Runner’s World Subscription Box #002 Review – May 2017

Runner's World Box is a new monthly subscription box from the magazine of the same name. They send gear, snacks, and accessories curated by Runner's World editors.

My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

The Subscription Box: Runner's World Box

The Cost: $29.99/month (Save 20% with a 6-month subscription)

The Products: Gear, snacks, and accessories from the editors of Runner's World Magazine

Ships to: United States for $8; maybe more in some areas. Extra shipping costs to Hawaii.

Check out more boxes for runners in our Fitness Subscription Box Directory!

Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

The May 2017 box is listed as box #002. This letter from Shoes & Gear Editor Jeff Dengate introduces the highlight of the box this month as FlipBelt, which was covered in their May issue.

I am a casual runner. I've only really gotten into it in the last year or so (after many failed C25k attempts), and am finally at the point where I enjoy it and am starting to think about how I can actually improve. There are a number of popular subscriptions for runners, so I was curious how this one would compare and if it could help me along my way.

This box is advertised as containing gear, snacks, and accessories - so far, looks like we're off to a good start. I like the box design, specifically the play on words with "you got this [you can do it!]" and "you got this [in the mail!]."

The info card lists out some details on all the items included, including retail prices.

FlipBelt Classic Running Belt - Retail $28.99 (Also available on Amazon Prime for the same price)

There's a unique coupon code on the back of this card with instructions for how to redeem for your very own FlipBelt, a stretchy fabric belt made for holding your phone, keys, wallet, etc during your workout. As much as I hate not getting the actual item in the box, this lets all subscribers customize their FlipBelt size and color so you can get exactly what you want.

I was worried at first that I'd have to pay shipping, but the code takes off 100% of the price of the Classic Running Belt and shipping is free - so you don't even need to enter a credit card to redeem it. Awesome! Nice work, Runner's World. (Other subscription boxes who do redemption cards like this one: take note!)

And I have to say, I'm looking forward to testing this out. I run with my phone in a flat fanny pack right now, but it always bounces around and doesn't stay in place well and I'm constantly stopping to adjust it.

Simple Squares Organic Snack Bar, Coconut, 1.6 oz. - Value $2.07 (Buy a case of 12 for $24.81)

This bar is simply made with cashews, almonds, honey, unsweetened coconut, vanilla extract, and sea salt - definitely my kind of snack! The coconut flavor definitely takes over, but I thought this was delicious. With 6 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber, I would definitely rather eat this than a Clif Bar.

Late July Sea Salt Mutigrain Tortilla Chips, 1 oz. - Listed Retail $1.29

Again I'm happy to see a snack with organic, simple ingredients!

I always crave salty snacks after exercising so I thought these were a nice little addition to the box. These definitely taste 'healthier' than your average tortilla chip but are totally enjoyable.

We also got a coupon code for more Late July snacks!

SafeCatch Wild Tuna, 3 oz. - Value $2.99 (buy a 12-pack for $35.99 or a 24-pack for $64.78)

I've eaten enough tuna in pouches to know that I almost always prefer the flavor of these above canned varieties (plus it's so much more convenient). This definitely seems like the most 'random' item in the box for me, but I appreciate that it's a healthy protein that most people will get use from.

This was included because of the promising protein boost: there are 21 grams of protein per pouch! SafeCatch practices sustainable fishing and tests each fish for high mercury levels, too.

Cheribundi 100% Tart Cherry Juice, 8 oz - Value $2.37 (Buy a case of 12 $28.39)

I was surprised to see this in the box! I generally avoid juice because I don't like the added sugar in my diet, but I love cherry juice.

Runner's World included this product because tart cherries fight inflammation, making this a great post-workout recovery drink. They suggest blending it into a yogurt smoothie for an added treat.

MB1 Massage Ball - Retail $14.94

If you've never used one of these before, you are in luck! Self-myofascial massage with tennis balls is one of the most amazing things I've discovered in recent memory.

The info card lists this as a "hard ball with a soft fabric cover," but the ball I received is made of a firm foam. It's definitely a bit more firm than my usual tennis ball, so it's a nice addition to my workout kit.

My favorite way to use these is to help release my shoulder, back, and hip muscles. Lay on the ground and position the ball between shoulder and spine, and try to relax completely over it before repositioning, working your way down your entire back on both sides... it's so good.

You can also use these to roll out the arches of your feet. Or for a less intense back stretch, put the ball between your back and the wall so you can control the pressure a bit more. (You can find lots of instructional videos on the TPTherapy website.)

RW x Stance Performance Running Socks - Listed Retail $18

I couldn't find this exact pair online, but similar styles retail for $18 and up on Amazon.

These socks promise moisture wicking, durability, and thermo regulation. Socks are definitely almost always the very last thing I think about when I'm upgrading my running gear, so it's nice to have something like this in the box to try out!

These socks are 65% nylon, 25% polyester, 6% combed cotton, and 4% elastane. They have a nice amount of compression and feel really comfortable on, but this pair is too big for me personally so I won't get to test them on the road.

These may be enough to convince me to pick up a pair of my own though - I'm seriously impressed with how good they feel on.

Verdict: Our first box from Runner's World was a strong start! The hero item of this box is definitely the FlipBelt, which retails for just under the $29.99 price point of this box and could be personalized for your fit and style. All-in, we received more than double the price of the box with about $71 of products at their retail prices, which is great for a fitness box. Bonus points because all the included snacks were simply made with mostly organic ingredients, and would fit into almost any fitness routine and diet. If you're a more experienced runner who already has a lot of gear, maybe there's not as much value in this subscription. But for a relative newbie like myself, all the products were useful to me personally (socks aside) and from reputable brands, and nothing really felt like filler.

What do you think about Runner's World Box?