See-Me-Run Review + Giveaway!

 I don't know about you, but to me there is something so special about a late night or early morning run.  I LOVE them.  I just love the quiet, the coolness, and the feeling like you are the only one around.  I swear it is magic.  Anyways, I know running at night or before sun-up is a big safety concern for runners.  When it's dark, I make sure to only run in safe, residential areas, stay on the sidewalk, take a buddy as often as possible, and stay close to home. But if I'm being honest with you, I have to admit...I do not usually dress appropriately.  While I have some brightly colored running shorts and a few hot pink tops, I'm not going to lie--for all of the running gadgets and gear I own, I really don't have anything reflective besides a little logo or reflective zipper pull here or there.  I know running is not about vanity, but I have just never been able to make myself wear one of those reflective vests or the like!

Not my favorite look...

Even so, I've been thinking for awhile now that if I'm going to continue running in the dark, even occassionally, I need to be a little less stupid.  I was SO THRILLED to discover See-Me-Run, a totally awesome company that makes reflective iron-ons specifically for runners.  From the See-Me-Run Website:

See-Me-Run offers reflective iron-ons (aka transfers) for runners and cyclist that choose to train during early morning hours or during the early evening when lighting is either low or non-existent. We’ve manufactured and tested our safety products specifically for performance apparel such as Under Armour, Nike Dri-Fit, Brooks, Pearl Izumi and other popular wicking performance apparel. It's designed to be highly visible while remaining extremely lightweight and fashionable. They look great in the daytime and at night. It’s a must-have item for the runner or cyclist who wants to feel safer and more visible when they train.

What really sold me, though (you know, in addition to the whole safety thing) was that the iron-ons are in super fun shapes and patterns!  The selection of designs isn't gigantic, but I think that there is definitely something for everyone.  Designs include runner-specific words and pictures, girly patterns like flowers and hearts, simple reflective shapes and stripes, and others.  Each design comes with two iron-ons in the desired pattern for the front and back of the shirt or item, and a smaller logo "test piece" to iron on the sleeve.  

See-Me-Run was kind enough to send me two different iron-on sets to test out.  I got the Peace Sign and Running Girl Group designs.  Because I am still learning to be a "grown up," and because Teacher Mom's iron is a million times better than mine (which I think I purchased at Walgreens...), I brought the decals and two of my (many) black running shirts over to her house.  I was getting ready to put the peace signs on the front and back of one shirt and the running girls on the other, but Teacher Mom in her unending wisdom suggested mixing them up.  I put a peace sign iron-on on the front of each shirt and the running girl group on the back of each.  I thought this was a great idea!  The designs were simple to iron on, although it did take an extra 30 seconds or so on each beyond what the instructions had recommended.  No biggie!  After the extra few seconds the backing peeled off quickly and easily.  And voila!  Super cute reflective gear!

Front

Back

I LOVE how they turned out.  The designs are so lightweight that they just feel like part of the shirt, not like some iron-on letters and things I've used before.  Of course, I could't wait to try out my new super-safe clothing, but I haven't been able to fit in a night run for awhile!  Luckily last night I was finally able to try them out.  

Check out that glow--just from my phone's camera flash!  Okay, are these clothes a miracle worker and an excuse to ignore all other safety practices when running in the dark?  Of course not.  Does a reflective decal make a difference when a car isn't looking and you're running across a street?  I'd say it certainly has the potential to make a big difference!

Here's the best part.  See-Me-Run has generously offered to give one of their great designs away to a reader!  1 winner will get to choose their favorite design from the See-Me-Run website.  Here's how to win...(leave a separate comment for each entry!)

• Be a follower of Juice Boxes + Crayolas, and leave me a comment telling me why you want to win! (Mandatory)
• Visit the See-Me-Run website and tell me which design you would choose if you win. (+1 entry)
• Post about this giveaway on your blog, facebook, or twitter and leave a comment letting me know. (+1 entry each)

This giveaway will end at midnight on Wednesday, February 22nd.   I will choose a winner the next day using random.org.

Disclaimer: I was provided 2 iron-on designs by See-Me-Run.  I was not asked to express a particular view or compensated in any other way.