Bengay Cold Therapy review and giveaway (and birthday!)

Seems appropriate that today, which happens to be my birthday, would be the day that I would review the new Bengay Cold Therapy. Because, you know, you get older, you get some new aches and pains. Especially when you try to do run faster than your younger self.


That faster running sometimes comes with a price. Not always -- because the other thing that comes with age is a little bit of wisdom and, therefore, smarter running -- but sometimes. So, I've been a good test subject for Bengay the past few weeks because I've been training for this 5k coming up on Saturday. I really -- really -- want to run well in that race so I've been running some fast intervals and tough hilly runs in preparation.


My knee and hamstring have not completely cooperated. After my last two speed workouts, my right knee and hamstring both felt wonky. I did the usual routine of foam rolling and stretching and added in some Bengay. I was immediately transported back to lacrosse season during my sophomore year in college when I had a problem ankle that I used to load up with old-school Bengay.


Now, I don't know about you, but when you get to be a certain age (hey, I turned 41 today!) being transported -- if only in your mind -- to your 19-year-old life isn't such a bad thing. In fact, it's kinda OK. So, there I was, remembering those lax games when we'd rock-out in the travel van:

That's right, a whole van of college girls singing along with crazy Joe. What a sight.


Anyway . . . 


The Bengay. I was invited to try the new Cold Therapy before it hits the shelves in June. As I said, I tried it on my pesky knee and hamstring and I liked how it worked. The menthol scent -- which is what probably comes to mind when you think of Bengay -- is strong at first but it goes away fairly quickly. That's nice because who wants to walk around advertising your ailments by the smell of your pain relief? Not me. 


The gel went on smooth and wasn't sticky. Yes, I had to wash it off my hands afterward but neither my knee nor my hammie felt sticky after application. What's more, I felt that the Bengay worked as it was supposed to. No, it didn't take away my knee or hammie pain 100% but it did reduce it substantially, enough for me to continue to use it and plan to keep Bengay in my arsenal. Of course, I hope that I won't have much cause to use it but knowing that I am getting older and I still want to get faster means I just might rely on the Bengay now and then. 


To buy


Bengay Cold Therapy will be available at most food, drug and mass retailers (like Target, etc.) starting in June. It has a suggested retail price ranging from $8.49 to $9.99 for a 4oz tube. You can download a coupon for Bengay Cold Therapy HERE. 


To win


Lucky readers! TWO of you will win a tube of Bengay Cold Therapy to try out for yourselves. Entering is simple: Leave me a comment and let me know you'd like to try it out!


Additional entries:

As always, you can gain extra entries. Remember, though, you must complete the required entry first! (Leave one comment per entry for the additional ones to count):

• Follow this blog, or let me know that you already do (leave a comment)
• Become a fan of The Happy Runner on Facebook, or let me know that you already are (leave a comment)
• Link to this giveaway from Facebook or Twitter (do as often as you'd like, just leave a comment each time)
• Link to this giveaway from your blog (leave a comment)

This giveaway will run through Monday, June 6 at 11:59pm EST and the winners will be announced on Tuesday.


AND . . . 


DON'T FORGET THESE TWO THINGS!!!!


1. My Saucony giveaway ends on Thursday.


2. I still need your vote! (Did I mention that today is my birthday? What a great gift . . . voting for the Happy Runner . . . )

Have a great day, everyone!


~ Felice


Review/giveaway disclosure: I was sent a tube of Bengay Cold Therapy to review. I was not otherwise compensated and the opinions expressed are my own.