Just before my Spartan Beast race this past November, I began to experience piercing pain related to my soleus muscle, which extends from the back of the knee to the heel. I panicked.
What was I going to do when I had put in so much training and I was about to take on running 13+ miles and over 30 obstacles in just 24 hours? That's when I discovered KT Tape.
In addition to foam rollers, KT Tape is your best friend when you're an athlete or fitness enthusiast. What is it? No, it's not mummy tape; but you've probably noticed a number of runners with patches and tape wrapped around their body.
KT Tape is kinesiology tape. When applied correctly, it lifts the skin, decompressing the layers of fascia, allowing for greater movement of lymphatic fluid which transports white blood cells throughout the body and removes waste products, cellular debris, and bacteria. In other words, when you're running long distances or training hard, parts of your body can become injured through impact or over-use. This causes the lymphatic fluid to build up, causing inflammation and swelling. The KT Tape can assist in pain relief, support, preventing greater injury, pulled muscles, etc.
I definitely notice that my sensitive points feel less strain as I run, lift, swim and cycle. KT Tape can only help your performance. Plus, it looks pretty cool. They have a great product line which work for every type of athlete:
ORIGINAL – Good for everyone and daily jogs, training/workouts.
- Easy to apply, easy to remove
- Wearable for 1-3 days per application
- Precut for easy application
PRO – Great for longer distances and hiking.
- Made of KT TAPE® exclusive 100% synthetic microfiber material, engineered for durability
- Last-lasting support for 4-7 days of comfortable wear
- Easily conforms to skin for full mobility while active
EXTREME – Perfect for Iron Man training, swimmers and mud runs.
- For pain relief & support* in extreme conditions
- Made of KT TAPE® exclusive 100% synthetic
- microfiber material, engineered for durability
- Extra strength adhesive for the ultimate adhesion
- Easily conforms to skin for full mobility while active
And, my favorite as a runner: PERFORMANCE+ Blister Prevention Tape
When I tell you, this tape prevents blisters… IT PREVENTS BLISTERS. Tape one on either heel before a run and you will never see a blister in your future. I tried these with old and new race sneakers. They don't tear off easily like bandaids.
- Helps prevent blisters, chafing, and hot spots, during the rigors of athletic training & competition*
- Premium synthetic non-woven fabric to reduce blister-causing friction
- Strong adhesive to help stay in place
Check out all of their KT Tape options and products:
*NOT PROVEN CLINICALLY FOR ALL INJURIES
