Product Review: The Runnerbox

Disclaimer: I received The Runnerbox to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

runnerbox-logo The Runnerbox is a bi-monthly box of athletic awesomeness — hand-picked products and accessories geared towards runners to enhance their active lifestyle.

Runnerbox monthly subscription review Iowa blogger

About Runnerbox:
The bi-monthly subscription box costs $20 and is stuffed with products and accessories geared towards runners. Runnerbox contains items hand-picked by athletes and can contain everything from gels to chews to protein shakes/supplements, and nutrition bars, energy boosters, healthy snacks, personal care, and other running gear or accessories. Some of the products are brand new to the market while others are tried and true favorites. I’m a huge fan of being able to be be something of a public “first tester” of new products.

The box I received was winter themed and contained items focused on keeping runners warm and fueled when the temperatures drop (and keeping motivation up!).

Here’s what my box included:

  • HOTSHOT (2 bottles)
  • Louva Shorties (in black)
  • Banza Mac & Cheese (Chickpea pasta)
  • Zest Tea (cinnamon apple)
  • Oatmega Whey Bar
  • biPro (2 packets)
  • Chosen Foods Chia Bites
  • REDD Superfood Energy Bar
  • Runa Energy Drink
  • Hyperice Hypersooth (sample packets)
Runnerbox so much stuff blog review bibrave
So. Much. Stuff!

First impression: As someone who is obsessed with monthly subscription services, there is a LOT of stuff in this box! It looked as though most of the products were gluten-free, too. Gear that has adaptable uses get a gold star by me, so the Louva shorties sound like my kind of product.

Favorite Products: Banza mac & cheese, biPRO protein powder, the chia bites, and Zest tea.

runnerbox fuel products running blog review

30-Something Runner Approved: I love finding out about new stuff, and Runnerbox is a great way to test out new items — particularly for fitness-oriented products and fuel that is already tested by other athletes. I was SUPER pumped about all the gluten-free products! I like subscription boxes (a lot) and I like them even better when I can eat (and enjoy) everything. I also appreciated the mix of items — mostly food or fuel-based, but with some non-edible items.

runnerbox gluten free pasta review

Check out The Runnerbox for the subscription options — and if you’re looking for a great gift idea for that special runner in your life, there’s a limited edition Valentine’s Day Runnerbox.

runnerbox bibrave review product

Weekly Therapy: So. Windy.

the week:
SUPER stressful week, but I got some great news: I got a new job! So, I’ll be wrapping up my contract work with my Pittsburgh company. I have Iowa plates for my car. We also finally finished the transfer of our house in the Burgh, so we’re back to owning just one house (ha!) and I guess that officially completes our Pittsburgh chapter. Now, I just need to update my driver’s license.

mel_pappajohn statue des moines
Last weekend, we finally visited the sculpture park in downtown Des Moines.

weekend:
I’ve let a lot of things lapse since moving: sleep, my diet, exercise…

So, this weekend, I will REST (and probably hang some shit up on my walls). And NO GLUTEN. I cheated last weekend (BRUNCH!) for only the 2nd time in a little over 2 years, and have slept more hours in a week than I did for the entire last year [end hyperbole, BUT STILL — like, 9pm complete crash times every night]. My body completely and totally rejected my lapse in judgment on my diet. And gave me my first awful canker sore in 2 years, too. I’m sure it’s no coincidence. If I get an eczema outbreak, I’m going to be so mad at myself.

Ok, Ok, so we’re going to do ONE event this weekend: There’s a roller derby bout in West Des Moines that we’re going to check out!

seven things, seven days:
1. I keep putting too much trust in myself, not using GPS when I’m driving around. And welp… I’m LOST. Seriously. From the same parking lot three times this week.
2. One of my cats started recently begging for food at his feeding time and OMG the ADORBS mews on him.
3. I took one of those wine subscription quizzes that results in suggestions to purchase — and answered differently each time to get unique picks. Wellll, NOPE. Same.exact.selections. That’s some bullshit.
4. Do you ever buy furniture online? I’ve purchased our sectional online at a discount outlet, our sofa on Amazon (yes, really!), a large corner chair on Wayfair, and two side chairs from Home Decorators online (only those last two items I’m still waiting to be delivered). We were looking for budget pieces because of the cats, but I’ve been incredibly impressed with the quality!
5. ahhhhhhhhhh! I just realized that my birthday is a month away. :-/
6. I got my treadmill delivered this morning! Now, NO EXCUSES to get a couple short runs in per week.
7. 10 reasons why you should run the IMT Des Moines Marathon! (I’m signed up for the half!)

Product Review: Wantable Fitness Edit #2

This post contains referral links.

30-something Therapy_Fitness Edit 2

This is my second Wantable Fitness Edit [referral link]. I received a couple new brands in this box, along with some repeats from my first box; however, this one was a bust compared to last month.

30something Shape Activewear Wantable

1. Shape Active Long Sleeve Drop Tail Tee in Heather Gray XS ($44.00) — A repeat brand from last month, I feel like Shape activewear is all over the place in terms of quality. I do like this top — the Tencel fabric is really soft — and the fit is a true XS. Though, it’s not really all that long in the back, which is what “drop tail” in the description would make you think. Plus, when using the thumbholes, the arm seams feel twisted and tighten up the sleeves in a weird way. I have enough long-sleeved layering shirts, however, so I’m sending this one back. I would honestly be really concerned about wearing and washing this one, too, since it feels really thin.

30something therapy Wantable Prismsport activewear

2. Prismsport Lifestyle Peplum Jacket Saddle in mustard snake print (?) S (original $158.00 LOL; on sale for $94.80) — Another repeat brand from last month. Um… yeah. This jacket is ugly AF and not at all my style. #sorrynotsorry

I’m already not a fan of overly-feminine details on athletic wear – a ruching here or a feminine print there is OK, but I will NEVER wear something like this to work out in. Despite that, and even considering maybe wearing it casually, it feels reminiscent of a neoprene jacket that I had to wear when I worked at a zoo. Just, all over NO on this piece. I mean, it’s not even lined. Where the hell am I going to wear this? I’d be offended and angry if it didn’t make me laugh so hard.

30-something Wantable Just Live brand
I normally don’t take such extreme close-ups of my chest, but this front fastener needed that treatment.

3. Just Live Power Through Legging in Rustic Watercolor XS ($86.00) — I felt “meh” about these pants the second that I pulled them out of the box. The print is nice, but there’s something about the thickness and slickness of the fabric that I did not like. The product details state that they’re made from a signature YOLON blend (whatever that is) and are “fade proof, odor resistant, and designed to provide superior workout-enhancing compression.” The fit was great, though because of the compression, I struggled with some bunching above and below my calves. They weren’t impossible to put on when compared to other compression pants that I own. Still, I didn’t feel enough love to want to keep them.

4. Just Live Girls Best Friend Sports Bra in Rustic Watercolor S ($52.00) — This is the same watercolor print as the Just Live leggings. With all the terribleness of a front-zip sports bra thrown in. Interestingly, it did fit really well for being a small (I’m a genuine 34A cup), but there’s a tiny catch hook inside the zipper that kept unlatching and I was only taking pictures, so… this piece was also a NOPE.

30-something Soybu Wantable Fitness Edit

5. Soybu Camii Legging in Gemstone Space Dye XS ($64.00) — I think the prices of the two leggings in this box should be swapped! Is this something with space dye fabric, by the way? I noticed that space dye is always cheaper on Fabletics apparel too. The quality of these leggings per the price are fantastic — these are super soft and have really nice seams. I don’t own a pair of stirrups either (the stirrups can be “hidden” when bunched up at the ankle). I believe that I’ll find myself wearing these often for yoga and lounging around the house. The colors in this print are so pretty too!

The merchandise total is $340.80; if I were to keep everything in the box, I would get a 20% discount (and deduct the styling fee of $20) and the total would be $252.64. Since I really love the Soybu leggings, they’re totally worth paying an additional $44.00 to keep. Everything else was returned in the pre-labeled USPS bag that Wantable provides with every shipment.

Since we anticipate moving next month, I’ve skipped my shipment for March. But I’m excited to see what early-spring pieces I’ll receive in my April Edit!

Product Review: Wantable Fitness Edit

This post contains referral links.

Since I work out a lot and generally wear casual clothing, I like the idea of a Stitch Fix-esque subscription service for athletic apparel. I recently signed up for my first Wantable Fitness Edit [referral link] because I’ve been bored (and somewhat) disappointed with Fabletics lately, which I’ve subscribed to for a couple years (certainly not purchasing every month, but have had a good run). Fabletics bottoms have been awesome, but their tops are just plain awful in regards to quality, material and sizing (I even tried a dress once, which had ZERO STRETCH, and just no).

I received five items from Wantable to try on at home, with a good variety in items and brands. Wantable offers a similar discount to Stitch Fix when you purchase everything from your box. Imagine my immediate disappointment, then, when I received an incorrect item in my Edit. Wantable customer service took care of the problem via email AND offered a discount (in form of a return) when I returned the incorrect item and if I purchased the other four things (which, I did). There was no charge for returning items.

For athletic brands, I am all over the place in terms of sizing – and somewhere between an XS and S (even though I’m generally a size 2 in street clothing). Even at lulu, while I am regularly a 4, some of the same-numbered-sizes tops can be too tight in the band or upper arms. Often in other brands, I cannot fit bottoms over my calves (sometimes, more incredulously, over my thighs); I guess my shoulders are kind of broad for a broad my size too. SHRUG.

Wantable Fitness Edit, apparel, exercise, 30-something

Here’s what I got in my first Fitness Edit (prices indicated are full-price before discount):

1. Glyder Elongate Legging Spanish Tile Jacquard XS ($70.00): I love the pattern on these, and think that I would wear them for both exercise and casual. Although, I was a little disappointed at their performance in hot yoga (falling down in the back/band stretching out). These are pretty tight-fitting in the legs, otherwise, so I can’t imagine wearing something SMALLER than an XS – these already were difficult changing into after sweating/freezing outside from my run (note: I haven’t run in them yet; don’t think I would either) and OMG they are a little tight on my large-for-my-body calves. Fabric quality and stretch is definitely in line with the price though. Even better with the “buy all the items” discount.

2. Shape Active 2-in-1 Twist Back Athletic Tank Heather Crystalline XS ($58.00): I LOVED this top, so much so that I was willing to overlook the fact that I could barely pull the bra on. There was ZERO stretch, and I ended up ripping the seams open on the band (Seriously, WTF?!). I thought the top itself was still worth the price though, despite the awful bra (thankfully, they are separate pieces). The fit is perfect and the thin mesh layer in the open back was completely breathable – and it worked really well in hot yoga for me.

Wantable Fitness Edit, athletic apparel, 30something, shape sports bra

3. Pink Lotus Shirred Bust Racerback Bra XS (clearance item: $39.00): super cheap deal for adding another sports bra to my arsenal, so kind of hard to pass up. I loved the print, and the fit was pretty good, albeit a little bit snug on the bottom band (at least it stretches!); although, there was no separation for the bra pads (and it was impossible to get them to sit in the cups properly, so I removed them both because I would seriously rather have some pointy nip action than a uni-boob.

4. Prismsport Loose Tank XS ($48.00): I legit needed a top like this! Simple, racer-back style that fits really well. I like the semi-sheerness to show off a cute printed bra underneath. This will be a very versatile top for my varied workouts (though probably not in the dirty-ness of the CrossFit gym).

5. Trina Turk tank ($76.00) in a beautiful teal green (but a size Large, whomp). I LOVE the Trina Tank brand and have never tried their workout clothing. It looks to be of the same quality and design standards that you would expect from Trina Turk, however. Disappointed that this wasn’t meant for me. Though for a tank, I had a bit of sticker shock!

30-something Wantable Fitness Edit Trina Turk tank

My box was supposed to include another pair of pants – Moto Leggings from Pink Lotus (XS) that seemed to match the sports bra in the box (I couldn’t find my packing slip, and when you don’t purchase an item, the price doesn’t show online in my account, but I think they were priced around $78.00).

Overall, I like the subscription, and their customer service did good by me. I’ll certainly order another Fitness Edit in February – and I hope that I have more success with sizing and accuracy. If you’re interested in signing up for your own Fitness Edit, feel free to use my Wantable affiliate link! I promise that I’ll work on getting better pictures of this gear as I wear it, too!

Weekly Therapy: Black and Yellow, Black and Yellow

the week:
Well, the BIG news of the week is that I MADE TRAVEL TEAM! I’ll be playing for our A/varsity team, The Steel Hurtin’. So excited, you guys!

steel hurtin pittsburgh 2016
My Team!

weekend:
If you’re in Pittsburgh, this weekend the orchid and tropical bonsai show opens at Phipps’ Conservatory. Visitors can experience this tropical escape starting Saturday through February 28. (Hours 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily and until 10 p.m. on Fridays.) More details can be found at phipps.conservatory.org.

Also, you can cheer for the Steelers again… if that’s your thing.

seven things, seven days:
1. Unfortunately dropped off the Dry January wagon, when we were invited to a neighbor’s Steelers party last weekend (back on as of Monday — dry weekdays instead for this month, maybe). Eh.
2. I’m (finally) through season 2 of The Leftovers, and all I can comment is WTF?!
3. Got my first Wantable Fitness Edit this week and I have… conflicted feelings about it. Is this something you guys would like to see reviewed?
4. Celebrated our department’s post-holiday holiday party this week, complete with a “regift” exchange. Good fun to break up the work week.
5. Therapy Wars: The revenge of Freud (long read, but really interesting look at CBT) {via The Guardian}
6. The top 5 fitness trends for 2016 looks a lot like last year (and the year before that). {via Runtastic}
7. You can’t trust what you read about nutrition. This is a fun one about correlations. {via FiveThirtyEight Science}

Makeup Must-Haves

I am obsessed with make-up, Blogger, May I? followers, so I’m excited to post about my favorite daily products for today’s prompt.

I’m a subscriber to ipsy and PopSugar MustHave, and I used to regularly get Birchbox and Julep. I like to sample and try new things, but I generally wear make-up to look like I’m not wearing any. That’s the 30-something secret. WINK. Many of my MUST HAVE, CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT products are things that I’ve discovered within the last couple years because of these subscriptions.

So much lip stuff in the background there!
So much lip stuff in the background there!

In any event: I start with the AGE SMART skinperfect primer from Dermologica. I fell in love with Dermologica during a facial last year at the spa at Nemacolin and use several of their skin care products. Then, I follow up with a BB cream from Tarte (it’s the PERFECT color for my skintone, feels light but still covers) and an undereye concealer from It Cosmetics (Bye-Bye Under Eye is so amazing that I even wear while I run; I’ll pretend it’s because of the sunscreen benefit). I then brighten my lids and eye area with Well Rested powder from Bare Minerals. I seriously rarely leave the house without applying this on/around my eyes. I don’t typically wear foundation since my face is pretty oily, but if I do, I opt for LORAC Natural Performance; otherwise, I use a brush to set my BB-prepped face with a powder from Napolean Perdis (since ULTA stopped carrying it, I have to now buy from Bergdorf, which makes me feel fancy).

My lids then get a quickie sweep of color from Pacifica — it’s very neutral but a tiny bit frosty — and blush from Tarte. I’m positively obsessed with the waterproof formula from Bare Minerals: Flawless Definition. It stayed on during a 5K in a rainstorm and the Pittsburgh Half Marathon in the sweaty heat (because, yep, I do prefer to have a little make-up on when I workout). I recently noticed that I received more compliments when NOT wearing eyeliner (weird), so that’s been removed from my daily routine and I feel A-OK about it; I’ll pull out a fun bold eye for a party or something and will also draw in my eyebrows then. I haven’t mastered contouring like some of those fab youtubers (it’s so fascinating!), but I will use bronzer and highlighter for nights out.

All-in-all, my make-up routine takes less than 10 minutes. Throughout the day, I use green tea blotting linens from Boscia to blot my shiny areas and opt for Burt’s Bees lip balm when my lips are feeling dry. And that’s basically my make-up routine.

Have you discovered any fun products from monthly subscription boxes? Do you use any of the same brands?

Stitch Fix: continuing my obsession with monthly subscription boxes

This post contains affiliate links.

Fall is usually when I revamp my closet (my favorite season, at that), or at least notice how much I haven’t worn in the last year. And I truly hate shopping — online stylist services is where it’s at. I used Cake Style last year, and received a few boxes, to which I definitely found (and purchased) some great pieces. But overall, the entirety of the box was too rich for my budget (especially with all of these house projects… woof). But I still really liked the service and having a stylist at the ready for special events.

Enter: Stitch Fix

Thanks to an awesome referral from twitter for the heads-up on this company. With Stitch Fix I can pick my own budget comfort level. After filling out a style profile (I wish there was a place for measurements, however; probably the only thing “missing” from the questionnaire) and social media accounts, like Pinterest and Instagram, your personal stylist uses this background info to curate your Fix. The boxes only come when you say you need one. Each delivery costs $20, but that is applied to any purchase you make from the box. Anything you don’t want, you return in the prepaid envelope within three days.

stitch fix subscription box

I received my first box this week, which included five pieces that were stylish-but-classic enough for any 30-something — and one that even pushed me out of my closet comfort zone: an edgy light gray blazer (LOVE the striped lining!), off-white denim, cute vintage-inspired lace tank, a navy polka dot blouse and a mint-hued dress (this last piece is something completely different for me, but still in my color wheel).

My stylist Ishara did very, very well (thank you!). I’m going to have so much fun incorporating these pieces into my wardrobe — and watch for pictures after my special blogger getaway next weekend.

Total cost*: $262.50
30-something Approved!

*If you buy everything from your Fix, they give you a 25% discount, which makes it hard to resist buying the entire box –especially when the bill without one item would be practically the same. It’s almost like getting an item for free.

Disclaimer: Post includes affiliate links. See my disclosure page for more info.

Weekly Therapy: healing from the littlest baby tooth that could

the week:
I seem to be healing from my tooth extraction. Ready to move on from eating meals with baby food-consistency.

The boyfriend and I had a fun, mid-week date night. We had dinner at Braddock’s downtown and then saw the performance You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up! at the Pittsburgh CLO Cabaret Theater (thanks Yelp!). The show is hilarious — and runs through May 5.

weekend:
Busy couple of days! Friday is our monthly bowling league night (I’m still hovering around a respectable 105 average per game); tomorrow I’m skating in Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s Day parade (pending weather; we might be walking instead); afterward, our group will be celebrating at the Toonseum for their ‘Stache Bash.

A full weekend of activities, culminates into the big celebration of our anniversary on Sunday (the lovely story of when two drunk Irish people hooked up on St. Patrick’s Day). Sadly, our special occasion restaurant is closed on Sundays, so we’ll be looking for somewhere new (or making sushi at home) to celebrate FOUR YEARS. Where has the time gone?!

First “date”: St. Patrick’s Day, Chicago 2009. Yep.

seven things, seven days:
1. Squee! Alert: my current obsession, thanks to bird breeding season, are nest cams. Pittsburgh has its own eye on Peregrine falcons at the Cathedral of Learning! And then a friend sent me the link to these adorable Barn Owls.
2. We won our home opener last weekend, but my home team lost the championships (and I nearly lost my head with too many sits in the penalty box).
3. Painting my nails at least once a week, thanks to Julep! {if you access via my referral link, use code 8563093 at sign-up!}
4. Craving fish fry and alcoholic milkshakes… SO RANDOM. But definitely experiencing some sweets-withdrawal.
5. Another AWESOME Sprig box this month (hello, carrot cake cookies — I cannot wait to enjoy you after March 31!). This company is opening my eyes to so many amazing companies making raw, organic and gluten-free snacks.
6. Is anyone else completely freaking out about the retirement of Google Reader this summer?!
7. Seemed appropriate: The Psychology of Flossing

Love and salt-water rinses (blech). And shots of Jameson. Sláinte!