CEP Compression Shorts Review (and Giveaway!!!)

You know that I am a huge fan of the CEP Compression Socks.  In my opinion, they are the best compression socks out there.  I am convinced that they speed up recovery after a hard effort... and although I don't think they improve my performance during my run, I've experienced a lot less post-race soreness since I've been wearing them.  The only downfall for me is that they aren't air conditioned, and I admittedly do have trouble wearing them in the 100+ degree Texas summer.  I try to wear as little as possible (without looking like I work on the corner of 14th Street) while running during the summer heat.

So you can imagine how excited I was to be able to review the CEP Compression Shorts... especially because the major issues I had during my last marathon were with my quads.  They seem to get a little temperamental when I torture them with hours upon hours of running... go figure.  I used the shorts for recovery post-marathon.  Just like the socks, there's definitely a technique to getting them on... I'll let you know when I figure it out.  But I did eventually worm my way into them like the wicked step-sister trying to fit into Cinderella's shoe.  I'd post a photo of myself in just the shorts, but I care about my readers too much.  Can we just say compression + me = more muffin tops than a bakery on a Saturday morning?  Ok then, we'll leave it at that.  In all seriousness, though, once they were on, they were definitely compressive, but not uncomfortably so.  I wore them for several hours each day for the couple of days following my marathon.  I sincerely think they aided in recovery.  My upper-legs were the most torn up by the Rock n Roll San Diego course... particularly my IT Bands and hamstrings, but also my quads.  I can't say with 100% certainty if they sped up my improvement (especially since I did also have an appointment with my sports doc for A.R.T.) but they certainly made me feel more comfortable trapsing up and down the stairs post-marathon. Within 5 days post-marathon, I felt completely back to normal.  Completely.  It was almost odd considering that I felt sub-par for almost a month following my last marathon. 

I also tried these out on a run... they are perfect under a Nuu-Muu.  And similar to the socks... they take a little getting used to, but I did notice that I had almost no soreness post run in the usual achy areas.  It's hard to pinpoint exactly how much recovery and lack-of-soreness is due to compression-wear... but I *am* convinced that CEP is the best brand for compression gear in the market.  And I can also say that after I started wearing compression gear, I have noticed a lot less soreness and a lot quicker recovery times (although other factors could contribute to this as well).

The following information is provided directly from the manufacturer:

CEP Compression Company Information

Company information: CEP Compression is made by medi-USA, a world leading manufacturer of medical compression products. The birth of compression in the medical field is now being translated into every CEP product. By providing the athlete with improved circulation, muscle response and regeneration of waste in the blood stream you can peak performance of any athlete. Whatever your sport may be you can take advantage of CEP Compression.

CEP Compression Shorts

The CEP Compression Running represents a unique new version of what you've known compression apparel. The shorts feature a compressive knit in the leg section which absorbs less than 3% moisture and dries very quickly. Constructed with an upper and lower section, the compression shorts offer an incredible amount of compression for the quads and hamstrings for a truly new experience in muscle oscillation dampening.

This will help you prevent injury, increase power, feel better running and experience faster running times. Simply put, your muscle are free to perform without vibrating all over the place, wasting energy and increasing fatigue. The upper section, is made with Power Lycra material which offers additional support for the buttocks and hip-flexors without causing discomfort in the grown. 3-D fit further promotes muscle support and as close to a perfect fit as you are going to find. Rear ventilation mesh panels and a secure rear pocket for personal items.

The CEP Compression Shorts will open your eyes to an exciting new world of PR's, race finishes, injury relief and recovery time improvement.

Features:
- Secure back pocket
- Elastic waist band
- Flat seams
- 3D Fit with Ventalation Panels in the back
- Compressive legs to support hamstrings and quads!

CEP Shorts size by Thigh Circumference to ensure proper compression and maximum benefit.

Can't wait to try these CEP Compression Shorts out?  Visit Sports Compression and use the code BLOG15 for 15% off your purchase (this code can also be used to stock up on the socks!!!).

Now on to the giveaway... (Leave a separate comment for each entry.)

1.  MANDATORY - You must be a follower of my blog to enter.  Leave me a comment telling me you follow *AND* for a little fun, ask me any question you'd like to see me post the answer to.

2.  MANDATORY - Go *like* Sports Compression on facebook and post to their wall that Racing It Off sent you!  Comment here that you did so.

3.  Shop around on sportscompression.com and let me know what you like best.

4.  *Like* Racing It Off on Facebook. Let me know in a comment.

5.  Follow @CEPCompression and @CompressionGear on Twitter.  Let me know in a comment.

6.  Follow @RacingItOff on Twitter (yes, I gave in).  Let me know in a comment.

7.  Spread the word on your blog or facebook or twitter.  Leave me a separate comment for each place you do.

A winner will be chosen on July 6th using random.org from the entries received.  Tons of ways to enter!!!