Compression Tights

[Sylv]

Merrell Iceman

[kieran]

[quote]The ICEMan...



Off road run and duathlon events – emphasis on fun, pain and dirt on a tough hilly course.

There will be a combination of not only an off road running race, but also an off road duathlon - run, bike, run. Both will be a test of strength and stamina. Don't be fooled by the distances, this will hurt.

Based in Frimley, the ICEMan begins with a tough 12km dirty trail run. This is not a race for PB's... you will be slow.

A hard 10km in mid winter will separate the men from the boys, then it’s a 2 lap bike and it's more challenging than the MudMan, with 4 hills on each loop that are all rideable (although 1 is pretty tough). You will get very wet and very muddy. The second run is much gentler although after a hard ride it will be tough. Both the bike and run courses will be held in challenging, stoney conditions. You and your bike should be fully serviced and in tip top condition!

This is a No Frills race with the emphasis on FUN and PAIN. The event is for those that want to challenge themselves, and also for those that just want to survive.

Numbers will be limited, therefore early application is strongly recommended.

For the duathlon, helmets are compulsory, gloves and leggings are strongly recommended. Facilities are very basic, showers are not available. Expect to get very dirty and cold. Bring a change of clothes. Toilets will be available on site.

All race details, maps and timings will be provided on the website and race numbers and details will be mailed out at least two weeks before the race.

[Sylv]

You coming Carl?

[huw williams]

they never did Paula Radcliffe any harm

Anyway - here's some interwebnet science for you...

Compression socks are specialized hosiery items designed to provide extra support and increased blood circulation for their wearers. The main purpose of compression socks is to provide graduated pressure on the lower leg and foot. Traditional dress and athletic socks offer some degree of compression, but not enough to be considered therapeutic.

The key to understanding compression socks lies in their graduated pressure application. Throughout an average day, the body pumps blood to all of the extremities as equally as it can. However, gravity often causes blood to pool in the lower legs and feet, causing circulatory problems such as edema, phlebitis and thrombosis. At the very least, all of this blood pooling can cause fatigue and leg cramps. Elevating the legs and feet may alleviate the pain temporarily, but it often returns after a few hours of constant standing or walking.

This is where the use of compression socks can be extremely beneficial. Compression socks use stronger elastics such as lycra, rubber or spandex to create significant pressure on the legs, ankles and feet. By compressing the surface veins, arteries and muscles, the circulating blood is forced through narrower channels. The arterial pressure is increased, causing more blood to return to the heart and less blood to pool in the feet. Compression socks are tightest at the ankles, gradually become less constrictive towards the knees. The soles of compression socks may be heavily padded for better shock absorption.

Although compression socks were originally marketed to those with compromised circulatory systems, many people now find their everyday use beneficial. Experts suggest passengers on long flights should wear compression socks to prevent circulatory problems like deep vein thrombosis, leg cramps and edema. Athletes often wear compression socks to give their leg muscles additional support while running or jumping. Those with occupations requiring long periods of standing may also benefit from the use of compression socks.

[Sylv]

[quote]Compression socks are [size=150]BLOODY[/size] tightest at the ankles

[Sylv]

I even tried the dangly head on my last run - that didn't work for me

[Andrew G]

[quote="Sylv"]I even tried the dangly head on my last run - that didn't work for me

[Sylv]

Yeh those reflective stripes come with a premium!

Andrew you should wear some on your next walk in Ashdown

[carl f]

Would love to sylv but iv'e had a calf strain for a month,so i havn't run in anger for a while
plus.... i havn't got a mountain bike
This may be my next purchase so i can try some off road duo's next winter,they look good fun
Enjoy,looks like a good tough challenge
You need some compression tights as well as socks,2xu are expensive but mine have lasted for two years so far...

[Sylv]

Yes they are the tights ones (up to just below knee), you need normal socks on top of them - can't remember brand

Runners do seem to pick up a lot of injuries! Hope it healsup quick

[Marky Mark]

There is quiet a big industry out there for sporting support.

[img]http://www.backcountry.com/images/items/medium/CWX/CWX0003/GRY.jpg[/img]

[Antloony]

[img]http://i41.tinypic.com/2wrf2pz.jpg[/img]


Having read the theory of compression tights Brian the school boy took it one step further in a bid to help him with his maths homework.

[Marky Mark]

come on!
[img]http://www.artofthesteal.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/tights-funkycats.jpg[/img]

[Sylv]

That ain't a boy Ant

[Antloony]

I wasn't looking that closely at the pic Sylv, it kinda scared me when I did.