Ah, another weekend gone by with priority given to living over blogging. Luckily, I have a sweet giveaway to make it up to you… more on that in a minute.
JFK 50-Miler
I spent my Saturday crewing for three friends from my running group who ran in the JFK 50-Miler. This basically meant that another friend and I had the job of meeting our runners al0ng the course to give them changes of shoes and socks, take their sweaty clothes after the sun came up, keep them fueled with whatever food and drink they needed, and even run with them a little bit.
The good news: everybody finished! One of our runners finished in 8:58; the other two ran together and finished in 10:27. It was awesome to be a part of it all. The excitement of seeing them at all different points in the race and running on the course with them for miles 15-27 got me even more fired up to do my first 50, which I'm hoping will be sometime this Spring after I have a few 50K's under my belt.
A few more things about the race:
- Vegan ultramarathon superstar Scott Jurek ran it, coming in 11th with a time of 6:31:12.
- While I was running on the course, I met David from EnerChi Fitness, a vegan Chi- runner and NMA-reader! Congrats to David, who finished the race in 9:39.
- Our only DNF (did not finish) of the day came at dinner after the race. The lesson: consuming beer to celebrate running 50 miles is fun; consuming ONLY beer after running 50 miles is not a great idea.
Congrats to all JFK finishers, particularly Ron, Kath, and Shawn.
Recovery Sock giveaway
I've posted so many post-long-run pictures of my legs in Recovery Socks that there's really no need for any more.
One of the things I love most about running is the fact that you don't need a bunch of expensive stuff to do it. But seriously, Recovery Socks are one product that's absolutely worth it. After a hard run, my legs feel a million times better when I wear Recovery Socks for a few hours than when I don't. I've worn them after every tough run I've done in the past few months, and I even wear them on long car or plane rides where I need to sit still for an extended period of time. I can't say enough good things about how well they work.
The idea behind Recovery Socks is that they provide gradual compression to stimulate blood flow and prevent blood from pooling in the legs after a run. Honestly, that's all the blood science I care to know. For me, an "if-then" statement is enough. If I wear them, then my legs feel good. For that day and the next.
The best part: the nice folks at Recovery Sock are giving away a pair, allowing one lucky winner to circumvent the $34.90 price tag!
As usual, all you need to do to enter is leave a comment on this post, and I'll choose a random winner this weekend. For extra good karma, you can link back to this post, tweet about it, and check out my new Running Shorts post about how stretching doesn't help prevent injuries, but none of that will actually help you win the contest.
Last thing: Recovery Sock sent me a pair of armwarmers to review, but unfortunately (fortunately?), it hasn't been cold enough to wear them on a run. But look for that post once the temperature drops! Also, they sent me more Recovery Sock headbands than I know what to do with. They're just cotton headbands, but if you want one, just ask. I'll send one out to the first few people who ask. (Come on, save my gift recipients from a Recovery Sock headband Christmas!)
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Hi,
I recently found your blog and I'm enjoying it. I'm an active vegan myself.
.-= Nicholina´s last blog ..Book Review: In Defense of Food by Micheal Pollan =-.
WOW- the 50 miler sounds like quite an experience. I cannot even imagine running for 8-10 hours! The physical shape you must be in to complete this kind of race must be out of this world. VERY cool that you got to be a part of it.
OW OW! I so want these socks.
Hope you're having a good Monday and Happy Almost Thanksgiving to you
.-= Erica´s last blog ..Sunday Mish Mosh =-.
Oooo, Recovery Socks! I've been dying to try out a pair. I'm totally skeptical, but I keep hearing really good things about them.
Wow the socks sound awesome! I am just starting to up my mileage and these would come in handy.
And hey, if you really feel like sending out headbands, I'd love one.
"For me, an "if-then" statement is enough. If I wear them, then my legs feel good."
OK, I'm sold.
Congrats to all the 50 mile finishers… what an accomplishment!!
I had a few friends at JFK. It seems like a pretty intense experience.
Yay for socks!
.-= K8´s last blog ..Dulce de Leche =-.
I've always been curious about these socks!
.-= Laura´s last blog ..Bye Bye Becca =-.
PICK ME! That would be awesome to score a pair of these…I have been lusting after them since this past spring! Thanks for the opportunity.
PS I would love it if you could send a headband my way!
Those recovery socks sound amazing! I hate the achy feeling I get after a long run. Sounds like these socks would be the cure!
Recently I've been reading a ton about how wonderful Recovery Socks are. I'm training for my first 1/2 marathon coming this January and they sound like they'd really help out my achey legs after my long runs.
A headband would be sweet too if you really want to get rid of them.
Thanks for your great blog! Your goals and motivation inspire me!
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Rain Rain Go Away =-.
I've been thinking about trying Recovery Socks for awhile. After my half yesterday, I'm thinking about it even more. Off to read your post about stretching.
I would LOVE to try a pair! I've head wonderful things, but never experienced the thrill of the recovery sock.
.-= Yasmin´s last blog ..Pattelet =-.
I've heard amazing things about Recovery Socks – I'd love to be able to try them out myself! My calves notoriously ache after long runs, and nothing I try seems to work, so I'd love to see if they could help me out. Thanks for the giveaway!
I would like to try this Recovery Socks. Please pick me!
I'm also curious about arm warmer. Looking forward to read your review on it
Long time reader, seldom commenter here
I would looooove a pair of recovery socks!! I actually had a pair in my had to buy not that long ago, but my bank account talked me out of it 
And hey, if you still have one, I'd love a headband too! 
.-= Susan´s last blog ..Ch-ch-check in time! =-.
I could really use a pair of Recovery Socks. Even though I'm not much of a distance runner, I'm sure I could put these to good use after long walks or even aerobics classes.
The ultras are fun – looking forward to hearing about your first time running as opposed to crewing. Hopefully next Summer I can pace one of my friends in one of the local 100 milers – nothing like running the last 20 or 30 miles with them in the dark and making sure they don't get lost.
I'd love to try the recovery socks – wouldn't mind a headband either!
.-= Blaine Moore´s last blog ..Oscar Pistorius Has An Unfair Advantage (Again) =-.
I would love a headband if you still have any, and those Recovery Socks would sure be helpful after my next marathon in 13 days!
.-= Nobel4Lit´s last blog ..Bagels & Worst Race Photo =-.
Hey! Just thought I'd enter myself in the contest! Love your blog!!
Those socks sound pretty cool! I would love to try them
I'd love to try the recovery socks! Thanks!
I need these but am too cheap to buy them! I really hope I win this!
Oooh! Cool…I have seen other running bloggers using these socks and been wanting to try them!
-Kim
Socks sound pretty cool. WOuld love to give em a try. Thanks!
.-= Traci´s last blog ..Monday Already? =-.
Congrats to call on the 50 miler. That is intense!
I have been reading about these socks and love your "if-then" best, Matt!
.-= Nicki´s last blog ..Creating Your Own Life =-.
I'd love to try Recovery Socks to see if they'd help with my never-goes-away shin pain!
Jess, they might really help with shin pain. I used to have awful shin pain too; in fact I'm going to write a post about preventing it soon.
I would love to try a pair. Especially when the mileage creeps up during my Boston marathon training.
Count me in!
.-= Steve´s last blog ..And now for some GOOD news! =-.
Hmmm… I've never tried these before but they sound awesome! Thanks for the giveaway.
I was hoping this was your giveaway! I've been wanting to try those for awhile now! In fact, they would be great at this moment as I am recovering from Philly
.-= Emily´s last blog ..Philadelphia Marathon =-.
congratulations! here's to a fast recovery!
Jeez, 50 miles… Crazy people. But who knows, maybe I'll be one of those crazies one day. I've read about recovery socks elsewhere and I'm intrigued. I'd love some of my own!
.-= Caroline´s last blog ..Lazy, rainy sunday. =-.
Love the blog, Matt. I ran my first marathon yesterday – the Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Your 21 1st time marathon mistakes to avoid was very useful!
Thanks Susan! Glad you found my race day tips helpful.
The thought alone of 50 miles just whacks my brain all out! That's a LOT of miles.
These socks sound AMAZING!!! Ohhhh love fun fitness -y things like this!! Thank you for hosting a great giveaway! I could use something to make my legs feel better after running for SURE!
.-= Shari B.´s last blog ..Stay Fit Strategies for Thanksgiving =-.
I would love to try the socks!
Awesome fashion statement! Actually, these seem really similar to the sort of socks that diabetics wear, am I right? Anyway, I'd love to be entered and I am crossing my fingers that my NMA shirt gets here in time for my first-ever race on Thursday! SO EXCITED!
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Le Marché =-.
I would love to win a pair of these! I'm training for a marathon and my legs have been feeling it.
.-= chrissy´s last blog ..weekend recap – busy with bdays =-.
I have been really curious about trying compression socks, but I've always hesitated because of the price. I sure could have used them after the Richmond marathon a few weeks ago…I was shuffling around like a little old lady the day after the race!
I'd be willing to give it a shot.
These socks sound great! I would love to give them a try!
.-= Krista@CommitmentisLiberating´s last blog ..Sidelined by Shin Splints… Again =-.
cool- i've never tried a recovery sock before so i hope i win!
.-= tra´s last blog ..barfees =-.
What I wouldn't do for a pair of those socks right about now! I think they'd go great with the NMA shirt I ordered the other day.
I would love those, as silly as they look
I know I could be treating my body in recovery better but I'm often too lazy to take those extra measures. But I think I can wear socks
.-= Evan Thomas´s last blog ..Decisions, Decisions =-.
Evan, that's funny. That really is how it feels, like the laziest thing you can do but still incredibly helpful.
Recovery socks sound like a cool item! I'm new to running (just did my first 5k in Oct.) and I love it! Hoping to do another 5K soon!
.-= Marisa (Trim The Fat)´s last blog ..They Say It’s Your Birthday =-.
After just finishing my first marathon (NYC) , I have to say these probably would have come in handy if I had known about them.
They'll definitely come in handy as I get back into the swing of things and onto my light event in the spring, the NYC 1/2.
Jen, they are great after marathons! I wore them after mine in October and my legs felt great the next day. Still sore, but hey, it's a marathon.
I was just reading about how compression helps muscle soreness. What a coincidence!
.-= Allison (Eat Clean Live Green)´s last blog ..Pumpkin-Pecan-Chocolate Obsession =-.
I'd love a pair of recovery socks!
Matt, I thought of you today. Make sure you take care of your toe nails.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=mccluskey/091123
That's all the proof I need…I'd love to try them!
My friends and family would love if you checked this item off my christmas list for them!! Love the blog!
Recovery Socks are Hot!
That is pretty amazing, like the recipes on this site!
I've been dying to try recovery socks! Maybe paired with my super hot plantar fasciitis night boot they can finally get be back on the roads in time to train seriously for Boston… I'm registered but batting the same injury I had at Boston last year!
Your blog is to awesome! I love it, and wish there were more out there like this. YOU SO CAN RUN WITHOUT MEAT!
Thanks EB Cupcake! Exactly as I would have said it myself: You can SO run without meat!
I've always wanted to try those!
Enter me I'm very curious of them since I live in soreness.
I'm fairly new to LD running and just starting to experience the joy that a good sock (hopefully pair) can bring!
. Would love to try these out!! 
)))
Oh, I want to win this one SO badly! I've been wanting to try Recovery Socks for a while now.
Those socks look awesome! I actually have a pair or recovery tights from 2XU that I love, but I would love to try the recovery socks! If I don't win, I may just have to ask for a pair for X-mas since you've said so many great things about them!
Oh man, I've been wanting to try Recovery Socks for a LONG time! They would be quite helpful as I start training for my first marathon…
.-= Kara´s last blog ..Update on last week’s goals =-.
Consider me entered.
I would love to try these! If I don't win a pair I may just have to splurge for a pair.
.-= Laura´s last blog ..Blogging by the fire =-.
Count me in! I'd love to try some!
Those look great!
Love your blog and would love to try the socks!
I want in!
Everyone is RAVING about Recovery Socks – I've just gotta try them. Y'all must know what you' re talking about! I'll give you a shout out on my blog as well – spreading the news about Recovery Socks!!!
That Pink Girl, I just read your post, thank you!
I would love to try these! I am training for a marathon and I feel like these would be excellent to have after long runs!
Would love to try these!!
As a novice marathoner, I would love to try these!
perhaps this giveaway will start helping me get my mileage up again! awesome product!
.-= Holly (The Healthy Everythingtarian)´s last blog ..Hoho is a Nono =-.
I want a headband. I love headbands.
I've been wanting to try Recovery Socks for a while now, everyone is raving about them!
I'll give you a shout out on my blog : )
.-= Caroline´s last blog ..All About Abs =-.
huh, another argument for health and vegetarianism.
everyone's heard of these socks but me?
ooh, maybe these would help with my tight calf…
.-= Shannon´s last blog ..Holiday Sides =-.
I have been wanting to try these forever! Very cool giveaway.
Congrats on crewing for a successful 50 miler!
.-= Felice´s last blog ..Buggin' out. =-.
Oooh! I'd love to try those socks on my aching legs right now!
Woohoo! Count me in!
.-= Veggie Runnr´s last blog ..Links =-.
whoaah!! i am very excited about this giveaway! I was actually checking them out a few weeks ago and they come in pink.
haha
.-= Melinda H.´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at =-.
Crossin' my fingers for some rockin' recovery socks!
Hi Matt! I just found your website while doing a search for vegan runners. I'm slowly transitioning to a plant-based diet and I also just completed my first marathon. Yay! Thanks for some interesting reading!
Hey Amanda! Interesting that I came up on a search for vegan runners, since I'm not vegan! But I'm vegetarian and I eat a lot of vegan meals, so maybe that's why. Thanks for reading and entering the contest and congrats on your first marathon!
What a hot look! Count me in for Recovery Socks!
.-= Susan´s last blog ..Philadelphia Marathon in the books =-.
Those socks look AMAZING =)
Yeah, yeah…just here for the chance to win swag.
I've seen several people walking around in those and always wanted to try them!
The blood is pooling! The blood is pooling!! (sorry)
Put my name in the hat please.
Thanx.
I'd love to try those socks out! I just ran a marathon yesterday and my legs are killing!
.-= Mary´s last blog ..Pre-Marathon Dinner =-.
Well after all those model shots of your legs, how could I not want to win a pair of my own!?
.-= Rachel´s last blog ..Shed Theater: Your New Diet Plan =-.
Your tips have all been awesome so far — especially foam rolling! — so I know you wouldn't steer me wrong on recovery socks. I'd love to win these, especially since I have two half marathons in two months!
.-= Katy´s last blog ..#VeganWeek The Husband’s Perspective =-.
Iwould love to try the socks. I am fairly new to running and sometimes can hardly walk the next day after long runs. I just know that my 50 year old legs could benefit from some recovery socks.
Head band … sure I'd like one of those also.
I LOVE recovery anything! I have a pair of compression sleeves that I adore, and that helped me get through my 2-3 hour/day workouts for last year's triathlon season. I don't need them now, but I will in a couple of months when my mileage goes up for the Paris marathon! Wahoo!
.-= Nicole´s last blog ..Vegan 4 Day Breakdown =-.
I've been doing longer runs lately and would love to try these!
.-= Daria @ Daria Can Cook´s last blog ..Nu Naturals Review =-.
I have really wanted to try these! Have a great Thanksgiving!
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..Makin Room for Turkey 50 mile ride =-.
I would love to try these – they'd be perfect for when I veg out on the couch after particularly long runs…
I'd like to try these. I've been running more and more and while my legs feel fine typically, I do have intermittent soreness.
I would love to try Recovery Socks! Great posts – you are truly an inspiration! I wish I could say I ran every day in November!!!! Keep up the good work and get the recipes flowing!
Thanks.
These all sound like great products, would love to try them out!
i've seen recovery socks pop up all across the web, i'm in the process of training for my first full marathon and the socks would be a great addition to my routine
Consider me entered!
Wow a 50 miler!? I love lurking on your blog…you're such in inspiration as a runner! I'll be training to run my very first marathon in October of 2010. Something to cross off my bucket list…but wow…50?! Just incredible!
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Yogi in the Making? =-.
Recovery socks sound awesome! Thanks for hosting the giveaway
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Food, Inc. =-.
Oh! I'd love to try the socks! But I would not love to try a 50. A marathon just might be my limit.
.-= Abby´s last blog ..Cruse Brothers. =-.
I have been eyeballing Recovery Socks for awhile and would love to win a pair.
.-= Gina´s last blog ..Surviving Vacation =-.
Ummmm, yes PLEASE! ….. but can you throw in a BODY recovery too?!
And if you have any left to spare – my suffocating forehead would greatly appreciate a headband to rescue it from sweat-plastered bangs!
CHEERS!
i have been plagued by shin splints all freakin year! so frustrating!
gonna try some of the tips from you 11/24 post for sure.. but a pair of recovery socks is (also) just what I need.. have been wanting to try a pair for the longest time!
I'd love these, just in time for my birthday and return to running post injury!
socks that help recovery but look like they also keep your feet & legs warm!
I have a pair of Zoot compression socks and they are literally my motivation for finishing long runs! I've never heard of this brand though and would love to try them.
I would absolutely LOVE these!
Those sound really neat, I'd love to try them!
.-= EatingRD´s last blog ..just a few new finds =-.
Ah, I've needed a pair of those for so long!
.-= Amber Shea (Almost Vegan)´s last blog ..Almost vegan in Venice II =-.
Since you are picking randomly and there's no worry about people wondering this giveaway is a big conspiracy to give your blogging partner-in-crime a free pair of socks. In other words – count me in!
And I'll totally wear a recovery sock head band too. Hopefully it will match my NEW SOCKS!
Dude. 50 miles. My mouth is still hanging open in awe and wonder.
.-= Alison´s last blog ..French Toast Torture =-.
I'd love to give these socks a try – thanks for an awesome blog and a fabulous giveaway! New vegan runner here! (not new vegan, just new runner!
I would love to own a pair of those socks!!
ooohh! I would love a pair!
so glad i found your blog! i'm a "no meat athlete" as well, so i look forward to following you!
i'd love a pair of these socks!! crossing my fingers…
wow! this is such a cool giveaway. i am somewhat new to running and would love to try these out!
Love your blog! Keeping my fingers crossed as I've had my eye on some recovery socks since I started training for my first marathon.
Matt! This is a fantastic giveaway! I would love to have my very own pair of recovery socks. My clients are always looking to me for recommending new products plus my legs are always in need of a good recovery.
.-= Jess in NYC´s last blog ..“To Dos” =-.
I want some socks! vegan runner, love your blog.
I would love to try these!
I've been thinking about getting a pair of these, for my sensitive shins…as I increase mileage I figure it can't hurt!!
Pick me Pick me!!
I ran the 100th Annual Thanksgiving Day Race today in Cincinnati and saw someone wearing a NMA shirt! Very cool!
I'd love to try some recovery socks to help with today's post-race legs too.
Hey Liz, I love hearing about NMA shirts at races! Thanks!
Same here, I would like to try these
I'd love some recovery socks (and a headband, if you have any left!). I'm recovering from a tibial stress fracture (great post on them the other day, by the way! SO HELPFUL!). I have a pair of Zensah's that I wear when I run, but it would be great to have socks that keep blood flow to the shin area the rest of the time. I think they'll speed my healing.
Thanks!
I would love to try these socks. Pick me please!
Hey Matt… I know you said the selection is random – but for some context….I've been running all my races over the past year in either CW-X tights, or with Zensah compression on my lower legs…I love what compression does during long distance events (arm sleeves are also near the top of my 'indispensable' list). Curiouser and curiouser to see if there are post-race benefits too. Happy trails…
.-= Kevin Z´s last blog ..The End of the Beginning… =-.
I would love these!
I want some! Been thinking about getting some for a while, especially as I've been having lower leg pain a little more than I would like. Free would be best!!
.-= Betsy´s last blog ..Alexandria Turkey Trot Race Report =-.
awesome!
I teach ballroom dance as well, and I wonder how these would work after working in heels all day. I'd love to check them out! : )
Hi,
I would like mto try size B recovery/support sox. I just finished my 2nd half marathon today and need any help I can get.
I would love to win the recovery socks. It would help me run, I just know. Shin splints have been a problem for me.
Injury hell, first one, right in my ankle, now less than two weeks to what would have been my home town half marathon…gutted. Putting one foot in front of another is easy, until you start running. 1st time visitor to the site, not vegan but like the idea of improving my diet to help my fitness and let my kids see me for longer. All the best, Stano
Entered!!! 4 months plant based diet and running! Love it!