Trail Toes Review & Giveaway {CLOSED}

This Giveaway has closed.  Check our most recent posts to see if we are running any giveaways.

There are a few running issues that no one likes to talk about.  Today I will talk about one.  Chafing.  I have chafed and blistered before, and I can tell you one thing - I'll do anything to prevent this.

Mickey doesn't like to blister or chafe!

As I've gotten more involved in trail running in preparation for my ultra, we did some research on what 'those guys' use.  You know - the crazy guys that run 100 mile races.  If the typical runner can get bloody nipples during a well-supported half marathon road race, imagine what might happen on 50 plus miles in remote and often harsh conditions - where aid stations are very few and far between. This is how we heard about Trail Toes and Trail Tape.  This stuff is designed for ultra runners. It is made to withstand hours and hours of water, mud, dirt, sweat, and more.  I just had to give it a try!

I was lucky enough to test out both the Trail Toes and the Trail Tape.  I have to say that I put them both through their paces and I am a huge fan.  I have tried a couple of other products in the past and they just couldn't keep up with me.  

My first test for Trail Toes was my Swamp Forest Half Marathon.  I slathered trail toes on my feet to try and avoid blisters and angry toe nails.  I also used some on what I will refer to my "bathing suit area".  While on long training runs, both areas have experienced chafing.  The trail was very wet from the rain, and it continued raining through the race.  The Trail Toes worked like a champ.  My feet were blister free and "my bathing suit area" stayed free of any chafing or irritation as well.  I will spare you pictures of my gross runner feet.

Muddy, wet, and very humid.  No "bathing suit area" chafing or blistered feet!

Following my trail half, I continued to use the Trail Toes on my runs.  I also put some of the Trail Tape on my feet to see if it would hold.  The tape held steady on my feet even through wet trails and humid and hot runs.  I also tested the Trail Tape on my nipples.  Being a larger guy, nipple chafing has been an issue for me.  I have previously been using a product called 'nip guards'. They work well, but each package contains just ten pairs and retails for about $12.  The Trail Tape works just as well for a fraction of the cost and at 10.9 yards per package, I think one box ought to last me for years, if I only use them for my nipples. Suggestion: pre-cut the tape before leaving for a destination race.  Don't be like me, frantically hunting for scissors on race morning.

Trail Toes protected me all throughout the the runDisneyDopey Challenge.  Four races and 48.6 miles and I didn't get a single blister on my feet.  I also found out that Trail Toes can help when you fail to ensure your race gear is ready.  Marathon morning, I woke up and got dressed only to realize that my compression socks had a hole on the heel.  DisneyBride freaked out and tried to talk me into changing into a different pair.  Nope, I decided to put the Trail Toes to the test and just slathered it on my heel.  It could've turned out badly, but to my relief - no issues at all. 

Holey sock, no problem, just add some Trail Toes.

48.6 miles is no problem when your feet feel great!

Probably my biggest test for Trail Toes and Trail Tape came from my 1st ultra marathon.  I ran the Destin Beach Ultra Runs 50K in Destin.  The race is 100% on the beach, features countless water-crossings, wet sand, and the ever changing tide.  One can only imagine what this puts your feet thorough.  I slathered my feet and "bathing suit area" with Trail Toes and protected the nips with Trail Tape.  Further, I left more Trail Toes in my drop bag with fresh shoes and socks at mile 16.

Sand and water was the ultimate test for Trail Toes! It passed!

I reapplied the Trail Toes and Trail tape at mile 16.

After 30 miles of wet sandy feet, not a blister could be found.  My "bathing suit area" was free of issues as well.  You might be laughing about the last comment, but a runner dropped out of the 100 mile race because he had rubbed his "bathing suit area" raw. He used a different term, but this is a family-friendly blog. 

The combination of saltwater and sand really beat up the feet of far too many runners that weekend.  Once across the finish line, many runners were catering to horrific looking blisters on their feet. I can't help but think that could have been avoided with some Trail Toes.

Wiped out after 31 miles.  My feet may be wet and covered in sand, but I don't have any blisters.

The following week after my ultra, I had another destination race event:  Gasparilla Distance Classic in Tampa, FL.  4 races, 2 days = 30.4 miles in temps that started near freezing and ended in mid 70s plus wicked humidity.  I don't have my race recap up for that one yet. But you bet I was glad to have the Trail Toes and Trail Tape with me.

That's 126.2 miles of races, plus countless training miles that this stuff has come through for me.  


Some final thoughts

Keep some Trail Toes and some Trail Tape in your running bag and in your car.  You never know when you (or someone else) will need it.  Trail Toes cleaned up pretty easily with some soap and warm water.  Don't remove the Trail Tape from your nips until you are in the shower and can loosen the tape with some soap and warm water (learned this one the hard way).

Trail Tape retails for $6.50 on the Trail Toes page.  For $6.50 you almost have a lifetime supply of nipple protection.  This is far cheaper than the method I currently use.  DisneyBride used the Trail Tape on the bra strap area, where she is prone to irritation. She finished all her events (on the beach and on the road) with no issues.

Don't forget, the tape can be applied directly to any part of your skin, including your feet.

Trail Toes comes in a 2oz bottle ($11.99) or in 7 gram single use packet($.99) .  I find the packets to be great for drop bags and for packing for racecations.  

1st prize

2oz bottle of Trail Toes

One box of Trail Tape

Second prize

10-single use packets

Trail Tape sample

Terms of the Giveaway
1) No Purchase Necessary.
2) Giveaway begins Monday March 2, 2015 and ends Monday Mar. 9, 2015 at midnight. Winner will be announced on the Facebook page and this blog post. He or she will be notified Tuesday, March 10, 2015.
3) Must be 18 years or older to enter. Must be a U.S. resident.
4) Two (2) winners will be selected. The 1st winner will receive one (1) box of Trail Tape and one (1) container of Trail Toes.  Approximate retail value is $18.49. The second winner will receive 10 (10) single-use packets of Trail Toes and a Trail Tape sample. 
5) Sign in through Rafflecopter below to enter. With your first entry, the app will capture your e-mail or facebook name. This is so we can reach you if you win, in accordance with sweepstakes terms. Your contact info will ONLY be used to contact you if you win.
6) There are additional opportunities for multiple entries.
7) The winner will be chosen at random using the rafflecopter app below. Odds of winning are determined by the number of eligible entries received.
8) In the event winner does not respond to contact attempts via e-mail or facebook name provided within a one week period, another winner will be selected at random.
9) Void where prohibited.


a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclosure of Material Connection: No financial compensation was received. We received product from Trail Toes in exchange for this review. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will be good for our readers. All opinions stated on this blog are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

For more great giveaways:click the image below

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Running Skirts, Costumes & a Rock City Skirts Giveaway {Closed}

This Giveaway has closed.  Check our most recent posts for other great giveaways.

Last year, I discovered the very awesome Rock City Skirts.  At the time, I was a brand new runner still learning to 'love' running.  I found the motivation to keep training and to keep signing up for more races in an unlikely outlet: race costumes and running skirts.

I am not always comfortable just running in capris or tights. I prefer to be covered up from behind.  These lightweights running skirts are the perfect cover-up to just pull on over whatever you are already wearing.

Whether or not the race had a theme, I found a way to dress up for it in a costume, or at least wear a cute skirt. 

Here I am, more than a year and a half later, and I still love to put together fun outfits for running - and I keep coming back to Rock City Skirts to feed my addiction.

Amy, the owner of Rock City Skirts, has endless amounts of creativity. And she has the skill to make her designs a reality.  In fact, some of my favorite race outfits have come from her shop. 

Remember these?

This morning for my local Turkey Trot, I sported this super cute Pocahontas skirt!  I had my eye on this skirt for a good long while - and I think the theme works for Thanksgiving, don't you?

All the Rock City Skirts come in little girl sizes and adult women's sizes. Whether you are a petite pixie or a plus size gal --- you will find a skirt to fit.  Yes, I'm talking to you - us bigger gals have not been forgotten.

And if that wasn't enough, look at some of her other fun designs.  Princesses, Villains, Fairies, Holiday themes, Space themed.... and did I mention custom?  Yes, she does excellent and very speedy custom designs as well.





So you want one of Amy's creations, do you?

Well, she has generously allowed me to do another giveaway.  In fact, this is my THIRD Rock City Skirts giveaway.  If you have been reading my blog since last year, you might remember this one here, and this one was particularly sassy.  If you didn't win either of those - you know what they say:  Third time's a charm! Here is your chance. So check out the terms below and enter for your chance to win.


If you can't wait for the giveaway to end - and you need a running skirt right away, from now through November 30, you can save 15% off your order with the code:  blackfriday2014  That is a great deal.



Terms of the Giveaway
1) No Purchase Necessary.
2) Giveaway begins Thursday Nov. 27, 2014 and ends Wednesday Dec. 3, 2014 at midnight. Winner will be announced on the Facebook page and this blog post.  He or she will be notified Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014.
3) Must be 18 years or older to enter. Must be a U.S. resident. 
4) One (1) winner will be selected. The winner will receive one (1) running skirt valued up to $30.
5) Sign in through Rafflecopter below to enter. With your first entry, the app will capture your e-mail or facebook name. This is so we can reach you if you win, in accordance with sweepstakes terms. Your contact info will ONLY be used to contact you if you win.
6) There are additional opportunities for multiple entries.
7) The winner will be chosen at random using the rafflecopter app below. Odds of winning are determined by the number of eligible entries received.
8) In the event winner does not respond to contact attempts via e-mail or facebook name provided within a one week period, another winner will be selected at random.
9) Void where prohibited.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Disclosure of Material Connection: No financial compensation was received. I  received product from Rock City Skirts in exchange for this review. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will be good for our readers. All opinions stated on this blog are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Review & Giveaway: Running Duds {CLOSED}

This Giveaway has closed.  Check our most recent posts for other great giveaways.

 

 

I'm back! And sharing another cool piece of running gear: Running Duds.

What are Running Duds? 

Glad you asked...  They are comfy and crazy running shorts.  Available in both 'dudes' and ladies cut, these shorts are a colorful alternative to your basic black running shorts.   

The Running Duds crew is made up of a 'diverse mix of running enthusiasts' based out of South-East Queensland, Australia. These guys also just happen to have 'collective skills as experienced designers, manufacturers and web nerds'.  

If you start following their blog or social media, you will quickly discover these are a fun bunch of runners with a quirky sense of humor.  Further, they believe real men wear bright colors!

 

Yes, there are many runners that still wear plain, solid dark colors. When I started out - I think I had one pair of navy blue basketball shorts I wore on all my runs.  But that really doesn't do anything for your visibility.  Bright, light colors on the other hand, get you noticed - in a good way.

Selection

Running Duds features nine different shorts for men and they offer the same prints in a women’s cut. 

  

Guys, I know what you are thinking: these kind of look like boxer shorts or swim trunks.  I thought the same.  But that's because as guys we are used to wearing plain solid color dark shorts.  While DisneyBride's closet is bursting with over two dozen of those colorful, sparkly running skirts, my dresser is a sea of black and grey tech fabric.

So I was intrigued when Running Duds sent me 'The Florence' to try out.

Liner or No Liner? That is the question.

The men's and the ladies shorts are available with either a liner or no liner.  I went with the liner.  It comes up as an option when you order your shorts, so I think it is cool that the kind people of Running Duds give you that choice.

I've always considered myself to be a 'compression shorts under basketball shorts' - kind of guy - but if you've been following this blog, you can see I've ventured beyond my comfort zone this past year. In fact, the more I wear running shorts with a liner, the more I like them.  I may be a convert. 

From their website:

Duds Features     

• Light weight polyester fabric

• Optional fitted liner to hold everything in

• Water repellant finish

• Internal key pocket

• Machine washable (the only thing that should run is you!)

• Australian owned and Australian made

• Hot to trot

Experience with my Duds

I am definitely a fan. 

I wore mine on for a few beach runs as well as several trail runs. The shorts are perfect for the beach. The Florence is a fun flamingo print ideal for a Floridian, or really for anyone wanting to be reminded of tropical surroundings. 

This summer I started preparing for the Destin 50K ultra, which will be run exclusively on the beach in Destin, Florida.  My training runs are followed by a quick dip in the Gulf to cool down.   My Running Duds did a great job of not holding sweat and it quickly dried after my post run swim.   Unfortunately, I forgot to stand on one leg and look off into the distance.

On the trail the shorts performed just as well. The summers here in North Florida can get very humid, so I am always impressed when shorts help wick sweat away. They look just as good in the woods as they do on the beach.

 

The flamingos may not help me fly during my run; but they do make the run a whole lot more fun and comfortable. The more fun and comfortable the run, the longer the run will be, and the better prepared I’ll be for my next race. I look forward to wearing more Running Duds in the future.

I've listed some Pros and Cons.  Admittedly the Con is actually due to my lack of sunscreen, and not the fault of the shorts.  

Pros

• Fun
• Colorful (no fading after multiple washings)
• Extremely Lightweight and soft nylon material
• Great Selection
• Does not retain water/sweat
• Quality construction

Cons

• Unaccustomed to shorter length shorts, I sunburned my pasty-white thighs

Overall, you can see these shorts are a win-win.  And while the company is based overseas, the customer service to this US customer was excellent, and readily available through e-mail. Plus the shipping was surprisingly speedy.  The Australian dollar is pretty comparable to the US dollar, but on their webpage, you can select the appropriate 'Currency' at the top, to see the prices at the current exchange rate.  


And now, you can enter our giveaway and become a 'Dudder' too.

The awesome Running Duds team is allowing us to give away one pair of shorts.  So check out the terms below and enter for your chance to win.

Good Luck!

~DisneyGroom

Terms of the Giveaway

1) No Purchase Necessary.

2) Giveaway begins Wednesday June 18, 2014 and ends Tuesday June 24, 2014 at midnight. Winner will be announced on the Facebook page and this blog post.  He or she will be notified Wednesday June 25, 2014.

3) Must be 18 years or older to enter. Must be a U.S. resident. 

4) One (1) winner will be selected. The winner will receive one pair of Running Duds shorts. Retail Value: $46.63 (based on current Australian dollar to US dollar conversion as of June 18, 2014).

5) Sign in through Rafflecopter below to enter. With your first entry, the app will capture your e-mail or facebook name. This is so we can reach you if you win, in accordance with sweepstakes terms. Your contact info will ONLY be used to contact you if you win.

6) There are additional opportunities for multiple entries.

7) The winner will be chosen at random using the rafflecopter app below. Odds of winning are determined by the number of eligible entries received.

8) In the event winner does not respond to contact attempts via e-mail or facebook name provided within a one week period, another winner will be selected at random.

9) Void where prohibited.

  

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure of Material Connection: No financial compensation was received. We  received product from RunningDuds.com in exchange for this review. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will be good for our readers. All opinions stated on this blog are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Making Hydration a Habit and a CamelBak #DitchDisposable Giveaway! {CLOSED}

This Giveaway has closed.  Check our most recent posts for other great giveaways.

During March through May you might have seen our tweets and facebook updates on the #DitchDisposable campaign.  This was sponsored by Camelbak - a leading supplier of hydration products. 

The first step was taking the Ditch Disposable pledge.  During the official pledge period of March 17th - April 17th, we, along with many others, committed to stop using disposable water bottles, and to start carrying and refilling our Camelbak bottles each and every day.  (While the official period has passed, you can still take the pledge and commit to reusable water bottles.)

There are so many reasons to give up disposable bottles.  These are two screen captures from Camelbak.  The complete infographic can be seen here. 

from: http://greatist.com/health/why-you-should-never-buy-disposable-water-bottles-again

from: http://greatist.com/health/why-you-should-never-buy-disposable-water-bottles-again

This is in addition to the health and environmental impact of bottled water, which are far greater! 

So obviously this is a cause we feel strongly about.  We were very lucky to have been chosen as #DitchDisposable Ambassadors.  DisneyGroom was the Mentor - his job was to encourage me (the Partner) to honor my commitment. 

Camelbak sent us each a kit to get us started.  Here are both of our kits.

We each received the following:
1 Relay Filtration Pitcher
1 Groove Bottle
1 eddy Bottle
1 Chute Bottle
1 tube of Elixir electrolyte beverage tablets


Camelbak really gave us the tools we needed to succeed with this pledge!  Now that the period is over, we would like to share our answers to the campaign's follow-up questions.


DisneyGroom (Mentor)

How did you encourage your partner to Ditch Disposable? 
-  I have always been in the habit of having a reusable bottle with me.  The Ditch Disposable Ambassador Program seemed like a great opportunity to hopefully spark a new habit in my wife and others.

What did you do or what did you tell your partner that was the most influential reason to Ditch Disposable?
- I took time each morning to fill her CamelBak bottles for her.  I also reminded her that she dislikes the water at her office and bringing water from home was the best way to keep hydrated. 

What was the most inspirational or rewarding thing your partner shared with you about the experience? 
-She is actually drinking water!  She is drinking fluids throughout the day.  It is said a habit can be formed in 21 days.  Well, it took a bit longer for her, but the new habit was formed.  She fills up her bottles in the morning, and on weekends, she even reminds me to fill up mine before we head out to the beach or our trail runs.

Our puppy, Magnus, wants a drink!

DisneyBride (Partner): 

What was the greatest benefit you experienced during the challenge?

-I don't think I can pick just one. The most visible benefit was to my wallet.  I calculated that I saved between $15-18 per week.  Multiply that by 52 weeks in a year and you get... a scary number that I don't want to think about.  But now will be money in my pocket!

-A less visible, but perhaps greater benefit was that I reached for water instead of iced tea and other sugary drinks.

What was the toughest challenge to ditching disposable bottles?
-For me, it was when everyone around me is drinking soda.  I felt pretty boring with my water.  Then I remembered Camelbak sent me their "Elixir".  They are sugar-free effervescent electrolyte tablets.  So I get some fizz and color to make my water a little more exciting.

How were you able to successfully kick disposable bottles for 30 day?

-My mentor would have two bottles full and ready for me every morning.  I'd grab my lunch and my two Camelbaks before I headed out the door for work.  When I got to  my office in the morning I placed both bottles on my desk. 

By having water right in front of me all day, I did not have the desire to go buy other drinks.  On weekends, I carried a Camelbak bottle with me at all times. 

What did your mentor do or say that encouraged you the most?

- It was by example.  He carried his Camelbak Chute EVERYWHERE.  He took it to work, the gym, running errands.  If he could do it, then I surely could.

Okay... I admit it. Sometimes I made him carry my bottle too!

Also, as I mentioned above, DG would have two water bottles filled for me every morning to take to work.  To be adequately hydrated throughout my workday, I had to drink one bottle by lunch time, and the second bottle in the afternoon before 5pm.  I couldn't cheat, because DG would see my bottles when I came home in the evening. 

Drinking enough water was something I have struggled with for years.   Everyone knows the recommended minimum is 8 x 8:  eight glasses, each glass being at least eight ounces of water, per day (64 ounces).  But what about when you run or bike, or play tennis?

I used the hydration calculator on the Camelbak website to determine how much water I actually need.  It asks you a few questions and provides you with the amount you need.  So now, I try not to drop below that number when I go workout.



Proper hydration and using reusable bottles are good habits for the two-legged AND four-legged members of this family.  Here is our puppy, Magnus, taking a drink on the trail.  We carry a bottle just for him along with a collapsible bowl.   He drinks an entire 'Chute' (1 Liter) during a two hour hike.


The Giveaway

So you saw earlier that Camelbak sent us several goodies as part of this campaign.   There were a few items that we set aside for the purpose of a future giveaway.  And now, we want to share the #DitchDisposable love and give away some our swag. 

Our fridge at home has an 'in door' water dispenser with a built-in filter.  All our family members and friends have similar fridges at home. So we will never use the Relay pitchers Camelbak sent us.  I have to say - they look REALLY great though!  I remember using other pitchers and you had to wait several minutes for the water to drain through the filter.  This filter works at 'the speed of your faucet'.  So you get your water right away.  We also received two Groove filter bottles.  I opened one and used it before I realized it had a filter on it.  But the other one is still new in the package.

So, we are giving away THREE Camelbak items. Yes, that means THREE winners!


1 Groove Insulated Bottle - has built in filtration. Retail: $25.00 (amethyst)

1 Relay filtration pitcher (blue) Retail: $36.99
1 Relay filtration pitcher (black) Retail: 36.99

Also, Camelbak is hosting a pretty cool contest to win all kinds of great swag.  They have launched a new Ditch Disposable video contest called “Make a Reel Difference." All you budding film makers, you can submit an original video and enter to win. Check it out here: http://bit.ly/1obzApN  


Thanks for checking out the post and good luck with the giveaway!

Run Happy,
DisneyBride


Terms of the Giveaway

1) No Purchase Necessary.

2) Giveaway begins Wednesday June 11, 2014 and ends Tuesday June 17, 2014 at midnight. Winner will be announced on the Facebook page and this blog post.  He or she will be notified Wednesday June 18, 2014.

3) Must be 18 years or older to enter. Must be a U.S. resident. 

4) Three (3) winners will be selected. The winner will receive either a Camelbak Relay pitcher or a Groove water bottle, at our discretion. Retail Value: $25.00 or $36.99

5) Sign in through Rafflecopter below to enter. With your first entry, the app will capture your e-mail or facebook name. This is so we can reach you if you win, in accordance with sweepstakes terms. Your contact info will ONLY be used to contact you if you win.

6) There are additional opportunities for multiple entries.

7) The winner will be chosen at random using the rafflecopter app below. Odds of winning are determined by the number of eligible entries received.

8) In the event winner does not respond to contact attempts via e-mail or facebook name provided within a one week period, another winner will be selected at random.

9) Void where prohibited.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure of Material Connection: No financial compensation was received. We each received products from Camelbak as part of the #DitchDisposable promotion. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will be good for our readers. All opinions stated on this blog are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Read more