My August (and July) Stridebox is Here!

Today my mailman had an extra spring in his step!  That's because he got to deliver my August Stridebox.  I really am glad I signed up for this monthly subscription.  So far, none of the boxes have let me down.

Click here for a peek at my June Stridebox

Click here for a peek at my May Stridebox

First, I have to do a quick July Stridebox recap.  I took pics when it arrived, but never got around to sharing it on the blog:

July Stridebox:

This one contained a water bottle with several drink mixes inside (I've taken them out for you to see) as well as couple of energy bars, a Body Glove gel, and a package of spider tech tape.  I do find the water bottle handy for mixing my drinks for my runs - although the 2  drink mixes I have tried have been pretty awful! (Nuun electrolyte tab, and Vega electrolyte hydrator mix)  I think I'll be sticking with Mio Fit for my electrolyte replacement!

Ok, now on to my August Stridebox:

This Month's Stridebox contained my favorite - a Kind Bar!  I absolutely love these things!  It also includes a couple of energy chews, a drink mix, a couple of gels, another energy bar - and the non-food item this month was a cooling towel.  I already have a couple of these, but loved the size of this one.  Just perfect for looping through the belt on my waist pack (26"X8")

Here is a rundown of the items in the box and their value:

Now, I just need to figure out how to keep from eating my Kind bar before tomorrow's run!!

Do you have a favorite "energy" or post-run bar? (you already know my favorite is Kind Bar - any flavor!)

My June StrideBox Is Here!

OK!  I am officially loving the StrideBox!  This is my second month, and once again it did not disappoint!

I actually got the box at midnight.  Hubby and I had been out on a "date" so that my grown daughter could have some of her friends over without Mom and Dad around.   Her friends were still here - and I couldn't wait to open my box - which is why you get my outdated comforter as a backdrop :)

I was pretty excited when I saw the Foot Rubz - 'cause let's face it - middle aged runners need all the massage tools they can get!

sorry, I covered up the Pocket Fuel with the Get Out and Run Sticker.  I do like that StrideBox includes an inspirational sticker in every order.

But then I saw the Lock Laces and I actually did a little happy dance.  I have a pair of Lock Laces that I really like, and have been wanting to get another set for a different pair of shoes.  But they are 8 bucks!!  So, to have them included in my $15 box made me feel  - well - HAPPY!

Side Story:  I have a hate/love relationship with Lock Laces.  

After I broke my hand in January, I was unable

Lydiard aka Staight Bar Lacing

to tie my own shoes.  I had decided to go ahead and run the Zooma 1/2 marathon just three weeks after the accident, but I was worried that my laces might come untied and I would have no way of retieing them (save asking another racer- awkward!.)  So I ordered the Lock Laces and wore one for the first time on race day.  Remember what they say about NEVER trying something new on race day??  Well, I cinched the Lock Lace WAY too tight, and by the end of the race I had actually injured the tendons on the top of my foot.  Although I was still able to run with my hand injury, the foot extensor tendonitis effectively knocked me out of running for 6 weeks!  I have since returned to the Lock Laces - this time laced using the Lydiard Method and kept very loose - and I LOVE them.  So word to the wise - be careful not to over tighten these laces! - OK, end of side story!

Here is a listing of all in the box:

• I think the PowerICE freezer bars are an excellent idea in the summer.  I sure wish I had had these after my long run - in 90 degree heat - on Saturday!
• I have never actually used or needed anti-chafe cream.  But I LOVE that the Blue Steel Anti-Chafe cream comes in single use packs!  This makes it easy to take with me on long runs or races (where a sudden need for anti-chafe cream would be just my luck!)  And they included 3 of them!  Nice!

So, by rough estimate $28 worth of product in my $15 box - and several products I am very excited about - STRIDEBOX SCORE!

My May Stride Box Has Arrived!

A couple of weeks ago, I signed up to get the StrideBox.  This is a "monthly subscription box for runners that delivers an assortment of running accessories, gear, and nutritional products to your door each month."   The cost seemed reasonable - $15 (which includes shipping) - and the whole idea struck me as FUN!

Today I got my StrideBox in the mail!

Water bottle for size comparison.

First of all - this WAS fun!  I just sat in front of the box for a minute and savored the moment.  Then I opened it s l o w l y.   (It really is sad how easily I am entertained)


Anyway....

I took my time taking each product out one by one.  Most of the items were fuel for the run.  The box also included Pro-Tec Blister Bands, a water bottle cleaner tablet (can't wait to try this) and a "Just Keep Running" sticker.  

The most expensive item was a Klitch Footwear Clip.  Here is my son demonstrating this nifty item:

My husband was actually pretty excited about the Klitch Clip since it allows him to clip his stinky running shoes to the outside of his gym bag.  The Clip seemed well made and it was really cool to get a $15 (retail value) item included in my $15 box!

The Stride Box included a card listing each item and its retail value:

Which I thought was handy since I didn't have to look up the value of each item online to make sure I was getting a deal (ha!)  My rough estimate is that I got about $27 worth of products in my $15 box.  NOT BAD!

Conclusion:
I am very happy with my first StrideBox.  It contained mostly products I have never heard of as well as a few I had been wanting to try.  Even if I end up not needing/liking some of the items, I still feel like I got a good deal.  Plus - the "fun factor" is worth at least a few bucks!!

Can't wait to see what the June StrideBox has to offer!

May you run happy today!