Recovery tricks?
It apears to be deadlegs days in the Nov OS.
As it is the case that gains are made in recovery, I've really focused after getting Thursday done, on bouncing back before Saturday's work.
Stuff I think about, some I actually do:
1. Not assume since its cold out that I'm hydrated. So hydrate.
2. Legs elevated.
3. Plenty to eat.
4. Massage.
5. Ice bath after wko.
6. Stretch.
7. Plain old sleep.
Anybody got others? Tricks? Voodoo? Down home remedies?
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Comments
Compression socks--especially if you're on your feet at work/in life.
Mentally, I like to completely tune out of anything triathlon and mellow out for 24 hours by say...reading John Muir books or watching Sunrise Earth.
I've never used of bought compression socks...suggestions? things to look for? specific sock recommendations?
Thanks for your insights!
compression tights
recovery drink immediately following exercise - protein and carbs
Go to CVS/Rite Aid/Walgreens, buy a pair of Futura compression socks. If you're using them for recovery, there's no reason to pay $50 for a pair at trisports, when you can pay $15 or less. They are the same grade compression, and work very well for wearing under work clothes.
If you're going to work out in them (ie. long runs, etc.), then I'd consider getting some that are made from a wicking material, and therefore either the trisports-type route, or looking up "coolmax compression socks", as there's a medical retailer that sells a non-branded version for under $20 (though I have no experience with these...)
Mike
I get my compression socks from the sales rep who visits the Wound Clinic where I work (read: free!). I don't have any experience with the compression socks on the market for triathletes. However, I will say that the amount of compression is important. Most of the comp socks sold to triathletes do not indicate on the package or the products website how much compression they provide.
I think for recovery after a long/hard workout 20-30 mm Hg of compression is good. You can buy them at a pharmacy or medical equipment store without a prescription. They make an "athletic" model now that uses wicking fabric. They also make socks that look like dress socks too.
Those white socks that you get in the hospital have about 12-16 mm Hg of compression and are for prevention of blood clots. That level of compression really doesn't do much for controlling swelling.
If you're going to stand for long periods of time and have no history of peripheral vascular insuffiency, I would recommend 30-40 mm Hg of compression. You'll need a prescription for it though. I wore a pair of thigh high stockings at that level of compression during the liver transplant part of my residency. I stood for 27 hours straight in the OR and had NO swelling in my legs at all.
Lastly, all these compression garments lose their elasticity over time and the amount of compression they provide will decrease. For my patients who were them on a daily basis, I recommend replacing their compression socks every 3-4 months.
I have these after someone in the Huas recomended them last year. Look about the same as most runner or triathlete specific ones but only cost 14.95 each or 42 for 3 pairs and they have a holiday sale now for 20% more off with code: holiday09
http://www.ameswalker.com/mencoolovcal.html
I do race in Zensah calf sleeves. For wet suit races, the wet suit comes off easier. For half and full IM where you may not stop to use bathroom, I wear the black so no wet spots. For where I can hold it til the end...I have pink, purple and blue...I might have orange too. I live in them if I'm not in the tights.
Ditto on the recovery tights. I have the Zoots--oops. I have the Kmeleon like Matt--the ec3d. Live in them. I wear them under my trousers for work. I guess it's not much different than the girdles my mom and aunts wore back in the day.
You can often find me recovering in my compression tights, rolling on my Triggerpoint, with a recovery drink on the floor next to me. 
I use the Kmeleon tights and often sleep in them. I too notice a huge difference. I have worn them under light pants to work too.
Ditto on the compression socks or tights. I sleep in them after the tough workouts and wake refreshed.
Tom
I wear them a lot under pants too. My sis in law says "oh those are like Spanx." Ditto...on floor rolling on roller.
Never even thought of compression tights on off days. Looks like I will be trying that next. Thanks.
I add a little Glutamine to a protein shake before bed to help kill the deadness in my legs. Also some very easy spinning on an off day (Monday) helps work the garbage out of my legs. That said, I agree with others that there's no substitute for rest, legs up, hydration and compression socks.
I also try to tell my wife a little post-workout nookie helps with recovery, but she isn't buying it.
Thanks for the reco on the less expensive recovery socks. Will test against my 2XU's.