LOLZletter Edition 12: Socks
Welcome Back or Welcome!
I’ve been polling Instagram recently for more topics that you want to see. If you have a question you want to see answered, then ask away!
Thank you to everyone who shared. From sharing alone, the newsletter got 20 new subscribers.
Every share does matter, and it might seem annoying to see all the retweets, instagram shares, and facebook shares but it’s what gets the word out and keeps the newsletter free. Why ? Because the more people that subscribe and are interested in reading, the more likely a brand or company will sponsor it.
Socks and More Socks:
This week several people have asked to write about socks and if you need unique socks for running.
First, ask yourself, are you comfortable in the socks you currently use? If you are comfortable, then you’re fine. If you aren’t getting blisters and your feet aren’t chafing, then your regular socks are fine. If you find yourself getting blisters, it could because of the socks (not the shoe).
When I first started running I would run in any sock I felt like. Cotton socks, Keds socks, cheapo dollar tree socks, no socks, skateboard cool Roxy socks…whatever I had was what I ran in. Heck in college I raced a couple of times without socks! I would get a lot of blisters.
I never really realized why I kept getting blisters. I didn’t work in running specialty and was clueless that socks make a huge difference. Two years of running and I routinely made this mistake. I thought blisters (like missing toenails) were just something you got with running. (spoiler: both are preventable).
One day my parents bought me a nice pair of socks. My mom saw them on sale, and they said “running socks” so she bought them for me. I never realized (honestly) what the difference a good pair of socks could make. I felt like I had gotten new running shoes.
What Makes Running Socks Different?
Noncotton: If a sock even has 1% cotton, it’s more likely to cause blisters and chafing. As we say in run specialty, cotton is rotten. Why? Cotton keeps and locks in moisture. When you have humidity or heat, it causes friction in your shoe. This sets you up for blisters, calluses, and hot spots.
Here are a Few Quality Brands:
Feetures:
What makes them different?
Feetures has more styles of weight and thickness than any other brand. Want a super thin, lightweight sock? They have them. Want a thick wool sock for winter? They have them.
Feetures come in the most variety of options and colors. There are super thin compression socks, to mid-grade, to thick, wool, and even ultra plush and cushioned socks. They have a level of cushioning for everyone. With so many options it can get overwhelming. If you prefer thin, compression socks try these. If you like a thick sock try these. In the winter, I love wool socks.
Balega:
What makes them different?
Balega is looser and thicker than other brands. It feels the most “like cotton” without cotton.
Probably the most well-known sock brand in the industry. Balega socks are thick and comfortable. You’ll get some cushion from them, without the sock getting weighed down when you sweat. They aren’t tight fitting so if you like a looser sock (I do), these are a good option.
Balega socks don't move on your foot. When a sock moves or doesn’t fit properly, that is another reason for blisters. Balega socks also have ventilation panels that aid in the wicking process to keep feet dry even when you sweat (which is what you need to stay blister free).
Injinji socks:
What makes them different?
They are toe socks. If you find yourself getting blisters between the toes, these separate each toe so they won’t rub together.
You might have seen these before and thought toe socks? Isn’t that so 1999? I do remember having toe socks in early middle school because they were a 90s trend. I didn’t like them. It felt weird to have something between my toes. (Don’t get me started on toe shoes either…).
Stance:
What makes them different?
Stance socks are fun due to all of the colors and variety they come in. If you want socks that show your personality, these meet the bill.
What About Compression Socks?
Many people also asked about compression and if it works. That is a very lengthy topic (and could be a different newsletter all together) that I’ve written about a few times on the blog.
What is Keeping Me Entertained:
A few 2:40-marathoners helped their “only friend who sucks at running” to break 5 hours at the Paris marathon.
They coached him and dressed him as Kipchoge during #Breaking2. They even dressed as pacers. They called it the#BREAKIN5. If you want a good laugh, this 5-minute video was awesome.
Social media influencers give bad diet and fitness advice eight times out of nine, research reveals
This is not shocking. At all.
Many people are willing to believe anyone with a lot of followers. Many “influencers” have zero credentials. They might have gained followers from posing half naked for each post, or they may have bought all of their followers (buying followers is easy and maybe $10 or 1000 followers. If someone magically went from 0 to 1000 overnight, they probably bought them.
Followers does not take the place of the proper training. I get dozens of questions about training plans and coaching, but it’s not my area of expertise, so I don’t give it and point people in the right direction. Anyway, this is a great article.
Giveaway Winner and Another Giveaway?
I like the idea of giving something away on the newsletter if possible. Next Week I’m giving away a bag of quality socks. It goes with the newsletter right? The bag will contain a few pairs of quality socks and who doesn’t need more of those?
All you have to do is share the newsletter and tag me, or respond through email. You can share any way you would like: Instagram, facebook, twitter, forwarding an email, DM your friends, whatever. Here is the internet link.
I will respond to everyone who shares (so if I don’t, make sure to let me know again).
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