So, I ordered a Runner’s World Subscription Box

This is my first runner-specific box, because I’m a runner now (saying that with a little giggle.)

Being that I am fairly clueless about what all is out there, I figured this would be a fun way to try out some new goodies – without going through the usual overwhelm I feel when presented with a giant assortment of things at a store.

Whelp, my RWRunBox arrived and, not gonna lie, it was a little like a belated birthday present when I was opening it. Wonder what surprises it holds!

I felt so runner-like opening this. Just recently, I’ve started to feel like I can legit read Runner’s World (funny how we make ourselves feel intimidated by things like that, isn’t it?) so to get an actual box with runner things? w00t!

When I opened it, I really liked the little tissue paper touch around the product and the interior box design with an inspirational quote from Amby Burfoot,

“Every run is an adventure. Every mile is a gift.”

How can that not inspire you?

I tore into the tissue and was greeted by a fun assortment of things:

On top, there is a postcard with a note from RW Associate Editor, Kit Fox. The box this month is “designed to make you feel better when you train”- let’s dig in, shall we?

First was another postcard with a $15 gift certificate for $15 off a pair of Hari Mari Dunes – classic flip flops with a padded toe post and rounded arch. I’m not familiar with these shoes, but might check them out.  – $15 value

Next out was an Oiselle Heritage Trucker Hat. Not going to lie, I was a little disappointed when I saw this since I don’t often wear caps, and very rarely trucker hats. But I tried it on and not only is this had light and somewhat flexible around my head, it’s big enough for my giant melon! (Not sure if I have a tall crown in addition to it being wide around, but this one fit properly so it rested comfortable just over my ears – this was a win in my book!) – MFSRP $29.00

Resting under the hat were three Honey Stinger Gold Gels. These are listed as a bonus item. They’re made with real honey and pack vitamins and electrolytes to keep you going during long runs, hikes, or rides.

These were followed by an Organic Prairie Mighty Bar. (I thought it said “naughty bar” at first and that made me giggle) It’s a beef bar with yummy, nutritional additions like cranberry, sea salt, celery, and honey. It will be a nice post-run hit of protein… would also be great to take a few on my next camping trip. Really, can you ever have too many fun meat products? – Retail value $3.50

A tin of Squirrel’s Nut Butter was the next goodie to emerge. At first, I wasn’t sure if this was a snack or something else. Reading the label solved the mystery: it’s an anti-chafe balm! (that sort of mix-up wouldn’t be good lol) I’m looking forward to trying this since I have a few pair of leggings that are giving me some chafing issues and I’ve been meaning to pick up something to help with that. This nut butter is made in small batches in Flagstaff. – Retail $13.95

Next out of the box was an Amphipod Swift-Clip Cap Light. How perfect of a match to the Oiselle hat! This bad boy is light, bright, and slips right onto the brim of the cap for night outings. It has two settings for steady and flashing lights, turned on by a few simple clicks. – retail $14.95

Last item was something I had no idea existed and I’m probably more excited about than is warranted. An Epic Wipe – a giant (32″x20″) wet wipe. While a giant wet wipe may not seem too exciting, I thought about all the century rides I’d been on where I wished for an easy way to freshen up afterward before piling back in the car, or camping trips where showers weren’t readily accessible. Long hikes where you wanted to stop for a bite to eat after traipsing around a mountainside for miles and felt a little less than fresh. I’m going to pick up some more of these before my camping trips later this summer. – retail $2.50

Overall, I’m pretty happy with my first box. Runner’s World has recently jumped into the subscription box arena, and I think they’re off to a pretty good start. I like that there is card giving you a short description of the items (on the back of the greeting postcard) – something I wish others would do (I’m looking at you, Ipsy)

While I the gels may be the item I am least likely to use, I can see myself utilizing everything else in the box – I consider that a win. The cost is $29.99 per box and the “retail value” of the contents clocks in around $80. While this is the first one out of the gate for me, I’ll keep subscribed for a bit to see how they pan out long-term. Check ’em out.