Wednesday, May 8, 2013

My First Stridebox Review

I received my first subscription for Stridebox in the mail this month and was so excited that of course I had to blog about it!  First, let me introduce Stridebox to you.  For those of you not interested I'll understand, but if you are a runner like me you may find this blog helpful and informative.  Stridebox is a monthly subscription box for runners that delivers an assortment of running accessories, gear, and nutritional products to you for only $15 a month.

The picture below shows all the goodies that came in my box this month.  I have decided to write about each product as I try it and give a little review of what I thought about it.



Jelly Belly Sport Beans




I decided to try the sport beans first because it was a running day for me. The quick energy label very much appealed to me at that moment.  I had just arrived home from work, and my energy was depleted.  I had to get in a run and was resting a few minutes trying to find the motivation to get started.  I thought this would be a great time to try something from The Box.  The jelly bean had sort of a vitamin taste at first, but it is a jelly bean and you can taste the sugar too.  This needs to be eaten with water because it is sweet and makes you thirsty.  It gave me the energy I needed though to get up and start running.  I finished my run and noticed that it did not get my stomach upset during or after my run.  I have not tried any other energy chews yet so, I will be interested to see how they compare with other products.


Klitch Footwear Clip


The Klitch is a footwear clip that allows you to hang your running shoes to the outside of your bag.  It took me a few minutes to figure out how to attach my shoes to the clip, but once I got them attached on my bag I really loved this accessory.  This will come in handy on the days when I head to the gym but can't go home to change clothes first.  I love how you can just clip your shoes without having to carry them or put them in the bag with clothes.  It's convenient and easy to use.  I will be interested to see how long the Klitch holds up, but I hope it lasts for awhile.  On a side note, I really need to get me a new bag.


Perfect Fit Raw Organic Brown Rice Protein Powder




I decided to try the Perfect Fit protein powder for breakfast.  I have never tried a protein powder, but looking at the package it had everything I would want.  It's raw, organic, gluten-free, non-GMO, and only 70 calories per serving.  They sent the vanilla flavor and I decided to mix it in with my smoothie.  I did not like this at all.  I could not taste the delicious, fruity taste at all.  Just a powdery, chalky, earthy taste.  I noticed on the package that it is sweetened with organic stevia.  I had never heard of stevia so I googled it.  I found out it is an all-natural sweetener unlike other artificial sweeteners.  I also read where it can leave an after taste in your mouth.  Perhaps this is another reason I did not like this product.  It did leave a horrible after taste in my mouth as well as the smell.  There was a recipe card that came with it so I learned that you do not have to use this in shakes or smoothies.  There is a pancake recipe using this, and I'm sure you can use this for other recipes as well.  I don't think I would try this again though.  I just did not care for it at all.

Bottle Bright





I love this product!  I tried this on my water bottle, and it removed all stains and odors in just 15 minutes.  It had a fresh, clean smell without any soap or chlorine taste or smell.  To use this product I filled the bottle with warm water and allowed the tablet to dissolve for about 5 minutes.  I then stirred it up, left it sitting for 10 minutes, and rinsed.  This was so easy to use!  I think this will be a great cleaning product to use on my water bottles and travel mugs.

Vi Fuel Endurance Gel



Be careful!  I opened the package and when I started squeezing the gel out it got everywhere.  I have never tried a gel before so I wasn't sure what to expect with this.  I really liked the peach cobbler flavor.  The package said to take it 15 min. before a run and then every 30-45 min. after that.  I tested this product out before a 3 mile run and since I only had this sample I ate it before my run with water.  Aside from being very thirsty during this run around mile 2 I did not have any side effects from it.  On a 3 mile run I don't normally take water with me and I'm not sure if it was the gel or just the running that made me so thirsty.  When I finished my run I noticed it did not leave me feeling sick or anything, and it did keep my energy up well after my run.  It had a sweet taste but not overly sweet or sugary.  I would definitely try this again as I increase my miles and run longer.  I also read that there is a chocolate flavor.  I would definitely try that one too.

 Just Keep Running Sticker




I spent a few days trying to figure out where to put the sticker.  It ended up on the freezer.  What better place than on the freezer I keep for posting anything related to running that I'm interested in at the time.  Now it will be a constant reminder for me to Just Keep Running.


Just Great Stuff Organic Bar                          

This is a chewy organic bar made from berries, dates, and cashews.  Ar first I thought it would taste like a granola bar.  It was actually more chewy with berries, dates, and cashews blended together.  I was expecting more of a sweet taste but to me it had more of a bitter taste sort of.  I thought it was ok, but I think I would prefer a banana over this type of recovery bar.


Bonk Breaker Bites






Bonk bites are energy and protein bars.  The peanut butter and jelly flavor is what I sampled.  It tasted like a peanut butter granola bar only fresh and moist, not dry.  If I had to choose between this or a peanut butter cookie, I would choose the bonk bites. 

Blister Protectors



 
This is a great band-aid.  I was wondering if I was going to get the chance to try this out before the month was over and I did.  I used it on the bottom of my right foot when I noticed a sore rubbing against my flip flop.  This band-aid has lasted 2 days without coming off.  It has lasted through walking around at work, bare foot, in flip flops, running, and in the shower.  It's transparent and blends right in with my skin so that you hardly even notice it.  I almost forgot about it until I remembered I probably needed to check on it.  The band-aid came off easy without it pulling the skin at all.  I will definitely look for these to buy.

Honey Stinger Energy Chews



This product I saved for last for my first summer 5K run.  I new I would need some energy to help me with this one.  The race was an evening run, hot, and humid.  I ate a few before the run and really liked it.  It tasted like a gummy bear with a hint of honey.  They are easy to chew, don't stick to your teeth or hands, no stomach upset, and you don't need to drink water with them.  Loved them and would highly recommend this product.

My Favorite Memories of 2019

     Some of my favorite memories of 2019 began with a trip to the Dominican Republic and ended with getting the opportunity to enjoy my you...