12 mile Trail Run with Hubby & a Giveaway!!

Hubby had 12 miles on tap on Saturday (he has a 1/2 Ironman next month) and I had my last "longish" run of 10 miles on tap for Sunday (my marathon is next Sunday). After all of the stress we've been having (mentioned in my last post), we decided that we needed a break from the kids ... and life ... and top spend some time together. We decided to run 12 miles together on Saturday at the Glacial Drumlin State Trail HERE. We dropped the kids off at my in-laws for a couple of hours and drove to the trail head. Hubby has run several long training runs on this trail. I had never been there. The temperature was about 77 degrees when we left the car and the sun was beating down (hence the squinty eyes!).

Pre-Run Couples Photo

Trail Head in Cottage Grove

I have run on some trails before during races. But, otherwise I run on roads or paved pedestrian paths. Let me tell you that my first 2-3 miles were awful. I had to adjust where I was on the path to get the most compact gravel, because my shins and my calves were absolutely killing me. One mile in, I began wondering whether I would be regretting this tomorrow ... or worse next Sunday for my marathon. I pushed through it and hydrated myself in the heat with my GoLite Hydroclutch and felt good-to-go after mile 3. We ran to the six mile marker and turned around and headed back. I always run solo, so it was nice to have someone to keep me company. We talked on and off and made random comments ... because I'm not a conversationalist during my runs. The scenery was the same over-and-over but beautiful, calming and a nice break from my neighborhood runs. Each mile marker was marked and there were lots of cyclists out on the beautiful Saturday afternoon.

We returned back to the trail head in 1:57:17.

Today's Couples After Workout "Glow"

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Today, I finally was able to try my Lock Laces. You can check them out online HERE.

Hubby encouraged me to wear an older pair of running shoes to the trail, if I didn't want to dirty up my good pair for my race next week. I had my Lock Laces ready to go in the old pair already and decided to size them up today.

What their website says:

Lock Laces™ are a patented* “elastic lacing system” that feature specially designed elastic laces combined with a spring activated locking device. Lock Laces™ are great for running, triathlon, playing sports and casual wear.Lock Laces™ are also ideal for children, the elderly and the physically challenged. Wear Lock Laces™ with all styles of running shoes, athletic shoes and casual lace-up shoes for any desired use. When using Lock Laces™, you never have to stop to retie your laces during any race, sport or activity.With Lock Laces™ you can simply slip your shoes on and off, no more tying and untying laces or double knots! Lock Laces™ provide convenience, superior comfort, more flexibility and a better fit compared to cotton or nylon shoelaces.


I wore mine today for the first time. I was going to wear them for my 22 miler but chickened out. I was too scared to try something new on a long run like that.

They worked out great today. It was nice not worrying about shoelaces getting untied. They stayed in place the entire 2 hours.

The instructions are available on the site HERE. The package also includes some instructions, but the images were so small, that it was hard to figure out exactly what I was supposed to be doing. It was also fun to try out the pink set of laces and add some fun to my otherwise boring running shoes. It was also nice after my long run not to have to bend down and deal with until a double knotted shoe laces. You know much of a pain (literally!) that is!!! I can just slip them on again next time and they will fit perfectly.

I did initially knot the laces a little too tight at first, because I was worried about them moving around. My baby toes were starting to go numb on our drive to the trail today. I was able to adjust them though and they worked absolutely fine. No numb toes while running today!

The last step is cutting the laces, after you have the perfect fit. I really liked them, but I wonder at $4.99 a pop what you do when you need new running shoes?! Can you lace them up in your new shoes and try to make them work. Or do you have to buy a new pair of laces, too?

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Hubby and I also used some of Chill Towels after our HOT workout today. You can find them online HERE. I've used them several times now after long training runs (some photos from a 20 miler below). I was able to check out the small, medium and large sizes of the Chill Towel.

Today it was really warm out side and when I took my towel out of the package (and out of my sauna of a vehicle) post-run it was a little warm. I just shook it out and it cooled right down, and was ready to cool me off. Pretty cool!

I have trouble with my eyes burning after long runs and races, because the sweat and salt gets in my eyes. It's really nice to wipe off my face and my eyes right away so that doesn't happen.

I've used Action Wipes before and wasn't sure how these would be different. But, I like these. They are meant for one-time use but aren't disposable, like Action Wipes. I just put them in the laundry and the kids have been using them for washcloths in the bathtub.

What their website says:

Consumer response to our 100% cotton terry cloth cooling towel, which is pre-moistened with a unique formula, has been overwhelming. CHILL's instant cooling sensation cuts the heat anytime anywhere. In fact independent tests indicate that, right out of the package without refrigeration, CHILL Cooling Towels are about 20 degrees cooler than body temperature.

Benefits of CHILL Cooling Towels:
Helps to reduces body temperature by aiding the natural perspiration evaporation process
Aids in preventing overheating while it helps to invigorate and energize
Can help improve endurance and aids in decreasing fatigue
All natural ingredients
Instantly cool, no refrigeration necessary, CHILL is 20+ degrees lower than your body temperature, right out of the bag
Towels are naturally anti-bacterial and antiseptic
Does not effect player’s grip
Leaves skin feeling fresh and clean
Contains skin moisturizer, aloe vera

I really think these will work great after races. I think you would benefit from these more at a race much more so than returning home after a workout. I can just hop in the shower then. You can just slip this into your running bag and you'll be good to go after the race. I will surely have one or two in my bag next weekend. I can wipe off my Gu-filled hands and the salt off of my face right away!

They claim to also work for hot flashes!! :-)


One lucky winner will win a small, medium and large Chill Towel!!!

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!!

1 – Become a follower of my blog or already are?! LEAVE ME A COMMENT

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Enter now though Thursday, May 27.
Winner will be announced on Friday.

[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at jamie dot edge at charter dot net]