Stride Box Review

A few weeks ago, the awesome folks at StrideBox reached out to me and offered to send me a free box filled with runner goodies- obviously, I said yes! I've seen other IG runner friends post about their StrideBox subscriptions in the past so I was eager to see what all the hype was about.

From their website: "StrideBox is a fun and exciting way to discover running products and accessories. Each month, as a member, you will receive a curated box of gear, accessories, and nutrition products to fuel your training sessions, workouts, and races."  

My StrideBox had a Rundana headband, Sport Beans,
a motivational sticker, and some other neat running products.

I was pleasantly surprised with how much stuff was included in the box! Along with the products, they also sent a recipe card for homemade energy bars and a "Stride Guide" listing all the goodies in the box.

Adorable AND helpful.

So far, I've tried the Sport Beans (awesome!) and the evoke muesli (yummy!). I am intrigued and also scared by the New Grounds Coffee Bar- not sure how I feel about eating my caffeine :-)  I love how the "Stride Guide" lets you know whether you should eat/drink the product before, during, or after your run taking all the guesswork out of it.

A few magic beans at mile 11, courtesy of @stridebox . 6 more to go.

A photo posted by Sarah (@sparklyrunner) on Oct 17, 2016 at 8:26am PDT

In addition to the food and drink products, there was a Rundana (like a buff headband) with inspirational sayings on it, a motivational, healthy-living sticker, and an anti-chafing product. I'm excited to try everything out as marathon training progresses. And I think I've got the perfect spot for my sticker: on the front of my new training/life journal- but more on that in another post.

Rundana- functional AND fashionable.

All good points. 

So, what's the cost of StrideBox? For $15 a month, you can get a box filled with new products every thirty days- all focused on running,training, and recovery. I love this concept because it gives runners the opportunity to try things without having to buy a full-size product and let's face it, running stuff isn't cheap! This is a cool way to "try before you buy" and discover new companies and brands. 

You can also gift a one, three, or six month subscription to your favorite runner. I'll happily fill in as your favorite runner this Christmas if you need one ;-)

Overall, StrideBox is a super fun and affordable way to try new products and get cool running surprises in your mailbox each month. It will definitely be on my list to Santa this year!


Have you ever tried StrideBox or a similar running subscription service?


Disclaimer: I was provided with a free product in exchange for sharing my honest experience on my blog and social media. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the developing company or any of its affiliates.

2015: A Year in Pictures

Y'all. We are only HOURS away from 2016! Can you believe it??

2015 was a hell of a year.

A comeback from injury... then having two additional injuries... then marathon redemption in Pittsburgh.

Reaching goal and lifetime with Weight Watchers... then gaining a little back that I can't quite seem to get rid of.

Getting engaged... then losing my job... then starting a new full-time and part-time job.

Finishing marathon number two... then my first DNF (did not finish) in Akron.


2015 brought lots of life changes for me- some incredibly awesome, some incredibly crappy. But- that's life, right? There's an old saying that I find myself focusing on when the crappy stuff seems to be taking over: "If it weren't for the valleys, you wouldn't appreciate the peaks."

Instead of a content-heavy review, here's are some defining pictures from my 2015: the valleys, the peaks, and everything in between.

January:
Finishing the Walt Disney World Marathon with my dad, cheering for Matthew and all the rest of our running Ohana, and spending time with our run Disney family was such a wonderful experience.

February:
After dealing with excruciating pain in my left big toe, and being misdiagnosed with Gout, we finally figured out that arthritis was the culprit. Daily vitamins, activity, and yoga have helped me deal with this annoying injury.  

March:
The Shamrock Half Marathon was special for many reasons including being able to run it with my younger brother Adam- it was his very first half marathon!

April:
In the last few weeks of Pittsburgh Marathon training, my left ankle started to bother me- so badly that eventually I put myself into the boot for a few weeks. My doctors never did figure out what it was but [knock on wood!] it hasn't really bothered me since the marathon.

May:
Team McShupp became officially official- Matthew asked me to marry him on the Disney Magic. I can't wait to marry him in 2016 :-)

June:
At the race that started my running career (the Bel Air Town Run), I got a new 5k PR- 31:28. Just 90 seconds stand between me and a sub-30 minute 5k. #2016goals

July:
Mid-summer was full of wedding planning and signing contracts... not so much running.

August:
I finished my Weight Watchers training by the end of the summer and began working regularly as a receptionist at a local meeting.

September: 
Due to unexplained foot pain, I did not finish the Akron Half Marathon aka, the Blue Line. Total bummer.

October:
Matthew and I ran the Rock and Roll Philly Half Marathon with our friend Cecilia and he paced us to her fastest half marathon ever!

November:
We conquered the #stripatnight and finished the Rock and Roll Vegas Half- despite 50 mile an hour winds and cold rain.

December:
Being surprised with a Christmas Disney Cruise? Probably my best December memory. All thanks to the greatest, sweetest, most thoughtful future husband in the world.

With 2015 almost completely in the rear-view mirror, I am looking forward to all the peaks and valleys 2016 will bring.


What was your most favorite "peak" from 2015?