I’m a sucker for a free sample, so, when I saw the ads on a few running websites about Secret Sport, I figured, “Why not?” Now, I know the whole “women in sports” angle has been used to market a number of things that don’t need a “sport” upgrade- Like, say, a tampon that has a sporty lime green applicator and toughskins grip, I would assume to help you insert it roadside on mile 64 of the Western States 100. But I’m not the only FitLifeSF contributor who can attest to the fact that tech fabrics + sweat + sunscreen = Not so fresh smelling clothes and bodies.

I’ve been using the clinical strength products for a while, so I can give you a lil’ rundown-

Secret Clinical Strength Light and Fresh Scent: Has on OK scent, but apparently their definition of “light” is “will knock you on your ass with FRESH several times a day.” Dryness is pretty good. Never noticed a post-run funk when using this product.

Dove Clinical Protection Cucumber Green Tea Scent: I use (and love!) Dove Cool Moisture Body Wash in Cucumber Green Tea, so I had high hopes here. It’s OK in the dryness department, but the scent goes away very quickly and- either by fault of the new running shirts I got from Road Runner Sports or by fault of the product- I definitely noticed my shirts getting a little unsexy after just one run.

Fast forward to last week, when the Secret Sport Clinical Strength showed up.

First… It’s a FULL SIZED sample! Heck to the YES! Nicely done, Proctor and Gamble! (As an aside, most of you know I work in PR/Marketing and have done my fair share of viral marketing programs. P&G really does get a lot right in this area.)

Second… The scent is called Marathon Fresh! Now, I did used to have a joke in my standup act about FDS being available in Rainforest Fresh. Pointing out, of course, that nobody’s snatch is all too fresh in a rainforest. I’d say the same is true of 99.7% of pits you’d find in a marathon… But, I’ll put that on hold because I’m currently training for a half marathon and got a little bit of joy about it being called Marathon Fresh vs., say, Lacrosse Breeze or Softball Chill.

And, let me tell you- the scent is phenomenal. It is a kind of perfectly androgynous citrusish scent. Kind of like CK One in its gender neutrality. (Full disclosure: I wore men’s antiperspirant for several years because there is nothing worse than smelling like a baby’s freshly powdered ass.)

I haven’t found myself knocked over by scent, but the scent is definitely there if I nuzzle in for a sniff.

I did my longest training run today (more on that later, but 11.53 miles!) and had on three layers, including one tech fabric singlet that is the worst offender in the smell department, and didn’t notice any unsavory aromas after the run.

The Final Word: Secret Sport Clinical Strength has a wonderful, sporty scent that has the power to keep you fresh in face of double-digit mileage and stink-breeding tech fabrics. Best of all? If you don’t believe me, you can try it for yourself!