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?
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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?
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Contents of StrideBox
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Water Bottle in StrideBox
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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!

 


Comments

Nicole U
02/07/2013 5:46pm

I would like to see energy gels and rehydration products!

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Insane Marathon
02/07/2013 8:56pm

Thanks! Good luck!

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Jeremy
02/07/2013 6:13pm

My perfect StrideBox would have a quality running hat (the kind with a visor that flexes with the wind so a sudden gust doesn't lift it right off your head!)

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Insane Marathon
02/07/2013 8:56pm

I would like to see that too! Good luck!

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Darling
02/07/2013 6:59pm

I would love to get a StrideBox with anti-chaffing products. Something that could hold up to the serious sweating I do all summer and winter long.

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Insane Marathon
02/07/2013 8:57pm

I'm always looking for new anti-chaffing products! Good luck!

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InsaneMarathon
02/17/2013 8:00pm

You won the random raffle- please use the "contact" link above & send me your name and address. I need this by tomorrow. Thank you!

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02/07/2013 8:54pm

I'd love to see anti-chaffing samples in a StrideBox.

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Insane Marathon
02/07/2013 8:57pm

Thank you! Good luck!

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02/07/2013 9:36pm

I'd like to see different electrolyte drinks (nuun, gu brew, etc) those things that have way to many flavors to try one at a time without spending a lot of cash on.

The idea is great. I've read reviews on bulubox of nutrients and supplements and also runner box. They follow the same concepts. If there was a little more product and a little less sample I would sign up for all of them.

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Insane Marathon
02/07/2013 10:44pm

Thanks Joe! I like the idea more product / less samples too.
Different flavors are always a plus. The GU Chomps in the StrideBox were actually a brand new flavor from GU!
Good luck!

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Lesley Ashford
02/08/2013 5:15am

I'd like to see a theme for the month. A product to go along with that theme AND lots of random samples of running aids and products as well.
I love the idea of stridebox. I will be investigating this for sure :)

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Insane Marathon
02/08/2013 9:10am

I really like the idea of a monthly theme!! Good luck with the contest!

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02/08/2013 5:41am

That looks pretty cool. I'd like to see some Accel Gel or S Caps in a Strede Box for summer.

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Insane Marathon
02/08/2013 9:10am

Thank you for posting. Good luck!

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02/08/2013 10:54am

I'd love to try the Skratch Hydration Mix. I love to mixes for my water -- makes me drink more water during the day at work. One thing I'd love to see them add to this type of box - another option of Body Glide. Body Glide works, but only for a few miles. I need to find one that lasts for a marathon...Thanks for the contest!

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Samantha Gacke
02/08/2013 10:58am

Would love this!

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Karen
02/08/2013 12:13pm

As many different brands/varieties of gels (other than GU) as possible so that I can compare them all.

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Aimee Shuey
02/08/2013 1:34pm

Sports Beans... I'm addicted & would be a great place to advertise new flavors.

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Jason Carter
02/10/2013 8:41am

Different brands of running socks would be a great way to try them out before purchasing them.

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Kenny Wright
02/11/2013 5:01pm

quality running socks, anti-chaffing or runnning hats would be great to include.

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heather salovin
02/15/2013 8:23pm

would love to see some lights/safety devices for night running!

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Oscar Garcia
02/16/2013 9:10pm

I would love to get a Stridebox with a set of awesome performance socks! So many out their would be cool to try some before dropping 10 on 1 pair?

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