TAMPA, Fla. - Über endurance athletes for years have used fashion to identify themselves to each other and the rest of the world. Race finisher t-shirts and hats; logoed backpacks, men with shaved legs, and the telltale M-Dot Ironman tattoo have been the unofficial uniforms of triathletes. And, just a couple of years ago a new piece of clothing emerged from the race course and it's causing more than a little chatter among triathletes and non-athletes alike: the compression sock. Although their effectiveness when worn while racing is debatable their efficacy for those with leg vein ailments is well documented. These seemingly de rigueur pieces of gear are often worn off the race course, in public, in airports, and increasingly elsewhere, by traveling men and women in shorts or skirts. That combination, along with a brightly colored polyester shirt and man-smooth legs, can send the most jaded fashionista running to hide behind the pages of Vogue. Fashion abomination or not it appears compression socks, and their cousins the calf guards, are firmly on the race scene even if not a catwalk in Paris.
Race orgainzers make their mark.
Despite their growing popularity, the fans of the therapeutic hose, who endure sneers and jeers, now have a new foe. World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), the organizers and rule making body of Ironman Hawaii, has just added a new regulation to this year’s championship race. According to the “2009 Athlete Information Guide,” which states, in part, during the race, “Any garment, such as tights, compression socks, tube socks, medical tape, etc. that conceals body marking on the calves, will not be permitted.” According to the frequented Slowtwitch.com triathlon forum the rationale for the new rule is to continue the sport’s long tradition of marking the athlete’s age on their calves. Body marking serves as an identifier for competitors to determine if they are passing (or being passed by) someone in their age group division and concealing it may put the sock adorned at an advantage.
It’s not clear if the rule will be applied to all future WTC races but if it is, it’s sure to stop a run in the hose and give fashion critics a leg up on the athletes.
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Comments
Interesting that they would bring this up. Who wears compression socks "during" the race?
jb
John Burns,
It's not unusual to see dozens wearing them for the bike and run. Have seen it with my own eyes.
-Brian
Very interesting that they won't allow for the compression socks to be worn. When first reading this I was thinking it's all about the concerns of who is out on the course... but who knows!
It won't be long before sock manufacturers have a new series of socks with each age sewn on the calf.
What if you have your # on the socks?
I wear a compression body suit all the time. But what's a triathlon?
Bella Bayliss wears compression socks during the race :)
I think they need to worry more about rising entry fees and 5 day minimum stay rates at hotels at race locations. Are we not going to be able to wear arm warmers or long sleeve jersey during a cold race?
Personally I've always thought it was crazy to have to put the age on your calf anyway from the very first triathlon I did many years ago. In running races nobody has their age painted on them or any other sport for that matter. We look ridiculous enough with race numbers painted on us. I really think it's time they did away with even having ages painted on. Everyone should race as hard as they can and not have to rely on looking for ages on someone's calf. In a running race I don't run around looking at someone's calf for their age I just race as hard I can and I race the same way in triathlons. It's crazy and archaic.
It's time for a change! I say just do away with the whole age & calf marking thing completely!
What about see through ones
I never plan to race in Kona but I have found significant benefits using compression calf sleeves. Even if it is purely psychosomatic; I can run/ride longer and harder with less pain and fatigue and a quicker recovery. It seems a little silly. I would pin my age to the back if my sleeve or write it in black on a white sleeve and get a new one each year vs. not using them. Should they ban wetsuits that are not shorties for the same reason? They, too, cover the age.
Interesting. Is this just for Kona or is it going to trickle down into all of the IM sanctioned races? I can see a few compression sock makers not being very happy about this.
Ruls-makers LOVE to create rules! It's the way their minds work.
That's rule-makers. oops
I never plan to race in Kona but I have found significant benefits using compression calf sleeves. Even if it is purely psychosomatic; I can run/ride longer and harder with less pain and fatigue and a quicker recovery. It seems a little silly. I would pin my age to the back if my sleeve or write it in black on a white sleeve and get a new one each year vs. not using them. Should they ban wetsuits that are not shorties for the same reason? They, too, cover the age.
If that is the case, they should sell the compression socks with your age embroidered or placed as a logo
If it is not a matter of decorum (e.g., covering your privates) or safety (wetsuits for colder water swims), it shouldn't be allowed. All these performance aids are getting silly (witness the pool swimming fiasco) ... I mean, just what did the cavemen wear doing their triathlons?
"But my iPod music motivates me while competing! ...."
Good grief.
re: Jim's comment: "Personally I've always thought it was crazy to have to put the age on your calf anyway from the very first triathlon I did many years ago...."
I recall, at USTS Boston Triathlon, way back in 1986, blowing by two guys with about 100 metres to go on the run. I was a slow swimmer (even slower now that I am old, lol!), so my run (about 4th fastest overall on the day, including the Pro's, was my savior. The two guys saw my calf marking (same as theirs) and let go simultaneous expletives. They finished 2nd and 3rd in our common age group that day.
There is a purposes, and a history, to the markings. And I bet most competitive age groupers want them.
Typical, unilateral edict without any announced reason and without any athlete input or chance to comment/compromise at all from Ironman arrogance.
As happened to me after they banned the barefoot running I did in two of my four IM's since 1987, now compression sock-wearers are disenfranchised too without any announced reason or notice to comment and compromise, e.g. compression socks must have visible calf panel for AG/#, etc.
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