Paraben-Free Products

Looking for paraben-free products? There are a lot of health reasons to avoid parabens in products and foods. They have been linked to cancers and other health problems.

Here are a few simple steps to avoid them:

1. Read labels. They are in foods & health and beauty products.

2. If a product or food you usually purchase has them, find a suitable alternative. There are many options out there even if you have to order them online verses the neighborhood store.

3. Know pseudonyms that are used for parabens. This includes avoiding words with ethyl, methyl, butyl & propyl.

Product Review: Oofos Recovery Sandals

written by runnergirl training

Oofos are recovery sandals. They are in two styles of either flip-flops or slide sandals. Oofos are designed to take pressure off your feet and to gently massage those tired muscles. They cradle your arches with each step. Let me tell you more about why I love them.

When I slip mine on immediately I feel my feet muscles relaxing. They immediately take pressure off my legs and back. I don’t even like to go barefoot since purchasing my Oofos. They feel like walking on a supportive cloud! They are easy to walk in and can be dressed up or down. Now comfortable can be fashionable! They also have great traction on the outsole.

Oofos help those tired muscles recover so you are ready for your next workout. Your feet and legs will thank you. They are the best feeling sandals that I have ever worn and I highly recommend Oofos! Find your pair here!

I purchased Oofos at a local running store and wrote this review on my own accord and without any compensation from Oofos.

Vegan at Walt Disney World in Florida

Looking for vegan or vegetarian options while at running or playing at Walt Disney World in Florida? Here is an excellent resource!

Product Review: RaceDots

 

written by runnergirl training

Have you ever been frustrated with pining a race bib to your performance clothing and wondered why there isn’t a simpler way to attach the race bib without the use of pins? Well, enter RaceDots to the rescue!

These are a set of super strong magnets that clip to the top and back of the race bib. Gone are the days of torn performance clothing due to race day safety pins. This is genius! Many times I have ripped a hole in my shirt as my hand caught the edge of the race bib while running.

RaceDots stay securely in place and the race bib doesn’t move or slip down your clothing. You can select from a variety of designs to match your personality or race theme.

You should check them out for yourself so you’ll no longer be dealing with unfortunate and preventable holes in expensive performance clothes! You'll be wondering why it took you so long to find them.

For my unbiased review RaceDots graciously provided me with a set to review. I liked them so much I purchased another set myself!

 

5 Foot Care Tips

written by runnergirl training


Runners have feet that take a beating. Here are a few ways to combat common foot problems.


1. Have a proper fitting running shoe. This ensures your feet won't have friction from parts of the shoe irritating them.

2. Replace worn out running shoes. If the midsole is stiff or brittle then it is time for new shoes.

3. Wear clean, dry socks & anti-blister socks. This prevents bacteria and skin irritation.

4. Keep the skin on your feet moisturized with lotion. This adds hydration and prevents the skin from cracking and trapping bacteria.

5. Keep toenails regularly trimmed and if athletes foot develops use an anti-fungal cream.


 

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!