TIUX Compression Socks Review

I am so excited that I got the opportunity to review these super cute TIUX compression socks! I used these for during a training run, recovery after a hard workout and on a plane.

During my Training Run:

I don't typically wear compression socks during long training runs or races but for shorter races I love them. They help keep my legs and keep my confidence high in my legs stability. These TIUX compression socks did all of that! One of the major benefits of these socks in comparison to other compression socks is the material around the toes, sole and heel. In my other compression socks, due to the tight material, my toes always felt so squished and cramped. The bottom material of these Tiux compression socks is so soft and comfortable! My toes had room to move!!! 

The compression didn't feel crazy tight but they were nice. But again, I don't typically wear compression socks unless its really cold and need to warm up my legs. 

For Recover:

Though I don't usually wear compression socks for my training runs, I LOVE wearing compression socks for recovery! After a really fast and strong track work out, I put these babies on and let them do their magic. 

While wearing these socks, I felt (1) SUPER CUTE! and (2) comfortable compression! Because of the soft, purple material on the bottom of these socks, I was able to walk around with so much ease! I was getting my recovery compression that I wanted without the crampiness of my toes :)

The true testament to these socks was when I woke up the next morning. My legs felt fresh! And really, that's all that I am looking for in a pair of compression socks :)

On the Plane:

This past weekend, I took a red eye to New York for a wedding. Wearing compression socks on a long plane ride is a must! Without compression socks, a 5-hour plane ride leaves me with fat, swollen feet! 

These socks comfortably fit under my skinny jeans and without the slippage in my shoes. I left the Delta plane ride feeling limber, rested and (the most important) without swollen feet! :) The purple material on the bottom of the socks made these really easy and comfortable to wear (I can't say enough about that!).

Overall:

The TIUX Compression Socks are great! 

- Super cute! Cause obviously, if these were ugly, I'd never wear them!

- Sturdy compression - not squished but enough for a good, rested morning the next day

- Best part: The comfort of the toe/sole/heel material!!!

Smith Pivlock Arena Sunglasses Review + Smith Pivlock V2 Nose Piece Black (Asian Fit) Review

Its been a few weeks out since I received my pair of Smith Optics Pivlock Arena Sunglasses.

Before purchasing these sunglasses, I had been on a mission to find sunglasses that fit my face :) The bridge of my nose is smaller than that of others' so finding a properly fitted pair of glasses has been a long process. Not until I tried on a pair of sunglasses with a special nose piece did I realize that I had been wearing sunglasses "wrong". My sunglasses were always held up by my cheeks! My husband always wondered by I wore my sunglasses so low - but obviously his nose never had him deal with the same struggle!

My first fitted pair of sunglasses were the Tifosi Tyrant. I was so excited for these! Not the coolest looking glasses but they were so much more comfortable! I was better able to keep wind and sand out of my eyes!!! This was a new feeling since wearing sunglasses held up by my cheeks let in unwanted dust and debris when I rode my bike. While functional, these sunglasses did not look as cool as I wanted... cause, you know, if you look good, you will feel good - which makes you much stronger when out riding! FOR REAL!

During the Palm Springs Training Camp this past March, I was in awe of my friend's sunglasses. They looked soooo profesh! She mentioned that the Smith Optics Pivlock Arena Sunglasses were awesome because the nose piece was adjustable. I tried them on and I was instantly won over!

Vanessa, a super sweet and awesome friend, ordered me a pair and I was so excited to look amazing on the road! Unfortunately, the nose piece did not perfectly fit my nose bridge :( I was looking forward to the adjustability to accommodate my needs but sadly I was left with another pair of sunglasses that would be ill-fitting...

THEN!!! I found the Smith Pivlock V2 Nose Piece "Asian fit". Although I had the Pivlock Arena Sunglasses, I was hopeful that the nose piece would still work. I ordered it and was delivered the nose piece very quickly! I was worried that the style would not be compatible but fortunately it worked!!! Now, I have a fantastic pair of sunglasses that actually fits my face! I can't tell you how excited I was to finally wear some cool looking sunglasses that stayed up on my nose bridge!

fyi: my pink helmet is not actually this faded - it just looks that way in the pic! 

So, for any type of nose out there, I would highly recommend these Smith Optics Pivlock Arena Sunglasses! (and if you have the same nose bridge as me, definitely check out the Smith Pivlock V2 Nose Piece "Asian fit"!) Not only will they fit your face and look awesome, Smith Optics gives you 3 different replaceable lenses! One clear, one amber tinted and one tinted color of your choice!

*I purchased these sunglasses on my own and am in no way sponsored by Smith Optics - but if you want to be my sponsor, get at me! :)

Who did i think i was, Lance Armstrong?!

Leading up to the weekend, I was nervous for the fact that I wasn't nervous for my upcoming race. I had this master plan in my mind that doing the Boston Marathon then following it up with Wildflower 70.3 twelve days later would be great mental and physical training for Ironman Philippines 70.3 Cebu (coming up in August).

My husband and I arrived at the campsite midday Friday and set up camp. We absolutely love camping, so this weekend was an opportunity for us to enjoy 2 of our loves. The weather was beautiful and not as strenuous as previous years so I had a sense of excitement for a solid race.

The start of the race was pretty calm. I loved getting the chance to geek out when I saw 3-time Wildflower champs, Jesse Thomas and Heather Jackson, setting up their bikes. It was also great to see Yu Hsiao before the race. Just following his journey toward becoming an elite athlete has been so fun to witness (he did fantastic at the race by the way!) I had a great time getting ready with my husband and helping him strategize his day. It was such a good spirited, fun morning. Maybe it was the fact that I had been telling myself this was just a training race or that I had told myself not to expect much knowing that I just put my heart out on the Boston course less than 2 weeks ago. Either way, the swim began and I felt calm - not typical for me as swimming creates anxiety. The water conditions were exponentially better than last year's swim (which was black and muddy). But while this swim was calm, I had to really adjust my stroke since early on, I was having pain in my hip flexors. The pain was manageable so I just focused on keeping a calm pace. I finished with lots of energy and ran my way up the ramp.

BTW, I positioned my run transition stuff as far up as I could since having my transition stuff at the bottom of the ramp last year led to a really long run up the ramp. Breaking things up made a huge difference in how I felt. Again, could also be how calm I felt and made decisions such as sitting down and taking my time to get everything and catch my breath. But those actions lead to a strong 2.2 mile run to the bike transition area.

I was eager to get to my bike. My bike is typically my strength. I love crushing it on the bike, especially at Wildflower. But this day, my body was off.  I continued to feel pain in my hip flexor with every foot stroke. This was exaggerated when I was in the aero position, which was tough since I needed to be stay in that position since there was consistent headwinds throughout the day. I usually love the Wildflower bike course but this time I was in a dark place. I was worried that this type pain was the injury kind that if I do too much to it, it can possibly take me out of commission for a few weeks. I kept asking myself "WTF was I thinking? I just ran a marathon and now I'm doing Wildflower long course? Who did I think I was, Lance Armstrong?!" That, I am not! And this race let me know that!

By mile 30 of the bike, I let out a tear or two. Adjusted my race goal of a podium finish and reminded myself that this was supposed to be a practice race. It hurt watching a few ladies pass me but I just had to suck it up. There's no gain in this for me if I injure myself just to keep up with them. I decided to keep riding and hope for the hip flexor pain to go away during the run portion of the race.

Also, in the midst of this race was the excitement of the Mayweather vs Pacquiao fight. So, whenever I needed a boost, I would sing Lupang Hiniran (the Philippine National Anthem) and think of what Pacquiao would do. That really helped me push through :)

Nasty Grade was not as terrible as it has been in past years but I'm sure it's because leading up to this point, I took the previous miles at an easier pace and then I was off on the run.

I was looking forward to this run! Finally, a leg of the race that didn't hurt my hips! I reminded myself that this race was meant to challenge my mind and body. I needed to accept the heat and learn how to move past it. I worked on keeping my heart rate low and continue moving at a good pace. There were some uphills that just aggravated my calves and ankle, so I walked.  Still, I'm happy with my run. It wasn't as fast as I know that I am capable of but I am glad that I pushed through most of it and felt strong especially in the last 4 miles.

Overall, I am happy with what I was able to pull off that day. This was my fastest Wildflower long course time (6:02) but it makes me eager to come back knowing that I can do so much more if I made this a priority race! I ranked 10th  in my age group and 26th overall female. The race was fun and I was incredibly excited to get the chance to cheer on my husband as he finished his first long course Wildflower! I am so proud of him and I was in tears thinking of how much he was able to push through for this race!

So, if there is a lesson to be learned here, it would be, think twice before signing up for a marathon and a challenging half ironman twelve days apart :)

We did it!