I am a big fan of OOFOS products. I have their OOmg Low Shoe (which they just came out with a full black color that I need for work stat), the OOriginal Sport Sandal, and I picked up a pair of the limited/special edition Chicago Marathon OOsport Slide Sandal.
Obviously I'm trying to get a full collection of their products and was in need of adding the OOcloog Clog. When BibRave gave the Pros the change to be involved with OOFOS Project Pink, I wanted to be a part of the promotion and was thankfully picked to receive the clog. Yahoo!
During Chicago Marathon training, I was having a lot of heel issues (believed by me to be a symptom of tight calves/PF flare ups). This meant if I sat down to long, or after sleeping, I had a lot of trouble walking without pain when I got up again. Keeping OOFOS by my bed so I could slip them on when I woke up helped immensely. I also wore them around the house, as I read being barefoot would make PF worse.
I love to toss them in my car for post-race. I will note that they are warm, so for most of the past month I haven't been able to wear them outside the house because it's been too hot for them (needed the sandals), but it's starting to cool down, so they've been useful for running errands. So, if your feet are always cold, these will work for you year round. If you are like me, and your feet got hot quick, then they'll be more of a fall and winter shoe and I'll rotate in my sandals during warmer temps.
What makes them different? OOFOS are made with OOFoam, which absorbs 37% more shock than traditional footwear foam. They reduce stress on your feet, knees, and back. They cradle your arches. More information regarding why your feet have earned this.
Now onto the Project Pink portion (information from the OOFOS website).
This extends beyond footwear to a cause that strikes way too close to home: the fight against breast cancer. Duncan Finigan is a long time member of the OOFOS family and was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer in October 2014. After Duncan’s diagnosis, it was an easy decision for us to choose breast cancer research as the cause that OOFOS would stand behind.
$10 of every pair of the Project Pink collection sold is donated to breast cancer treatment research at Dana-Farber. As one of the world’s leading cancer care centers, the Dana-Farber team works tirelessly to find a cure to help the millions around the world that are affected.
Disclaimer: I received an a pair of OOFOS OOmg Shoes to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
Last summer I reviewed the OOFOS Original Sports Sandal and loved how comfortable and supportive they were. Not your typical flip flop at all. When I heard that OOFOS was coming out with their first closed-toe design, I knew I had to try them out. While I love the sandals, I couldn't quite wear them post-race here in Chicago, as it's too dang cold for no socks.
The OOFOS OOmg comes in three colors: white and black, black and grey, and black and citron. You know how much I love bright colors, so naturally I chose the black and citron. I will say, they are way brighter in person than they appear online. I think they are super fun, but for those that might want to wear these for work, you'll get away with it better in the other two muted colors ;) I know that's what a lot of BibRave Pros did. Tip for sizing: If you are a half size order the next size up. Express orders must be placed by 2 pm PST/ 5pm EST to ship same day. You can find the OOmg shoe in the women's section of the website. Men's specific OOmg is expected out in 2018. They are working on a design that widens the toe box and makes the strap along the top of the foot thicker to hold a bigger and heavier foot. If you are a men's size 9–10, try the unisex version.
"These are the first fully closed shoe to feature OOfoam technology! They have combined the OOFOS patented footbed design you know and love with a 4-way stretch mesh upper to create an unbelievably comfortable shoe that enhances the recovery process. Take the stress off your tired soles, joints and give your feet the freedom of natural movement in a shoe you can wear all day, every day."
Perfect to toss in your car or gear check bag for post-race.
"Revolutionary OOfoam technology absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foam materials to reduce the stress on your feet and joints. The OOmg features a breakthrough in shoe construction that eliminates unnecessary layers and leaves only OOfoam between your foot and the ground. New OOtex 4-way stretch mesh upper conforms to your feet and the stretchable strap adds support over the arch without binding. These technologies combine to aid in the recovery process and create an incredibly comfortable shoe you can wear anywhere."
It's not just another shoe, but it's a tool for recovery:
Reduces stress on sore feet, knees, and back
Enables more natural motion - The 4-way stretch mesh upper allows a lot more give, so it helps the foot to move naturally post-run
Minimalist construction technology for extreme light weight (5.5 oz for women’s size 7)
Machine washable (mesh won't bleed and you can also spot wipe. Wash on a cold wash, avoid bleach and fabric softener)
Close cell foam, which means that you can get them wet and water just drips off, no water stays in the shoe, no bacteria.
Typical wear is 6 months – 1 year, depending on the amount of wear (and other considerations). The bottoms will wear out before the foam is condensed.
Wear it all day; not just for post-race/run. It's a lifestyle shoe.
These shoes are a "make you feel better" product - the OOfoam technology is extremely unique and defining to the market. OOFOS has created a whole market for recovery.
You might be weary of the price point of the OOFOS OOmg but take into consideration that it's a recovery tool. How much do we pay for other recovery tools, massages, going to the chiropractor, etc? The $120 price point for the shoe fits into the market for a lifestyle shoe with all of the tech benefits, and the amount of wear you get out of them makes the cost not so bad – if you wear them for a year, that's only $.32 a day ;)
Not bad without socks, either.
As far as my experience with them, ohhh they've been a lifesaver. I was hoping to receive them for after Illinois Marathon, but unfortunately they came a bit later. I wore them after my half marathon two weeks later (a half that was tired and sore, as my body probably could have used some more rest before going for that longer mileage so soon).
Went to Downtown Disney to grab dinner.
The real test of these shoes was the following weekend (aka last weekend) when I was at Disneyland for runDisney Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend. I debated bringing them at all, because I try to pack light going out there, as I know I need space for the mugs and glassware and shirts and shoes I buy at the expo. I figured they squished and didn't take up too much space, and were lightweight, so I would fit them in.
Mickey!
Boy, am I SO glad I did. I spent the majority of the days on my feet – standing in lines for the expo, for security, for entrance into the parks, for rides, and then all of the running + walking to and from the parks to the hotel. I got there Wednesday and left the following Tuesday. My milage for those days were: 5.21, 7.01, 12.91, 12.79, 22.38, 10.91, and 5.14 (clearly a travel day haha).
After the races, my heels were giving me a throbbing pain all day long. I tossed on the OOmg shoe to wander the parks or when I went out to grab food, and the heel pain would dissipate. There were times where I wasn't sure I would be able to walk much more, but putting on the OOmg helped meet keep moving so I could have fun at the parks with my mom.
I ordered a size 9 (my usual running shoe size is an 8.5). They are a tad big, so I think maybe going with an 8 would have worked (I wear a 7/7.5 in non running shoes usually such as heels or fancy flats... these days I tend to just get the 8.5 in any gym shoe, even if I'm not wearing it to run in). I usually wear them with socks, but I know a lot of other Pros prefer to wear them without socks. I say you can go either way... just depends on your style, preference, fashion sense (I don't have much of one, so didn't care if I looked dorky with the socks or not... I'm just about the comfort level haha).
Would I recommend these shoes? Definitely. Again, I know the cost might shock you, but it's like a pair of running shoes – you get fitted to have the right style for your running and foot, and these shoes aren't just shoes, but they are an aid in recovery. Something us runners really need to focus on to avoid injury and to help keep us at the top of our game so we can continue to run those miles. Connect with OOFOS: website | twitter | instagram | facebook | pinterest | youtube | LinkedIn Check out the reviews from other BibRave Pros: Mel | Tedrick | Lindsey | Jeannine | Nora | Angie | Vanessa | Emily
It's a new year, and whether you make resolutions or set goals for yourself, one thing you should be focus on in 2017 is your recovery. I know it's something I need to focus on myself. Getting in your training is important, and I think we all know getting proper recovery is just as important. If we don't allow our muscles to recover properly, we risk injury which would stop us from doing that thing we love so much.
I'm not always the best at getting in my stretches or rolling out my muscles after my runs, and that's something I want to work on in 2017. I try to focus on getting protein post-run, but that's probably another thing that I need to focus on more. One way you can help those muscles recover is by using epsom salts.
I had the chance to try out San Francisco Salt Company's Epsoak Sport. I received an 8.5lb canister of the Energizing Epsom Salt. Epsoak Sport Energizing is an awakening and invigorating Epsom salt blend infused with eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils for deep muscle restoration after a workout. They also have unscented and Soothing (lavender infused).
After making cookies for a few hours and going for a walk, my back hurt a bit. Epsoak Sport bath was in order, naturally.
I used to use epsom salt back when I was Irish Dancing. I would soak my feet to help my sore, blistered feet feel better and I loved it. So taking it to a full bath to help my legs for running sounded heavenly. I'm not sure why I didn't do baths when I was dancing, as I'm sure my leg muscles would have thanked me back then. But oh to be young and bounce back easily haha. It's not quite the same these days.
I've been sick since early December, since returning from Mexico (are you tired of me talking about that yet? haha). Having epsom salts gave me a reason to relax and take a hot bath. The eucalyptus and peppermint scent helped to clear up my sinuses and gave my sore muscles some relief. I basically slept for 2 weeks sitting up and my back was killing me. Relaxing in the hot bath with the epsom salt helped relieve that pain.
I haven't had a ton of time to run, this past week was actually my first week back with 3 runs so far of about 3 miles. My legs are taking some time to get back into the swing of things, so adding in the Epsoak Sport baths has helped me get back in the game by relieving any muscle soreness.
Epsoak Sport shelf life is 6–12 months and you'll want to store in sealed bag or container in a cool, dry place.
There's a scoop in the container, and you add two scoops to a warm running bath. Two scoopfuls of Epsoak Sport is necessary for optimum recovery; anything less and you aren't getting the full detoxifying and restoring benefits of the salt. The container mentions you can use 4 scoops for maximum sports therapy. Want to make the bath even more relaxing? Light some candles and turn off the lights. Enjoy the scents of the salts and candles, and just sink into that bath. Ahhhh... Don't have a bath tub? No problem. You can still soak your feet in a foot bath or any kind of rubbermaid container large enough for your feet :)
Info from the website:
Pure Epsom Salt is the best post-workout muscle recovery soak for athletes. Epsoak Sport Epsom Salt is a pure mineral compound of Magnesium Sulfate. Our Epsoak Sport Epsom Salts are premium grade making it the best quality for athletes.
Benefits of Epsom Salt Baths for Athletes:
Decrease sore muscle recovery time
Sports injury prevention
Detox the body
Reduce inflammation
Epsoak Sport Energizing dissolves easily in warm water to create a muscle soak bath not only soak away the sweat, blood, and tears but also the aches, pains, and inflammation after a hard workout or long day on the field. The faster you recover, the quicker you can get back in the gym to train at your peak level.
High quality essential oils are mixed with our premium Epsom Salt to create the perfect post-workout soak. Eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils are known to have a beneficial effect on muscle soreness and recovery after a long, hard workout.
Benefits of Eucalyptus Essential Oil:
Reduces inflammation
Sore muscle recovery
Anti-microbial
Odor remover
Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil:
Boosts energy
Relieve sore muscles
Anti-microbial
Naturally energizing
6 mile run and 2 mile walk, ended up having some coooold legs. A hot bath with some Epsoak Sport warmed me back up.
We all train hard, why not recover easy? You can save 10% on Epsoak Sport 5lb bags in all scents using code RAVE10. I recommend getting yourself a bag and helping those tired and sore muscles recover.
Disclaimer: I received the 2XU Elite MCS Compression Tights to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!
I gush about being a BibRave Pro all the time. Being involved with the running community is amazing, and having the opportunity to try products I might not have heard about or been able to test is fantastic.
Elite MCS Compression Gear
Same goes for being given the opportunity to test the 2XU (two times you) Elite MCS Compression Tights – I was super excited to get the email that I was chosen to give them a shot. I'm a fan of compression, but have only ever tried calf sleeves and a pair of capris (which were ok, but I didn't love them).
When they arrived in the mail, I immediately ripped open the package to try them on. They felt great on my legs, but a bit tight around the hips/waistband. It was a bit uncomfortable at first, but I had used the size chart on the website to choose my size, and I knew I had chosen correctly. I wasn't even close to being one size or another, I was in the middle of the one size I had chosen. After two wears, I found that it no longer bothered me or felt too tight. I think it just needed that initial wear and stretch. (The size chart has you choose your size by your height and weight. I'd say it's true to size.)
I was very happy that they were a full length pant, rather than a capri. I personally prefer the whole leg to be covered and in recovery mode with my compression tights. That's just my personal preference. I just think it works better for me.
Post-Chicago Half Marathon and an extra 5 miles
means recovery on the couch with my
Elite MCS Compression Tights
We were still having summer weather here in Chicago, and all the races I did involved shorts (capris for one race). This meant I didn't have an opportunity to test the pants for running. You know me, I heat up quickly when running, so unless it's below 40s, I'm in shorts or capris.
For recovery, though – these pants are AMAZING. While training for the Chicago Marathon, I put them on after every long run (post-shower, of course). I would wake up after a tough 19 miles with the ability to walk no problem. I couldn't say that prior to using these tights post-long runs.
Some of you know that I had a rough Chicago Marathon. I got sick and had hip problems starting around the halfway mark that continued until I finished. I was certain that on Monday, I would barely be able to get out of bed. After the race, I showered and put on the 2XU Elite MCS Compression Tights to go meet other Pros/friends for food and celebratory drinks. I felt instant relief on the entire lower half of my body. I was able to hang out with my pals with little discomfort in my legs/hips.
I'm on the right wearing my 2XU Elite MCS Compression Tights
at Goose Island Taproom post-Chicago Marathon.
And what happened when I woke up Monday? My legs weren't sore AT ALL. The bottom of my foot, where a gigantic blister resided and refused to stay drained lived, on the other hand, made walking difficult, but if that didn't exist, it would have been as if I hadn't done 26.2 miles the day before. I seriously think of them as my magic compression tights.
I also witnessed my friend and fellow Pro Angie put these tights on post-50k trail race (ECSWI), wear them for bed, and wake up feeling refreshed and with little leg pain.
Laura after completing the ECSWI Half
Marathon and Angie day after ECSWI 50k -
Sporting their Elite MCS Compression Tights.
Photo cred: Angie
They are extremely comfortable. I could wear them all day every day... and sometimes do.
All of this makes me swear by these pants. Of course the weather is perfect for wearing them to run in, but I've been sick since right after the marathon and haven't been able to run at all. I can honestly say, that the moment I'm back at running and it's in the lower-temps for my liking, I'll be wearing these pants ALL. THE. TIME. I'm also adding more 2XU products to my Christmas Wish List. And I'll be buying myself a thermal pair for those super cold days using the discount code.
At the Chicago Monster Dash race.
I even wore them yesterday to pick up my swag from the Monster Dash, where it was cold and rainy (obviously I opted out of racing) - and they kept me warm and dry.
I know there's a lot of science involved, and though I might not understand all of it, I think it's worthy of mentioning.
MCS stands for muscle containment stamping, which traces over key muscles, tendons, and fascia groups for more targeted effective compression power. These tights provide support specifically for use during explosive or rapid-movement activity. They also offer superior performance for recovery, with greater protection against blood pooling post-activity.
BENEFITS OF COMPRESSION:
X PERFORMANCE:
• wear prior to training to facilitate a faster and more effective warm-up
• use during intermittent high-intensity exercise to assist with activities such as repeated sprinting and jumping
• faster recovery from all-out maximum strength and power efforts
• wicks sweat away from the skin
• reduces fatigue and risk of long-term overuse injuries by reducing muscle oscillation
• provides antibacterial and UPF 50+ sun protection
FROM THE TECH LAB:
• raised elastic on the inside lining is anatomically mapper over key muscle, tendon, and fascia groups for more precise compression and muscle containment
• a powerful combination of 70-denier fabric and heavier 105-denier fabric allows full range of motion in tandem with strong muscle support
• made on 8-way stretch machines, which eliminate any bagginess in areas such as the knees or crotch
• highest grade Invest Lycra® in a 360˚ circular knit to produce graduated compression for increased blood circulation
I seriously suggest you look into getting yourself a pair of these Elite MCS Compression Tights. And if tights aren't your thing, perhaps the shorts or Calf Guard might be more up your alley. Use code BIBRAVE20 for 20% off your shopping cart. This code has no limit on usage, so maybe after your first purchase you also decide you need one of everything else, you can use the code again. I'll need to get some shorts and calf guards for next spring and winter...
2XU will be sponsoring #BibChat on Tuesday, November 3 at 8pm CT. Join us for what's sure to be an exciting chat and meet some new runner friends. Follow 2XU on their social media (links below), and check out their YouTube page - so many cool videos on there.
Disclaimer: I received a the Zensah Thigh Compression Sleeve to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!
No such thing as too much Zensah. I just need to get another
thigh sleeve for the other leg...
If you follow me at all on social media, I think you know how big a fan I am of Zensah compression leg sleeves. I honestly believe they are the reason I was able to complete training and cross the finish line to become a Dopey Challenge Finisher + the Castaway Cay 5k a few days later. I wore them for long training runs, and then the ultras for post-run recovery. My muscles always felt good the next day, as to before I used them I was usually pretty sore after long runs. Anyway, the point to this is that when I was presented with the opportunity to try the thigh sleeve, I jumped at it.
Unlike the calf sleeves, the thigh sleeve doesn't come as a pair, but as a single sleeve. I think this sleeve would work great for you if you are experiencing any hamstring issues.
Recovery post-Fort2Base. Icing the knee and using Zensah
Compression (thigh and leg).
I never wore the sleeve for running, but would put it on after my shower for recovery. I was experiencing knee pain that might have been IT Band issues, and tossing the sleeve on post-long runs helped alleviate some of the pain. I was weary of wearing it for running, as I felt it would cause some serious chafing on my thighs... something I sometimes experience without the help of extra materials, if I'm being honest with you.
I also have a bit of a night before the race routine - which is to toss on my Zensah compression and roll out my muscles with my Addaday Pro roller. I tried this out for Foret2Base, which is when I was experiencing some of my knee problems, and though I still had some pain while running, it wasn't nearly as bad as it had been on previous runs.
Resting up before Fort2Base.
I got the L/XL size, which fit me well. I was initially concerned that it was on the large side, but after wearing a couple times and noticing the recovery, I knew I had chosen well (and accurately, really – I went by the sizing on the website). I found it easy to get on and off. I would suggest measuring, per their instructions, and use the sizing chart provided to select your size. If you have measured, use that as your guide. They provide a height for those that don't have a measurement for their thigh, so it's more of a general guideline. At the moment, it only comes in black and the size choices are S/M or L/XL for $24.99 a piece.
The compression technology helps to stabilize and support the quad and hamstring muscles, as well as improve circulation. It has a no-slip gripper (a bunch of grippy dots at the top), which is supposed to ensure that the thigh sleeve stays in place. I did, find, however, that it rolled down a little once on, but this didn't bother me at all. I found I still got the recovery magic needed for my thigh to feel refreshed the next day.
Some key features include: • moisture wicking and anti-odor • full range of motion: seamless design and compression technology provides a second-skin fit. • targeted quad and hamstring support: features pin-point compression to stabilize muscles in the quad and hamstring areas. Support is provided exactly where you need it most. The compression technology also helps to reduce swelling and ensures the thigh sleeve keeps its shape. I would seriously check this out if you are a fan of compression, and definitely if you are experiencing any quad or hamstring problems. It might even help with your IT Band issues, like it did with mine. I'm no doctor, so I can't really get clinical about the effects of compression gear, but I am a believer. It works for me, and so I continue to use my sleeves all the time. I wake up feeling better the day after a long run, my legs feel less tired and sore, and this makes me happy. I ran 18 miles yesterday, and wore it post-run and today to help with blood flow and muscle recovery. Compared to how I used to feel before I wore compression, I'd say it's much better with it in my life. Check out Zensah: website | twitter | instagram | facebook Want to know what the other Pros thought?
Join us tomorrow night at 8pm for #BibChat, which Zensah will be sponsoring. I don't know the details yet, but there's usually some cool prizes and/or discounts when they sponsor - so make sure to follow them and BibRave on twitter and join the running community for some fun chit chat :)
