Spring, Pug, Running Shoes, and Compression Socks

 

Hmm I couldn't think of a clever title for this post so I basically listed all the things I'm going to talk about.  And I chose to start this post with that photo of my pug just because.

 First up, spring is here!  Yea!  Although it's been a bit warm for my tastes the past couple days.  I want spring, not summer!  My lil pug enjoys the spring weather too but that doesn't make our walks any easier.  If anything, it's now nice enough outside that sometimes during our walks she decides to just plop down and stare at another dog, person, or truck (she loves trucks/vans).

I went for a lunchtime stroll on Friday around the mall and man the tourists were out in massive numbers.  The worst were the ones on segways - they either zoomed past dangerously, or lined up slowly on the path blocking all foot traffic.  I hated them.  Anyways, the day was nice if a bit warm and the cherry blossoms were beautiful.

So I gave my new running shoes, Brooks Trance, a try these past couple weeks.

I know these have gotten rave reviews and a ton of people love them, but I hate these.  They feel like a lot of shoe on my feet and I consistently get foot numbness in my right foot.  But the worst was that after my long run on Sunday my calves and Achilles tendons felt like they were tight little balls of fire.  I was hobbling the next couple days and had to massage those muscles because they were so sore and tight.  So I'm giving these shoes to my sister who likes the cushier shoes.  But for me I think I need a shoe with a lower heel drop.  I think that's why I always used to hate running when I was younger and had so many calf and Achilles issues - I was wearing super cushy shoes that just didn't work for me.  So I'm still searching for a slightly cushier shoe to alternate with my Brooks Green Silence, which are my regular running shoes now.  I love the Green  Silence so much I got another pair!

That's right, I'm rocking my pair with some bright white socks.  They were the only clean pair I had left.  And I pretty much don't care how I look when exercising.

So with my recent bout of calf/Achilles issues I started doing research and discovered compression socks.  Since I'm relatively new to running, this is all new stuff to me.  I decided to try out a pair for pre and post runs and see if they'll help with soreness.  I chose the CEP ones in bright blue because I love all things blue. 

Sexy.

My lil pug is confused by my blue legs.  She was also sad that she could no longer lick my feet, which she loves to do.  She tried licking my socked feet a few times but didn't find it to her taste.  These things are crazy to get on!  I studied a YouTube video of it and was able to successfully get them on but I think I stretched them up too high.  That or I just have further proof that my legs are disproportionately short.  Maybe a little bit of both?  As soon as I got them on I could feel the pressure from the sock and it felt great!  I had some achiness from a run yesterday and I dunno if it was a placebo effect but my legs felt better after wearing these.  Even if it is a placebo effect, I like the benefits of it so keep it coming!  I also secretly like having crazily bright colored knee high socks.

My pug is still disturbed by my socks.

Luckily a baby carrot I was holding distracted her.

As soon as I sit on my couch my pug jumps up and demands that I position myself like this so she can squeeze behind my legs, her favorite spot.  Do you see how I already have a thin layer of pug fur all over my socks?  Sigh, I guess that was inevitable.  I'm excited to see how these socks will work for my long run this weekend.  If they work well, I may need to get some more, but these suckers are expensive!

Now a series of photos of my pug napping in her favorite funny positions and totally using my body as a chin or arm rest.   Enjoy.