Oral IV Hydration Review

Hydration should be a part of your run/race plans.  If you don’t properly hydrate, it can lead to a decrease in performance as well as an increase in time it takes for you to recover from a workout or run. 

This is especially true in the summer when dehydration can occur more easily.  When you sweat, your blood volume decreases, which leads to less blood being pumped to your heart.  This in turn reduces the amount of oxygen rich blood that is pumped back out to your muscles.  That is why you will run at a slower pace when you are dehydrated.  Also, in the heat, your body sends more of your blood to the surface of your skin to help remove heat.  You will have to work a lot harder to maintain the same level of exercise.  So why should you take in electrolytes?

Electrolytes drinks usually are made up of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and artificial sweeteners.  There are theories that electrolyte drinks can prevent cramping but there is just as much proof against that theory as for it.  The true benefits of taking in electrolytes is that it assists in fluid balance and absorption.  The flavoring of these drinks is to make them more appealing.

I ran across Oral IV in a Facebook ad.  I wanted to see what it was all about and after reading the information and reviews online, I knew I wanted to see if it really worked.  I reached out to Oral IV and they sent me some samples to test.  The package showed up about 2 weeks before my marathon, so I had a great opportunity to put OralIV to the ultimate test.  I also had my running partner try it out.

Oral IV is different from your normal electrolyte tabs or drinks.  First of all, Oral IV comes in a little plastic vile with liquid inside.  Oral IV is made with a group of trace minerals including sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, manganese, selenium, copper, calcium, silicon and zinc.  These trace minerals make up a formula that activates your body’s hydration processes.  Oral IV is made from natural raw materials to avoid contamination and are biologically made so they do not have to be digested in order to be rapidly absorbed into your system.  The mineral absorb directly through your soft tissues in your mouth.  I know that this is a lot of technical information, so I will cut to the chase.

The Oral IV vial is small enough to keep in a pocket or water belt.  You simply twist off the plastic top and drink.  There is no flavor and no artificial ingredients, sugars, or stimulants which I really like.  I like to put the Oral IV in my mouth and mix it with a gulp of water.  The directions say you can take it before and after your workout and every 2 hours for longer trainings or races. 

I tried Oral IV twice before my marathon and during the marathon itself.  The effects that I felt include a reduced need for water and I felt like I recovered from these runs faster than normal.  I had my hydration backpack and did not drink as much water as I normally would have, but did not feel like it hurt me at all.  I think that is a direct result of taking Oral IV. 

Pros:

Convenient small package (easy to take with you)

Decent price (for occasional use)

Sugar-free, stimulant-free, and artificial ingredient-free

Rapidly absorbed into your system

Helps maintain top performance

Decreases recovery time

Cons:

A little pricey for everyday use

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I definitely see the benefits of taking Oral IV, especially in my summer races when I tend to sweat a lot.  It is vital to stay on top of hydration at these events and I will be taking Oral IV for sure.  It costs $12 for a 4–pack, $50 for a 25-pack, or $100 for a 50-pack.  While it may be pricey for everyday use, I think this is ideal for races and even your most grueling workouts.  I am really glad that I got to test out Oral IV and would definitely recommend it to my readers.

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.

Tommie Copper Recovery Gear Review

There are numerous reports that say recovery is more important than the intensity of your runs.  Most people train really hard, follow their training plans to the letter, and then don’t give themselves enough time to recover properly.  Having a good recovery plans consists of having a good balance of easy and hard runs, stretching, and nutrition.  One way to recover quicker is to utilize compression gear.  I have tested a decent amount of compression gear from some of the leading companies like 2XU, McDavid, Zensah, CompressionZ, and CEP.  I heard about Tommie Copper from a friend and wanted to test out some of their gear. 

I got to test Tommie Copper’s recovery tights, recovery shorts, and their knee sleeve.  Each Tommie Copper item uses what they call Copper Znergy™.  It consists of a proprietary fabric that is infused with copper and zinc, which they claim can provide several benefits.  Copper Znergy™ inhibits the growth of odor-causing microbes on the fabric.  That’s always a plus; nobody wants stinky clothes.  The fabric has a UPF 50+ rating to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays.  Each Tommie Copper product features a light weight, breathable design made with Cool Copper™ which is moisture wicking and has anti-chafe seams. 

The recovery tights, shorts and knee sleeves felt awesome from the moment that I put them on.  They made my legs feel cool, which is nothing I have felt in any other recovery gear that I have tried.  I really felt like they had just the right amount of compression without being too loose or tight.  This is not always the case, it just depends on the brand.  I felt that the materials were very durable and that their construction will make these last. 

Tommie Copper recovery gear can be washed in and dried, although you should not use fabric softener or bleach.  Just wash them like you normally would and dry them on a gentle cycle.  Their website says that they will retain their benefits for at least 50 washes. 

Pros:

Best compression gear I have tried

Great materials

Feel Awesome

Can be used for extended amounts of time

Cons:

Some of the gear is a little pricey (but worth the money).

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I have to say that I love all three of these products for different reasons.  The recovery tights cost $79.50, the recovery shorts cost $49.50, and the knee sleeve is $24.50.  Be aware that they are all sold individually so if you want 2 knee sleeves, you will need to order 2.  They are a little pricey, but it is well worth the money.  You can order them on the Tommie Copper website.  If you order soon, Tommie Copper is offering 25% off by using the code “HOLIDAY25” at checkout.  Shipping is free for all orders over $75 (Free 2-day shipping on orders over $150).  You will also get a 60-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with your purchase.  Give Tommie Copper recovery gear a try.  You won’t be disappointed.

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.

ACV Cramp Cure Review

Many runners experience muscle cramps at one point or another.  It can be during a hard workout, sprints, or even on a day when you aren’t running as hard as normal, but your body just cramps up.  What causes muscle cramps?

For years, runners were under the impression that muscle cramps were caused by a vitamin deficiency, dehydration, or fatigue.  Many people take salt pills, electrolytes, or eat bananas to try and keep dreadful leg cramps away.  New research is pointing toward another reason for why you get muscle cramps and how to treat them.

“The Real Cause of Muscle Cramps.” By Dr. Bob Murray discusses that when you decide to move your legs, your brain sends signals to nerve cells in your spinal cord, which connects to your muscles.  The stimulated muscles contract and that is what makes you move.  Basically, Dr. Murray says that the issue is not with your muscles but your nerves.  Research has shown that you can activate sensory fibers in your mouth and throat to send signals to the nervous system.  This will in turn tell your muscles to relax.  That is where ACV Cramp Cure comes in. 

ACV Cramp Cure claims that their drink can typically relieve cramping within 60-seconds.  That is a very bold statement right?  While I did not have a full blown muscle cramp, I did test this twice when my legs were starting to tighten up.  I also had my running partner test out ACV during our marathon on Sunday.  We both felt almost an immediate relief of our leg tightness. 

ACV Cramp Cure is made up of Purified Water, Apple Cider Vinegar, Sugar, Natural flavoring, Stevia, Lime Juice, and capsicum.  It is 100% all natural.  I will warn you that it does have a bit of a bite, so be ready for it. 

Pros:

Convenient small package (easy to take with you)

Decent price

Caffeine free

Gluten Free

No GMO’s

Works in less than a minute

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I will be carrying ACV Cramp Cure on my long training runs and future marathons.  I am a true believer!  ACV Cramp Cure costs $4.49 each or 5 for $17.00.  They have larger packages as well.  You can get yours at the ACV Cramp Cure website today.  Nothing is worse than running a great race and being taken down by leg cramps.  Now you can be prepared and finish strong.

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.

2XU 24/7 Recovery Sock Review

2XU was founded in 2005 out of Melbourne, Australia.  2XU stands for “Two Times You” which symbolizes the multiplication of human performance.  They offer an extensive line of sports clothing for people out on the road, in the water, on the snow, or in the gym.  They offer compression gear, socks, hats, wetsuits, and much more.  2XU’s gear has been worn by some of the best athletes in the world. 

I have tested the 2XU GHST tech tee and it is my favorite shirt.  You can see my review by clicking here.  After a long run or a hard workout, it is important to recovery quickly so you can get back out there for your next workout.  That is where I really enjoyed the 2XU 24/7 recovery sock.  The 24/7 sock is made with graduated compression and a mixture of cotton and Coolmax yarns for all day comfort.  The Coolmax yarns help wick away moisture.  One of the reasons why the 24/7 sock is so comfortable is that you get extra padding under the ball of your foot and heel.  That way, if you have to stand all day or walk a lot after a hard workout, your feet are protected more than many of the recovery socks out there that are too thin, in my opinion.

The true benefit of wearing compression socks is that it improves circulation that can cause swelling and fatigue.  Not only are these good for recovering after a run, but they are ideal for times when you have to sit or stand for extended amounts of time.  These are typically times when you have a decrease in circulation. 

Pros:

All day comfort

Extra cushion under ball of foot and heel

Graduated Compression

Cons:

A tad bit pricey at $44.95 (but the benefits are priceless)

 

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I have been told by several long time runners that it is way more important to recover smart than train harder.  If you train really hard and don’t allow adequate time to recovery, many of your gains will be wasted.  The 2XU 24/7 sock is a great product that can aid in your recovery.  By having a solid recovery plan that includes stretching, foam rolling, and wearing compression gear, you will be breaking PR’s before you know it.  You can purchase your 24/7 recovery socks at the 2XU website, Amazon, or at your local retailer (click here forlocations).

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.

Sport Suds Review

If you are a new runner or have been around the block a few times, you probably know that running brings out some smells that you never thought would come out of your body.  I have been cycling and working out at the gym for over a decade and my clothes have never smelled like they do after a run.  My wife and I call it the homeless smell.  

The smell doesn’t actually come from the sweat itself but from the bacterium that breaks down the sweat (a process called bromhidrosis).  Performance or technical running gear is made to wick moisture and dry quickly, but those same properties trap the oils and bacteria that smell so bad.  Cotton tends to not trap those oils as easily, but is terrible at moisture wicking and breathability. 

I used to just wash my running gear with my normal laundry.  The problem is that most detergents don’t remove the oils and bacteria that care causing the smells.  These oils reduce the effectiveness of your expensive running clothes. 

Sport Suds is a high-performance cleaning product that is made to bring your running gear back from the dead, or keep them looking and smelling new.  All Sport Suds products are sustainably sourced from natural reoccurring sources.  Not only that, but they are also readily biodegradable, non-toxic, and are septic and grew water safe.  Most laundry detergents cannot make that claim.  Because of the care put into their products, Sport Suds is hypo-allergenic, fragrance free, and is never tested on animals.

Sport Suds is based in the town of Milton in Ontario, Canada.  Their sport detergent is manufactured in both the US and Canada.  Sport Suds stocks their detergent in warehouses in both the US and Canada so you can get your products quickly.

So, SportSuds sounds good on paper, but how does it hold up to my real world testing?  With my marathon training in full effect, my clothes have been downright unbearable.  I couldn’t stand to smell my clothes, which meant that Sport Suds was going to be put to the ultimate test.  I used Sport Suds Washing Machine Cleaner first to make sure my machine was clean (more on that in a second).  Then I ran my first load of clothes using Sport Suds.  My clothes came out with no odor and they looked cleaner than they have in months.  I was thoroughly impressed.  These results were replicated load after load. 

You will want to follow the instructions in the Sport Suds website before washing your clothes in Sport Suds.  If you have been using regular detergents, they can leave behind a residue, which Sport Suds will remove from your washing machine drum.  You don’t want that residue to end up on your cloths though.  Click here for instructions on how to use Sport Suds for the first time.  You can either run a few cycles with your Sport Suds detergent and old towels or use Sport Suds Washing Machine Cleaner.

 

Pros:

Environmentally friendly

Inexpensive (starting around $20)

Cleans difficult stains and removes odors with ease

Septic and grey water safe

Fast shipping

Cons:

You can’t throw your old clothes away from being too smelly so you can get a new ones

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I wash all of my clothes with Sport Suds now and can’t believe that I can get a 140 load tub for $59.95.  That will last me over 2.5 years if I only used it for my running clothes or over a year if I wash all of my family’s laundry with it.  You can’t beat that deal.  There are several sizes to choose from and there are packages that comes with detergent (40 loads) and washing machine cleaner (5 pack) for $31.90 on the Sport Suds website.   Sport Suds is the best sport detergent that I have tested.  You can get yours at the Sport Suds Website or at Amazon. I felt like it left my clothes cleaner, smelling fresher, and you get a great value.  I wasn’t disappointed and you won’t be either.

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.

Swiftwick Pursuit and Vibe Socks Review

I have been running in Swiftwick socks since April of this year.  Swiftwick claims, “We make the best socks you will ever wear…GUARANTEED!”  I thought to myself, that is a very bold statement.  After testing out the Aspire socks, I was a believer in what Swiftwick was claiming. (Click here for my past review of the Aspire)

I received a pair of the Pursuit One and Pursuit Five.  The number references the height of the sock.  I also received a pair of the Vibe One.  The sizes range from a Zero, which is below the ankle to a Twelve, which is over the calf. 

The Pursuit is made out of Merino wool.  I don’t know what I like the most about Merino wool, but I can’t get enough of products made with that magical material.  It wicks really well, doesn’t trap in odors, and is extremely comfortable. 

The Vibe is a great sock.  It has a thicker foot bed than the Aspire and is really comfortable.  It feels great and has wonderful moisture wicking.

Pros:

Very comfortable

Hot spot and blister free

Extremely durable

Made in the USA

Best guarantee in the business

Cons:

A tad pricey starting at $12.99 for the Vibe and $15.99 for the Pursuit

I am a believer in Swiftwick socks, without a doubt.  While they might be a little pricey, they are extremely durable and will last for quite a while (longer than cheaper socks).  They are made in the USA and use the best materials and technologies available to create a superior product.  It is worth spending a few extra dollars to get such a great product. 

Give them a try and let me know what you think.  What do you have to lose?  If you don’t like them, Swiftwick will buy you a pair of your favorite socks as a replacement.  You can buy them starting at $12.99 for the Vibe and $15.99 for the Pursuit.  They also have various other sizes and several colors to choose from.  Go to Swiftwick or Amazon to get yours today.

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Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.

Oofos Ooriginal Recovery Sandal Review

Many people know, recovery is as important as your training runs.  If you don’t allow yourself to recovery properly, you increase your risk of injury.  Run training builds off your previous runs and recovery.  When you don’t properly recover, your body is building off of stressed muscles, which is when the injury can happen.  There are a few things that I have implemented into my recovery plan that might help you too.

I started stretching every night.  My wife and I sit down to watch tv.  I lay on the ground and stretch for about 10-15 minutes.  I like the OPTP Stretch Out Strap.  I have been focusing mostly on my hamstrings and IT Band, because those are the areas that I need it the most.  The other thing that I have implemented is the use of a recovery sandal.  I have tried a few different brands, but there is one that is my favorite by far. 

Walking in my Oofos Ooriginal recovery sandal is like walking on clouds.  I use them whenever I am home, even if I didn’t run that day.  They are the most comfortable sandals that I have ever put on, by far.  The Ooriginal comes in 4 colors for men and 11 colors for women. 

Most foams that are used in running shoes are made to propel you forward.  The foam used in Oofos is designed to absorb the shock.  This in turn reduces the impact on your back, knees and feet.  This allows you to recover faster.  The one thing that took a little while to get used to was that the arch really comes up into your foot.  This is designed to cradle your arch and take the stress off of your joints.  After about 30 minutes, it felt natural.   It is also designed to flex with your foot, which allows you to walk with a more natural gait.

Oofos are not only awesome because they feel great and let you recover more quickly, but they provide other benefits as well.  They have a closed cell foam, which keeps bacteria and moisture out of your sandals.  You can use these in the shower or even throw them in the washing machine when they need a good cleaning.  The foam is durable and will last the life of the sandal without breaking down as well. 

Pros:

Most comfortable sandal I have ever tried

Great arch support

Many colors and styles to suit your fashion needs

Easy to clean

Foam will not break down over time

Cons:

More expensive than many sandals ($32.96-44.95 depending on where you buy them)

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I am in love with my Oofos recovery sandals and I have no doubt that you will be too.  From the cushion to the arch support, this is the perfect items to add to your running gear stash.  It has made a huge difference in relieving my tired feet and legs after my long runs.   You should definitely give them a try.  You can buy them at the Oofos website, at Amazon, or at your local retailer (Click here to find a retailer near you).