Product Review: The Runners Choice

I was recently approached by an individual and asked if I would like to review a product called The Runners Choice which is a topical oil blend for foot relief. They sent me a bottle and to be truthful, I put it up on my shelf and forgot about it for a several months. A few days ago I ran the Big Cottonwood Half Marathon and decided it would be a good time to test it out, so I packed the bottle in my bag.

The race course is the steepest half marathon I've ever run with a 2,600 elevation drop from start to finish. It was a FAST course due to the downhill nature. I always get a kick out of runners who complain about downhill running since I love having gravity on my side and it makes it much easier, but they do have a point. Steep downhill runs can be very stressful on your feet and ankles.

About 9 miles into the race I could tell my toes were taking a beating from the harder than usual impact. I also realized that I needed slightly bigger shoes. I finished the race with a new PR so I was very happy but my ankle and feet were hurting. After resting and hydrating at the finish line I decided to give the product a test. I took off my shoes and noticed several blisters on the tips of my toes. I put my feet in an ice chest for about 1 minute since that was all the pain I could take. I then dried them off and applied the Runners Choice to my feet and drove home.

The ingredients in this product include a blend of oils from almond, eucalyptus, wintergreen, peppermint, and spearmint. About 35 minutes later when I arrived home I was surprised that I could no longer see the blisters on my toes.

I'm not claiming that Runners Choice magically makes blisters disappear, but it greatly minimized their appearance and was very soothing to my sore feet. I'm sure briefly icing my feet also helped and I know this is not a scientific double blind study, but I did like the product and plan on using it again after I run the St. George Marathon next month.