I must admit to wearing my Skins on my second runs in the evenings. I find they just help keep my legs ‘tight’, if that’s the right word. I went through a stage when I first got them (in 2010) of wearing them for all long runs and even in races. I even wore them in a 10k once, what was I thinking ? I remember starting a few debates on cool running back in the day on how much of an advantage I thought they gave you in a marathon. ( http://www.coolrunning.com.au ) My 4-5 minutes was met with much debate at the time. I suppose what made me stop wearing them was no professional athlete ever worn them. After that they became my ‘recovery’ apparel and the odd long run when it was cold.

Now in their sixth year there are holes in all sort of places, which is why I always wear shorts over them. (and I believe this is a must at all times!!) but they still server to protect tired legs and I stand by my statement that they are worth a few minutes in a marathon, in a similar way a light pair of trainers can make a big difference if you can get away with wearing them.

The calf socks seem to be very ‘in’ currently in the triathlon world, must have something to do with the extra strain those athletes put on their legs because of the cycling and swimming ? Not sure but they certainly seem to be a ‘go-to’ piece of apparel for the triathletes. I have a pair and again if I do feel a calf knot coming on these socks seem to keep injuries at bay. All good then.

The one final comment regarding skins (or any compression tights) is they must never, ever be white. There was the time my good friend Dr. Geoff Reynolds embarrassed a state when he ran for WA in the Melbourne Marathon, beside me, in WA colours wearing white skins. This is akin to bowling underarm and Athletics WA has never really recovered. Worse, we both made the Marathon Booklet for that year; I’m surprised we were let back in WA airspace.

I’ve found a photo of the start. Please remember what is seen cannot be unseen. Me and Geoffa are wearing the WA State Colours as in 2010 the Melbourne Marathon was the State Championships. The only time I was so close to the African winners, the first 10m.!