How many sponsored reviews have you read that claim the product was “pants” ?? Not many, I’m sure. Thanks very much to SKINS for sending me these to try. I have nothing but praise, they offer support, wick away sweat and are so comfortable you almost forget you have them on !! I wear them on all of my long runs now.

Yes, we are talking “pants”, and more specifically SKINS DNAmic Core compression shorts. I’ve used other compression shorts and a combination of underwear, with them, so this was to be new territory with just wearing one pair.

The reason I’ve put off writing about them is because I wanted to give them quite a few outings and make sure I’d run for two hours plus.

Your running under garments may not be an issue during a 5 or 10K but once you start running longer distances then comfort and support becomes a topic that needs to be addressed.

I’ve previously blogged about SKINS compression socks and as a company I believe they live up to their marketing claims, ….. i.e.

“We create bloody good sportswear that makes everyone the best they can be”…. TICK

“We believe that how you play sport defines how you live life” ….. TICK.

I completely agree with both of these statements and especially the second because as an endurance runner I believe that willpower, staying power and an ability to cope with whatever’s thrown at you, over long periods, all transfer into your self belief when tackling, non running everyday tasks.

Previously I’ve worn compression shorts that were a similar length to cycling shorts but these feel far less restrictive, don’t show from under my actual running shorts and still provide great support.

You’ll be pleased to know I resisted the temptation to include a photo of me wearing my tight shorts. I’m aware that such images could have long lasting effects !!! Ha Ha 🙂

I chose extra large, not because of any physical attributes, but because from experience I’ve found one size up helps me.

Trail running puts a different kind of demand on your body compared with road running. The extra demands that running up a hill put on your thighs and bottom are then matched with the pounding on the way downhill. SKINS compression shorts suit the demands of these activities.

The support that SKINS compression shorts offer can be measured in both physical and mental terms.

My shorts reassure me that I’ll have no chaffing or friction issues and no riding up of underwear because I’m wearing one garment that fits me very well, including my sensitive area. As the hours of running effort pass by SKINS help to make the process bearable.

I’m reassured because I know the support will minimise any strains or injuries and wearing them will make a huge difference to the muscle soreness that I might otherwise be suffering, both during and after my run.

Sore hips are a frequent source of trail running pain, what with the changing elevation and terrain. SKINS compression shorts won’t magic this away but they certainly make a noticeable difference. Equally, walking up and down stairs the following day can be a painful experience so wearing them on your training/race day will continue to help your recovery.

I’ve had IT band issues in the past which can appear all the way up the side of your thigh and into your buttock. No longer !!

Armed with all of these benefits I set off with confidence on my long runs knowing that I’m giving myself the best possible foundation with compression shorts.

Thanks for reading

Roger

When you hear the phrase “community spirit” a number of traits come to mind ….. energy, willingness, pride and teamwork. All of these attributes can be seen when you visit a GosVegas running session whether it be Wednesday at 5.45pm or as I did this week, an 8am Sunday Breakfast Club.

The GosVegas running community has a far wider reach than just its base in Gosport because it draws in like minded people from both local running clubs and parkruns. So, whether you belong to an affiliated club or whether you’ve been swept up with the phenomenon that parkrun has become, these two friendly and free opportunities are well worth a visit.

The catalyst behind this all inclusive offering of positivity is Nick Carter, who’s had quite an impact on our running community. The principle reason for me writing this post is quite simply to spread the word and encourage more people to tap into their spirit.

The Sunday Breakfast Club offers an hours worth of running followed by a chance to unwind in the Bayside café. Located in Stokes Bay this means free parking until 10am, the café as an HQ and plenty of scope to run.

On arrival a bracing wind was blowing in off the Solent and as thirty of us gathered in the car park there was a sense of amusement as to the speed we’d be running with the wind behind us. Conversely, Stokes Bay and Gosport may be flat but when you’re running against winds like this it almost feels like hill work !! So, we were in for a good work out.

As well as Nick, I’d met Kim, Emma and Nicky from Gosport Road runners before we set off. Nicky gave me a rough idea of the route that we’d follow just before Nick asked us to gather for a group photo.

Having our photo taken at the beginning of the run was another “inclusive” touch. Naturally the group would split up during the run and some people would jump into their cars as soon as they’d finished but, regardless of your pace, we all felt part of the session by being included in the group photo.

As we followed the coast down to the golf course I chatted and introduced myself to Paul, Nickie and Faye. We all commented on the glorious view, what with the Isle of Wight as the backdrop and the white crested waves that were being blown up by the wind.

As we rounded the Gillkicker Fort I chatted with Fareham Crusaders Sarah and Nick. From half way on I ran with Faye and we soon found out that we had a mutual running friend she works with, we’d both served on the committees of our running clubs and we’d both run similar races.

The route wound its way along the sea wall and then back through more residential roads. Nick appeared at the bottom of Jellico Avenue to point us in the right direction and before you knew it we were battling against the wind and heading back towards the café.

I clearly wasn’t expecting a photo on arrival because even though I smiled and gave a thumbs up I managed to have my eyes closed …. ha ha !!

 I was a little pressed for time so my visit to the café was fairly short but I was there long enough to chat with two more runners and marvel at the breakfasts that were being served. The nautical theme of the traditional breakfasts amused me, what with it starting with a dingy, increasing in size to an IOW Ferry and then the largest offering was … you guessed it, a “Titanic” full English.

So, in summary I chatted to more people that I didn’t know than I did know which, in its self, sums up their running community spirit. In this day and age of mobile phones it’s great to actually chat with like minded people and experience a sense of togetherness.

Thank you Nick and your welcoming GosVegas runners. I’d definitely recommend popping by and as a famous action film start once said …… “I’ll be back”.

Enjoy your running and thanks for reading.

Roger