Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Stroehmann Back on My Feet 5 miler


As you may recall, the last 3 years I have given away a free entry to the Philly BOMF 5 miler however I was never able to actually run the race.  This year the timing worked perfectly that I could run.  When I went on the website to register, I noticed there was a free kids run so of course I signed the kids up.  I knew Emir wasn't going to want to run since he just had the Mt. Tammany 10 the weekend before so that would work out to bring the kids down.  And my sister Cindy had registered to race so I was looking forward to running with her.
They love being involved at races

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

2 Toms -- Saving my Skin, one run at a time!

Disclaimer: I received 2TOMS SportShield as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

Prior to Bibrave asking who wanted to test 2 Toms, I had never heard of them.  But when they said it was a product to prevent chafing, I HAD to try it.  I feel like I'm in a never ending battle with chafage.  Every time I think I've solved the problem, new chafage issues crop up.  It's not only annoying but PAINFUL!  I've tried MANY different products and combinations of things including my running apparel but nothing seems to make it go away completely.  At this point I was willing to try ANYTHING even though I knew nothing about the product!

I don't have pictures of all my inner thigh and back wounds but here's a couple of under arm pics to give you an idea....
AHHHHHHHH
 

Here's the description of the Sportshield product I was being sent:
SportShield® is a silicone-based anti-chafe product. SportShield® anti-chafe formula is non-staining, non-toxic, non-greasy and be used daily.  It contains no animal products. - See more at: http://www.2toms.com/sportshield/#sthash.EDM8HVzy.dpuf
 "a Silicone-based anti-chafe product.  Sportshield anti-chafe formula is non-staining, non-toxic, non-greasy and be used daily"

The SportsShield comes in two forms: the roll on bottle and the wipes.  Both are becoming a permanent part of my ultra drop bags!
Once it arrived, I realized it definitely was a much different product than any of the other anti-chafe products I have used.  It's a roll-on application and the actual anti-chafe stuff is very liquidy.  I was a bit skeptical at first but I did really enjoy the ease of the application.  I think I covered my whole body in like 2 seconds.  So much easier than those sticks.

It's SO EASY to just roll on whatever parts you want protected!! 
I saw a little residue when I put my running clothes on so I was concerned whether it had rubbed off or that it might stain my clothes.  Turns out neither of those things was true.  I did not chafe a single time that I used 2 Toms and my clothes came out of the wash stain free every time.  And in case you are wondering EXACTLY how it works.  You are basically "Rolling on a smooth, invisible coating to the skin.  This coating eliminates or greatly minimizes the friction that causes blisters, chafing and irritation."
2 Toms has become a part of my race kit!
I'm not one to be dramatic and tell you that a product is amazing but 2 Toms has really been a savior for me.  I used to dread taking showers after long runs or ultras.  I almost always had a chafed spot that would cause me to scream.  During the testing period, I ran many back to back long runs, a 50 mile race and One City Marathon.  I honestly did not get chafed a single time!  And this winter was crazy with the weather so I had the opportunity to test in everything from twenty layers to shorts and singlets.  I also wore my pack a number of times which has also been a source of chafage with certain sports bra combos.  Even with the usual deadly pack combos, I had no problems.
This is usually a DEADLY combo for me: sports bra + singlet + pack

Currently there is a 20% off discount code, 2 TOMS20, which I already used to stock up on more Sportshield for my upcoming 100.  There are also other blister and butt products available in addition to stink free detergent which I purchased a trial size since ALL my running clothes smell so bad.  I'll let you know how it goes!

MORE 2Toms!!!!!
SportShield® is a silicone-based anti-chafe product. SportShield® anti-chafe formula is non-staining, non-toxic, non-greasy and be used daily.  It contains no animal products. - See more at: http://www.2toms.com/sportshield/#sthash.EDM8HVzy.dpuf

Thursday, March 17, 2016

One City Marathon

 Disclaimer: I received entry to One City Marathon as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
ROAD TRIP!!
 I left for Newport News, VA Friday morning, it was about 11 by the time I got gas and a few items from Wawa.  I was excited to get away for a relaxing weekend.  Emir had been away in Colorado for work since Saturday so I was single parenting all week.  It's nothing I can't handle but it's exhausting.  Emir is super involved with everything around the house and with the kids so when he's not there, there's a lot more for me to do and only me for the kids to bug about EVERY LITTLE THING ;-)  Anyway we all survived but I was ready for a little break.  The only downside was having to drive 300 miles solo.  Honestly, I'm not sure I've ever driven that far alone.  I've done plenty of 2-3 hour trips but anything further and I've either been with my family, friends or Emir.  I'm usually out like a light by 30 minutes into a car ride, so I was curious how I would feel having to drive the entire thing myself.