Review: CEP Compression Socks

If you have not read the Compression Primer, I suggest you do that to start with.  It covers the generals about compression clothing.  This review is focused specifically on the CEP Compression Socks.  As with all reviews, this is my opinion based on personal use.  I was sent this pair of socks by CEP for evaluation for this review to add to the mix of products.

While these were not the first piece of compression clothing I have tried, they are the first to be evaluated and have the review fully composed.  I will keep these as standardized as possible to allow for easy comparison between each review. 

Garment Style:

• The sock style compression is focused on the lower leg, specifically the calves.  Since transitioning to a more mid/fore-foot strike, I have noticed the soreness in my calves much more.   This is a change from when I was an avid heel-striker where the soreness would occur in my upper legs.  The CEP Sock is great to isolate those lower leg muscles without having to wedge yourself into a pair of tights.  
• The socks are sized by the maximum circumference of your calf, thus making it important to pick the right size for maximum benefit.  Trust me, you want to get the right size!

Price: 

• $60 USD
• http://www.sportscompression.com has them on sale for 58 plus using the promo code BLOG15 to receive an additional 15% off to bring them under $50. 

Availability:

• Found at multiple shops and stores locally 
• Found at a number of online retailers including All3Sports, see side for discount code
   

Pros:

• Pretty easy to get in and out of.  Simply rolling down the tops helps to get the toes started
• Extra cushion in the foot area to allow for running with these socks in comfort.  
• Dry wick material helps to wick away sweat keeping your feet more comfortable during the run. 
• If you pick up a black pair, these could easily be worn at work in business attire, allowing more effective recovery

Cons:

• I would see some issues trying to quickly put the socks on, especially if they were wet.
• Also not advised to wear during the swim portion of a race, even with a wetsuit

Overall:
I am a big fan of the CEP Compression Socks.  Having come from a past where I only used tights, these have become a staple in my training.  The durability and quality of materials is great! I have gotten a good amount of use from these and they show little to no signs of wear.  They also hold up well after being washed.  The socks are a great article of clothing for anyone to add to their wardrobe for aid in recovering between workouts.  


I have used these regularly to help recovery my lower legs after tough workouts.  In combination with my normal routine, I have felt refreshed and ready to go.  They have allowed me to train at higher intensities without feeling fatigue from previous workouts.  


Why CEP Compression?

• CEP = Compete, Endure, Perform.  Made with over 60 years of experience by a world leader in medical compression products, medi.  
• Improved performance and recovery aimed specifically for athletes
• 30 Day guarantee
• Used to aid with a number of issues: Shin splints, cramps, achiles issues, fatigue, micro muscle tears, vibration trauma, blisters, blood clots from travel

Product Review: First Endurance Ultragen

Although I will put a disclaimer out that First Endurance is one of the team sponsors for Trakkers, I am not afraid to take an open look at a product and let you know how it worked for me. I am a firm believer that just because just because a product is good for one does not make it good for everyone. This is my first experience with First Endurance products, so look forward to more reviews of some others in the future as I work them into my training regiment. 

I had heard stories, read reviews and tweets, everything except actually trying Ultragen.  My typical recovery drink has been about 12oz of Skim Milk mixed with Hersey's Chocolate Syrup.  It is a good treat after a workout, not too expensive to make, and we typically have milk in the house.  Recently, I have not been terribly sore, maybe because many of my base workouts are not super high intensity, but my volumes have been higher than normal so I do find a need to recover properly, especially after a longer run.  This seems to be my nemesis and takes the longest to recover from, especially if the pace is slightly hot.

About the Product:
Here is the snippet from First Endurance about the product:

A list of all ingredients and nutritional information:

Supplement Facts Serving Size: 2 Scoops (91g) makes 12 fluid ounces
	Amount Per Serving	%DV
Calories	320
Calories from fat	0
Total fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 g	0%
Total Carbohydrate (100% from Dextrose)	60g	20%
Sugars	60 g	**
Protein (from Whey Protein Isolate, Milk Protein Isolate, Hydrolyzed Whey Protein)	20 g	40%
Vitamin A (as beta-carotene)	2,500 IU	50%
Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid and calcium ascorbate)	400mg	670%
Vitamin D (as Cholecalciferol)	200 IU	50%
Vitamin E (as natural d-alpha tocopherol)	400 IU	1250%
Vitamin B1 (as thiamin mononitrate)	8 mg	500%
Vitamin B2 (as riboflavin)	8.5 mg	500%
Niacin (as niacinimide)	20 mg	100%
Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine hydrochloride)	8 mg	500%
Folate (as folic acid)	200 mcg	50%
Vitamin B12 (as cyanocobalamin)	6 mcg	100%
Biotin	150 mcg	50%
Pantothenic Acid (as d-calcium pantothenate)	20mg	200%
Calcium (as Calcium carbonate, calcium ascorbate and from Whey Isolate and Milk Isolate )	500mg	50%
Phosphorous (from Milk Isolate)	105mg	11%
Magnesium (as magnesium oxide)	250mg	65%
Zinc (as zinc oxide)	7.5mg	50%
Chloride (as sodium and potassium chloride)	150mg	4%
Sodium (as sodium chloride and from Milk Isolate and Whey Isolate)	350mg	15%
Potassium (as potassium chloride and from Whey Isolate and Milk Isolate)	200mg	6%
BCAA's† (Leucine, Valine, Iso-Leucine)	4.5g	*
Glutamine†	6g	*
*Daily Value Not Established **Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

† Typical Amino Acid profile
Glutamine	6000mg
Isoleucine	1163mg
Leucine	2135mg
Valine	1211mg
Tyrosine	806mg
Threonine	1135mg
Alanine	866mg
Gycine	392mg
Aspartic Acid	1817mg
Cystine/Cystein	272mg
Serine	1054mg
Lysine	1738mg
Methionine	479mg
Phenylalanine	806mg
Proline	1597mg
Tryptophan	324mg
Histidine	476mg

In a nutshell, Ultragen is packed full of nutrients to help your body recover properly.  A 3 to 1 ratio of Carbs to Protein makes sure you are refueling your muscle stores and are giving them the right amount to rebuild for the next workout. 

Why I Am Hooked:

I tried the Cappuccino flavor first.  I now understand the hype around this!  It was great.  I only ever got a small smell of protein drink, but none of the taste I typically associate with a protein or recovery drink.

The second thing that I really like about Ultragen is that it mixes well with water.  Chocolate Milk requires lets see.... milk, and leaving that out in the warm weather at a race is not recommended.  Protein powder always seems to work better when mixed with milk and not water, or tastes better at least, here again the same issue.  Ultragen is great because you could pop a scoop into a water bottle, then post race fill it up with water and be ready to go without worrying about getting ill from spoiled milk.   The critical time to consume the recovery drink is within 15-30 minutes post-workout.  Unless you are racing in your backyard, you will probably be able to find water more easily than milk in that time frame, especially when you are waiting for the awards ceremony!

Summary:
I am glad to have tried Ultragen and will continue to purchase and use the product.  I have seen how well my muscles are able to recover and be prepared for the next workout.  I am glad to see products being developed that stick to their claim and perform!  Looking forward to trying some of the other flavors in future orders!  This stuff is tasty!

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