During Iron Wil's Throughth3wall Challenge, one of my training runs turned into a fartlek. I generally run fartleks based on the music on my MP3 player, I refer to them as "musical fartleks." Referencing that in my training log earned one of Wil's weekly prizes. In my case, it was a set of Drymax socks.
As one of ten recipients of those socks, I will also be participating in a little contest to put these socks through some testing. Well, more like the wringer. The goal is to wear them in the toughest, wettest, dirtiest training we can find. And then report on how well they performed.
Since Drymax provided me with three pairs of socks, I've added them to my Training Partners page. The package contained one pair each of lightweigh running socks, heavier running socks, and trail socks. My initial impression is pretty good.
Since receiving them, I've been wearing the socks in various different situations. Only after listening to Wil and Kahuna on their latest podcast did it hit me just how effective these socks can be. Oddly enough, it was downhill skiing that made the point.
On a recent ski trip, I was unable to find the thermal socks I normally wear. Rather than tear the house apart, I grabbed the Drymax trail socks and a pair of heavy cotton socks. On the hill, I wore the cotton socks over the trail socks, an unplanned moment of genius (pronounced "luck").
As I was changing at the end of the evening, I was shocked to find the cotton socks were damp, almost wet. My feet were fine, though, and hadn't gotten cold. I just figured a bit of snow had somehow got into the boot. After listening to Wil interview a Drymax representative, the truth dawned on me.
Drymax socks are designed with a moisture wicking material next to the skin and a moisture absorbing material on the outside. Put a cotton sock over that, and it's a perfect system for keeping feet dry. In the end, I wound up with damp cotton socks, dry trail socks, and dry feet. Mystery solved and theory proved.
I'm excited to be able to test these socks in other adverse conditions. If they perform as well in snow and rain, they'll become a regular part of my training and racing wardrobe.
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