Remove Performance Clothes Odor

written by runnergirl training

Laundry day can be a real stinker if your performance clothes emerge from the washer with trapped deodorant and sweat odors. As an avid wearer of performance or technical workout clothes I noticed various brands of deodorants resulted in residual odors on my clothing. My regular clothes were less affected but still shirts could smell.

How could this problem be occurring? I am a clean person who showers daily. How could my clothes possibly smell? After switching laundry detergents, brands of deodorant, washing laundry in only cold water and always air drying nothing was still combatting clinging scents of trapped old deodorant. After some time researching online it was clear what I needed to do and that lots of other people have faced this same laundry quandary.

Step one is start wearing a deodorant with no antiperspirant or a low percentage of aluminum. That is the ingredient which helps keep your underarms dry however it is also what binds body odor and deodorant scent to the fabric. I found Arm & Hammer Essentials Natural Deodorant unscented to be great with not sticking to clothes or remaining on fabric after washing. It does not have antiperspirant so if you work up a sweat you will feel your shirt absorbing it. But there will be no gross deodorant smell then or after washing your clothes.

Step two is use white vinegar when doing laundry. It will help lift trapped deodorant and sweat smells from clothes. It can be added to the detergent cycle or rinse cycle. When the clothes emerge from the washer they actually have no smell of deodorant, sweat or even vinegar. I add ¼ cup of diluted white vinegar to the rinse cycle.  Just as an important laundry reminder NEVER use vinegar with bleach!!!!! It is hazardous to your health and creates toxic chlorine gas!!!!!

Step three is wash clothes on cold water and hang dry or air dry (no heat) in the dryer.

Step four, use a natural or fragrance & excess chemical free laundry detergent. See my product review for Sport Suds here!

Who knew small changes could make such a difference with clothes? I have even used white vinegar when washing towels and they have never had that lingering damp towel odor again. Give it a try and see what a difference little changes can make for your laundry!

When To Replace Running Shoes

written by runnergirl training

When to replace running shoes is something most runners wonder. A good rule of thumb is every 300-500 miles or around 6 months whichever occurs first. Read more below!

Product Review - Sport Suds Detergent

written by runnergirl training

Performance workout clothing functions optimally when washed with detergent that does not leave a residue as left by most common laundry detergents. Sport Suds is a fantastic detergent for sports performance clothing that will not leave a residue of chemicals preventing the garments from being moisture wicking. It also does not leave the chemical residue that often binds sweat odors into the fabric and preventing them from becoming truly clean in the wash. It gets even better; Sport Suds is hypoallergic, free of fragrance, non-toxic and biodegradable. What more could you ask from a detergent? J

I personally have been using Sport Suds on my performance clothes for the past six months. Gone are the annoying deodorant fragrance odors from underarms, the lingering sweat scents after washings and my clothes wick sweat as if they were brand new! I always wash them on cold water, delicate cycle & hang to dry. I purchased mine on Amazon.

I have been so impressed with how my clothes are free from those unpleasant odors that I had to write this review so hopefully others can too enjoy their performance clothes again. If you’ve tried it, let me know what you think too!

This review is conducted with my personally purchased Sport Suds product and I was not asked to write a review and I was not compensated for it.

Product Review: Chattanooga ColPac Ice Pack

written by runnergirl training

This is a product review for a product which I personally purchased and received no compensation.

Ever need a reusable ice pack after working out & you’re tire of making due with those small bean shaped ice packs from the pharmacy? Enter the Chattanooga ColPac ice pack. I stumbled upon this ice cold gem from my physical therapist. It is a heavy duty get-the-job-done ice pack! The outer material is thick and is designed not to leak like the aforementioned smaller ice packs. It stays COLD and will still be cold after your 5-15 minutes of icing session is up.

It is very moldable to fit different joints or locations to be iced. You can even fold it up when storing in the freezer.

I personally purchased mine from Amazon and received it quickly. I can’t believe I muddle through pathetic wimpy ice packs all these years until finding the Chattanooga ColPac ice pack!

I highly recommend you do yourself a huge favor and purchase this outstanding product too! By the way, the Amazon product link is just that & I am not affiliated with Amazon or Chattanooga ColPac in any way.

Race Review: Dallas Oncor Mayor's 5k Race 2015

written by runnergirl training

 

The Dallas Oncor Mayor’s 5k Race is a run that precedes the Dallas Marathon by one day and is part of the race weekend festivities. For runners who have run the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot you will recognize the familiar course.  There are a few gradual inclines (read baby hills) in the downtown area as the race begins. After the race makes the turn around point runners catch a great view of the Dallas skyline.

The race was not overly crowded as the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot has become in recent years. This race draws a significant population from elementary schools and therefor has children haphazardly bobbing in and out of the running throng. If you are a runner looking to PR keep in mind this race has more children than any other race I have participated in the Dallas area. I encourage kids to be active as much as the next person, however serious runners may see this race aspect as a potential drawback. If you are looking for a race to do with your kids though this is the ideal one for you!

All in all this is a decent race. I personally would probably pass due to the maneuverability through crowds of kids stopping, starting, moving chaotically is too distracting for me. But it is less crowded than the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot so it gets a plus for that reason!

Product Review: Lululemon Trail Bound 1/2 zip & tights

written by runnergirl training

This is a product review for the Lululemon Trail Bound 1/2 zip pullover & tights. I purchased them myself and am doing this review without any compensation.

I have used both items for trail hiking & running, cycling and road running. I love the fact they are snag resistant and have inadvertently tested that on several trails! They wick sweat great and are nice layering pieces or worn alone.

The pullover top has a pocket to stash small items, thumb holes & reflective detailing. The pants are a 7/8 length which hits right above the ankle. They have amazing side pockets that hold a cell phone, flashlight, keys & mace. I love these pockets!

Hope this review encourages you to try a few new pieces of Lululemon in your rotation. I am really glad I made the investment in pieces that give such versatility! 

Product Review - Legend Loop

written by runnergirl training

Legend Wearable is an amazing company who offers the Legend Loop, a phone armband for running and exercise. It accommodates up to a 5.5 inch smartphone. The unique design includes a loop on the back which fastens closed.

I found it easy to use for running (outdoor & treadmill) and gym workouts. I liked the concept of it not being too small or too big since the loop closure eliminates the sizing guesswork! It is also easy to clean after sweaty workouts.

It is very lightweight and you hardly notice it. I especially loved the key pocket on the back! Any product that offers such versatility is worth the investment.

I highly recommend to check out their product today! Let me know what you think after you give it a whirl.

Thanks to Legend Wearable for the Legend Loop armband to try out for this blog review.