Calf update

Cait — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 12:11:55 +0000

Calf injury status – not fully recovered but somewhat improved. I took my focus off fixing my calves for a while in the summer, the constant hope for improvement with minimal success and nobody being able to really tell me what the problem is became too much of a head wrecker. Playing in the Alps for a couple of months was much better for my mental state of mind and can be easily justified as great technical training but to be honest, despite the nice photos I would swap it all in an instant to be back racing again.

The mid-sole cleat set up has helped, it took a while for my muscles to adapt (the quads and hamstrings have to work a lot more than normal) but I can now ride for longer without my calves shutting down. Living in Compressport calf compression sleeves has helped to reduce recovery time a lot too. Now that the weather has turned towards winter and snow is already covering the higher trails my brain is dying to get into winter training mode but first I’m on an all out mission to get fully fit.

Compex electrotherapy

A month completely off bikes (killer!), twice a week massages/dry needling and I’m currently sitting here plugged into a Compex electro-therapy machine with my legs pulsating spontaneously. Yoga, gym strength work and swimming are keeping me sane and will hopefully be beneficial on the bike later in the year. Whatever happens, enough messing around I’m racing next year, back to xc is first choice but if the calves aren’t yet perfect then I’m working on plan B…

Compressport compression wear

Cait — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:15:29 +0000

I have been religiously wearing compression clothing from Swiss company Compressport after training and racing for the last two years, and despite being initially sceptical I have found them to be very effective in speeding up recovery. The idea is that the skintight material compresses your legs slightly allowing blood and fluids to flow faster so that recovery time is reduced. They really do make tired, heavy legs feel a lot less uncomfortable and more refreshed as soon as you take them off.

Different to other compression wear available, Compressport’s individual calf and quad tubes are easier to pull on that full length tights and can be particularly useful for mountain bikers who often crash and have bloody knees. They don’t cover your foot which means you can wear sandles with them in summer, and since the material is not lycra they don’t get hot and sweaty. Although they are tight on the legs its not an uncomfortable feeling and one pair has lasted 2 seasons without loosing their stretch. The distinctive, cool designs and different colours mean they are also great for posing on the podium!

podium cool

Long journeys, especially when flying is involved can leave your legs feeling sluggish and lacking in energy – not ideal when you need legs to be performing 100% if you’re going to a race. Compressport’s full length socks are designed to deal with this by improving circulation so that your legs stay fresh when travelling. They are extremely high quality and well made, designed to give you graded compression so that the important areas are effected first, which also makes them very comfortable to wear. The spotty design means they look super cool too. The shorter race socks come in a similar design and are the most comfortable, breathable socks I’ve ever worn.

Full sock testing in Spain

Highly recommended!

caitelliott.co.uk » compressport

Calf update

Compressport compression wear