Bengay Cold Therapy Review and Giveaway

I don’t know about you all, but my memories of Bengay are mostly the smell and the jokes in college about putting it the wrong area and regretting it.  I’m sure I used it in the past, but it’s not really something I’ve kept around the house.

When I got contacted to try their new Bengay Cold Therapy, I figured “eh, why not?”  I’ve had a lot more aches in my feet and calves since I started running minimalist, so I thought it was certainly worth a try.

Here’s what they have to say about it.

The only brand to use PRO-COOL™ technology, BENGAY® Cold Therapy contains a scientifically created formula that combines the pain relieving power of menthol with the cooling benefits of alcohol to alleviate the minor aches and pains associated with muscle strain, arthritis, backache, bruises and sprains. How does it work? BENGAY® Cold Therapy delivers a blast of cold as the alcohol in the unique formula evaporates, providing a cooling sensation and allowing you to give pain the cold shoulder!

I don’t use it before runs because I don’t want to risk masking any pains I need to pay attention to, but I’ve now used it several times after a run.  It feels quite cool going on and I find it invigorating.  It helps the tired muscles in my feet and calves feel a bit looser and more relaxed.  I haven’t tried it on any true PAIN, as I’m mostly just tired and a bit achey after a run, but I really like the way I feel after I use it.  There is a distinct Menthol smell for a little while, but it does minimize quickly and wear off after a while.  All in all, I like it and will continue to use it when I need it. *

Want to try it out?  Two winners can get there own tube!  Just leave a comment that you want in on the giveaway.   Giveaway ends at midnight on June 10, 2011.

Not willing to wait?  Click here for a coupon.

On the running front, yesterday I ran 3 sub-10 miles that felt harder than they probably should have, but I ran a really hilly route.  Today I ran 4.3 awful miles.  It was already in the low 80s and sunny when I got out and my body just isn’t ready for the heat.  I wasn’t running fast, even in the beginning, but I got slower and slower and my heart rate was out of control.  I had planned 6, but I have a personal rule that if I can’t stay within a couple of minutes of my “easy” pace and my heart rate is acting like I’m racing, then it’s time to end the run.  Ah well, at least I got some miles in and the run was good from a “getting used to the heat” standpoint.

*Disclaimer:  I was given Bengay Cold Therapy free in exchange for my honest review of the product.  Opinions are my own.