Today: Thinking pink.

Though the skies have been quite grey today, I’ve been holed up in our condo since this morning’s crossfit class, thinking pink.  Our Christmas cards arrived yesterday (don’t tell a soul, but I somehow spelled Christmas with an extra i on our return address wrappers and was forced to break out the scissors), addressed to friends and family members at no extra cost (I’ll say it again, Minted.com is the best) and just waiting for stamps.

It would seem I’ve forgone tradition in my old age – hot pink Christmas cards and nary a wise man in sight?  Welp, they matched my compression gear (this morning’s WOD was a leg killer) and basil and pomegranate spritzer.  It all just felt so right.  Or whatever.

In my lifelong quest to sprinkle basil atop everything, I added a bit of my favorite fresh herb to a glass of seltzer with pomegranate juice.  If I weren’t lazy, I may have thought ahead and added the basil to an ice cube tray.  It adds a subtle flavor, but packs an aromatic punch.  I find the smallest amount of pomegranate juice results in the perfect pink color.  Which, apparently, is very important today. (Subtle flavors? Aromatic punches? I need a nap.  And a new personality.)

The lovely folks at PRO Compression sent me two complimentary pairs of their marathon socks (one white, one hot pink), which I’ve been living in since they’ve arrived.  They remain undetected under pantsuits: business on the outside, recovery on the inside… and now you know.  I’ve been a devoted compression-er since my first marathon, when Nick and I would spent Saturdays after our long runs in head-to-toe compression, devouring pizza.  I distinctly remember writhing in pain in our hotel room (no pizza this time) after my second marathon, demanding that Nick cram my broken foot into the tightest compression sock known to woman.  I was convinced it had healing powers.  (It sort of did, but I still mostly couldn’t walk afterward.)

Unlike those compression socks that look like they just may fit a Barbie doll, PRO Compression socks don’t require a helper to pull them on.  They are comfortable enough to wear on long runs and during workouts, without lacking any support.  Compression gear is said to help with circulation (which is why compression socks and stockings are often prescribed for diabetes patients and those with poor circulation), and can help ward off fatigue.  I’ve found that they speed up the recovery process, and that my calves and shins are less sore when I wear them immediately after working out (well, um, after I shower… obvi).

PRO Compression Marathon Socks come in a number of fun colors (I’ve got my eye on the USA edition for hero WODs and 4th of July races).  They also sell calf sleeves, low trainer socks and golf socks.  In partnership with FitFluential, PRO Compression is offering a discount code good for 40% off and free shipping.  Use FIT40 at check-out; the code is good through December 15th.

I’m off to sprinkle pink glitter all over the condo.  Just kidding… or am I?

Also On Tap for Today:

• Your comments on this post will earn a $1 donation to the Greater Boston Food Bank (and could win you a Clark calendar) – please click over if you have a minute
• Getting excited for #elf4health Round 2 to begin
• Hard cider sampling!