Product Review: July StrideBox

I am a subscriber to StrideBox and have been since January of this year (2014). StrideBox is a once-a-month subscription service. This is a review of what came in the July 2014 box.

StrideBox?
Stridebox is $15/month and you definetly get your moneys worth. The box generally comes with between 5 and 15 samples of various fitness nutrition items or other small fitness gadgets. The box is not too large (maybe 8" x 3"), but given the size of most fitness nutrition items a lot can fit in there. It is the same for everyone and contains different things every month. Each month you get various samples, stickers, and "The Stride Guide" which gives you a detailed description of each sample, its retail value, and sometimes even discount codes for future purchases! It is great for "newer runners" (or any runner) to help them try new things and figure out what types of hydration, nutrition, etc that they want to use. I know it has helped me find some great products.

July 2014:
This box contained:

• The Stride Guide
• Champion Naturals: Invigorate Workout Sports Drink
• "Support Workout performance, sustain energy, and promote recovery with this great tasting intra-workout booster. Great before, during, or after."
• I am normally not a big fan of orange flavored stuff, but since it's natural it shouldn't be too awful.
• $1.99
• Honey Stinger: Organic Waffle (Gingersnap)
• NEW FLAVOR: "The classic Honey Stinger waffle you love in a great new flavor.The subtle ginger flavor make this a great pre-run snack."
• Iv'e been meaning to try Honey Stinger Waffles, guess now is a good time!
• $1.39
• GU Energy Gel: Salted Watermelon
• NEW FLAVOR: "Voted the official flavor of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, this gel goes down easy, and goes to work fast to keep you moving."
• I love Gu! Salted watermelon? We will see....
• $1.45
• Bonk Breaker: Bonk Bite (Blueberry Oat)
• "Delicious blueberry flavor, this great tasting energy bar in a compact size is perfect to enjoy during your training sessions or long runs."
• I have heard good things about this and am looking forward to tasting it.
• $1.50
• 2Toms: Sportsheild Anti-chafe
• "A chafing solution in a convenient to use towelette application. Greatly reduces the friction that causes blisters, chaffing or irritation"
• I haven't used anti-chafe stuff before, except on my feet. I don't know when I will use this.
• $1.30
• StrideBox Hydration Bottles & Samples
• StrideBox hydration bottle. Graduated for your measuring convenience. 20 oz. "Stay Hydrated" & "Good Runs Make Better Days". Mine was red (yeah!).
• This bottle fits perfectly in my backpack side pocket. I love red, and it never hurts to have more water bottles!
• ZYM Electrolytes (Orange)
• I have heard ZYM is comparable to Nuun, but haven't tried it. Again, Orange flavor, we will see.
• Nuun Electrolyte Tabs (Mixed Berry & Lemon-Lime)
• I have tried both of these, I like Nuun, but I am sensitive to sodium citrate, it makes my mouth have a horrible aftertaste, I am trying to use them up and try to find a new replacement.
• Totaling $9.00
• Some Patriotic "RUN" stickers
• Total value of box contents: $16.63.
• This one was surprisingly "low". Usually when you total it up is it at least $20 value. Either way, I love my new water bottle and can't wait to try the new samples.

Initial Thoughts:

I will post (in comments) more about items as I try them, but this is initially how I feel about these items. Let me guys know what you think of this month's StrideBox in the comments!