Preventing & Treating blisters using KT Tape products

"Disclaimer: I received an assortment of KT Tape products as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"
 
It seems like no one thinks much about getting blisters…until they get one.  I have been caught off guard on more than one occasion – with new shoes, new socks or just bad luck!  And I have regretted not taking a more proactive approach.  For my last marathon, I had a certain pair of shoes that was rubbing my heel in a not nice way, so I threw a band aid on it.  Sometimes they stay on, sometimes they don’t.  If you sweat, odds are good it will come off.

Enter KT Tape blister prevention tape! The same brand that provides awesome support using kinesiology tape (which I tried and reviewed earlier this year), now makes blister prevention tape AND blister treatment patches! 

The prevention tape comes in a roll, pre cut into 30 strips, with an adhesive backing that comes off easily. For my long run last weekend, I put a strip on the back of my troublesome heel and was immediately struck by the incredible stickiness of the tape strip. It wasn’t going ANYWHERE.  Love that.  It didn’t feel like a bandage, it felt like tape.  I ran 12 miles in 90 degree temps and am happy to report it stayed put!
Product features:

• Designed to help prevent athlete blister and chafing
  
• Flexible, and breathable synthetic fabric
  
• Easily conforms to skin and is thin to minimize friction
  
• Stays on up to 2 days

These synthetic non-woven fabric strips are designed to help prevent athlete-related abrasion injuries, such as blisters, chafing, and hot spots, during athletic training and competition. Blister Prevention Tape has strong adhesive to help it stay in place and conform easily to the skin to allow full mobility while staying active. The prevention tape sells in a roll of 30 strips for $9.99.

I have also heard of other uses for this magic tape – not just for blisters but basically for anywhere you may get chafing. I definitely get it under my sports bra. That seems like a good spot to try it.  Another tip from my fellow BibRave pro Corey is to wear it on your hands when you are lifting weights. It’s a lot less bulk than gloves. I plan on giving this a try in next week’s body pump class.

The other product I was sent to try was the blister treatment patch. How invaluable is this? Without even trying it yet, I already know that BOTH of these products need to be in my race-cation travel kit as well as a must for long runs.  I didn’t have any blisters in the few weeks I had to try this product out (because I was using the prevention strips!!!)  - but having this on hand is a must.

The patches sell in a box of 6 for $9.99 (but we have a discount below!!!) Here are the product features:

• Up to 2X FASTER healing than traditional bandages
• Lasts up to 7 days
• 100% waterproof seal
• Eases pain and helps reduce scarring
• Sterile and latex free

  These Blister Treatment Patches from KT TAPE® are designed specifically for athlete blister and minor wound care. Each patch is made of an advanced hydrocolloid gel that conforms to the skin and stays in place even while you’re active.

KT Tape is offering a special discount for you BIBRAVE30 - for 30% off! I am going to stock up on some of these essentials for sure! I have my first – and possibly only – ultramarathon in 2 weeks and this is coming with me, ON my person during the race. If anything comes up while I am trapesing through the woods for 5-6 hours, I will be READY!