February 27, 2014

The Runch: Running During Your Lunch and Why We Love It

by The Runnerbox in Articles

With the winter weather still lingering around in most parts of the country, it's hard to find a time to get out and run when it's dark and cold in the mornings, especially when you're facing ice and snow on the roads and sidewalks. So when can you squeeze in that daily run? Well, we think lunch is the perfect time to lace up your shoes and hit the pavement (or treadmill) for a run. "Runch" (run lunches) are gaining popularity and here are three simple reasons we're big fans of the runch:

1. Productivity: Studies show that people who workout during the work day improve productivity in the second half of the day, while those who do not, tend to fall off after lunch. A run helps to get your blood flowing, not only to your legs, but to your brain. Your exercise-induced endorphins improve your mood. And we all know how great fresh air can feel when you've been cooped up in an office all morning. It's a win for you and for your employer.

2. Better Work Environment:

Runches are a great way to bond with your coworkers. Have a big project due and stuck on the next step? Going out for a run and talking out ideas in a fresh environment may be the key. Many employers are now offering incentives for employees who exercise and even offer team challenges or host their own 5k events. Talk to your employer about creating a charity team for an upcoming race and make it an office-wide affair!

3. Getting it Done:

Sometimes, it's the only way to get a run done. Let's face it- we all have a million obligations between work and family and sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day. A lunch run is the perfect place to squeeze in a few miles when you couldn't make it out for that morning run or know the treadmill isn't in your plans that night. You can get 3-4 miles in without feeling like you're missing out on things at home. Lunch runs are especially great for those who travel a lot for work. Running during the day can also be a safer alternative than darker, early morning runs in an unfamiliar area. Be sure to check with your hotel for their recommended routes and where to avoid. So get out there and runch! Just remember to bring a good snack for before and a recovery snack for after (may we suggest keeping some Runnerbox items stashed in your desk?), some wet wipes, deodorant, and dry shampoo if your place of employment doesn't have shower facilities. Your co-workers will thank you. Do you runch? Leave a comment and let us know!

December 17, 2024

3 Fueling Habits to Adopt in 2025

Fuel like your goals depend on it. (Because they do.) If 2024 was the year of “winging it,” let’s make 2025 the year you nail your fueling game. Whether you're running, walking, or sweating your way to greatness, these three fueling habits will have you performing better, recovering faster, and, most importantly, feeling like your best self. 1. Front and Back-Load Like a Pro Let’s set the record straight: fueling around your workout is just as important as what you do during it. Here’s the play: Front-load: Eat a mix of carbs and a little protein 2–3 hours before your workout to set yourself up for success. You’re giving your body fuel to burn so you can perform without fading out. Back-load: The magic doesn’t stop when you hit pause on your watch. After you’ve wrapped up your session, refuel with carbs to replenish glycogen and protein to repair those hardworking muscles. Then keep a steady stream of good fuel in your system all day long. Your recovery starts the second you’re done, so don’t wait—your next workout depends on it. Double-dip your fueling window, and you’ll train stronger, recover faster, and feel like you actually have energy to live your life. 2. Make Hydration a Daily Habit, Not a Panic Button Hydration is not a “fix it when it’s broken” situation. If you’re only reaching for electrolytes when you cramp up or hit the wall, you’re already behind. Hydration is a daily practice, and when you get it right, your body performs like the well-oiled machine it was born to be. What does this look like in real life? Sip water and electrolytes consistently throughout the day—not just when you’re thirsty. Your body loses fluids 24/7, so hydration has to keep pace. If you’re training hard or sweating buckets, mix in a little sodium magic (hello, electrolytes) to replace what you’re losing. A sweat test can tell you exactly what your body needs, but even a simple electrolyte drink can help you stay ahead of the curve. The TL;DR? Hydrate like it’s your job, because, honestly, it kind of is. Your body will reward you with fewer cramps, clearer energy, and a whole lot more “I feel amazing” moments. 3. Train Your Gut, Not Just Your Legs If you’re skipping mid-workout fuel because you’re afraid of GI distress, it’s time to reframe the way you think about your stomach. Just like your legs need training to handle more miles, your gut needs practice to handle fueling on the go. The good news? You can train it.Start small. During longer efforts, take part of a gel, a chew, or a quick carb boost and let your gut get used to digesting while you move. Over time, your body will adapt, and those mid-run fuel breaks will feel like second nature—not a recipe for disaster. Why is this so important? Because the longer or harder you train, the more your body needs that fuel to keep you moving. Skipping it might feel fine at first, but eventually, you’ll bonk, fade, or hit the “I can go no further!” wall. Gut discomfort is so 2024. This year, practice fueling during your workouts so race day—or any big session—feels like a well-oiled snack break. Fuel Like You Mean It Here’s the thing: fueling doens't have to be complicated, but it does take intention. Nail these three habits and you’ll be the athlete who shows up prepared, recovers like a champ, and keeps crushing it week after week. Because in 2025, we’re not “winging it.” We’re winning it—one well-fueled session at a time.

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December 4, 2024

The Only Gift Guide Runners Actually Want You to Read

Whether you’re masterminding subtle hints for your own wish list (wink, wink) or hunting for the perfect gift for the runner who has literally everything, don’t sweat it—we’ve got you. These are the gifts they’ll actually use, love, and will probably brag about on their next group run. Spoiler: you won’t find shoes here. Why? Because shoe shopping for someone else is a one-way ticket to Gift Fail City unless they already told you exactly what they want. (And if they did, what are you doing here?) Think essentials, game-changers, and just the right amount of fun to keep them crushing miles (and looking good doing it). For the Runner Who Has It All The RunnerBox Starting at $34 Yeah, we’re tooting our own horn here. But when Runner’s World says you’re the best, you don’t argue—you just deliver. Curated gift box for for any athlete on your list? Check. Subscription for the gift that keeps giving? Double check. Trust us, this will have them smiling faster than their GPS finds satellites. For the Runner Who Likes to Stands Out A Sprints Hat $32 Find me a runner who doesn’t want a Sprints hat, and I’ll drop and give you 20. These hats are vibes. Lightweight, comfy, and so fun they might just outrun everyone—just to show it off. For the Runner Who’s Always Injured Maji Foot and Calf Massager $24.95 If you’re tired of hearing, “Can you rub my feet?” after every long run, here’s your solution. This massager is so good, you’ll probably never hear that question again. Win-win. For the Number-Crunching Runner Nix Hydration Biosensor $129 It’s like a personal hydration guru. No more guessing, no more “Is this enough water or too much?” Just pure data, baby. Hydration game = leveled up. For the Chocoholic Runner FlavaNaturals Performance Chocolate $5 It's chocolate that makes you a better runner. (OK, the “makes you a better runner” part isn’t technically verified, but it’s chocolate and it's good for you, so does it even matter?) For the Runner Who Always Gets Sick TruLean Greens and Wellness $1.80/sigle (great stocking stuffer) or $54.99/bag What’s the one thing runners want more than PRs? To NOT get sidelined by a cold. This greens + wellness combo is the superhero they didn’t know they needed for a sniffle-free winter. For the Picky Runner A Fuel Goods Gift Card Starting at $25 Because the best gifts are the ones that don’t require a gift receipt. Let them pick for themselves—they’ll thank you with every perfectly fueled mile. From stocking stuffers to next-level surprises, this guide is your ticket to winning the holiday gifting game for every runner on your list. Now, let’s make their miles merry and bright!

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December 4, 2024

Our Winter Edition is Here!

Laura and Courteney here to announce our newest edition to the world. Born: December 1, 2024 Weight: 2lbs 4 oz Isn't she beautiful?!?! We're bursting with pride and could go on and on, but instead we're giving you the hot takes.... The hot takes: The Buff. It’s officially our favorite. Trying to figure out how many times we can wear it in public before it’s weird. Laura’s sipping broth obsession. It’s low-key, but it’s real. Kize Bars. 🤯 You’ll get it the second you take a bite. LMNT as hot chocolate. Game = changed. Performance chocolate. Just wait. 🍫 Eco Lips Scrub. If you ever needed proof we care about every inch of you, this is it. Pain Cakes. Trust us, you’ll use it more than you think. We have. (True story, don’t ask.) And that’s not even scratching the surface. Like: The Noka, GFB, and Lenny & Larry’s = snack squad goals. The Precision Gel = your new no-bonk hero. The Vega recovery = a giant thank you to your legs post-run. Honestly? We crushed it with this box. (Okay, fine—it was mostly Courteney.) You can find it HERE Fuel on, Laura & Courteney P.S. Want even more behind-the-scenes scoop on how we create the boxes? Follow us on Instagram or TikTok for the unfiltered Fuel Goods story.

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