tried it out on my quad, calf and even my lower back. This is a miracle worker.
So, how does Primal Sport Mud work? Here is what their website says:
“When heat is applied to Primal Sport Mud, its jet black color and molecular structure absorb and convert the heat into beneficial infrared energy – which stimulates micro circulation. Improved circulation removes toxins and speeds up recovery so you can spend less time being sore and more time doing what moves you! Primal Sport Mud is all-natural, raw and exactly what your body needs.”
As I said, both my husband and I were skeptical at first but now we are FIRM believers in this product. Sometimes you need a little extra something to speed up and help with recovery. This product is amazing and one will continue using. They have life long customers!
110% Compression Socks
I was recently given the opportunity to try out 110% Compression Flat Out Socks.
I’m sure by now you know of my love for compression socks. I’m usually not very picky about compression and have several different brands that I wear regularly.
The first thing I noticed about 110% Compression was how quickly and easily they went on my legs. This isn’t always the case for compression socks. Usually if compression socks go on easily then they really don’t provide much benefit, but these still provided exceptional compression and comfort.
A few details about the Flat Out Compression socks:
- 80% Nylon/20% Spandex
- Anatomically accurate design (left and right)
- Zoned compression to support calf, shin, ankle and foot
- Moisture wicking
- Unique flowmesh stitch pattern for foot ventilation
- Anti-chafe padding on ball of foot and ankle
- Unique vertical stretch for arch support
- Non binding top band for easy on/off and comfort
The big difference with these compression socks over others it that they have targeted zoned compression. This is something you can definitely tell when you first put them on.
I’ve worn these on both runs on the treadmill and outside. They leave my legs (especially my calves) feeling fresh even after a tough workout. They aren’t took thick and can still be worn in the hot summer months that are quickly approaching!
CryoSphere
One of the most common runner ailments is plantar fasciitis. It is one of the most annoying nagging pains that you can get and it can be really tough to get rid of.
I was recently introduced to a new massager that helps to alleviate not only plantar fasciitis but also heel and foot pain.
The CryoSphere Massager allows you to apply various amounts of pressure over many different areas of the foot. It is also covered in small tiny protrusions allow for a kneading affect which provides a deep tissue myfascial release. These can help to reduce soreness and scare tissue formation in the foot.
On top of this the CryoSphere also contains non-hazardous heating and cooling additives. Hot and cold therapy has been shown to be affective in helping to treat and alleviate different foot ailments.
I have used this after severals runs. It is quick, easy and efficient at helping to massage the foot and aid in recovery.
What to try out a Primal Sport Mud or CryoSphere? I will be giving away one to 1 CryoSphere to 2 of my readers AND 1 sample of Primal Sport Much to another reader! That’s 3 total winners! Enter via the rafflecopter below and the entry period will end at 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday, May 13th.
Good luck!
Are there any products that you swear by for recovery?
Do you have a routine after a run?.
I always eat a little container of greek yogurt. Something about eating the protein right after a hard run makes me feel complete.
That massager looks so good for the feet! I usually foam roll after a workout
The foam roller is my #1 tool for recovery after a long run!
I have a couple pairs of procompression socks, mostly I will just stretch if if I have a sore muscle.
I would love to win this! Would help with my marathon recovery!!!
Compression socks are a must after long runs, especially when traveling for a race. I didnt know 110% made a compression sock – I’ve been out of the loop as a new mom. And that mud sounds awesome!
The mud sounds awesome! I trigger point and foam roll after almost every run.
Im not super good about doing anything after runs but mostly stretching!
Wow – cool that the mud actually worked! I foam roll every night for recovery. And I’ve been dealing with plantar fasciaitis lately as a result of compensating for my sore calf, so this sounds very helpful!
I have had awful luck with plantar fasciitis in the past year, that looks like something I really need to try!
I haven’t heard of the ‘primal sport mud’ but definitely going to do some research on it! The good ‘ol days of just running and not needing to do any recovery/maintenance are long gone for me – so any recovery tips or products are appreciated!
I always put my legs up after a run. And if it’s a long run, I do an ice bath afterwards. Brrrr! 🙂 But I love the legs up. It’s so relaxing and feels great. I am SO intrigued by the mud!!
Very interesting and am all for things that help recovery. I love compression socks and am still wearing boots at work so I can keep my compression socks on 😉
I think the foam rollers are great for recovery as well.
I’ve been recovering from plantar fasciitis since September and have found a similar product-Foot Rubz-to be effective. I also find good old ice to work well. I do a 2-3 minutes ice massage (using frozen ice in a plastic cup) on my foot and will also throw an ice pack on it for about 10-20 minutes while I’m reading in bed. Still trying to find the magic thing to help my tennis elbow…
After long runs I always “hang my legs” against the wall. Number one it feels good to lay down and two it really seems to help alleviate soreness later in the day
I try to foam roll!
I also do knee circles, in both directions, and they really seem to help a lot.
Compression socks!
Oh, I could really use one of those massagers! My feet get so angry after a big week of running!! And, I am insanely intrigued by that mud!
Compression socks are for sure the best!
i always lay on the floor and put my legs up against the wall after long runs
foam rolling, stretching and compression socks for me!
In Recovery right now,from hurting my back, The DR’s gave my pain patches that you stick on, but they do nothing. Would love to try you Mud and Roller, as this is something new to me and sounds great. Thank you for the chance..Elaine
So great to hear you love Primal Mud, and have found it helps! I have found it is extremely helpful for little pains that come up, and without it I would have had to take a lot longer off after my muscle strain last year. As an elite, I can definitely recommend it 🙂
My other recovery products are Enduropacks and compression socks from Saucony
I really love it Tina!! I was a little skeptical at first but I am hooked!
After a run I usually stretch, do a little core work, and drink water/eat something. Then, after I shower I foam roll.
Compression socks are a life saver for the legs!
i do stretches after
I stretch afterwards and take a hot shower
I foam roll after a run and take a nice shower
I have found that the two things that help me most after running are to make sure I take in a lot of water and stretch. For the longest time I skimped on my stretches and couldn’t understand why I was always so sore. Stretching is now one my the things I focus on the most!
I foam roll after every run. I also do some yoga stretches
I stretch, rehydrate and eat a banana and some protein.
I stretch after runs.
i just take a warm bath