Tips/ Info

Running Tips and Information

Cotton is Rotten

While we’d like to break this to you gently, we’ve decided there’s no other way to say it – cotton is rotten! – Especially for your feet! Ask yourself a few simple questions after your next run or walk:

• Can you wring your socks out in the sink after your run or walk?
• Do you feel like your shoes get heavier and heavier with each step – as your socks get wetter and wetter?
• Do you have problems with blisters on your feet?
• Does your family require you to leave your socks at the door after your run or walk?

If you answered “yes” or “maybe” to any of the above questions, it’s time to think about wearing a sock made with moisture wicking fibers that have the ability to keep your feet dry and potentially blister-free! The socks you wear can affect the comfort of your feet as you are running and walking. It may also help you avoid other foot ailments that don’t make for good dinner table conversation – rough, itchy types of things!

Cotton is rotten for your other body parts as well. Think about this the next time you head out for a run or walk in your favorite cotton race t-shirt:

The average person loses about 4 pounds of sweat per hour of exercise and takes about 1700 steps per mile. An average size and weight cotton race t-shirt weighs approximately 1.6 pounds when it’s wet. An average size and weight technical running shirt weighs about 0.6 pounds when wet. Now, think about this: you potentially add about 1700 extra pounds of pressure on your feet when you wear cotton. Wouldn’t you rather feel more comfortable and lighten your load in a technical running shirt that helps keep you dryer and prevents potential chafing and other bodily discomforts?