Foot Care - Avia Avi-Bolt + "The Recovery Sock"

For those of you concerned from the picture above that I am now adopting the fashion stance of a combination of Raggedy-Andy and the NBA, this is not the case. I've simply been taking care of my feet and legs more lately.

FIRST, my new Avi-Bolt II racing flats (pictured above) arrived yesterday. Avia continues its lightweight Bolt series with the Avi-Bolt II. Shown here in Black/Yellow Glow-Chrome Silver, this shoe features a synthetic/textile mesh upper, quick lace system, 3M Scotchlite reflective material, Ortholite insole, Dura-Ryd midsole, and a Cantilever outsole with forefoot and heel Dura-Stryk high abrasion rubber. The upper’s neon yellow mesh surrounds the foot for breathability.

And I must say, with a last name like Greenfield, I'm not complaining about the color.

And I'm now wearing a compression garment called "The Recovery Sock" (pictured above). This sock is not simply a graduated compression sock, but a totally new concept of health for your feet. It is the result of studies and research conducted in the medical field as well as in the world of sports.

These compression socks incorporate a Patented Graduated Compression design that enhances and stimulates circulation in the lower leg - making it a superior sock. Recovery Sock's Running and Recovery Socks can help anyone looking for a boost in athletic performance!

Compression is not a new technology; it has been used for years in medical patients with venous and arterial insufficiency. However, the application of this technology to athletics is relatively new. There is clear evidence to support compression use in promoting recovery. Using compression socks after a race or hard workout provide a substantial benefit. These garments will help to avoid venous stasis (blood pooling in the legs) and swelling.

Compression is particularly helpful in depended areas of the body, such as the feet and lower legs where gravity has a greater effect on blood return. Improved blood flow after a workout results in enhanced nutrient delivery and removal of waste products to and from muscles. This creates a situation optimal for muscle repair, reduced stiffness and heaviness in the legs and possibly less soreness. Several studies have demonstrated that post exercise blood lactate levels were lower with compression sock use both during and after exercise.

Other studies have demonstrated that compression socks do create a major fluid shift in the body. Compression garments are believed to improve venous blood return to the heart and allow for better cardiac output (flow of oxygenated blood from the heart) thereby aiding oxygen delivery to working muscles and increased endurance.

Since I'm on my feet quite a bit, I'm now wearing these socks on a daily basis - unless of course I have to take a trip to the mall or grocery store - in which case I either put on pants or big boy socks.

Next race: Grand Columbian Triathlon (or possibly Spokane Triathlon)