Most people have never seen what happens halfway through a 100-mile race. Mile 53. Honey Badger 100. August 2024.

My crew set up a pop-up aid station with items you’d expect at a race: water, sports drinks, and snacks…. But also, cheeseburgers, bacon and compression therapy boots.

After 53 miles in temperatures that pushed into the mid-90s, with the asphalt measuring around 120°, my legs weren’t injured—they were simply tired. Heat has a way of draining you, even when you train for it.

So I did what I’ve learned works.

I sat down, ate a cheeseburger and spent about 20 minutes in compression therapy before heading back out for the remaining 47 miles.

How did I feel afterwards?

The best way I can describe it is this: they rewind my legs 20 miles.

I didn’t stand up feeling like I was back at mile 0. I stood up feeling more like I was back at mile 33 instead of mile 53. My legs felt fresher, my stride felt smoother, and mentally I was ready to tackle the next section of the race.

That’s why compression therapy has become part of my recovery routine—not just after races, but throughout training and even before big events during my taper.

The science is actually pretty simple. Compression provides a lymphatic massage that helps stimulate blood flow through the legs. Better circulation helps your body recover more efficiently, which is why it’s useful for far more than ultrarunners.

I’ve seen it help runners, student athletes, nurses after long shifts, people who’ve spent all day on their feet, travelers after long flights, and even families after walking miles through Disney.

Recovery isn’t about finding one magical solution.

It’s about stacking small advantages.

Sometimes, one of those advantages is as simple as sitting down, eating a cheeseburger, putting on compression boots… and giving your legs just enough of an edge to keep moving forward.