Friday, April 8, 2011

110% Play Harder Review and Giveaway

Today’s plan was to run 15 miles. And, I did. I wanted to go on tired legs, so I did a hard 30 mile bike ride yesterday afternoon. I figure since I can’t put big miles in, this is one way to “up” my training and put my legs to the test before the race.

For this run in particular I was psyched to have a new product to try out: the Juggler Knickers from 110% Play Harder. Make no mistake, these are no ordinary running capris. These babies house a very unique secret. They provide exceptional compression with cold therapy. No joke.

Here’s the deal. You wear the tights themselves for running, working out, or cleaning the bathroom. While you’re doing those things, you put these ice sheets (reusable up to six months) in the freezer next to your Costa Rican coffee and guac to chill for later on.

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When you come back from your 15 mile run, you slide the ice packs into the well placed-pockets of the knickers. Genius, right? No more duct taping ice packs or frozen peas to your butt or knees. Plus, if you’re hyperactively type A like me, you can ice yourself and do laundry at the same time.

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Here is me in my knickers on the way out. I know what you’re thinking, “nice ass, scraggly pony tail.” I’m blushing. Funny, I never knew the back of my shirt looked like that:

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And, post-run with the ice sheets in the pockets (for the hamstrings, quads, glutes).

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You can get these items in knickers, shorts, knee sleeves or calf sleeves. More info:
 

  • Two Simple Therapies, One Garment – The gradient compression enhances circulation while cold therapy reduces pain and prevents soreness.
  • Better Compression & Fit – Advanced EC3D garment technology and a 360-degree stretch knit with 50% more spandex than competitors and higher levels of compression for optimal support, circulation and mobility.
  • Wear During Training and After – Simply wear during training then slide the frozen ice sheets in afterwards.
    • My review
      These tights provide great compression. They squeeze it all in, holding all your parts in place and make you feel very compact. I love the convenience of wearing the tights on a run and adding the ice quickly and easily post-run. I slid the packs in and went about making my snack and checking emails. My body feels pretty damn good this afternoon. The quality of this item is exceptional. You know when you put something on and it just feels well made? The knickers were tight (duh, compression) but were comfortable. You can even put the ice sheets in the microwave if you want to add a heating element.

      There are a couple of downsides. First, the price. These knickers cost $150. You are clearly paying for quality and for the icing component, but it’s still a steep price. Given the pockets, the material is relatively heavy, so if you’re looking for a very light weight tight, this might not be it.

      The giveaway
      Want to try this innovative product? I have a pair of calf sleeves, unisex, size small, courtesy of 110% Play Harder. You can wear them while working out or for recovery or both.

      calfsleeves

      They are compression sleeves with cold therapy that targets both calves and shins, helping to prevent and treat calf strains, shin splints, and leg cramps. Comes with ice sheets and thermal bag. A $75 value!

      To enter, leave a comment for each:

      • Visit the 110% PlayHarder website. Give some feedback on their product in a comment  + 1 entry
      • Tell me what you must have these sleeves = 1 entry
      • Become a follower of my blog if you’re not already + 1 entry
      • Facebook, blog, Twitter, etc. about this giveaway + 1 entry
      • “Like” 110% Play Harder on Facebook HERE + 1 entry

      Giveaway will end Wednesday, April 13.

      Good luck friends!

      SUAR

      Fine print:

      • 110% Play Harder provided the giveaway calf sleeves as well as the knickers sent to me. I did not pay any thing for them.
      • The winner will be chosen by Random.org on 4/13.

      283 comments:

      1. You make those tights look goooood :-)

        And I know the low digit numbers hardly ever get picked but I would love those calf/shin sleeves. What with my weird shin splints/possible stress reaction/nerve thing I have going on I'm supposed to be icing after every run. These would make it so much easier. Although, the knee sleeve is a neat idea. Like you said, much better than duct tape.

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      2. i must have them because i'm "too lazy" too ice the regular way. or rather too busy to sit on a bag of it. however you want to look at it

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      3. i love the idea of ice in the compression clothes. i'm not quite sure how my chest would feel in a t-shirt like that...or maybe i'm just being silly and there's no ice in that one.

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      4. Also, I PROMISE that I'm blogging about this. I added it to my "weekly workout wround up" post that's in the queue for Monday.

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      5. I'm a follower, whether you like it or not.

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      6. My friends and I totally talked about making "ice pants" all last year. And now they exist! I would love to try them out!!

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      7. I must have these so I can give them to Erin. Sounds like she really needs these, and I hate to see anyone battling running injuries. Paying it forward ...

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      8. Checked out the website. All the compression stuff looks pretty brilliant. I'm all about icing down after a run. I actually really like their t-shirts - cool logo.

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      9. I must have these sleeves because, like you, I'm a multitasker. I hate having to lounge around with a bag of frozen veggies on my knee (or other hurting body part).

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      10. Never heard of this company until now. Checked out the website and I think I would get every single one of their products if I had the money!

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      11. I must have these sleeves because I had issues with shin splints and these would be perfect!

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      12. I'm a follower! :)

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      13. I shared this giveaway on facebook

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      14. I tweeted about this giveaway

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      15. I like how they provide compression and ice relief in one package.

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      16. I posted a link to this giveaway on my blog

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      17. I "like" 110%. Play Harder. on facebook

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      18. i really like their website. anything that offers "instant yoga butt" gets bonus points. seems like a smart solution to icing - and much better than submersing your yaya in an ice bath. that's never fun!

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      19. I wish I had these calf sleeves NOW!!! Been dealing with a horrible calf strain for almost two weeks & I'm running Boston next week...well I'm hoping I can run 26.2, barely made it 5 miles today! If I had these, maybe, just maybe I'll make it thru Boston :) Well that's my sob story, wish it wasn't true but right now my running life is sucking!!!!

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      20. My husband plays basketball but he is getting old so i might have to invest in a pair of those Blitz knee sleeves before his next tournament I love that her can wear them for compression during and then use him to ice his knees between games.

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      21. I need these calf sleeves because (1) I need compression calf sleeves because I messed up my right calf and (2) I have ZERO time to ice when I get home b/c my 20 month old twins will have none of me sitting around during for 10 minutes post run.

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      22. These look awesome. I'm just beginning to realize the benefits of compression wear and now they have insertable ice packs!! Amazing! Simply amazing :)

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      23. I must have these cause it would be so much easier to ice on the go instead of sitting around with ice packs placed all over, lol.

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      24. Already followed your blog :)

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      25. Tweeted giveaway
        @climbrunliftmom

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      26. Linked to my blog sidebar
        http://climbrunliftmom.blogspot.com/

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      27. Just visited their website...I love the idea of the thermal bag, which lets you take the ice packs with you to ice down after a race...great idea!

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      28. I visited the site and I like the tights the best or the calf ones because my calves cramp a lot

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      29. Visited the 110% website. Compression/ice combo is something I've been wanting to try but am limited to because of the price. It's hard to shell out $100+ when you don't know if you'll like it or feel the benefit. Looks like 110% offers some great choices for products. I'd most likely buy the knee sleeves or shorts.

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      30. I shared this giveaway on facebook

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      31. I would LOVE to have these so that I'm not either stuck sitting in the chair for 20 minutes or worse, hobbling around trying to keep my rigged up version from falling to my feet.

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      32. I'm a follower! Can't remember life before SUAR!

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      33. Posted the giveaway on my facebook page!

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      34. Liked 110% Play Harder on facebook!

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      35. I must have these because I always run in compression and I ice everyday. I could kill two birds with one stone

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      36. I would love to win the shin/calf sleeves because I just started adding speedwork to my training and that's where I really feel it after running "fast"... in the shins AND calves!

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      37. Went to 110%'s website and I'd love those knee things. Goodness only nows how my knees have yet to totally give way yet with all the problems that I've had with them.

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      38. Oh and I NEED those calf things because in addition to my knee woes, I've been dealing with some really annoying lingering pain from when I strained my soleius (10 points to anyone who actually knows how to spell that and corrects my spelling) a few months ago. My bad for not letting it heal 100%, but those compression sleeves would make my life sooo much better!

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      39. I linked to the giveaway on the sidebar of my blog.

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      40. Their products look pretty awesome, although I question some of the naming. Juggler knickers? Are they only for jugglers? Why would a juggler need to ice his/her hamstrings?

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      41. i MUST have these sleeves b/c i currently use those compression wrap sleeves from walgreens, and they never stay in place b/c I too like to do my laundry while icing...

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      42. last one. I'm a follower.

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      43. I already follow your blog. Love it -- and best of luck running @ Boston!

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      44. I like 110% Play Harder on Facebook... this seems like really cool technology!

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      45. I think that the knickers would be great... they target the quads, hamstrings & knees, which are my sorest spots.

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      46. I like that the ice packs are pretty earth friendly!

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      47. I must have these sleeves because they seem like they work and they look cool.

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      48. I follow your blog

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      49. This is one of those 'why didn't I think of it?' products. I need a full body suit like this!
        Follower!

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      50. I need those sleeves because my Achilles is eternally ornery.
        You are rocking that Athleta top! I think I need to go order up.

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      51. here we go.. compression + ice= good idea.

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      52. now, i myself would never fit into a 12-14" circumference for my calf... but my lovely fiance who also follows your blog and turned me onto it would.

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      53. I already follow your blog. Good stuff.

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      54. I have to have these because I pulled my muscle. (The one in my calf.) And some one blew their noise on the ace bandage I had been using to ice my leg. If that isn't a good reason I don't know what is.

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      55. There stuff is AWESOME! I must have those knickers!

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      56. Following (and hello for the first time!)

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      57. I'm not sure why I must have these but I'm strangely attracted to them and need something awesome to keep my parts in place!

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      58. Entry 1) Their products seem interesting for sure -- definitely handy for people who like to multitask!

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      59. I must have those calf sleeves b/c I'm training for my first Ironman!! Woohoo!

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      60. Entry 3) I simply MUST have these compression sleeves! ;-)

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      61. Entry 4) i liked 'em on facebook...

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      62. Their website is down right now, but it doesnt matter. I need compression and if they offer it, I'm a fan,

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      63. Wow! I love the idea of putting ice packs on your butt and thighs after a long run! I'd much rather do that than partake in an ice bath. Very cool...pun intended, of course.

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      64. I need more calf compression sleeves because I have recurring calf problems from running and my Choc lab ate a hole in one of my current pair. really.

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      65. I NEEEEEEEED those calf sleeves because I don't have any and my calves are totally naked. Naked, I say.

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      66. What an incredible idea! It's like a portable ice bath. Must check out their website to see if they ship o/s.

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      67. Dude, those calves sleeves are awesome.

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      68. I am still having calf tightness after running in my VFFs so those sleeves would be perfect for my recovery.

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      69. The capri's look good. I like those. And is that a banana or a waffle in your hand?

        I am a follower.

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      70. I love the fact that you can do a 1/2 Ironman and the packets will still be cold after 6 hours. That is great.

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      71. Much more stylish than the bag of peas I currently stuff down my shorts. Honey, why does dinner smell like butt sweat?

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      72. wow, you really do have a nice butt!!

        Why do I need these? because I am hoping they will make my butt look like yours. Now i know that these are CALF sleeves and you have the knickers so it really does not make any sense what-so-ever but a girl can dream right??

        The second reason? Im training for my first 1/2 Iron distance tri and the volume will be enough to garner use of ice packs on my calves and shins

        thank you

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      73. Posted on FB/tweeted - www.facebook.com/vanessaruns

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      74. I really love the shorts--that is one thing I think I am going to pick up!! The knickers are really cool too

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      75. Why do I need these? I've been needing calf sleeves since FOREVER and been looking for a pair I love.. these are perfect! I need them for my very first ultra in mid-May!

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      76. Product comment: I really LOVE the Transformer shorts! I think I like these more than the Juggler. Besides, summer's coming :)

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      77. I am following you ... love you mention my contry Costa Rica.
        My calf need them.

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      78. I follow you! Exciting, right?

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      79. i follow you! would love to try some compression sleeves - my feet aren't always thrilled with compression but my calves LOVE it!

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      80. I may have to put those capris on my wishlist. Following a run I walk around in awesome fashion with pea bags (eh, that could be misinterpreted) saran wrapped to my legs. It is super cute, or so I have convinced myself.

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      81. I MUST have the sleeves! Why? Same reason as above..pea bags.

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      82. Browsed their website....I love all their stuff! Especially the capri and sleeves.

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      83. I totally NEED the sleeves - have zero compression gear. I think it would help with my stiffness in the AM or maybe I'm just getting old;)!

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      84. You know what else works really well, and doesn't cost $115? Flat ice packs and an ace bandage! If a pair fell into my lap, great. Otherwise, I'll stick w/ my cheap-ass solution.

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      85. SEL - so was this your attempt at any entry?

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      86. I really like the website design, and I think the knee sleeves are genius.

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      87. I need these because I'm too wimpy to take an ice bath!

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      88. I must have these because I'm also recovering from an injury and have spent all my money on drs and new shoes

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      89. Wow, the calf compression ice pack looks like heaven (I suffer from rock hard calves tight calves on a daily basis)

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      90. Interesting products. I like what they wrote for thier inspiration

        Because we know there’s no such thing as "free time."
        Because you always push "play."
        Because you think the reward of hard work is more hard work.
        Because you take it from ordinary to awesome...We do it for you.

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      91. I tweeted (tracyrunning). Typing that always makes me think of a leetle fart. So juvenile

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      92. I know you asked us to comment on their product, but I just have to say I love their home page with all the athletes doing their thing at the top :)
        I'd love to try any of their compression products and I really like their 110% t-shirt!

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      93. I could really use these leg sleeves because I seem to be injury-prone and maybe this would help! ...I hope.

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      94. Posting the giveaway on my blog right now...

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      95. This is such an interesting idea! I bet the knee sleeves would be great for someone with a knee injury. I thought the "Speak our Language" section on the website was pretty entertaining.

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      96. I just started following recently. Getting psyched up to do my first half marathon at 40!!!

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      97. I would love these calf sleeves because my calves tend to be my weak point. My calves get sore first and stay tired longest!

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      98. I need these! I truly do! I've only been running a few months but despite my slow and gentle start, I've got crazy shin splints (or maybe teeny, tiny stress fractures). The orthopedist has told me to compress, compress, compress until we get it figured out - and then the answer will likely be more compression. Compression + ice all neatly contained in calf sleeves sounds like a little slice of heaven. I'm tired of wearing those big compression socks meant for the elderly and draping them with frozen dish towels. It's just not a good look.

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      99. I follow you and I must have a pair if they will help my ass look as good as yours...

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      100. These sound great! (all their stuff does) I'm a big fan of compression sleeves for calves already, having lingering posterior tibial tendinitis on the left leg. My chiro also says I have a bit of shin splints. More lovely things to hold ice on the body sounds like a fine idea. (or a soak in a tub of biofreeze, but that's even more expensive!)

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      101. I would love to try these! I have experienced debilitating shin splints, especially during last year's running season. Actually kept me from running for a month, and i didn't get to run my first full marathon as planned. But this year baby, I'm on it! Currently, I wear Zensa compression sleeves, but would love to try others. I posted to the 110 site, I like 'em on FB, and I love Shut Up & Run!

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      102. i visited the website (for the first time months ago!) and think it's awesome that you could basically avoid an ice bath and ice all the major muscle groups in your legs w/ their products. how amazing would it be for me not to tie ice bags on my legs with old long sleeved tees!!

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      103. Previous comment was about checking out the website...but also included why I have to have them -- so I don't walk around with old tee shirts holding on my ice bags!

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      104. i now follow you. thanks for offering the giveaway.

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      105. left a FB comment on your page about 110% and the post. Thank you again for offering this and for keeping a fellow enjoyer-of-potty-humor entertained all the time!! :)

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      106. Love this idea. The thing I hate most about icing is that I have to sit still. This would do the trick.

        I'm a follower.

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      107. I must have these sleeves because I'm becoming older with each breathing second and am finding that this means ice is becoming more and more important for me - and I'm not talking about dropping a few cubes in a drink.

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      108. I HAVE to have these because I ice all the time since I'm falling apart at age 29. :( It would be so nice not to have to duct tape my peas to various parts of the body!

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      109. the knee sleeve looks AWESOME for my needs!! My knees need tons of icey love.

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      110. Totally eying the Blitz knees sleeve. What a great way to RICE :)

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      111. I MUST have these so I can recover from runs and not have to spend time lounging around covered in ice bags.

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      112. Excuse me. I tweeted.

        (@ratherbeswimmin)

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      113. I'd really like to try these as alternative/compliment to the Stick. I can't stay still long enough to just lay with ice. This would be nice.

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      114. Okay, I just went to the web site, and I'm really digging the transformer shorts. I need some kind of tight shorts to wear on a bike. I wonder if they have a place for an ice pack for the little man in the canoe?

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      115. I MUST HAVE these sleeves because they are free, and I like free shit.

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      116. And I just posted this giveaway on my blog's sidebar.

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      117. 110% website: Cool intro, kind of unique. The shorts, knickers, and sleeves would fit well in my limited budget-challenged wardrobe. I love compression gear.

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      118. I follow you, would love the sleeves too! And your outfit rocks!!

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      119. I would want the calf sleeves. I have been wanting to get some anyways.

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      120. I need them because they are right where I get the most sore!!

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      121. I follow you and I must have these sleeves. I am cheap and have wanted to try calf sleeves for a while now but wont' pay the cash. You are going to love Boston. It is better than you will be not pushing the pace, that way you can enjoy the sights.It is the best!

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      122. I like 110% Play Harder on fb

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      123. I posted giveaway on my blog

        Pinkhatrunner

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      124. I want these because I am not a ice bath person. Plus you could still do house work or what ever as you are icing you shin and calves. I would be multitasking which normally I'm not to hot at. Congrats on you 15 miles. You are going to do awesome at BOSTON.

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      125. Hey Beth, Where do you get your Wholly Guacamole have been looking for it but not able to find it. Sorry I know it another subject. Is that considered multitasking.

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      126. the transformer shorts are only $110. they are not that much shorter than the knickers.

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      127. I'm already a follower.

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      128. I NEED these because I am forever having issues with my right shin and calf. I've been using compression sleeves and wearing boots to work (stick the ice in the boots...mobile icing!) but spring is here and boots at work is going to be weird pretty soon!

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      129. I really need these because I love running but am quite injury prone. One of my recent injuries is a calf tear that needs compression while running and has to be iced after each run no matter how long. This means lots of sitting on the couch with my leg in the air for at least 20 minutes instead of doing anything productive. I think Hunni would prefer dinner.

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      130. The back/butt ice pouch makes me giggle... :)

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      131. I need this because I had to drop out of a marathon 2 weeks prior due to a calf strain and achilles issue! Help!

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      132. very cool! i could use these suckers after a long run or marathon! handy dandy!

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      133. I need them because I recreate them after every run over 5 miles.
        I use my older compression socks as a 'holder' for ziplock bags of ice - but I can't move for 20 minutes and that part sucks. It would be nice to be able to do laundry while I ice.
        Damn - I missed my calling for a trademarked item.

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      134. I am a new follower--well a recent follower. I need the sleeves because I have super tight calves and I have been dying for a pair of zensa socks for months (I'm usually hurt every year with achilles problems or calf problems). I run with a group of 40-60 other runners every week and would wear these sleeves proudly! What better PR than that!

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      135. I need these because I'm a new runner and my calves are the only thing that are really sore the next day. I would love them!!

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      136. The website is nice. It would be nice if there was a "sale" or "clearance" section for us cheapo-s! :)

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      137. Great review! (I love the fine print)! :)

        After reviewing the wesite, Play Harder, the capris would be most functional for me with the knee sleeves a close second in the summer months!

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      138. I need these sleeves because my man calves get some serious crampage running and walking in hilly eastern WA!

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      139. I am a follwer!!!!

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      140. What an awesome give away!!! I MUST HAVE these calf sleeves! I love this idea!!!

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      141. My comment on the website is I love it and am so mad I didnt invent these products!!!

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      142. I checked out the website and I love the idea of these products. I would love to try the knee sleeve.

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      143. I must have these because I HATE ice baths and maybe this would help my poor shins.

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