Compression Socks & My UGLY Running Gear!

I've recently started scouring the net and checking out A LOT of running blogs. These running bloggers run A LOT (way more than me!) and they take LOTS of pictures (way more than me!). Anyhoo, in a lot of these pictures, I notice runners wearing compression socks. They're usually super bright and colorful. 

I think they are SO ugly! (I am sorry if you wear these socks and I have offended you. I just think they look stupid!) Apparently, I'm the only one who thinks so, though, because EVERYONE is wearing them!

**Note: I am not the most fashionable runner. (See pictures below.) Sometimes I look like a hot mess when I run. I realize I have NO BUSINESS denouncing these socks as being ugly!! But I'm saying it anyway!**

I guess I'm pretty slow on the uptake of running gear/fashion, because I had to go to Google to figure out exactly what these socks were for. I knew patients in the hospital wore compression socks to they wouldn't get blood clots when laying in a hospital bed.

Compression socks for runners have pretty much the same purpose. The socks stimulate blood flow to help your legs recover faster from a run. Some runners wear them during their workouts. Some wear them after. From what I read, they are meant to be worn after a run, but most people attest that wearing them during a run helps too. I will have to take their word for it, as I don't own a pair!

Compression socks run in the $20-$60 range, depending on the kind you get. That's a lot of money! Because you figure, if you wear compression socks on all of your runs, you're going to need like 2-3 pairs so you're not doing laundry every night.

I guess I shouldn't knock these puppies until I try them! Although I do not see myself buying a pair in the near future. Running shoes are expensive to begin with. I don't want to get in the habit of buying expensive SOCKS too!

Anyway, since I told you I sometimes look like a hot mess when I run, I should show you some ugly running clothes I own... and wear.

These were capris. I cut them off into shorts.

My winter running cap.

If you look closely, you'll see it's covered in cat hair!

Yup, they don't match!

This was a camisole. Now it's a sports bra.

Notice how the bottom rolls up because it was cut.

It's also uneven.

Bandanna!!

I'm not a fan of white running shoes, but these

were the cheapest I could find online!

I'll wear ugly shoes if they're $40 cheaper!

Do you wear compression socks? How do they help your runs?

What's the ugliest thing you have worn on a run?