Racing in compression tights? Anyone do this

Triathlon Forum
1

I know that one of the hot topics is racing in compression socks, but this seems to most typical at IM distance. ANyone want to share their thoughts on racing in compression tights? I have thought that in shorter distance races, these could be worn during the swim, and through the entire race, while not adding any time since they are worn the whole time. I have not heard of this, although I am sure someone has some experience/knowledge on this concept.

Seems to me, that wearing race specific compression tights through a triathlon might aid performance.

2

I have worn compression tights for several marathons and found them to be helpful.

My IM experiences have all been in weather too hot to make tights a practical option.

3

Would compression tights stand up to cycling? I’ve cycled in running tights before and ruined them in one ride.

4

I don’t know if they would hold up. I am planning on wearing a trisuit on top of the tights, so their wouldn’t be direct contact with the compression tights. How they would work with a wetsuit and going through transition is what I am curious as to anyone’s experience. In the shorter distance triathlons, wouldn’t want to wear compression socks, with running through transitions. I asume (maybe incorrectly) that tights do not have a foot strap and would be unaffected by running through the transition areas.

5

Oh, OK. If you are worried about hurting the feet of the compression socks then get some compression sleeves like these:

http://www.trisports.com/zecacosl.html?productid=zecacosl&channelid=FROOG

But racing in the tights would be good too.

6

The main reason for compression clothing is to get the blood flow from the extremes back up. Seems silly to wear “sleeves” that do not address the furthest point (feet/ankles). That’s kind of the whole premise behind them …

And the jury is still out on whether or not wearing anything compression benefits an athletic person DURING the activity. It is supposed to have been found beneficial after the activity for recovery.

7

The main reason for compression clothing is to get the blood flow from the extremes back up. Seems silly to wear “sleeves” that do not address the furthest point (feet/ankles). That’s kind of the whole premise behind them …

And the jury is still out on whether or not wearing anything compression benefits an athletic person DURING the activity. It is supposed to have been found beneficial after the activity for recovery.

Perhaps I have an opportunity to learn more about Veinous return, but the feet/ankles being primarily boney won’t ‘compress’. The foot part of the sock seems useless. And of course, since you are running the bottom of the feet are getting a supercharged compression with each footfall. Veinous return issues NEVER (AFAIK) originate in the feet.

Oh, one more thing. Your objection to the sleeves would apply to compression tights then too since they don’t cover the feet.