Runner's World Box is a 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).
About Runner's World Box
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.
Runner's World Box #012 Review
Runner's World Box focuses on sending you the best running products picked by the editors of Runner's World Magazine. The items usually span multiple categories, including gear, snacks, and other running related items:
This card hints at spring finally being here: warmer, longer days are ahead, which means casual runners like myself are more likely to be back on their usual routes.
I'm actually pregnant– so the only running I'm doing lately is lightly jogging after my 3-year-old as he rides his scooter down our street. A lot of the items in this box apply to anyone with a fitness routine and even those who just like to be outside and hike etc... just a heads up that I'm not really road-testing everything at the moment. 🙂
This month's box features some full-sized products and single-use samples, too. Let's dig in!
Skratch Energy Bars – Retail Value $2.65 each (Listed Value $5)
These energy bars are made from wholesome ingredients with no artificial sweeteners, coloring, or binding agents.
Texture wise, I found them to be a bit on the "dry and chewy" side. But I did really like the cherry and pistachio flavor! Classic combo and not one I feel like I've encountered recently in granola or energy bars.
They are also non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan, and kosher. At 200 calories per bar, they're definitely a feel-good source of fuel when you need it.
One of the things I do like about Runner's World Box is that the snacks they include do tend to be more "all natural" and health-oriented, like these snacks are.
The backstory for Skratch Labs is pretty interesting: they started out making "hydration mixes" for cyclists!
Epic Wipes – Retail Value $2.50
I've actually gotten these before, and I have to say: I am a fan. I took two on a camping adventure to Iceland last summer, and they were fantastic.
These wipes are definitely "epic" sized, at 2 feet by 1 foot fully unfolded. They use eucalyptus oil rather than alcohol, which is nice and refreshing without being too drying.
Let me tell you: after not showering for 2 days while hiking and driving all over the place, these things are amazing and truly make you feel clean. I'm sure they'd be great after a long sweaty run if you weren't able to get home to shower right away. At $2.50 each, they're not exactly cheap, but I know they're great for camping and they're probably something to consider if you're into mud runs and similarly messy events.
Pulse Skincare Sore Muscle Rub, 2 oz – Retail Value $18.95
This product is made with coconut oil, clary sage oil, lavender oil, and beeswax. It reminded me of a salve I've used for dry hands in the past.
The scent was actually much lighter than I expected for a product with these oils in it! It also seemed to absorb readily into the dry skin on my hands. Given that this is all about relaxation after a workout, I do with the lavender was a bit stronger.
I haven't been able to test this for it's intended purpose, but the premise is that this product is all-natural and free of any chemicals and harsh ingredients that might be included in other popular muscle rub products.
Bob's Red Mill Vanilla Protein Powder, Sample - Listed Value $2 (Buy a 16 oz. bag for $22.99)
I had no idea Bob's Red Mill offered protein powders! This is vegan and made with pea protein (my preference for sure) and contains probiotics, too. I'm not a huge protein powder or smoothie person, so I'm not sure if that is typical, but I like the idea of it. If I were going to have a smoothie every day it would definitely be for breakfast and probably replace my morning yogurt.
I haven't tried this yet, but I'm definitely into the sound of this PB&J smoothie recipe on the back of the packet. If you've had this protein powder before, let me know how you like to use it!
Bob's Red Mill Quick Cooking Steel Cut Oats – Retail Value $3.39
I've had this oatmeal before and I'm a fan! Oatmeal is a good source of fiber and protein, so it's a great way to kick off your day if you need something more warming than a cold smoothie.
They also recommend adding the protein powder as a topping for hot cereal– I bet the vanilla powder would be great on top of oatmeal with strawberries and peanut butter, just like that smoothie. Mmm.
This cereal is apparently also an award winner, from the 2016 Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship in Scotland. Apparently, a "spurtle" is "a wooden Scottish kitchen tool, dating from the fifteenth century, that is used to stir porridge, soups, stews, and broths." Who knew!
There are also coupons included for both the oatmeal and protein powders in this box.
Goodr Running Sunglasses – Retail Value $25
These are the Runner's World 2017 Gear of the Year Winner and honestly, I can see why. I'm pretty near-sighted and usually wear prescription sunglasses, but these have me thinking I should just get contacts so that I can wear them out and about!
This color, "Oberon's Viking Funeral", is no longer available... but I should note all of their color names are pretty amazing.
They're pretty stylish, first of all. I love the green color and the mirrored lenses. But functionally they're even better. The lenses give a good amount of coverage (no sun peeking over the top or sides for me).
They fit snugly and don't bounce around, without putting too much pressure on your temples. And the frames themselves are sort of matte and have some texture, so they're supposed to not slip around as much when you're sweating. Glasses slipping off my face in the summer heat is actually super annoying, so I love this idea.
The lenses are also polarized with UV400 protection. I noticed a big difference between my Warby Parker sunglasses and these, and my eyes preferred the Goodr frames.
The glasses also come with a convenient fabric cover, too.
Seriously, I am hanging onto these even though I am pretty blind without my prescription glasses on... that is how much I liked them! Also, I love that they're not too expensive; at the $25 price point these would be easy to replace, so I wouldn't feel too precious wearing them for a run or other outdoor activities.
Verdict: This Runner's World Box was much improved over last month's box for me. I'll actually use and enjoy all of these items! In general, I advise people to expect some ups and downs from this box: some are really great and have amazing value, and other months are a little lackluster.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, if you sign up by April 31st, your first box will be the May box.
Monthly boxes are generally delivered by the last week of each month. If you signed up for a subscription at the end of the month then your first box will be shipped the following month.
Value Breakdown: Using retail prices (and the listed value for the protein powder sample), this box had a total value of $57.14. For the $37.99 price of the box (including $8 shipping), here's what you're paying for each item:
- Sunglasses - $16.62
- Epic Wipes - $1.67
- Energy Bars - $3.52
- Muscle Rub - $12.60
- Oatmeal - $2.25
- Protein Powder - $1.33
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Check out all of our Runner's World Box reviews and more boxes for runners in our Fitness Subscription Box Directory!
What do you think about Runner's World Box?
What do you think about the items we received this month? Tell us what you think in the comments!
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