Tuesday, July 16, 2013

RunGuard: Product Review And Giveaway

When I started running, I never realized I'd 'need' a variety of different gear and products. I mean, it's running. "Don't I only need the five S's? Shorts, shirts, stopwatch, socks and shoes?"

As I racked up the miles, I soon found out how much other things I needed to go run. A GPS watch, a fuel belt and/or a hand-held water bottle, GU gels or some other type of food/fuel, headlamp and other safety running gear. And the list goes on and on.

It was during training for my first marathon I learned runners sometimes chaff.

Talk about a painful lesson. Not fun at all.

I had heard stories of male runners getting bloody nipples, but to be honest, I thought it would never happen to me.

Sad to say, I was wrong.

Consequently, I sought ways to prevent this from happening again.

My first solution was to use band-aids. They worked and were effective ... when they stayed on. Depending on the mileage, the band-aids would come off due to the excessive sweat oozing flowing from my body. Then they'd flap around and eventually fall off. Plus, band-aids can get expensive in a hurry.

Earlier this year, I was introduced to anti-chaffing sticks, and it was a match made in runner's heaven!

I first tried Bodyglide back in February, and it worked well. But over the past few months, I've come to learn about and love RunGuard.

For those who've never seen and/or used an anti-chaffing stick, it looks a lot like a stick deodorant but is essentially a thicker gel. RunGuard applies easily with a few swipes, and it does not take a lot to be fully protected.

RunGuard glides on smoothly and only a little is needed. And no matter how much you sweat, RunGuard stays on and protects you throughout your run. I have used RunGuard for runs as short as 5-6 miles (in hot, humid conditions) and as long as 26.2 miles, and it has remained intact and in place. Yet, it easily washes off in the shower afterward with no greasy residue left behind.

I use RunGuard primarily on my nipples but also use it on my longish runs in between my legs - which can really chaff on long, hot, sweaty runs. Nothing like your shorts turning into a salt-lined rag rubbing against your legs. I like to run in all types of weather: heat, rain, snow and wind, and RunGuard protects no matter the climate.

Again, not once have I had any chaffing issues when I've used RunGuard.

But there's much more to love about RunGuard than just how great it works.

Unlike its main competitor Bodyglide, RunGuard is made of natural and organic ingredients, is a better value and is environmentally friendly.

1. Formulation - RunGuard and Bodyglide share five common ingredients: allantoin, aloe bardadensis leaf juice (aloe vera), capric/caprylic triglycerides, tocopherol (vitamin E) and Tribehenin.

RunGuard uses only two other ingredients in its original formula - beeswax and organic carnauba wax. Meanwhile, Bodyglide contains cetearyl alcohol, glyceryl behenate, glyceryl dibehenate, ozokerite wax and stearyl alcohol. (See comparison chart here.)

In its sensitive formula, RunGuard uses beeswax, organic carnauba wax, jojoba oil (moisturizer) and shea butter (moisturizer) as compared Bodyglide for Her's ingredients of cetearyl alcohol, glyceryl behenate, glyceryl dibehenate, ozokerite wax, stearyl alcohol and FD&C Red No. 40. (See comparison chart here.)

2. Value - For both its original and sensitive sticks, RunGuard cost the same: $3.95 for 0.5 ounce stick (travel size) for a $7.90/ounce cost and $12.95 for a 2.7 ounce stick for a $4.80/ounce cost.

Meanwhile, Bodyglide will run you $6.07 for 0.45 ounce stick ($13.49/ounce), $9.83 for a 1.3/1.5 ounce stick ($7.56/$6.55 per ounce) and $14.63 for a 2.5 ounce stick ($5.85/ounce). And for Bodyglide for Her comes only in an 0.8 ounce stick at an average cost of $8.01 ($10.01/ounce).

It doesn't take long to figure out that RunGuard gives you more bang for your buck as you get more product for less money. (For price comparison on the original stick, click here. For price comparison on the sensitive stick, click here.)

3. Packaging - RunGuard's packaging is simple: the lid is sealed with a simple sticker. Yet, Bodyglide comes in a plastic clamshell packaging, which is unnecessary and wasteful. Because of this, it increases cost, shipping, storage and waste.

RunGuard keeps it simple, which is nice not only to the consumer but also for the environment.

As you can tell, I'm a big fan of RunGuard. I highly recommend this product, so much so I want YOU to become a fan as well. And what better way to become a fan than with a little free product and coupon, right?

First, you can take $5 OFF an original or sensitive 2.7 ounce stick of RunGuard! Go to the RunGuard website to order, and at the checkout, use this code for the discount: RUNJAYRUN

Secondly, enter the contest below to win two (2) 2.7 ounce sticks and two (2) travel size sticks of RunGuard. There are 10 total entries you can earn today, and you can collect an additional entry every day until the contest ends by tweeting about the contest. Contest closes at midnight on Thursday, July 25, and the winner will be announced on Friday, July 26.

Lastly, the first 25 different individuals to enter the contest will receive a code for a free travel size stick of RunGuard (shipping included)!!! (Discount code will be emailed to you within 24-48 hours after you enter the contest.) (UPDATE (7-19-13): All of the free codes have been claimed.)

So there!

You now have no excuse not to try out RunGuard for yourself to see what a wonderful product it is.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

47 comments:

  1. Great post!! I've been looking for a new glide and I'm hoping this one will be great.

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    1. Thanks for commenting and entering! I really like RunGuard, and I hope you will as well.

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  2. I have always used body glide for my inner thighs but would love to win and try this out especially since it is cheaper! Love your blog Jay!

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    1. Thank, Jenny! I think you will like RunGuard! :)

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  3. I've only every used body glide. glad to know there is a cheaper (& better) alternative!!

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    1. Yeah, I hadn't heard of RunGuard until they sponsored #runchat one Sunday. Got a free sample during it, and I was hooked.

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  4. I'm currently using Body Glide, but I'd love to give something else a try also.

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    1. Glad I can help you with that, Amy! Thanks for entering and commenting!

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  5. I have a sample but just haven't used it yet. Guess I should.

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  6. Biggest thing I do is be selective about my clothing. Long enough shorts, tank tops that dont ride up under the arms, etc. That has eliminated a lot of the problems but still need some sort of erm "lube" in the sensitive areas to keep my chances down, because no one has time for chaffing.

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    1. Absolutely no one has time for chaffing! Very few things make life miserable. Thanks for commenting and entering, Laura!

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  7. This is definitely something I'd be interested in trying out - my running attire has been severely limited due to comfort - which isn't easy, considering that most running bottoms for females are either really short or really long, and it's been freaking HOT lately! I finally found the perfect pair of shorts, but it'd be nice to not have to worry about being limited to the three perfect-length shorts in summer...

    It doesn't feel sticky, slimy, goopy, or anything? I tried out a gel once... Not sure which was worse, the messy feeling or the burn I ended up with later.

    Oh, as far as the bloody nipples bit... Maybe more male runners should try sports bras. I promise they have at least SOME kind of use, and you can even find the right color for you! ;)

    Thanks for having this giveaway! :)

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    1. LOL - yes the bloody nipples are more of a problem for the male runners. Although I have seen women have this issue even with a sports bra.

      I don't think RunGuard is sticky or slimy. It sticks to your skin well but it's more of a lubricant and it has to stick to last throughout your run. Honestly, though, after I put it on, I forget it's there.

      Thanks for your comment and for entering!

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  8. I've been thinking about using one of these...sounds like RunGuard is it. :)

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    1. And so it shall be. Thanks for commenting and entering!

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  9. I bleed from the nipples like a man. I need some goop.

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    1. Arguably the best comment ever left here on my blog. Well done, Idiot

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  10. I've been a faithful BodyGlide user for several years. It has done very well for me - I switched from Vaseline because it was inconsistent and it stained my shirts (yes, I'd be that guy with nip stains on all my running shirts).

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    1. LOL ... too funny ... I have coffee stains on some of my running shirts if that makes you feel any better. Thanks for commenting and entering.

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  11. Oh, one question: Is it fragrance-free? I am allergic to fragrance.

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  12. Great product to compete with Body Glide - which I've used since I started running. I agree whole heartedly that the clamshell pack is a waste. Thanks for the tip - and hope I win a trial size!

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    1. Thanks for commenting and entering! I'll be sending out what looks to be the last batch of codes for the free travel-sized stick tomorrow morning. Good luck!

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  13. I got a small container of RunGuard in one of my subscription boxes. I've been using it all summer and I love it, but it's going to eventually run out!

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    1. I hear ya! I had to restock my supply. Was down to my last bit when my order arrived just in time! Thanks for commenting and entering! Good luck!

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  14. we sell this at my store (Fleet Feet) and its great!

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    1. It is great stuff! Thanks for commenting and entering!

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  15. Vaseline! lots of it on the toes when I do trails :)

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    1. I need to that when I run in the rain! Thanks for the comment and for entering!

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  16. I normally use BodyGlide, but received a sample of RunGuard from #RunChat & I'm really liking it!

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    1. Same here! I hadn't heard of RunGuard until they sponsored #runchat. I also got a sample in a StrideBox. I love it. Thanks for commenting and entering. Good luck!

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  17. To prevent chafing I try to wear moisture wicking clothing.

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    1. Same here, but it doesn't always work for me. RunGuard does the trick. Thanks for commenting and entering!

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  18. I have been using BodyGlide, but I like the idea of an all natural alternative!

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    1. Same here! Thanks for commenting and entering! Good luck!

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  19. Like most of the other commenters I use BodyGlide now. But I'd love to try Run Guard. I get hesitant to try new products so it's nice to read your positive review.

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    1. Lisa - I'm with you on the hesitancy on trying new products. I like to stick with what works. But RunGuard is worth the gamble. Thanks for commenting and entering!

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  20. Thankfully my runs haven't been so long that I have had issues with chaffing. I have my first half this week so that might change soon.

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    1. Thanks for commenting and entering! RunGuard is a great product, and it does what it's supposed to. Good luck on your half this weekend, Emily!

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  21. I use the Gold Bond stuff when I think I will need it

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    1. That's a new one I hadn't heard yet. Thanks for commenting and entering! Good luck!

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  22. Jay, thanks so much for the code! I keep an emergency pack of running stuff in the car in case something goes wrong with the primary pack. Like it doesn't make it to the car, or I decide to run on a rest day. My sample size is going in the emergency pack!

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    1. You're very welcome! So happy to be able to provide it. RunGuard was very gracious in this giveaway.

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