Hyperice Hyperice Normatec Elite Legs Review

I just ran my 24th marathon, and my fourth this year at the beginning of June. If you do the math, you know that I don't tend to take a lot of time off. I'm 53, so that's its own issue, but I love what I do, as I'm sure you do. However, since I tend to overdo it, my recovery time isn't long. Earlier in the year, I attended an event where the Hyperice Normatec Elite Legs compression boots were being shown to journalists. While I didn't have much time to try them out at the event, I was loaned a pair (gratis) for a few weeks, beginning just before my race.

I'd seen these at events, and I've been dying to try them. I love a massage, but let's just say I was skeptical. I know the price tag is high at $1,099 at the time of this writing. However, since I was lucky enough to give them a shot, I figured it was worth it. I tried them the day before the race, and then when I got home afterward, and oh my gosh, you guys, I was blown away. (I continued to use them every day for two weeks and every other day after that before I sent them back.)

There are seven levels of massage, and being me, I decided to start big. As the boots (which went up to my hips) inflated and started massaging, I was kind of in shock as the ache drained out of my legs. I'm fortunate in that my soreness isn't awful most of the time, but I think I've also been in a bit of denial about how good it was possible to feel after a race. Generally, post-marathon, I'm very sore for two days, and by the third, it starts to subside. However, this time, apart from feeling less sore that day, I didn't have the post-race soreness for the first two days! 

I mean, I was still a little sore, but no more than I'd be after a normal long run weekend, which is to say, not much. This was the first post-race two-day stretch where I didn't have to hold onto a counter to sit down, or make weird noises as I tried to stand up. The ache just wasn't there. When I went back to running on the third day after the race, I actually felt fantastic!

While I know the price is high, if you're running consistently and frequently, it's worth it. Truly, I can't praise the results enough! Here are a few other things to know: First, it's very easy to use. Just plug it in and select your level. You can also increase pressure in different areas. Second, it weighs 6.4 pounds and it's TSA-friendly, so it works for an away-race. Third, it comes in three sizes so you can get the one that works with your own height. 

I know what I'm asking Santa Claus for this year!