PRO Compression Socks: A day in the life {+ giveaway}

It's been nearly four years since I first put a compression sock on these legs of mine. Let me tell you, I haven't looked back.

Of course, things have changed - once wearing them for just recovery to now becoming head-over-heels in love, sporting whenever I need support, a fashion statement or a little hug as I say.

So I present to you a day in the life of my PRO Compression socks.

From top left ...

{a} It's a sad lonely life for this Retro Marathon Sock. It's spent the better part of a week separated from its friends, sitting on the dresser until its mate can be found.

{b} Oh, there you are, Ninja Sock! In the basement with the "whites" and not "athletic wear." Let's wash you so you can get some fresh air today.

{c} Reunited and it feels so good.

{d} On the legs and ready to go. Twelve miles are on tap, and the weather is a bit chilly. It's not just about fashion or little hugs but keeping those legs warm underneath the tights.

{e} I decided to warm up on the bike before meeting my friends at the Greenway.

{not pictured} A fairly miserable run that had us running into 23 mph winds and, despite our best efforts, into some stretches of icy or impassable trail. The post-run photo was bypassed for warm cars and coffee.

{f} Marathon socks - and the rest of the clothes - are stripped almost immediately upon entering the house. Mark and Miles aren't home, which means I can come to temperature in a hot bath by myself.

{g} Like magic, a clean and matched pair of PRO Compression socks are on the bed and ready to help me recover.

{h} Five minutes later, I managed one sock onto my hot swollen legs.

{i} "Rewaxing" on the chair as Miles watches "SpongeBob SquarePants." I might have come very close to taking a nap.

{not pictured} Cooking, eating and watching TV in my socks.

{Caught on video} Doing "weighted" push-ups in my PRO Compression socks.

{not pictured} Going to bed in my socks and subsequently taking them off at 11:30 p.m when I went to the bathroom. It was getting hot.

Want to spend a day with PRO Compression socks of your own?  Using the widget below, enter to win one pair of marathon socks or sleeves. If you can't wait to snag a pair, use code HS40 {hello, lover} to save 40 percent off. shipping is free.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Fine print: This giveaway is open to residents of United States. It begins on 3/17/14 and ends on 3/25/14; the winner will be announced on 3/26/14. The prize and value prize is subject to stock available entry. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Void where prohibited by law. I am a PRO Compression ambassador and receive free and discounted products through the program. However, I was not compensated for this review and all socks were acquired before I was accepted to the program.

Runners, gear up: New and noteworthy for March

It's March. A new month. A new start. And renewed hope that there will be many dry pavement miles ahead.

To make those miles go by a little better, a little faster {or suck a little less, if winter never ends}, there's a few new products available to runners.

Nuun Energy. This new product launches today launched at Nuun.com, and it comes in three flavors - wild berry, cherry limeade and lemon lime. What is Nuun Energy? Just like other Nuun products, Energy is an effervescent tablet, but it is enhanced with caffeine and B vitamins. It has the same electrolyte properties as Nuun Active Hydration and uses a unique blend of B vitamins for energy metabolism and caffeine for increased endurance output/cognition.

I have not had a chance to try this tab yet but I'm excited as I have been wanting something to drink pre-workout. I was entertaining Advocare Spark or E-Boost but think this might fit my needs - with far fewer calories - if I ever get up at 4:30 a.m. to run. 

Enso roller. It seemed like more than coincidence that I had been gazing at the enso Roller in a running magazine the same day I got an email from a PR team asking whether I wanted to try it. I sat on it for a few hours and then sent an enthusiastic reply. Yes, I did want to test it out.

The the ensō has eight discs of varying diameters that can be arranged to the users' preference, so the roller can conform and support to meet the demands of the user's body type or need. According to the website, the enso Roller elongates muscles, relaxes tight muscles and aids in breaking up scar tissue, increases circulation and flexibility.

It comes with a guide of arrangement suggestions based on what area one would like to target, which I found to be very helpful. I've used it several times thus far and though I'm not ready to offer a full review, I will say that I've benefited from being able to specifically target my glute medius and IT band, both areas sore from running in the snow.

Shamrock socks. You've been waiting for these almost as much as you've been waiting for a shamrock shake - and these don't cost you two hours in the gym.

ProCompression's Shamrock Sock is out and ready for your St. Patrick's Day race. I'm not doing the 5 Kilt run here but ordered a pair anyway as I'll take any form of luck I can get these days. Use the code CLOVER to save 40 percent and get free shipping.

What running products have you discovered lately? 

Sock it to me

... Otherwise known as the post where I make an announcement where you might want to, quite literally, sock it to me.

I've been selected as a PRO Compression ambassador for 2014.

For the uninitiated (and, maybe, socially media unaware), PRO Compression is a maker of compression socks, compression sleeves and low-cut trainer socks for athletes and everyday folks. The company was created by Eric Smith, who was a participant in endurance sports (triathlons and marathons) and golf, when he had the idea to create a compression sock for everyday life. PRO Compression's socks are functional and fun - sporting bright and seasonal designs.

Sporting PRO Compression Marathon socks for Hood to Coast

I'm sure you are thinking: Ugh. Who cares? More product placement. Good. For. Her.

And, yes, PRO Compression will be mentioned on the blog on a regular basis - think monthly - as I share the company's sock of the month design, discounts and other news. There is something in it for you, though; chances for you to try the socks for yourselves through semi-regular giveaways.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I will get free products, too, and I'm excited for it. However, I wouldn't have applied for nor accepted the opportunity had I not already been a fan of the product and the company. I wear - and have worn - compression socks for recovery since my second half marathon in 2010 and find them to be a critical piece of gear to my running success (with success being a loose term).

I do promise to you, my lovelies, that I will do my best to be authentic. I know no other way.

Discount: And because I couldn't post this without a discount, use code "FEB14" for free shipping and 40 percent off compression socks and calf sleeves.