Pro Compression GIVEAWAY!!!

As many of you know by now, I am OBSESSED with socks...not just any socks though, they have to be Pro Compression socks.  It's never fun to obsess over something alone so I talked to the good folks over at Pro Compression and they are letting me host a GIVEAWAY...you're welcome.  Now you can become obsessed too, you and your muscles will thank me.

I used to work in a running store so I have tried quite a few different brands of compression but Pro Compression are by far my favorite.  Not only are they true graduated compression, meaning they are tighter at the bottom which helps with blood circulation, but they are super cute.  The more blood you can circulation around your muscles the better, it helps with performance and recovery time.

My very favorite thing to do is sleep in my Pro Compression Marathon Socks.  When running you can use either the marathon socks or the sleeves but for recovery you will want to stick to the socks.  While sitting for long periods of time the sleeves can cause blood to pool, ain't nobody got time fo' dat.  For you working types, they have just come out with the new dress sock, now you can recover from your tough workout without being too flashy.

They come in navy, khaki, black and light pink.

Recover like a champ!

There are some fun designs but people might think you strange walking around in florescent green socks with your business attire...although I have seen MUCH stranger things. 

Pro Compression also makes AMAZING low running socks.

I have a little bit (A LOT) of everything...

This picture was taken back at the beginning of the year so add about 10 more and we are up to date...at least for now.  It's all about the socks!!

 So here is your chance to try them for the first time or add to your growing collection.  You have until next Monday (August 4th) to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For those of you who want the latest in compression NOW you can use promo code BLG14 for 40% off any marathon socks or sleeves.

Don't Make Me Get Off My Unicorn!

I tried a new workout on the treadmill the other day and it was pretty awesome.  I got the idea from Hungry Runner Girl and put my own spin on it.  Here's how it went down:

Warm up for 10 minutes

Fast for 1 minute...slow down for 1 minute

Fast for 2 minutes...slow for 1 minute.

continue for 3, 4 and 5 minutes.

Then I went down.  5 minutes fast....slow for 1 minute.

4, 3, 2, and 1...and 1 more just for fun.  I finished off with 8 miles and felt AMAZE BALLS!

Since it was my first time trying this workout I kept the speed the same for the first half, for both the fast and slow times.  The second half I was feeling great so I upped the speed with each repeat but kept the slow pace the same.  Whenever I do any kind of speed work I always make sure to cool down really good for at least .25 mile but usually it's more like .50 mile.

This was a great way to make the treadmill more entertaining.  I'm soooooo ready to be doing all of my runs outside but it's still too dark in the morning.  Me + running in the dark = a bloody mess.

Saturday, Holly and I did a 19 miler and let me just say that it was less than stellar.  That's actually great news though because that means that this weeks 20 miler is going to be great...I'm sure of it! 

So, everyone knows I'm "obsessed" with socks right?  Well, I want to let you know what Pro Compression's sock of the month is...

Look at that, you not only get a screaming deal on stockings but you also get to help a good cause. That thur is a what they call a "win win!" 

Choose anything purple and a donation will be made to Team in Training.  Choose anything powder blue and a donation will be made to Train 4 Autism.

Use promo code SOM4 to get 40% off and FREE shipping.

You can also choose to get the brand spanking new red, white and blue marathon "tube sock."

Go HERE to place your order...tell 'em Steph sent ya ;)

Now for some things that make me happy

Sooooo true.  Jake has a tendency to complain that I can never skip a day of running/working out.  I keep trying to explain to him that it's for the best of EVERYONE if I run.  He doesn't get it but maybe the fact that there is an e card about it will help. 

Yep...obsessed! 

This brings much joy to my soul.

Sometimes You Just Can't Stop

Yesterday Holly and I decided to see what the "Ho's" running plan was for this morning.  Just FYI the Ho's are Jorge, Joanna, Josh and Heather.  They call themselves the Jo's but to me they will always be the Ho's, plus since Heather joined the group it just makes sense...not that she's a ho but because of the H in her name.  Anyways, Josh said that they were doing 20 miles in Provo.  Holly and I decided on our way to meet up with them that since we had done 20 miles last Saturday that we had better be smart and only do 16.  

We got out of the car and it was quite warm, for Utah in February, it was 40 degrees.  The weather was perfection!  When we started out my legs didn't feel #awesome but somehow being outside and not stuck on the treadmill made everything okay.  

As we got up the canyon it started to get pretty slick, there were slick patches that were super scary.  I can fall down on dry ground thank you very much, I do not need ice.  Luckily, we ran right into Dr. Lloyd (I guess he prefers Mike) and Paul.  We decided to turn around with them and head to the Murdock Canal Trail.  I have never been on this trail but I am here to say that it is pretty much my favorite.  

We had to run through some snow for a little bit, which wasn't very fun., but once we got out the snow we had a great time.  Mike runs the trail a lot and gave us a bit of a tour, it was fun!  

I'm running through a piece of pipe that is a replica of what we were running over.  Or something like that, it was part of our "tour" but it is now bed time and I'm very tired.  Mike made a right fine tour guide but some of the details seem to have escaped me at the moment.

We stopped for a photo but I kind of screwed the whole thing up so we gave up and ran on.  Heather was taking said photo and for some reason she said "10" just as I thought why the heck did she just say 10, Mike said "10???"  For some reason I found it hilarious and could not compose myself.

I don't know...I'm strange and was a bit giggly.  Those endorphins will go right to your head if your not careful.

I had to walk away for a moment.

Look at Poshy with his hands on his hips in disapproval :D

The miles flew by, then Josh said "we only have 3/4 of a mile until it's time to turn around."  WHAT???  I guess our plan of running 16 miles didn't quite pan out like we thought it would.  Holly and I were both feeling great so we were fine with it.  

Selfie, usie, wesie, whatever Saturday.

We had such a great time, these are the runs that I live for.  The miles flew by, we laughed and had a great time.  We did 20 miles in 2:49.

Now I am sitting here recovering in my USA Pro Compression stockings.  I wish I was recovering in my HEARTS Pro Compression stockings, I need to order some ASAP!  If you want to know what to get the runner in your life for Valentine's Day may I suggest some of these cute marathon socks...I wear an XS just FYI ;)

You can save 40% and get FREE shipping when you use the promo code BEMY at checkout.  You can click HERE to place your order.

The other day I posted something about Pro Compression on the Instagram and apparently I had people confused so let me clarify.  Proper recovery requires R.I.C.E Rest, Ice, COMPRESSION and elevation.  I said #dontforgettheCinRICE.  That's all.

Steph's 8 Steps to Recovery!

It has been almost 3 weeks since I started PT and I have now been allowed to run 4 times.  I am up to 33 minutes of a run/walk.  It’s short but wonderful.  I was able to do a 15 minutes routine at the gym yesterday and I was on cloud 9 all day.  Today was the BIG 33 minuter and it was nothing short of AWESOME! 

I pretty much felt like Kobe after my run!!

It’s amazing what a tiny run can do for ones outlook on life!  My last injury lasted for 4 and half months and it was MISERABLE!!!!  

This is how I felt every time I saw a runner on the street during my first injury, wanted to punch them in the throat!  I've been a lot less hostile this time:)

I thought I would give you some pointers on having a speedy recovery if heaven forbid you ever get injured.  These are not  USAFT, FDA, RDA or FDIC approved just Steph approved, you’re welcome!

Step 1:  Admitting that you have a problem.  I think as a runner it’s hard to admit that you are injured.  Luckily, for me both of my injuries have come on with no warning at all, I just woke up one morning and I was broken.  I think a lot of runners ignore things until they too wake up one morning unable to run.

Step 2:  Cry yourself a river, build a bridge and get over it and REPEAT!!  This weekend was especially

emotional but things are looking up so hopefully the breakdowns will lessen.

Step 3:  Make an appointment with a doctor of the Sports Medicine, this is an important step that I think a lot of people skip.  They will determine if an x-ray, MRI, CT scan or pregnancy test is needed.  You don’t want to assume physical therapy can fix you…they can’t fix broken bones, just for your FYI ;)

Step 4:  Rest
             Ice-like it’s your job. 

             Compress-PRO COMPRESSION BABY. 

             Elevate-I’m not so good at this one, who has time to lay around?!?  Not me! 

  I have this fancy ice pack…you should get one!

I can just strap it on my calf and go about my business.

I have been living in my Pro Compression socks.  I wear them to the gym every single day, wear them to work on occasion (I need to get some sleeves, sometimes neon socks just don’t go with my work outfits…IDK)  I slather my angry little legs in Deep Blue each and every night and slip on some Pro Compression.  Then I sleep with my ice pack on my calf, it’s really mad!!!

Step 5:  Go to physical therapy A LOT!  I have gone every day since June 27th and notice changes almost daily.

Step 6:  Be obedient!  If the PT says not to run maybe you should listen.  If you finish your prescribed workout STOP.  Yesterday I left myself just enough time to do what I was told.  I felt great and of course wanted to keep going but alas it was time to go.

Step 7:  Massage.  I need to get massages more often, I think massage is HUGE in recovery.  I get a massage each day at PT but I should really schedule myself a session at Jorge’s House O’ Pain!

Step 8:  Cross train.  I have been doing the spin bike and the elliptical.  I used to despise the elliptical but decided that if you concentrate REALLY hard you can indeed get a good workout on the old ski machine.

Last but certainly not least avoid chiropractors at the finish line of races.  If you don’t know anything about them for heaven’s sake don’t let them touch you!!!!  I’m 99.9% sure that had I not let that whack a doo smack me around that I would be fine right now…’nuf said!

Now go back up to Step 4 section C.  I know I talk about Pro Compression fort knightly but seriously get cha’ some!  Right now they are having a HUGE sale.  Head on over to ProCompression.com and use promo code JULY for 40% off EVERYTHING!  You also get FREE shipping!  The socks are awesomesauce…FAAAAACT!  They also have running visors and sweet hats.  Jake has a PC hat and loves it!  Get on it peeps, the sale ends August 4th!  I think I’ll pick myself up some of the new retro stockings!!  Happy shopping!

Here are just a few of my Pro Compression stocking all hung in a row to dry.
 I am told that there will be a PT graduation this week, YAAAAY!! 

I love going for the entertainment but would love to be done and back out running about the town with my RBFF.  Baby steps Stephanopolis, baby steps!  Perhaps the retro socks will be my graduation gift!