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Saturday, May 22, 2010

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

2 – Visit the Chill Towel website HERE and tell me something you learned. LEAVE ME A COMMENT

4 – Post about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter account. LEAVE ME A COMMENT FOR EACH.

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]

69 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great run and a good chance for couple time.

    I'm a follower!

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  2. I learned that using a dry towel to get rid of sweat actually slows down the evaporation process.

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  3. Great site. Love the towels;)

    I'm a SAHM and my husband just got a pay cut of 30%; I feel your grocery shopping pain:(

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  4. went to the site and learned that they are all natural! cool. I've never ever heard orof or seen this product before!

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  5. I bet that trail run together was a good stress reliever for you guys!

    I am a follower!

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  6. Just linked you in my sidebar!

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  7. Just checked out their website - they have a new resealable package for more than one use!
    OK - I'm off for my last long run before my half next weekend - 10 miles here I come!

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  8. I am a follower! Those towels look wonderful!

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  9. I learned that the Chill towel instantly lowers your body temperature. I could definitely use these, because after I run I am as red as a beet! My face gets so red and hot!!!

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  10. I linked at http://tworunnersandabrowndog.blogspot.com

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  11. I just got laces like that for the first time too! I love them =)

    Following!

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  12. Just visited the site and learned that it's headquartered here in Florida.

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  13. Those towels would be absolutely FANTASTIC at my kettlebell workshop next month. 3 days of absolute hell outside from 0800-1800 everyday!
    THAT would be a true test to see how well they work over and over like they say they do!
    BTW; that's what I learned from their website!

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  14. I am a follower! (as Chris in GFC)

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  15. I'm a follower.

    For me, a long run is 6.5 miles...and my route involves both asphalt and gravel road. I like having the variety of surface to keep me on my toes. I would like to try true trail running, but I just don't know if my ankles would put up with it and I'd be nervous all the time.

    I'm going to keep working at this running thing...it sounds really nice to be at a stage where 10 miles is a short run.

    Really excited for your marathon next weekend...oh and best of luck on your hubby's 1/2 ironman!

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  16. Cool product. I never heard of the Chill towel before! I'm a follower.

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  17. I learned from their site that the towels contain cooling properties discovered in semi-tropical Asia.

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  18. wow Great Run!

    I am follower

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  19. I'm already a follower!

    Oh..and about the lock laces. I actually use Yankz, but they're basically the same thing. When I need a new pair of shoes I just transfer the Yankz to my new shoes (unless the color scheme won't work..ha ha!). Even though you cut them to length, the length shouldn't change on your new shoes, so you can reuse them easily.

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  20. Those towels are awesome! I learned that they are all natural and are very effective at lowering your body temp. when used! Awesome! Those would be perfect for after my Half Ironman! :)

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  21. I am a follower - what a great giveaway (although those laces things are so what I need - my laces are sooo long)

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  22. I tweeted http://twitter.com/sclubmama/status/14577506658

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  23. I didn't know that they were reusable! Awesome find...perfect for running in Georgia.

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  24. I love that the larger towels have a loop, so you can secure around your neck!

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  25. Linked ya up on my sidebar!

    Love the pics of you and hubby!

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  26. I'm a follower! Sounds perfect for after a hot Summer race.

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  27. I posted this to my blog:

    http://fromfat2fab2009.blogspot.com

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  28. I like that it works to cool your CORE temperature and not just your surface temp. That will go a long way here in Atlanta!

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  29. You know I am a loyal follower!!! Love your blog!

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  30. I love that the Chill towels don't need refrigeration, and that they are 20 degrees cooler than your body temp. These would be AWESOME after a long, hot, sweaty run!!!

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  31. I posted your giveaway on my blog!

    http://girlsjustwannagorun23.blogspot.com/2010/05/making-tracks-for-zoo-5k-race-recap.html

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  32. Sounds like a nice run with the hubby!

    I'm a follower!

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  33. I like that they don't require refrigeration. These would be nice after a race!

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  34. I put your giveaway up on my blog.

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  35. I went to their site and learned that they are naturally antiseptic and antibacterial…which is great after a long, hot run.

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  36. I just went to their site. First, awesome product! :) I learned that it stays about 20 degrees cooler than your body temp. Sounds like a product I need for Ironman Louisville in August!!!

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  37. Trails are just a little different aren't they? You've gotto slow down and pay attention. Remember our #1 rule in trail running - "If you look up you're going down!"

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  39. The towels are cool and would be useful after a race since you don't need to refrigerate them.

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  40. I tweeted about your giveawy.

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  41. So first, bummer about the hubs. My wife just resigned from her job so I feel your pain.

    I follow

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  42. I went to the website and learned that BASICALLY everything in this giveaway is magic. Cold without ice!? Crazyyy

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  43. Glad you and your husband were able to get out for a nice run together to help combat some of the stress.

    Great reviews on the lock laces - I've been wondering about how well these would keep shoes tight enough for me as I have to cinch the shoe around my ankle to keep them from slipping.

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  44. These towels seem really neat! I can't believe that they stay cool for 2-3 hours! I would have guessed that they'd heat up right away. I think it's really interesting that the towels contain citrus oil extract, which is antibacterial.

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  45. I posted a link for this giveaway on my blog!

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  46. Neat product, not only would I like them for after a run but also for night sweats!!

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  47. Im a new follower of your blog, it looks great, I will definitely be keeping myslef updated with it! Those locking laces look really handy, I could definitely do with some of them as I am forever tripping on my laces whilst teaching step!

    Keep up the good work, I started running in September, and found that I actually really enjoy it! I have had a few weeks out but will hopefully get back into it as of Monday, I hope to run a marathon next year!

    Soph
    x
    barrettsfitness.blogspot.com

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  48. I learnt off of the Chill towel website that they are sold in 26 different countries over the world!

    (and also that if its not a chill towel, then its not cool!)

    Soph
    x

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  49. Have just posted the comp on my blog

    barrettsfitness.blogspot.com

    xxx

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