As my belly gets bigger, so do my problems.  I’m using the word “problems” loosely, but this babe has me experiencing things I didn’t know were possible: chaffing – and lots of it.

I’m a runner and have no plans of stopping while I’m pregnant, but know that I may have to adjust accordingly.  About three weeks ago, adjusting became my reality.  With warmer temperatures and inevitable shorts weather, I knew I needed to do something about the uncomfortable chaffing on my inner-thighs.  I tried all sorts of products (baby powder, Body Glide) before discovering Aquaphor Healing Ointment – and then my running life changed.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment is specially formulated to create an ideal environment that protects and heals skin; it’s also free of fragrances (so important while I’m pregnant), dyes, and preservatives, making it gentle enough for all skin types.  What I like most about Aquaphor Healing Ointment is that it’s multi-use: I can use it for chaffing, dry feet/hands, minor burns, cracked lips, and more.  It’s not greasy and absorbs quickly into skin.  Athletes listen up – Aquaphor can be used for everything from chaffing, blisters, wind-burned skin, and saddle sores.  I can’t wait to try Aquaphor as a replacement to Body Glide at my next triathlon (hello, easy wetsuit removal).  I also had a chance to try (and fall in love with love) Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect; it’s SPF 30 (super important for outdoor activities in the summer) and seals in moisture to prevent dryness.  I’m a sucker for anything lip gloss/stick related but I’m also very picky about what I use and like.  Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect passed the running/sweating/longevity test.

Final Thoughts: If you’re looking for one product that does everything, Aquaphor Healing Ointment and Lip Repair are the way to go.  I couldn’t be more pleased with how well Aquaphor works with all aspects of my life (running, working out, bedtime, etc.).  Prices range from $6-$15 (depending on size) and can be found at various locations including Target, CVS, Walgreens, RiteAid, and local grocery stores.

You better believe I’ll be using Aquaphor when the babe arrives – it’s dermatologist approved and recommended by dermatologists, pediatricians, and moms!

Giveaway
Best of all, one lucky winner will win an Aquaphor prize pack, including Aquaphor Healing Ointment, $50 Visa gift card and CamelBak Water Bottle.

{to enter}
Tell me: how do you prevent dry, cracked skin?
*You must follow my blog to win

{additional entries}
(not required – please leave a separate comment for each entry)

• Like {will run for margaritas} on Facebook – leave a comment
• Follow @run4margaritas on Twitter – leave a comment
• Post this giveaway on your Facebook page – link to {will run for margaritas} – leave a comment
• Tweet this giveaway on Twitter – I want to win the Aquaphor & Visa Gift Card giveaway from@run4margaritas  http://bit.ly/11laI2v – leave a comment
• Like Aquaphor on Facebook
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{the deets}
1. giveaway runs through June 26, at which point I will close the post and randomly choose a winner.  Winner announced on June 26 at noon.
2. contest is open to US residents only.  Must be 18 years or older.
3. winner has one week to claim their prize before a back-up winner is chosen

additional questions? contact me at: willrunformargaritas@gmail.com

disclaimer: Aquaphor provided me with a prize pack; opinions are my own.

In all of my years of running I’ve never really experienced leg or calf cramps.  Sure, my calves might be a little sore after a long run but nothing like I experience these days.  One of the (many) “side effects” of pregnancy is leg cramps.  I’m not talking about some quick little twitch, no I’m talking about wake-you-up-in-the-middle-of-the-night-screaming leg cramps.  These little added bonuses of pregnancy are my worst nightmare.

When Medi-Dyne reached out and asked me if I wanted to review the ProStretch and StretchRite, I couldn’t say “yes” fast enough.  These little gems saved my legs – and my life.

ProStretch Plus:
The ProStretch Plus is the ultimate tool for preventing and relieving plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, tight calves & hamstrings.  The patented ProStretch Plus rocker design automatically holds your foot in the optimal position for providing a biomechanically accurate and efficient stretch that’s been proven to work the lower leg muscles more effectively.  I use ProStrech Plus before & after a run and before I go to bed.  My favorite feature is that the ProStretch Plus is customizeable – I create the type of stretch I want.  It helps keep my calves feeling (semi) normal and has helped reduce the frequency of my leg cramps.

StretchRite:
The StretchRite is a much better version of trying to stretch with a towel or elastic band.  The patented StretchRite gives you a safer, more effective way to improve flexibility and get total body relief for sore, tight muscles.  This has been a lifesaver for my lower back and legs – stretching helps remove tightness and I recover faster after each workout.  The StretchRite is customizable so you can increase/decrease tension based on handgrip and position; a nice benefit since I’m more flexible in some parts of my body versus others.

Final Thoughts:  If you’re looking for an inexpensive but highly effective stretching tool, Medi-Dyne has the best products on the market.  Medi-Dyne products are multi-use (e.g., hamstring, plantar fasciitis, calf cramps, etc.) – and this is important for someone who doesn’t like clutter.  Overall, I’ve been extremely happy with the results, and the quality of product is high.

Order yours today: http://www.medi-dyne.com/

In addition to stretching before and after activity, I ice my legs/feet, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and eat a well-balanced diet.

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Disclaimer: Medi-Dyne provided me with the ProStretch Plus and StretchRite, however I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.