We were given these products at no charge to us for the purpose of review - all opinions here are solely those of The Bruised Banana team.

Kenrick and I were both very intrigued and excited to finally try compression socks!  Throughout our years racing and spectating we have seen many of our fellow athletes sporting compression socks and always wondered what these products felt like and the benefits of recovery wear, etc.  We know many of you love this brand - PRO Compression is an industry leader, with all their sock and sleeves made right here in the USA, and they are steadfast in a commitment to "deliver a world-class performance product that will enable you to play your best and recover more quickly than previously possible".  If, just like us, you are new to this brand check out their website here:  www.procompression.com

So the biggest question Kenrick and I have always had regarding compression socks was:  when they look so tight - can they really be comfortable?  The answer is:  YES!!

So here is the pair I have been sporting this past week - marathon pink (size XS) cute color right?!

So I headed out for a quick three mile run and honestly, in the back of my mind, prepared myself to feel a little uncomfortable.  I always wear very low running socks so I thought for sure it would feel a little odd to be wearing high, compression socks.  Quite the contrary!  I really enjoyed the feel and they didn't feel at all suffocating as I feared they would.  When I finished my run I came home and stayed in them for four hours - doing housework, playing outside with the kids, running errands.  The craftmanship is top-notch!  I know there is high-tech science behind the manufacturing and design of these products, but at the end of the day what really matters is how you feel in a product and these deliver. 

Kenrick and I also took a bike ride together and both took the socks out for a spin to evaluate them during our ride.  I felt the same way I did on my run - comfortable and unrestricting.  Especially when it's a little cool outside and you're hopping on the bike - these are nice to have with the extra length.  Here we are after our ride - photo credits go to our little guy! 

So next up is Kenrick's review  - he is reviewing the marathon socks as well in black (size S/M).  Here are a few pics below:

Hey guys - it's Kenrick - I had the same feelings as Jodi before heading out in compression socks for the first time - I was hoping they wouldn't feel too restricting and tight.  And just as Jodi commented above, I felt very comfortable in them during my ride and also during a quick run immediately following my ride.  They really felt to me like a comfortable dress sock - but in addition you receive  all the great benefits of specifically engineered design to maximize your performance when you're training and racing.  I was very pleased with the design, quality of the product, and the fit and feel while training in them.

So who's ready to win a pair of their own PRO Compression socks or sleeves?  Just fill out the giveaway form below to win!  Also, head over to www.procompression.com and you can receive 40% off your entire purchase and free shipping when your order hits $20 or more - simply use code BB15 at checkout.  The code will expire on 5/15/15 so hurry on over!  Here are some of our choices for what you can use that discount on - we, of course, had to pick out some orange for our K17SPORT kits we're sporting this season!!  Thanks for reading and entering the giveaway!

We were given these products at no charge to us for the purpose of review - all opinions here are solely those of The Bruised Banana team.

Thanks for visiting the site and checking out our review of two amazing Headsweats products and for entering the giveaway!!  We were thrilled to bring this giveaway to you!

For those of you who race, you definitely know the Headsweats brand.  Founded in 1998, by shoe industry veteran Alan Romick, Headsweats first offered one product, The Cotton Classic, in four colors.  Sixteen years later, Headsweats has continued to grow and expand their line, while at the same time retaining their dedication to quality and customer service.

Kenrick and I have reviewed two products that are very useful for the upcoming cold, dark winter months.  First up, I took the Supervisor Hi Vis with Reflective Piping ($22) out for a run.  I absolutely love this coral color!  This product also comes in yellow.  You can check out all the specs on it by clicking this here.

For all you ladies out there, we want our training apparel to be comfortable, effective, but let's be honest we want to be cute and stylish too!  This brings home all those requirements.  I found the reflective piping to be extremely important for those late night/early morning runs when the light isn't that strong. 

Lastly, I have to highlight the comfort of this product!  I have worn different visors to race and train in and many times I come home feeling discomfort around my ears and on my forehead.  I honestly at times forgot I was wearing this!!  It's lightweight and very breathable.

Hey everybody, it's Kenrick!  Next up for review is the Summit Beanie ($24) - a wonderful tool in your arsenal for winter training.  I took this out for a spin biking yesterday afternoon and there was quite a headwind and chill in the air.  I tend to overheat so was I wondering how I would fair with this under my helmet.

Comfort!  In one word, this beanie was amazing in terms of comfort and breathability.  I was very impressed with the way that this beanie did not make me feel overheated.  It kept me extremely comfortable during my ride.  As Jodi commented on the visor, there were many times I forgot I had it on because it wasn't suffocating.  The material that Headsweats uses in their products is top notch!

This is going to be perfect for all those chilly morning runs and hikes to come in the next few months!  I highly recommend this product!

Visit the Headsweats website to check out their full line of products.  I was really excited about their Headsweats University - find your favorite team and get ready to tailgate in comfort!  While you're there, sign up for their email list and receive a 20% off code.  Also, they offer $5 flat rate shipping and all orders $50 or more ship free.

Thanks again for visiting and enter the giveaway below!  One lucky winner will receive an item from the Reflective Line of their choosing!  Click here to see all the reflective line options!  Good luck!  Giveaway runs through 9/30/14 at midnight.