This is my first giveaway! How exciting. Let's see how this goes...
Yeah, it seems like such an incredibly long time ago! Anyways, while I was training I kept reading stuff about compression sleeves and socks. Up until that point I hadn't really known much about it- and had never tried compression at all. I kept suffering from shin splints and incredibly achy calves- typical for a first time runner who was ramping up the mileage.
ENTER CEP.
While at the expo for the Columbus Marathon, there was a CEP booth. I talked to the gal and learned a bit more about CEP and what it was all about. I bought the sleeves right there on the spot and on they went immediately after the race. They pretty much saved my lower legs after completing my very first Half Marathon!
So without getting into all the scientifical mumbo jumbo I'll just tell you what I know about them in language I know.
Compression is squeezing the life out of your legs, or arms, or thighs, or whatever are you are wearing it on. But it does it in the best way possible. CEP uses medical grade compression which means they are reeeeeeally tight, but they REEEAALLY Work! On my legs, they are like a big bear hug. They squeeze and force your blood to continue flowing and help prevent lactic acid from building up, thus increasing the oxygen and helping you recover quicker and easier. I don't wear them while I'm running, but I almost always put them on afterwards. It could part way be mental, but I feel better while I am wearing them.
You can learn more about the CEP technology (the REAL version) and all their amazing products
here.
Now just before summer, I won a giveaway and got some CEP Socks. (I'm loving the new green ones as well and may need to scoop them up too.) I took them to the UK and they came in handy! Especially on the day when I set out to explore and do an easy 2k and ended up lost and finishing 7k instead!
It was my first time with the socks instead of the sleeves and I must say, while they are really hard to get on unless you know some tricks (turn it inside out and put the sock part on first, then get the ankle over your heel, and then you are pretty good to go- they are graduated compression and a lot tighter at the ankle FYI) The socks themselves were extremely plush and they felt so good on my sore feet. The compression was exactly what I love about the sleeves so the added bonus of the foot cover was even better.
Plus they look cool. Right?
I even wear them sometimes when my legs are just achy- not even after a run. They are also great for travel if you are going to be stationary for a while- helps with leg fatigue.
So now for the good stuff. Jamie over at MediUSA contacted me and offered to give away a pair of CEP Compression Socks OR Sleeves. Isn't that awesome? You get to pick what you want, what size, and what color!
Now I know lots of blog giveaways make you become a follower of the blog hosting the giveaway, I'd rather you follow me if you want to- not as a requirement. I think I'm pretty cool, most of the time. If you like randomness, some fashion, some food, knitting, running, and general nonesense...click that link at the top right to follow me. I'm just settling back in after the summer in Europe so I'll be back to regular posting soon!
So for this giveaway, all you have to do is help me out. My playlist needs some help so leave me a comment letting me know what your favorite running/workout song is. And if you don't have one, how about just a song that makes you want to get up and dance from the first beat that comes through the speakers!
Giveaway open to US and Canada residents only. Ends Sept 20th at 11:59pm EST. A winner will be chosen using random.org. Please leave a comment that includes your email address so I can contact you if you win! Good Luck!
**I was asked to write a review on my CEP Socks, but I have not been compensated and my thoughts are my own. I bought CEP long before I won them in the giveaway and when asked about the opportunity to for you to win a pair I wanted to share the CEP awesome!