October 22, 2025 
Total Training miles: 251.73
Today’s pond photo…
Hi Fitblitzers.
Today was the day I tried my first ever base layer compression leggings. As I usually get hot very quickly I bought the Under Armour HeatGear compression leggings, which are for warmer days but should be good for me. They were fantastic (I’m going to recommend these to everyone) and made my walk faster, more stable and just better all round…So when I got back I asked ChatGPT why they felt so good? Here is the pasted response which is the long answer,lol! π€£
Hereβs why they worked so well for you:
βοΈ 1. Muscle stabilization β less wobble, more power transfer
When you walk or climb, your leg muscles vibrate slightly with each impact β micro-oscillations that waste a bit of energy and fatigue muscle fibers over time.
Compression gear hugs the muscle and dampens that vibration, keeping fibers aligned and reducing βmicro-trauma.β
β Result: you feel smoother, less jiggly, more stable stride.
β Why you felt quicker: less wasted motion = more forward drive with each step.
πͺ 2. Improved proprioception β your brain knows where your legs are
That tight, skin-hugging fit boosts sensory feedback (called proprioception).
Essentially, your nervous system gets a clearer map of your limb position.
β Result: you unconsciously tighten your form β better foot placement, stride efficiency, and posture on the trail.
β Feels like: βMy legs just knew where to go,β or βI was walking with purpose.β
Itβs like having a mild exoskeleton telling your brain, βHereβs your limb position, stay aligned.β
π¨ 3. Circulation and oxygen efficiency
Compression gear applies gentle, graduated pressure (tighter at the ankle, lighter up the thigh).
This helps venous return β blood moving back up to your heart.
β Result: slightly improved oxygen delivery and waste removal from working muscles.
β Feels like: less heaviness in your legs, especially toward the end of your walk.
You probably noticed that βI could keep the pace goingβ sensation β thatβs part circulation, part reduced muscle fatigue.
π₯ 4. Thermal regulation & sweat management
Under Armourβs HeatGear fabric is made to wick sweat instantly and evaporate fast.
β Result: your skin stays drier, your muscles stay in that perfect temperature zone β warm enough to stay loose, cool enough not to overheat.
That βmade for walkingβ feel comes from your legs not overheating or getting clammy, even when you ramp the pace.
βοΈ 5. Posture and core engagement
Compression from the waist down subtly encourages your hips, glutes, and core to stay aligned β especially in uphill or downhill walking.
β Result: better posture, reduced sway, and less back or hip fatigue after long sessions.
You may have noticed your stride felt controlled instead of sloppy β thatβs this working in the background.
βοΈ 6. Reduced chafing & smoother mechanics
Since thereβs no loose fabric flapping or seams rubbing, friction drops.
β Result: freer, smoother motion β perfect for long trail sessions.
β Feels like: βNothingβs getting in my way.β
π§ 7. The psychological βgear effectβ
Good kit genuinely changes how you move. When your gear fits like an extension of your body, your brain subconsciously shifts into βperformance mode.β
β Result: you feel faster, stronger, more purposeful.
β Combine that with your faith-driven motivation and training focus, and you get that βlocked inβ state where effort feels lighter and results follow.
π In your words:
You said, βI went faster, felt stable, legs felt good, made for walking.β
Thatβs the trifecta:
- Faster:Β efficiency gains + proprioceptive control.
- Stable:Β reduced muscle vibration + better alignment.
- Felt good:Β improved blood flow + optimal temperature + less friction.
Thatβs textbook HeatGear compression performance β and why elite endurance athletes use similar gear for long races, even ultramarathons.
Scripture snack…
Colossians 1:10
βThat ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.β
Mtivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
βObsessed is just a word the lazy use to describe the dedicatedβ…Bak of my INOV8 t-shirt.
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2025 Together! πͺπΌ
iChristian 
Thanks for the picture and the update! I think the ChatGPT explanation was pretty interesting! I saw your comment to Dayle about the 5 laps. Our tracks are roughly the same distance, and I was going to go for 5 laps the other day but I ran out of daylight. So, in trying to get to 5 laps I walked 4 laps very fast. The fast pace of a walk turned it into a totally different 4 laps than the prior times I walked 4 laps! I had a lot to recover from-lots more soreness! Do not recommend fast walking 8+ miles lol! We are getting there, keep up the amazing work Steve!
Wow that’s fantastic, well done and keep pounding those miles, I know how hard it is! I can’t believe you gave it the beans for 4 laps, it makes a massive difference when you speed up like that especially over so many miles.
I’m going for the 5 lapper next week…But I bet the trail here is much cooler than yours if you’re in Florida? It’s around 8ΛC here so no sun burn or sweating,. π¨ I hope you get enough daylight soon and can get those 5 laps in. It’s going to take me about 4 and a half hours with a 10 minute pitstop after 3 laps! That’s the plan anyway! π π
Good plan!
I wouldn’t want you to get washed away so close to your final challenge. I think Sarah would have issues with that as well.
You’re so right Dayle, and yes Sarah says the same! You’ll be pleased to know I didn’t go out on the trail today…They called it “Storm Benjamin” and it was 75 mph winds with heavy rain, not good for a walk in the woods. π¨ I’m goingg to attempt the 5 lapper next week! πͺπΌ π
Chat GPT sure has a lot of words! Talk about thorough! Well, the words I liked best were the ones from Colossians 1:10–walking worthy of the Lord is the daily challenge and the daily joy, because He’s satisfied with us always. Great pictures!
Amen! I love how God’s Word cuts through the fluff and is like a breath of fresh air!
On another note, I was going to attempt a 5 lapper tomorrow (around 4 and a half hours constant walking) but it’s given out amber weather warnings with heavy rain and Gail force winds! I’ll go and do a lap and see how it is, otherwise I’ll have to go some day next week, as I’ve got to do it before the end of October! π¨