Well, now I have my answer. I was contacted to try out a pair of CEP compression socks recently and I've worn them several times. My overall opinion is that they work! Totally worth the splurge.
CEP stands for Compete, Endure, Perform. I like it! I mean, when I compete I have to endure (some pain) to perform (well). What's more, CEP claims that they are "clinically proven to increase performance by 5%." Sounds good to me!
Here's a little information on compression and CEP socks:
The Science Behind Compression:1. Arteries with normal blood flow - Arteries are blood vessels that transport oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the organs and muscles. Veins transport de-oxygenated blood back to the heart.
2. Arteries extension - The compression of the CEP compression sportsocks expands the diameter of the inner arterial wall thus improving blood flow to the muscles.
3. An increased arterial blood circulation and supply of oxygen to the musculature - The arterial blood circulation increases by approximately 30% while at rest and by approximately 40% under physical strain. The special compression profile of the CEP compression sport socks* is a decisive element in ensuring these results.
CEP Prevents:Read more about CEP's products on their web site HERE.
- Shin Splints
- Cramps
- Achilles Issues
- Fatigue
- Micro Muscle tears
- Vibration trauma
- Blisters
- Blood clots from travel
Since I'm training for a half marathon I've been able to give the socks several good workouts: I've worn them on all of my recent long runs (an 11 miler, my 9.2 mile race, a 12.5 miler and a 13 miler) and I've worn them for my speedwork (mile repeats). I've also worn the socks after my runs to enhance and speed recovery.
Check out my flashy green gams:
I know, weird angle. It was the best I could do!
The socks are a little tricky to get on, because they are tight (compression, you know). But, I like how the socks feel when I'm wearing them and I especially like how I have felt during my runs while wearing the socks. In fact, while wearing them I have run faster than expected in my 9.2 mile race and in my recent 13 miler. Now, I'm not going to give all the credit for my recent awesome runs to my CEP socks (I've been working hard!) but I think they may be contributing to how well my runs have been going.
Overall, I really like the socks. I plan to wear them for my half marathon and I'll most likely be sporting them for the rest of this year's upcoming races. Hmm . . . I have a bunch of races on the schedule so maybe I should splurge on another pair!
To buy:
CEP Compression Socks retail for $60. You can buy them at various online retailers.
Lucky for you, CEP has given me a discount to share! Visit Sports Compression and input the code BLOG15 for a 15% discount on your order!
To win:
Would you like to win a pair of CEP compression socks? Sure you would! Well, that's what going on. One lucky reader will win one pair of CEP compression socks.
To enter:
Here's what you need to do: Become a follower of CEP on Facebook AND their blog (REQUIRED) and then come back here and leave me a comment.
To enter:
Here's what you need to do: Become a follower of CEP on Facebook AND their blog (REQUIRED) and then come back here and leave me a comment.
Additional entries:
As always, you can gain extra entries. Remember, though, you must complete the required entries first! (Leave one comment per entry for the additional ones to count):
- Follow this blog, or let me know that you already do (leave a comment)
- Follow my other blog, or let me know that you already do (leave a comment)
- Become a fan of The Happy Runner on Facebook, or let me know that you already are (leave a comment)
- Let me know what your favorite socks are (leave a comment)
- Link to this giveaway from Facebook or Twitter (do as often as you'd like, just leave a comment each time)
- Link to this giveaway from your blog (leave a comment with the url)
Good luck!
Review/giveaway disclosure: I received one pair of CEP compression socks to try out. I was not otherwise compensated and the opinions expressed are entirely my own. You can read my disclosure statement HERE.
