Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Wednesday Workout Update, Plus Thorlo Experia Crew Socks Review

I'm back in the running game, baby!  Well, sort of back.  I'm able to run, but I've lost a lot of ground with my hamstring layoff, which is too bad considering we're at the high mileage end of our training.  I'm still being very cautious, because my hamstring is not completely healed...but I felt OK for about 6 miles on Saturday.  Unfortunately, I ran 7, so that last mile was a bit of a struggle, but it wasn't just my hammy that was starting to complain...my left foot and right ankle were squawking as well.  Not surprising considering I'm jumping up my mileage quite a bit, but the big race is in less than a month, so I have to get some running time on these legs.

Our running club had 11 miles on the schedule, so Amy and I ran together for the first 5.5, then I headed back toward the park while she continued on.  I have to say that when my Garmin chimed, signaling another mile, I glanced at it and couldn't believe we were already at mile 4...it was one of those easy, chatty runs that I've missed and am so happy to be back doing.  We got to witness an incredibly beautiful pink sunrise, heard howling in a distant field (we weren't sure which option was better - coyotes or a pack of dogs - thankfully we came across neither), and got a "woohoo!" from a passing motorist - it was a memorable run, that's for sure!  I was pretty sore afterward, and gave myself a full-body heating pad treatment by turning on my heated mattress pad to HIGH and laying on the bed (OK, and took a nap), but by the next day I was feeling pretty good (except for the spot where my hamstring attaches to my glute - that continues to ache).  All in all, I can't complain!

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Longtime readers may remember when I first discovered Thorlo Experia socks - they've been my go-to, absolute favorite running sock for years now.  I love the cushioned pads on the balls and heels, I love the snug fit across the top of the foot, and I love all the fun colors that they come in...I've pretty much bought a rainbow of socks over the last few years.  These things aren't cheap, but they seem to be indestructible, as I'm still wearing the first pair of socks that I bought (which was close to four years ago).  So considering my love of Experia, you can imagine how thrilled I was recently to get an email from Thorlo, offering to send me a pair of new Experia Crew socks for review - my favorite socks, for free?  Yes, please!
Longtime readers might also remember when I used to do my Fashion Friday shoots at this spot, and Paco would always jump in the picture when the camera timer went off.  I was pleased to discover that he hasn't lost his touch for perfect timing!
The backs are snazzy...

The socks arrived and, um...they're a little dorky.  I mean, the colors are really sharp - I love the black and white and hot pink combo, but they are BLACK CREW SOCKS.  I put them on and felt like a tourist on vacation, only instead of wearing them with sandals, I was wearing my running shoes.  I know it's not all about looks, and they feel fantastic, but honestly, I can't see myself wearing them in public.  On a really (dark and) cold morning, sure...they'd bridge most of the gap between my ankles and the bottom edge of my running capris and keep my legs warm, or I could wear them with my full-leg running tights - they'd blend in better.  But for me, I'll stick with my micro-mini crew (ankle) Experias.  Oh, and just to be sure I wasn't being silly about these, I asked Jeff if he'd wear them...he said maybe with boots, but not to run in.  So it's not just me - or else Jeff has lived with me for so long that my fashion taste has rubbed off onto him!

Thanks, Thorlo, for sending me the socks to review.  I still love your regular Experias, but I probably won't be wearing the crew socks in public.

FTC disclosure:  I was sent a pair of socks for free to review.  Opinions expressed are (quite obviously) all mine.

24 comments:

  1. I'll have to check out the brand of socks (not the dorky style)!!!

    Yay to an easy first six miles!!!!!

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  2. Tee hee. Your problem is that you live in Texas. If you lived up north, you'd have no problem with a nice high pair of crew socks under those full-length running tights -- it prevents the dreaded "ankle gap frostbite", LOL!

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    1. And that's probably true - I bet when they track their sales, these will be somewhat popular in the colder states vs. the south!

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  3. I LOVE LOVE YOUR HONESTLY too.
    And alas now that Im in NoCal Im with ZOZOretro and Id wear em :-)

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  4. That sounds like a terrific run last Saturday. So happy to read you had a good run and a good day with your running friends.

    Oh Paco, how I missed you sneaking into the photo's :)
    I don't like socks that come that high on the leg, I use ankle socks too like you.

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    1. His sneakiness cracks me up - I've missed it, too!

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  5. I thought Paco's leg was a table leg for a second!! Haha (in my defense, I read this early-wasn't real awake..)
    Always glad to see him in the photos. :)
    Glad your running went ok.
    Chrissy

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  6. Never been a fan of the crew length myself either. I've always worn the Thorlo mini-crew as the micro-mini is too low for me.

    So happy to hear that your run went so well. Maybe you should have walked that last mile? It still would have given you the mileage without tugging on your hammy so much. That dumb spot that's still hurting is tough - hard to reach for much of any treatment. Hang in there, it WILL get better!

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    1. Well SURE I could have walked, but you know me, gut it out and pay for it later... /rolleyes

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  7. You crack me up. But, black crew socks are all the rage with the teenagers. I can't believe it and try and control my snarky comments with the kids. Sandals and long black socks? Does she really think she'll keep a boyfriend with that look? Haha!

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    1. That rage has not made it to Texas...at least this part, yet. Are they trying to be ironic by wearing them? Because, ugh!

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  8. lol what female runner is going to wear crew socks? black one's no less unless you live in the midwest tundra and need them for winter runs. snort.

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    1. Exactly...although even my husband wouldn't wear them, so I think both female and male runners in warmer states would take a pass.

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  9. I think I have a pair of those! LOL. Not a runner, but I love a good sock. And since I wear long pants all the time you can't see the crew-neckiness of them. All my socks are crew length (except for summer when I switch to those short ones so as to not look TOO dorky at the gym!

    I'm so glad you're healing, and also that you had such a good experience on Saturday!

    (hello Paco, squeaks the Queen.)

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  10. The bad thing about Thorlo's is they last FORever! I can't justify going and buying more when the ones I've had for years are still doing the job. That said, I might have to have me some black ones. Just one pair wouldn't hurt. (Most of the runners/cyclists I've seen lately have been wearing black or other colored socks. I like the look.)

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    1. You know Cammy, I have found that eventually, if you use them enough, even Thorlo socks will start to lose their wicking ability and will also start to stink. That's when I get rid of mine LOL!

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  11. I'll have to check those out - I have the worst running gear - just regular crew socks and shoes that I've been running in for 3 years. Need to save up some $$ to get in style!

    I had to laugh because when I saw those crew socks I thought "she's not going to like the color of those!" Great job on the run and next time I am sore - totally stealing the heating pad/nap idea!!

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    1. I did buy a pair of the black/purple micro mini Experias, and I love that touch of black...but yeah, you were right on the crew socks. Although to be fair, I wouldn't have loved them in white, either...it's the length more than anything.

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  12. OMG....the pic with Paco's leg??? Ah, ha, ha....

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  13. I have middle school age kids and yes, black crew socks are the thing to wear with shorts right now (we're in VA). In fact, my ds, who never cares about what's "cool" told me last night he would like black socks like this for Christmas. I still can't even get used to black crew socks, but if he wants to wear the dorky socks, its fine by me.

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  14. I love how dogs always get in the way of photos! Great review, I am really in need of some new socks.
    -Paisley
    http://livingthepaisleylife.blogspot.com/

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  15. Yay for running grooves!

    See, I am so not the fashionista that I would wear those - and with sandals :D Actually, I would prefer them in a light color. However, I am the one that wears long underwear under my bike knickers and goes out in public :D

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