Product Review: 2XU VECTR Socks and Performance Run Calf Sleeves

Disclaimer: I received 2XU VECTR Socks and Performance Run Calf Sleeves 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!

Do you ever find a brand you love then feel the need to own everything they make because you know it is going to be AMAZING every single time?  That's how I have felt about 2XU from the very first pair of their compression tights I tried out!  So naturally I was thrilled to have the opportunity to try out the 2XU VECTR Socks and Performance Run Calf Sleeve...and they did not disappoint!

The Socks
The VECTR socks are thin and lightweight with an awesome amount of compression and support around the arch of the foot as well as at the back of the ankle (right above the heel) that not only made my feet feel great, but also kept the sock from slipping while I ran.  I think we can all agree that there is pretty much nothing worse than socks that fall down when you run, or walk, or whatever. Socks that fall down period haha.
Another thing I really appreciated about the VECTR socks was the fit in the toe.  Too many socks are either so tight they cause blisters, or so loose they cause blisters.  Either way ends in pain...so I appreciate the fact that the fit in the toe of these socks is perfect.  Fun fact: I wore running shoes under my wedding dress, and these are the socks I wore with them!

The Calf Sleeve
I. Love. Calf Sleeves.
Ok now that we got that out of the way, I can share that these are perfect.  They are not the tightest compression of all the 2XU products I have tried, but they are a very comfortable level of compression that you can really feel the benefits of.  I like that I can wear them under my pants for work all day and get all the recovery benefits.  When I wear them I can tell a difference in my legs at the end of the day!  With the wedding and having company in town I have not been running as much lately, so I have really appreciated having these sleeves to help me prevent calf strain and shin splints!!

Better Together
Ok so since they are both great separately, they are even better together right? Right!
One of the biggest perks of using socks and calf sleeves rather than tall compression socks is that they are so much easier to put on! I am sure it sounds silly, but the struggle to get tall compression socks on can be really really real.  Plus if you are running in gross conditions, it is easier to swap out short socks and leave the sleeves on than it is to swap out the whole thing.  As I mentioned before I also love wearing the sleeves all day at work, then I can just slip on the socks after work and be ready to run! It is really nice to be able to use each part separately then see double the benefit when using them together.
Overall I HIGHLY recommend the VECTR Socks with Performance Run Calf Sleeves if you are looking for versatile, quality compression for both training and recovery.

If you have any questions please feel free to let me know!
If you want to pick up your own 2XU products, use code TRAIN15 for 15% off your order!

Five Favorite Summer Running Essentials

It is Friday! I kinda can't believe it! As of yesterday evening all of my friends and family that were in town for the wedding have gone home and life is slowly returning to so semblance of normal.  I have also spent pretty much the entire week fighting with my apartment complex over our refrigerator....which is probably from the 70's and keeps quitting at life and ruining all my food.  If you follow along on the blog at all, you know I love food so this is a big problem.

Anyways, since it is Friday, that means it is also time for my favorite blogging day of the week!  Friday Five is hosted by Mar on the Run, You Signed Up for What?, and Eat Pray Run DC.  If you haven't checked out this weekly link up I highly recommend doing so!

Because it was 90 degrees outside yesterday, I am going to jump on the summer time running train just a little earlier than the rest of the country...today I want to share with you my:
Five Favorite Summer Running Essentials!

1) Compression calf sleeves.  I got really used to running in compression tights, but those can be a little warm in the summer months and my legs are pale enough that I need to let them see daylight occasionally.  SO calf sleeves are the way to go :)  I am currently running in a pair from 2XU that I am super in love with (and will be reviewing in full very very soon).

2) Good socks.  When you run in the heat, you sweat.  I know it's gross but it is the truth.  Summer in Florida also usually means a ton of rain, which means your feet get extra wet.  Good socks are essential when it comes to keeping your feet in working condition!  I really like Smartwool socks for suuuuuuper soggy conditions, Wigwam socks for daily use (I just found them at Target too! Major win!), and 2XU socks (to pair with the sleeves!) when I feel like my feet need a little extra oomph!

3) Hydration system.  I am obsessed with my OrangeMud Vest.  Carrying water if you are going further than 5 feet becomes essential in the summer, so finding the gear that makes that work for you is just as magical as finding the right shoe.

4) Anti-chafe stuff.  I have thicker thighs...you will not be finding any semblance of a thigh gap here.  This means that the thigh chafing struggle is very very real and I have taken many painful showers when I either forgot to use something, or the something I used didn't work.  I am currently loving the 2Toms roll on sport shield. Sure my legs get sunburnt when I run in shorts, but at least they don't chafe!

5) Something to soak up the sweat.  I have several Buffs and I love them because they keep the sweat out of my eyes, which is a life saver.  I sometimes have to trade out or layer though because I tend to burn my nose very easily so if there is no shade on my longer runs I can end up pretty crispy!

So there you have it! My five favorite summer running essentials!  
Is it summer where you are?
What helps you beat summer running heat?!

Happy Friday!!!

Merino Wool Buff Review...and my first post as a married person!

Disclaimer: I received a Merino Wool Buff 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!

Ok before we get started with this post, I just have to throw it out there that this is the first post I am writing after getting married yesterday!!!! I am so unbelievably excited and just had to throw it out there ;)

But now on to the real purpose of this post!

If you have been following along on this blog or any of my social media, you probably already know that I LOVE Buff products and I really don't like to be cold.  After my experience with the Buff Thermal Hoodie, trying out the merino wool Buff was a no brainer for me!

To start off, I love the color options and I am obsessed with the vivid blue color of the Buff I was sent.  

These wool Buffs are a bit longer than the traditional Buff so they take a little extra folding and arranging, but the layers keep your ears so toasty it is unbelievable! Over the years I have come to really appreciate wool (especially merino wool) for its ability to provide great temperature regulation without adding a lot of weight or bulk.

Like all the rest of the Buff products I have tried, I loved the fact that I could wear the merino wool Buff without it feeling too tight but also without it ever slipping! I hate things feeling too tight around my head, but I also hate things slipping off. The fact that Buff is always able to deliver both qualities and keep my poor little ears warm never fails to amaze me. Well there's no wiggle but my pictures are wobbly lol. 

Because the merino wool Buff is so comfortable I also spent a lot of time wearing it around the house.  It got a little chilly (at least by Florida standards) and I didn't want to turn on the heat, so it was a nice way to keep my head warm and my hair out of my face!

All in all, I would never hesitate to recommend a Buff product and the merino wool Buff is no exception.  I love this Buff and think it is the perfect accessory for runners (and ever non-runners) looking for a non-slip and light weight way to keep your head ears and neck warm!

If you have questions about the Merino Wool Buff feel free to let me know!!