After the amazing feedback I received with my StrideBox posting - I came across another company via social media that was using the same concept as StrideBox - send a box of surprise running goodies to subscribers. The RunnerBox is available in 3 different formats.
What you see when you open RunnerBox
RunnerBox tissue paper
The TriBox - A bi-monthly subscription box that includes products not only for running but on the bike and in the water as well.
The RunnerBox - A bi-monthly subscription box filled with products geared specifically towards runners.
The GiftBox - A one time gift of RunnerBox (or TriBox) - ships within 5 business days of purchase.
All boxes cost $25.70 (shipping included) per shipment.
Staci over at RunnerBox was kind enough to send me a RunnerBox for review - Thank you Staci :)
Exterior of RunnerBox
RunnerBox Contents:
Generation UCAN - 2 drink mixes (Chocolate and Pomegranate Blueberry) - Retail Value: $7
CocoaVia - 2 drink mixes - Retail Value: $1
Emergen-C - Joint health and sport water drink mixes - Retail Value: $1
Honey Stinger - Lemon Waffle - Retail Value: $2
Honey Stinger - Cherry Organic Energy Chews - Retail Value: $1.50
Accel Gel - Chocolate energy gel Retail Value: $1
Get Burning Active Tea multipack - Retail Value: $3
Picky Bars - Peanut butter - Retail Value: $3
Sport Legs capsules - Retail Value $1
Sport Beans - Pomegranate flavor - Retail Value: $1.50
Jolt Energy Gum - Retail Value $2
RunnerBox Flashing Safety Light - Retail Value: $2
RunnerBox contents spread out
What RunnerBox looks like when you open it for the 1st time
Total Estimated Retail Value of RunnerBox contents: $26What products were I most interested to try?
I was interested in the Generation UCAN drink mixes. I have never heard of them before and the packaging was very appealing. I mixed up the pomegranate blueberry formula and wasn't impressed. I still have not tried the chocolate.
The Honey Stinger waffle I am still waiting to try. I have heard good things about them and was glad it was included. If I like it I am sure I will continue to purchase.
Get Active Tea was also a product that looked fun. I have not been able to try it though, but I enjoy tea and I am looking forward to brewing it before a race instead of coffee. Again, a product that I am sure I would never have tried - but will more than likely purchase if it works as advertised and tastes well.
What is my impression of RunnerBox?Its a great product. Just like StrideBox - opening up the mail couldn't be any more fun. Being a runner, it is exciting to open a box of running specific surprise goodies!
Is RunnerBox worth the $25.70/ month?
Yes - but barely. The RunnerBox is $20 + $5.70 shipping/handling. You definitely get your moneys worth of supplies. But not much "more" than the actual value paid. Granted the contents change monthly so who knows what will be in a future RunnerBox!
Who would I recommend RunnerBox to?
If you are looking for a one time gift to a runner, or are wanting to try out the subscription box concept without being tied down to a reoccurring subscription I would give RunnerBox a try first. Also if you are a triathlete this is the only subscription box I know of that caters to you (although my review box was not the triathlete version).
For more information about RunnerBox visit them online - www.therunnerbox.com
The Gasparilla Distance Classic weekend in Tampa has always been my favorite event to participate in since I moved to Florida in late 2009. The first year I lived here I ran the final Gasparilla Marathon. The next year I ran every event offered (15k, 5k, 13.1 & 8k) which is called the Michelob Ultra Challenge. Last year I only ran the 15k and this year I registered for the 15k on Saturday and the 1/2 marathon on Sunday. My goal for these races was just to run it tempo speed as I have been focusing on staying injury free and preparing myself for the LA Marathon on March 17.
I headed to the Gasparilla "8 on your side" expo at the Tampa Convention Center Friday night with a group of friends. We grabbed our race packets and walked around the entire expo. I was disappointed that Nike is no longer sponsoring the event and the official merchandise was very generic. I enjoyed the excitement Nikes presence brought at the event and expo. One other thing I missed was the wall of names. Nike used to have a wall, like at the Chicago Marathon, where all 27,000 runners names were listed. It was fun trying to find your name as well as the names of your friends!
After the expo my friends and I headed to Spaghetti Warehouse for a "carb up" dinner. It was great. After it was over I went home and fell asleep.
The 15k didn't go as planned. I tried to run it fast. That didn't end up working as it got hot, I was not used to the shoes I was wearing (more on that later...) and I felt run-down. I did not eat anything or drink a lot of water before the race which might have caused this to happen. I finished the 15k talked to some friends and then went home to get ready to pick up my friend Maureen who was arriving from Chicago.
Maureen was coming down to run the Gasparilla half marathon with me on Sunday. I wanted to run the race under 1:50 and Maureen was looking to PR (something under 1:50).
On Sunday the race started at 6am which made for a very early wake up call.
When the race started something didn't seem right. It was pretty humid (100 percent humidity was reported) and I couldn't get my breathing down well. My pace was suffering even though my legs felt strong. It was warm out I didn't want to drag Maureen back as she felt good so I told her to run on. I ended up getting two huge blisters one on each foot due to the new shoes I had been wearing and each step felt like a knife stabbing me for 11 of the 13 miles. This was the most painful race I have ever done and I felt like quitting SO MANY times. However, I pushed though the pain (even though I was pretty sure I was bleeding though my shoes). My biggest fear was that I would injure myself for the LA Marathon. I had my worst 1/2 marathon time in years because of the breathing, heat and blisters. You can't win them all I guess.
The half marathon medal was awesome. Maureen and I went to the after party for and enjoyed the day rest of the day!
Hopefully next year goes better for me at Gasparilla! Maybe they will bring back Nike as a sponsor too!
Social media has changed the way consumers find out about new products and services. If you follow InsaneMarathon.com on insatagram @insanemarathon you see our frequent photos and our amazing fan following! Our instagram posts are also posted on twitter @jimblake. A couple of weeks ago a tweet of ours was re-posted by a company called StrideBox. After some research I found out that StrideBox is a company that provides running products and accessories every month in an attractive subscription box delivered right to your home. I spoke with the owner of StrideBox and was invited to review the February edition of StrideBox.
I eagerly awaited my StrideBox and finally received it on February 6. I couldn't even wait to get back inside to open it up so I walked over to my pool, sat down and opened up the package immediately.
What is StrideBox?
The first thing you notice upon opening up the StrideBox is a postcard with a running photo on it. This postcard lets you know what months StrideBox you are receiving and contains "The Stride Guide" an informational outline about the products you will find in the box.
So... what was in the StrideBox?
Contents of StrideBox
Water Bottle in StrideBox
Contents of February 2012 StrideBox
Water Bottle - One of the best products was at the top of the box, a "flat" extremely portable StrideBox branded water bottle. Retail Value: $9
Lock Laces - These are the shoelaces that use a locking device to tie. This ensures that at mile 20 during your marathon you are not concerned about your shoe laces bouncing all over. Retail value: $8
On The Go Towels For Men - I plan on trying one of these towels out tonight after my 6 mile run. The package reminds me of a large hand wipe. These would probably be great for an event like Ragnar where you need to shower, but can't! With as many events as I run - this is a product that I can see myself purchasing depending on how it holds up. Retail Value for the 3 towels included (estimate only, as their website is not up yet): $2
The rest of the StrideBox reminded me of a large "Goody Bag" you would receive at a large road race. Lots of nutritional products. The nutritional products included were:
GU Chomps (Lemon flavor), Hammer Cranberry Energy Bar, Hammer Endurolytes Fizz drink tablet - Peach flavor, Honey Stinger Acai Pomegranate Organic Energy Gel, MazamaBar - Chocolate Banana, Skratch Hydration Mix Lemon Lime and Orange flavors. Retail Value: $7
Finally there was a Doctor Hoy's Natural Pain Relief Gel sample (think Biofreeze sample you would get at a race expo). Retail Value: $0.
Total Estimated Retail Value of the StrideBox: $26
In addition to the products found in StrideBox there are discounts on some of the included products should you enjoy the samples and want to buy them. Most of the discounts save you 15-25% when ordered online through a special link.
Of all the products I am most excited to try out the Chocolate Banana MazamaBar, which I plan on eating before the Rock and Roll St. Petersburg 1/2 Marathon this Sunday. I also will use the Organic Honey Stinger Acai Pomegranate Gel at mile 6.5 of the Rock and Roll St. Pete 1/2 Marathon. The water bottle will definitely not go to waste and the Lock Laces will be used on my next pair of running shoes.
What is my impression of StrideBox?
The presentation is awesome. The "Just Keep Running" and the logo of the runner coming out of the box are very nice touches. When you open the StrideBox the products are nicely wrapped in blue tissue paper. Simple, elegant touches. I also enjoyed the element of surprise, which keeps me guessing "What will be in the next StrideBox?"
Is it worth the $15/ month?
Yes - The retail value of the products are more than the $15 it costs to have StrideBox delivered to you every month.
How can I get StrideBox delivered to me?
Visit www.stridebox.com and set yourself up for a monthly subscription.
Can I get a StrideBox for free?
YES - You can get one of the March StrideBox's for FREE! InsaneMarathon.com is GIVING AWAY a SrideBox!! All you have to do is leave a comment on this post with a product, or type of product you would like to see in a future StrideBox. I will pick a random winner on 2/17 and give your information to StrideBox. They will send you a free box!!! Awesome huh?!?!
What do you think about the concept of a monthly subscription box for runners? I think its awesome & a great way to stay excited about the sport we all love as well as learn about and try new running related products!
Don't forget to leave a comment for your chance to receive a free StrideBox in March!
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