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.”

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Day 4: 2015 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend #DopeyChallenge #WDWHalf Done- 22.4 down, 26.2 until eternal greatness!

For this race, I would be flying solo.  Since she wasn't running or volunteering, DisneyBride decided to sleep in. Yeah, I know. But I can't blame her - those 2am wakeups are brutal.

Again I decided to catch a later bus.  This time, it almost came back to haunt me.  The driver managed to get lost trying to get out of the Art of Animation parking lot.  If only Disney provided large direction signs to help drivers exit their resorts, oh wait, they do!  He managed to do 2 figure eights before finally making it out of the resort.  A revolt almost broke out on the bus.  We did make it to the starting area, we arrived about 15 minutes later than we should have.  I think I am back to taking the earliest bus.

I wish something could be done to end the long march to the starting corrals for the half marathon.  The lighting was better this year, and they were kind enough to provide a DJ and cheerleaders along the path. I would venture a guess that the walk from bus to the startline adds at least a mile. 

The corrals set off at much shorter intervals than the 5k or 10k.  

With the highway being the course for about the first 5 miles, crowding wasn't much of an issue.  I am a big fan of the long stretch on the way to the Magic Kingdom.  

Arriving at these parking gates always reminds me of my first trip to Disney as a kid.  Its also the point that spectators start lining the course (ok - it is a little distance beyond the gates, but hopefully you get my point.

 

Let me take a minute and compliment all the marching bands that participated during the half and full marathons.  They really stepped up their game this year.  They all seemed to be really into performing and hamming it up with the crowd.  

The last thing I was ever going to do in high school was get up before the sun and watch people run.  Thank you all!

I also found the cheerleaders again!

It was nice to see Wreck-it Ralph and Vanellope on the course.  I am always happy to see some of the newer characters on the course. 

The run onto Main Street is always incredible. Rather than take a selfie, a spectator was nice enough to snap my photo.

It should come as no surprise that I made a stop in Tomorrow Land.  Buzz Lightyear took a break from Star Command to meet with runners.  He is always gracious, however, he didn't seem to appreciate my Darth Vader costume. He's a hero, I'm a villain - I get it...

  

Anna and Elsa welcomed us to the castle this year.  They even had snow.  It wasn't enough that you froze us a couple of days earlier, you had it snow at the castle.  Enough with the Frozen stuff, Let it go!  After I ran through the castle, a spectator took a fantastic castle photo for me.

Really excited about this pic - the castle isn't cut off this time!
It's the little things...

Near the Wedding Pavillion, I ran into Disney's alleged 'Disney Grooms'.  Never fear! There can only be one @Disney_Groom.

 Eventually, runDisney will remove these posers from the course. 

The run to the Finish Line in EPCOT was pretty uneventful.  Characters and entertainment were plentiful, however, I didn't stop for many characters until EPCOT.  Upon my arrival in EPCOT, I did stop for Phineas and Ferb.  I have never stopped for them in the past and no one was in line, a win-win. 

I also managed to get a pretty good shot in front of the Spaceship Earth.  This costume seems to photograph pretty well and might just become a staple at races.  The force is strong with this one. 

Approaching that glorious finish line just never gets old.  

Mickey was even present to welcome us.  I did a very quick, run-by selfie. Don't worry, I checked to make sure no one was running up right behind me.  Unfortunately the sun was right behind us... oh well.  Going to try again at the full.

This was my awesome medal volunteer for the Half!

I received my medal, beverages, and box o'food then headed to the bus area.  I had planned on just heading back to the resort.  Upon leaving the finish area, I noticed that Dopey had almost no line.  So I decided to keep the streak alive and grab a Dopey photo. 

I had a lot of compliments and questions, on my shorts, my hydration pack, and my custom compression arm sleeves that day. My shorts are from our awesome sponsor: X RaceWear, my vest is the Orange Mud VP2, and the sleeves are from Run Alice Run. The items all served me well on race day (and on training runs).

Leaving the race, I headed back to the hotel to get DisneyBride before heading to Magic Kingdom for lunch.  On the way, we ran into the Mayor and First Lady of Main Street.  

I wished him well with his upcoming campaign (I think he is a lock), and he wished me luck on my marathon.

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train had a 70 minute wait (the best we've seen all weekend) so we got in line. Sure enough, the ride breaks down while we are in line - causing a 25 minute delay.  We were too close to the front of the queue to give up (hey distance runners are stubborn people... it's who we are) so we waited it out.

We were well rewarded.  The ride was AWESOME!

I even found DOPEY!

Following lunch, we attended a meetup hosted by Meranda and Lacey of FairyTales and Fitness.  All but one us (Amy) were running bloggers, so it was really cool getting to meet the authors of several of the blogs we follow.  The sparkly skirts seen below were provided by Amy Maust, owner and founder of Rock City Skirts; she was in town to run the Walt Disney World Marathon.

I was offered a sparkle skirt, as was Robert (husband of Lauren of Lauren's Glass Slipper).  We both graciously declined, much to the disappointment of our wives, who did their best to convince us we 'have the legs for it'.

I did however get a different prize, a running journal from Gone For a Run.

Leaving the meet-up, I had to call it quits and head back to the hotel.  It was pretty early - only 4:00ish, but spending more time in the parks would not have been the prudent decision.  It took me about an hour and a half to make it back to the hotel, get dinner, and put the marathon clothes out.  It was not a fun thing to do, however, it was the correct call. 

DisneyBride, ever the party animal - went off to Animal Kingdom to ride the rides, find some dinner, and get as many character photos as she could, until the park closed.

I think I was asleep before 6:30pm - because I wanted at least 6 full hours before the long day that was to come. 

Just 26.2 miles to go!

For my other 2015 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend recaps see the links below.

Expo Recap

http://www.runninghappilyeverafter.com/2015/01/day-1-disneygrooms-2015-dopeychallenge.html

5k Recap

http://www.runninghappilyeverafter.com/2015/01/day-2-disneygrooms-2015-dopey-challenge.html

10k Recap

http://www.runninghappilyeverafter.com/2015/01/2015WDW10K.html

-DG

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Day 1: 2015 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Expo & #DopeyChallenge

Day 1 (of 5) of my Dopey Challenge recap

The day finally arrived.  Bright and early Wednesday morning we hopped in the car for the four hour drive to Walt Disney World.  We made great time and headed straight for the expo, as has become our custom.

Once we got to the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, we made a beeline for the runDisney merchandise area.  There were only a couple of things we wanted, but history has shown that you better get what you want first.  Your race packet and shirts will wait. 

With our goodies in hand, we walked the expo.  The Champion booth had some really cool shirts that we just had to have. 

No runDisney expo is complete without a visit to see Jeff and Barbara Galloway.  

Both Jeff and Barbara are extremely nice people, and Jeff even had a nice handout to help people with post-race recovery.

Time to get our bibs.

Following our time at the expo we finally headed to the hotel to check-in.  This year we're staying in the Art of Animation Resort in a Little Mermaid themed room.  This hotel is very well themed and I hope that it warms up a little so that we can enjoy the pools.

Annual Passes have been renewed.  

Watch out Disney, you will now be seeing more of both of us.  DisneyBride's highlight of the day was her picture with Aurora.  

As you might have guessed, mine was riding Space Ranger Spin (maxed out the high score - because I am awesome) and my Buzz photo.

Between the early mornings and park time, the chance of me having the posts up daily is looking pretty slim.  Hopefully, I'll still be able to get them up pretty timely.

Are you running at Walt Disney World this weekend?

Please say hello if you see us anywhere!

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2015 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Registration! Are you in?

Today is the day.  The day registration for runDisney's 2015 Walt Disney Marathon weekend opens up to the general public.   

DisneyGroom:  

It has been said that "Pain is Temporary and Pride is Forever". 

It must be true, because it looks like I will be running the Dopey Challenge once again. 

Remember this guy?

Me neither.

I finished the Inaugural Dopey Challenge (5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Full Marathon) this January.  I was tired, but injury-free, so naturally I immediately began thinking about Dopey in 2015.  However, this does mean another summer of long training runs, weekends devoted to back-to-back runs, and weeknight training sessions.  It also means the longest and toughest training period will peak around Christmastime. 

Last year I created my own training plan. But this year, I'll be following Jeff Galloway's Dopey Challenge plan.  Note: Jeff Galloway’s training plans are already available for WDW Marathon Weekend.  They have never failed me - so whether you are a newer or experienced runner, the plans are worth checking out.

Next January, I will try to spend more time enjoying the Disney Parks in between races.  I'll be the first to admit, I was dull and boring during Marathon Weekend this year.  I was just focused on finishing Dopey.   Now, with one successful Dopey under my belt, this time around I plan to spend more time enjoying the parks, restaurants, and meet-ups. 

Early registration (for Annual Passholders and DVC members) opened up this past week for the 2015 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.  DisneyBride got us both signed up.

Looking forward to seeing my runDisney friends in January.  Perhaps this time, Buzz Lightyear will make an appearance.  If you haven't read my Dopey Challenge blog posts, they are available here.

DisneyBride:

With so many races available in Florida year-round, it gets difficult to choose.  Not this time.  I just loved the Inaugural Walt Disney World 10K this year, so coming back in January was a very easy decision to make.  Plus, I have to be here anyway to support my Dopey!

The temptation of another Minnie medal proved too much to resist.  This past January, I only ran the 10K, but for 2015, I've signed up for the 5K as well.  This is because I've convinced a friend to make the WDW 5K her very first running event, and I'm really happy to be able to run it with her.

I've not committed to running the Half Marathon as of yet.  Volunteering at the half has been such an amazing experience these past two years, I feel inclined to go for a third time.  DG is still hoping I'll sign up for the Half, so... maybe.

January 2015 seems like such a long time away, doesn't it?

Will we see you at Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend?

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Day 4: DisneyGroom’s #DopeyChallenge Weekend. #WDWHalf Done- 22.4 Down and 26.2 to Go!

I am absolutely amazed by the enthusiasm the runDisney Transportation guy at my resort shows at 3:30 in the morning.  Now, to the recap.  


I woke a few minutes earlier this morning to drop off my DisneyBride at the volunteer check-in at Blizzard Beach.  I hope as you passed her at 1.9 and 9.7 you were able to say "Hi".  I stopped for a quick good luck kiss on the way out and the way back.

Today was a glorious 13.1 mile run.  This is my Tribute to all Runners, but mostly me!



Starting out, I really wish that corrals could be closer to the drop off area.  I felt like I did a 10K from my bus to the start area.  It's still very dark at 4am, so more light on the way to the corrals from the reunion area would also be a welcome addition.  Considering the early wakeup, I was pleased to see most everyone appeared quite happy this morning. Maybe I'm the only runner that gets Grumpy about his alarm clock going off.

There were no character sendoffs at the 5K and 10K, so I was really happy to see that Donald sent off each corral this morning.  

Mickey and Minnie were also up on stage.  Unfortunately, as far back as I was in my corral, I could not see them.  The fireworks for most corrals were very nice. A few of the send-offs had technical difficulties. Even though the corrals were far smaller for this race than in past Half Marathons, they still seemed too crowed.  

The shorter start times between corrals worked very well, though.  Once we were on the course there was not nearly as much congestion as my last Disney Half (Princess 2013).

It was nice to see that the med tents in the first mile were attempting to prevent problems. They were offering Vaseline to runners who forgot to apply anti-chafing balm.  There is nothing worse than seeing bloody nips or runners who can't run straight at the finish line from thigh chafing.  Further, the med tents did a very good job of reminding runners to drink at all the water stops.  They also seemed to be very prepared for runners who needed to cut off their long sleeves.

It is amazing to run through Magic Kingdom.  I stopped for a few photos with in the park.  Following my Main Street picture, I managed to drop my phone. I didn't notice until I had gotten to the front of the Buzz Lightyear stop in Tomorrow Land.  I turned back and ran against the runners.  Amazingly, a spectator in Main Street had found my phone and returned it to me.  Thanks again spectator!  I ran back to Buzz and stood in line again for a photo stop.  I probably wouldn't have done this for any other character.  But my mild obsession with my favorite Space Ranger has been well-documented.

This extra 'almost a half-mile' hiccup blew my anticipated pace. I didn't try to make up for it.  If anything, it forced me to relax a bit more. 

The second half of the course was great.  I ended up running most of it with a friend and fellow Dopey Challenger, Michelle, from Tallahassee.  

As always, Sarge on the overpass is hilarious!

More photos from today

 Molly the Balloon Lady- I ran into her on the way to the bag check area.  Its was nice meeting her, and I'm glad to say this was the only time I saw her.

Muppet Mania! Sam Eagle with 2 Animals

 

Becky from Endurance Sports Connection

Marci @DisneyWishRun

Michelle and Karen from Tallahassee

I got to hang briefly with some of the coolest runDisney bloggers on the block: Linzie of See Sharp Run, Pam and Christine of We Run Disney, and Katrina Elle (formerly Sneakers & Fingerpaints)  They are all much faster than me, so obviously this is pre-race.

Another awesome blogger, Erin of For the Love of Disney Running

I got photos at all 13 mile markers, but I will only post one.  Can you guess why it is my favorite?

Photo Bombs

Sam Eagle does NOT do the Chicken Dance, even with a marching band as backup

Mile 13 GOSPEL CHOIR!

Captain Jack Sparrow Mile 1

Sam Eagle's Safety Violations

One should not run on the railroad tracks.

Driving a Lamborghini on the runner's course is not safe.

Great Spectator Signs

Took me seven runDisney events, but I FINALLY finally found the World Famous Peggy Sue!

Finish Line Mickey. He high-fived me. It made my day.

Very Happy Medal Volunteer

Takeaways

• I am still feeling good (phew!) and am looking forward to the marathon.
• Having a hydration pack today was very helpful.  It saves time not stopping at water stations.
• I need to make sure to remember my eat my race nutrition during the marathon.  I forgot to fuel after mile 4.
• I need to tweet more.  I didn't send out many race tweets today.
• I need to get to bed even earlier tonight.  Six hours of sleep is not going to cut it.
• I think that bringing all my own food and being a boring eater is a huge help. I've met several other runners that are doing this.

Well tomorrow I am going to be dressed as Mr. Incredible. Further, I probably won't be as quick with the recap.  I plan on enjoying the recovery time tomorrow.  More importantly, I am looking forward to my victory dinner.  I am tried of not eating all the amazing food that's available here in Disney.  Watch out Boma and anyone that gets in my way at Animal Kingdom Lodge - my runger will be in full force tomorrow.

Stay Safe

@Disney_Groom


My 2014 Walt Disney World Weekend Recaps:
Day 5: DisneyGroom's #DopeyChallenge Weekend: Marathon
Day 4: DisneyGroom’s #DopeyChallenge Weekend: Half Marathon
Day 3: DisneyGroom’s #DopeyChallenge Weekend: Inaugural 10K
Day 2: DisneyGroom’s #Dopey Challenge Weekend: The Family Fun Run 5K
Day 1: DisneyGroom's #DopeyChallenge Weekend: Expo

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