Testing out new running products is fun, but there’s one thing I’d not been looking forward to trying: Tiger Balm Red. Because giving it a proper test would mean having an ache, pain or strain that needed something rubbing on it.
Brighton Marathon came and went with nothing worse than two black toenails to show for it. So the jar sat on the shelf waiting. But last night after three days running on the bounce my right Achilles was moaning about the mileage.
The smell of Tiger Balm Red is nice and comes from the camphor, menthol, cajuput oil, clove oil, and cinnamon oil – much better than the chemical smells of other products. This smells more like mulled wine than a rugby changing room.
The tingling sensation doesn’t kick in straight away, which meant I slapped on a bit more than was strictly necessary. But as it gets going the tingling feels oddly cold, but good.
Today my Achilles feels pretty good, but who knows whether a hot bath and a good night’s sleep would have done the same job. A hot bath isn’t so easy to fit in your kit bag though.
Tiger Balm Red is priced £4.67 for a 19g jar.