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)
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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.

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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.

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Product Review: Merino Wool BUFF© Headwear

Disclaimer: I received a BUFF© product 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!

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Fit to Run!

Being an outdoor enthusiast, I was already a big fan of BUFF© products. So I was excited to be a receive a Merino Wool option. If you’re not aware of the BUFF© brand specifically, you probably know of their products — a tubular one-piece of fabric that can be used or worn in multiple ways.

First impression: The color is “tie dyed” shades of lime green, which I found to complement my main winter weather gear while also standing out in dark mornings or evenings. The material is thin but so soft — and it feels super cozy when worn.

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It arrived right as I was going into my Fall Fun! season, so I’ve been able to test it on runs and races in various temperatures AND use when I forgot my non-running winter gear (this thing is amazingly odor resistant, so there was nothing funky about it when I needed it on a day I forgot my hat at work and the temps dropped 30 degrees in one day).

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Keep one in your car, just in case!

Product Details:

  • 100% natural merino wool — Merino Wool’s natural qualities include: water repellent, odor resistant, flameproof, durability, UV protection and natural stretch and elasticity
  • 12+ ways to wear — so much versatility!
  • Thermal protection from cold & wind
  • Cool in the summer, extra layer of warmth in the winter
  • Quick drying
  • Easily hand-washable

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Uses: This is SUCH a versatile piece! I mostly use as a gaiter, neck scarf and ear warmer, but I found it useful as a sweat towel AND as a hair “towel” for after a gym shower. I also like to pull it up like a skirt to warm my butt (I know, I’m small; this trick wont work for everyone); my butt is notoriously cold despite the supposed warmth of fleece pants. Naturally, at this time of year anything can become a snot rag — for which I’ve also found the BUFF© headwear product to be of convenient use.

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Lasting impression: The Merino Wool BUFF© product is a highly functional piece for winter or cold weather running — it keeps my head, ears, and neck exceptionally warm in temps in the 30s. I have a lot of winter left to test it out in even colder temperatures (AND I put a polar BUFF© headwear on my Wish List this year because I know that I’ll use it!). I love that it’s lightweight and easily stashable in a pocket or up a sleeve after I warm up.

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30-Something Approved: BUFF© products have become a regular part of my running gear for winter. I highly recommend checking out their line of multifunctional products — not only does the headwear have versatile use for a variety of sports and activities, there are a bunch of colors and prints to suit your personal style preference.

Right Not Tight: LEGEND Compression Performance Socks

Disclaimer: I received a pair of LEGEND Compression Performance Socks 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!

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These LEGEND Compression Performance socks came at the right time — it’s trail running season for me AND I don’t have any time goals right now, so I can play around with my training gear, nutrition and race day plan a bit.

I picked out the blue (since they matched my favorite running shoes AND my favorite running shorts) and ordered a size Medium. I tend to experience a lot of muscle tightness and soreness in my calves — including some spasms in some of my longer mileage (and last year’s marathon). It’s brutal having to foam roll or do trigger point every day — not even my massage therapist has been able to help. But I also have difficulty with most compression wear (socks, sleeves, pants, almost every kind of skinny jean) being WAY too tight on my calves.

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LEGEND® Compression Performance Socks provide support and comfort to improve performance for runners and all athletes. The sports compression socks are designed for all sporting activities to enhance power and endurance while supporting the shin, ankle, Achilles, calf and arch of the foot. Made in the USA, and with a unique Graduated Compression Technology, they improve blood flow & oxygen levels to run stronger, train harder and recover faster.

First impression: The letter that we received with the product from LEGEND was REALLY thoughtful, and I appreciated their taking the time to introduce the brand to the BibRave Pros. Out-of-the-package, you can tell it’s a quality sock and constructed well. On my foot, it’s super comfortable! Right away I could tell these were different — it wasn’t a struggle to pull them up or off.

LEGEND was right when they said “Right, not tight.” Must be that 15-20 mmHg of graduated compression pulled from years of experience working with medical grade compression products.

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Is that kid beating me?

I primarily tested mine out for running performance, though I know many use compression socks as recovery wear. In fact, I was shocked recently when I heard that sleeves were NOT good for recovery; that’s what I used in the past immediately after races, and I feel so silly that I didn’t do more research! I did a couple short runs, a trail run, and a half marathon while wearing my LEGEND socks and was really sad when these guys were in the laundry — I definitely need an additional pair or two! The biggest difference I noticed for sure was in my half marathon yesterday. My calves didn’t experience the usual cramping or tightness during the race; and while the rest of me felt pretty beat up a day later, my calves were fresh for a recovery run the following day. I was impressed even by the difference in my post-race foam rolling.

This is probably my favorite product testing so far, and I am definitely a compression convert! Are these magic socks?!

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LEGEND Compression Performance Socks come in 7 colors and are Unisex — sized by measurements of the calf and shoe size.

Additional product benefits that make these even more awesome: UV protection, moisture wicking, achilles support, open ventilation and breathable design for comfort, seamless, and arch support that also holds the sock in place and prevents blisters.

Get your own pair at LEGENDS website — and enjoy a great discount! Get 15% off all LEGEND Compression wear with code bibsave15!

Product Review: Aftershokz Trekz Titanium goes PINK

Disclaimer: I received a pair of Aftershokz Trekz Titanium Pink 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!

Trekz_Titanium wirefree headphones

I think a common problem among runners is keeping earbuds in (those of us who enjoy training with music). It took me a while to find a pair that wouldn’t consistently pop out — or wouldn’t outright HURT my tiny ears. So when the opportunity to try an outside-the-ear, wireless headphone product came up with BibRave, I jumped at the chance to try these out.

Product Highlights: Trekz Titanium Pink are wireless, sweat-resistant and perfect for runners. They don’t go inside your ears, so you don’t need to worry about them falling out! Trekz Titanium Pink are flexible and lightweight — made with a titanium frame. Designed with an open ear concept, the limited-edition hot pink headphones keep you aware of your surroundings while you listen to music, all while raising awareness of breast and ovarian cancer. ‘Tis the season to go PINK.

A photo posted by Mel! (@melliesmel) on

First impression: Obviously, I LOVE the color. And I’m completely digging the wireless, bluetooth connection. My first use, they were comfortable, and I was impressed that I could really get them to stay in place, since the band wraps around the back of your head. I’ve read a few other reviewers recommend fitting above a low ponytail, but I’m a high bun lady and I didn’t have any movement. While they didn’t sit quite the same over a hat — I had to adjust them a few times — for the most part, I forgot they were there.

Usability: I didn’t read any of the instructions before use and found them completely user-friendly and easy to figure out. It only took a couple minutes to pair with my iPhone. They came already charged up and all the buttons and controls were fairly intuitive for turning the unit on, changing the volume, and forwarding tracks on my playlist. I really liked the voice prompts, too, for confirming the headphones were on. Charge time is up to 2 hours, and battery life will last 6+ hour with continuous playback, or 10 days on standby. You can also use these for phone calls!

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How to wear: The transducers rest on the cheekbones, just outside of the ears. The frame loops over, with the band resting behind the head. Because it’s a new “thing,” I had a short adjustment period, feeling some heaviness when resting over my ears on one of my long runs — kind of like the feeling when you wear a pair of sunglasses for too long. But thereafter, I haven’t experienced it again. The Trekz come with fitbands to help with fitting smaller heads, if you’re worried about any flopping or movement.

The concept of the outside-the-ear headphone is excellent, but listening to music this way is definitely unusual — to be honest, it was a little unnerving jamming out and still hearing birds and crickets. After a few wears though, I barely notice them now. I even ran in them for my 5-mile race! The sound is super impressive, with toggles for the EQ to pump up that bass.

30-something Approved: I am completely sold on the cord-free lifestyle, and I will definitely continue using these for my outdoor runs. I also realized how convenient they were for work, so I can listen to my podcasts and not completely drown out my coworkers. For times when you want to jam and drown everything (and everyone) out, earplugs can be paired (though I’ll probably just switch back to my noise canceling earbuds.

Aftershokz Go Pink trekz

#AwareWithPink: Afershokz is donating 25% of each unit sold from September 1st to October 31st to Bright Pink — a non-profit whose mission is to save women’s lives from breast and ovarian cancer, empowering women to be proactive about their health from a young age. Every time the hashtag #AwareWithPink is shared on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, AfterShokz will donate an additional 25 cents to Bright Pink to help fund their continued efforts.

Bonus: Use code PINK at check out when purchasing the limited edition pink headphones, and receive a FREE small portable storage case to go with your Trekz Titanium headphones.

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.

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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!

Product Review: Apera Bags Performance Duffel

I’ve been on a search for the perfect gym/workout bag for far too long. Last year, I was gifted this Gaiam yoga bag for Christmas. It proved to be too small for my two-a-day run//yoga//run//club necessities; the shoe pouch was also too small for my Size 9.5 sneakers. And once I upgraded my yoga mat to a Manduka, I could no longer use the straps underneath to carry under the bag (the Manduka mats are, like, 10x heavier than those everyday, cheapie mats). Then, I received another bag this year courtesy of Chelsea Collective preview party. I really wanted to like this bag — my shoes fit after a little Tetris-ing, there was plenty of storage, and the straps were the right size — but I missed having an exterior pocket to hold a water bottle, of all things. Plus, the zippers seemed overly difficult to move and the bag overall feels a little cheaply made.

On Black Friday I saw a tweet about Apera Bags and a 20% sale, so I finally decided to make the Big Purchase (I consider dropping $100+ on a workout bag a Big Purchase). I landed on the Apera Performance Duffel.

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Few things that I outwardly LOVE about it: It fits everything, and I mean EVERYTHING. The bag has great organization for my needs and can hold a LOT of gear — it fit TWO PAIRS of Size 9.5 sneakers on both ends (this bag has two separate shoe pockets) while also holding a freaking laptop. It’s a NICE looking bag, and it is obvious that it’s well-made. Bonus: SO MANY POCKETS with/without zippers, some with mesh for airing stuff out! The bag came with its own interior wet bag too. I can even fit my yoga mat inside (and peek the top out) if I want.

Some mehs: it’s actually quite large — while not totally a breaking point for me since I needed a bigger bag, it kind of overwhelms my frame and was awkward to carry with all of my stuff in it. This purchase continues my streak of being completely unaware of dimensions when purchasing items online.

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You like my “workout” pants? 😛

POO: The strap is WAY too long for my body — even when pulled all the way tight from both ends — and not all that comfortable to carry when walking the mile+ to work with all my stuff. It hits just below my butt and even pulled up my skirt (!!!). And after using the Nike bag from Chelsea Collective, I kind of missed the option of carrying like a tote (the Apera bag has two small handles at the top to lift but I can’t carry at any length with them).

So, I’m a little disappointed because I *really* need a commuter-style workout bag and I really love this bag, BUT I think I might keep this to replace my roller derby bag: 1) because my derby bag really needs to be replaced and 2) because this bag is so huge that it might actually fit all my gear. I’m not sure about how it will handle the weight, though; would be an interesting test.

30something therapy workout roller derby bag review
This bag is seriously, like, 20 years old. If it ain’t broke, right? Wait…

Completely off-topic tangent on my current derby bag: One of the zippers of the outside side pocket broke off when a piece of my gear got stuck in it (at an away game in Columbus, Ohio; hilarious that I remember it because I was pretty mad that night and I obviously have brute strength). The long strap is being held on by mustache-printed duct tape (seriously). I bought this as part of my FIRST luggage set (yes, I used to have an entire set in this color scheme) at a Super Kmart when I was a freaking teenager. But, hey, the colors match my team’s uniforms, so that’s fun!

Here’s some benefits (and a tl;dr), if you’re looking at Apera bags:

  • Sanitized-Infused antimicrobial product protection resists the formation of bacterial odor, inside and out.
  • Two flexible exterior water bottle pockets.
  • Padded shoulder strap and two top carry handles.
  • Exterior pocket for a laptop and tablet storage.
  • Immense capacity features 43 litres of storage volume.
  • Water-resistant base protects the interior from moisture.
  • Laser-cut venting for your bag to breathe, ventilate, and stay healthy.
  • Large exterior pocket on each end holds a pair of men’s size 12 shoes.
  • Comes with a Fit Pocket washable insert.

I could probably use this Apera bag for race-cations and other travel weekends too. There’s a possibility that I may exchange for a smaller bag but I haven’t completely decided on that yet (and tbh, I am the worst with actually returning things; for the record: Apera has an amazing no-hassle return policy and free shipping). I even tossed the idea of getting the strap taken in at the luggage repair place but that seems ridiculous to spend even MORE money on a bag that was already over $100.

The search for my “perfect” workout bag, however, continues.

Note: I purchased this Apera Performance Duffel for my own needs, and did not receive any compensation for reviewing and/or this post.