Articles
Buenos Aires Marathon
The RunnerBox founder and co-owner, Staci Dietzel is on her way to running a marathon on each of the seven continents. She's completed North America, Europe, Asia and now South America. Learn more about how to checked her latest continent off the list with her Buenos Aires race report. I chose Buenos Aires, Argentina as my marathon for the continent of South America in my quest to complete a marathon on each of the 7 continents. With Hurricane Matthew headed up the coast, there were several times I did not think I was going to make the trip. I packed and unpacked my bags more than once. Eventually I did make the long trip down and found my way to my hotel Friday in Belgrado, a quiet neighborhood on the edge of Buenos Aires. I was traveling alone for this one. I went to the expo on Friday afternoon shortly after I arrived. It was relatively small and I took about an hour to pick up my packet and look through all the vendors. It was a nice 1.5 mile walk back to Belgrano. October is spring in Argentina, and the weather was pleasant in the 60-70s. Saturday I took a city tour, which gave me a nice overview of the area. We toured sections of the marathon route, learned history of the city, and I chose a few places I knew I'd like to re-visit after the race. I grabbed dinner at a local cafe and headed back to my hotel. I really wished I took that extra year of Spanish as my comprehension was not too bad but my Spanish speaking was embarrassing. Race morning came quickly. I decided to cab to the start as I wasn't certain on directions. As I was getting ready I realized I was missing a few things. My breakfast that I usually bring, and my sports bra. Too late to do anything about it now. My stomach already was feeling off, but was glad I at least had my MedZone chafe cream as this was going to be interesting. It was a beautiful morning, cool in the low 60s, with a high in the mid 70s that day. The race had a very organized start, and it was spectacular to see the sun rising over the trees as we began to run. The start and finish was at Pres Av Figueroa Alcorta, a wooded area on the edge of the city with plenty of space to spread out. The course was said to be fast and flat, and I was looking forward to seeing the sites along the way. It runs along the tourist district of San Telmo, historic and financial districts, cathedrals, the Government House, the neighborhood of Palermo, the soccer stadium, lakes and forest, and more. I felt quite good for the first half. The race took us through some beautiful areas of Buenos Aires. The second half was a bit more painful as my stomach was starting to rebel. The on course hydration wasn't sitting right with me, and I was having trouble keeping it down. The stomach pain did detract from the irritation of the not-made-for-running bra I was wearing, though, so that's a plus. Although not a particularly pleasant second half, and a very positive split, I finished with a respectable time. I felt a lot better after some water and an Alfajor, my new favorite Argentinian food. After the walk back to the hotel and a shower, I spent the rest of the day wandering through Recoleta, where they had a huge local fair, their famous beautiful cemetery, and cathedrals. By the time I got back it was dark and I had 40 miles on my tracker. A good day. I had the next 2 days to wander different neighborhoods before heading home. Wonderful, warm people and an interesting history and culture. Great marathon too.
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Chicago, Here We Come!
In case you didn't know, in addition to delivering our subscription and gift boxes straight to athletes, we also partner with races in several different ways to offer a special boost to participants. Our most recent collaboration is with the 2016 Transamerica Chicago Triathlon. We will be delivering custom race kits to each of its participants and are thrilled to be able to be a part of such of an amazing event! We've hand picked items for both the adult and children athletes who will toe the line next weekend and packaged them all together in a killer race kit. Events start on August 26th and go through the 28th so if you're town, come stop by and see us. We'll be at the pre-race expo, finish line festival and swim start. Hope to see you there! To learn more about our involvement with the Chicago Triathlon check out the press release!
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Stafford's Top of Michigan Community Marathon
When I heard about this new marathon in Northern Michigan, I just couldn't resist. Not only do I love this area, but it starts just footsteps from our little place in Charlevoix. I fell in love with Charlevoix after running the Charlevoix Marathon in 2012, and have returned every year since to run their half marathon. I was happy to hear about this new May race, Stafford's Top of Michigan Community Marathon. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a fast, scenic, smaller sized marathon (or 10K) that is USATF Certified. Also a great place to visit after the race! The route is beautiful. Its a point to point running north from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs, along the west side of Northern Michigan. Much of it runs on the Little Traverse Wheelway which is a mostly paved trail that weaves in and out of wooded areas, waterfront along the Bay, parks, through the quaint towns, and along some quiet wooded back roads. The course was open, but it was never an issue as there was plenty of volunteers holding traffic for us. There was about 75 marathoners, and 55 10K participants. The race was the day before Memorial Day and the same morning as a popular race nearby, Bayshore Marathon. Not a bad turnout for an inaugural race. Initially at signup I thought I'd attempt to better my BQ here for 2017. But race day brought temps similar to this year's Boston. It was 70, humid, and partly sunny at the start. I decided it was not the day to go for it. I also had a flight out to visit my son in New York City the next day. I needed to be sure I wasn't hurting too much afterwards as he had big plans for us that included lots of miles walking around the city. While I did consider not starting, I figured if I took my time and enjoyed the views I'd be good to go the next day. I really wanted to run and see this course! I had a great time running despite the heat. There was water, gatorade and food/Gel at every 2nd mile, but I still wished I had carried water that day. The course was fantastic. It is mostly flat with the exception of a longer hill around mile 9. There is one area of turf that is maybe a 1/4 mile. One of the best parts of the day was with 2 of ladies I met around mile 5. We ended up running together until around mile 16 or so when I dropped back. They were interesting, hilarious, and the miles flew by as we chatted. The finish is a stretch along Lake Michigan into downtown Harbor Springs. I talked with some runners at the finish line, exchanged info with the women I met, then I caught a ride back to Charlevoix with some friends from where I live. They also offer a bus that runs back and forth, as well as bag drop. The big races are fun, but there's something special about a small hometown race where you meet some new people. I was doing pretty well in New York City with my son. You would never have known I ran a marathon the day before. Until I had to go DOWN the stairs of his top floor walkup apartment. Ouch. *Pictures and images courtesy of Stafford's Top Of Michigan Community Marathon
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Race Report: Boston 2016
Boston Recap By: Staci Dietzel This was my 5th consecutive Boston Marathon. Despite a training season peppered with injury, and one week post-flu, I was excited to be in Boston and felt ready to run. The celebration of the 50th Anniversary of women in the Boston Marathon along with the 120th Anniversary year made this year feel extra special. I was traveling alone, my family came along in 2012 but I typically travel on my own to destination races due to their busy schedules. I had plans to meet up with a friend I had met at the Tokyo Marathon, and a Sunday dinner with Katharine Switzer and Roger Robinson speaking. Other than that I had plenty of time to explore Boston and the Expo. The expo was packed- you could practically feel the energy bouncing off the walls. I literally bumped into Dean Karnazes, it was wall to wall people. I had the pleasure of meeting Shalane Flanagan at her cookbook promo and even saw my favorite, Meb. I also finally was able to meet one of our Ambassadors Rebecca from Running With Music, which was great! She is a talented, very fast runner who was running as a guide with a visually impaired athlete. They did terrific, and nailed their goal on Monday. Of course we were all neurotically watching the weather, and it was looking a bit warm. I had packed my Race Kit and as we were standing around Athlete’s Village it felt all too much like 2012- the “hot year”. Instead of wearing all of my warm clothes and poncho I spread them out on the ground to sit on. It was getting hot. I was thirsty and sweating before we even began. The nice people of Hopkinton were handing out handfuls of sunscreen and had Sharpies ready to write our names down our arms. I accepted both on the walk to the start. The wait was short, and we were off. The first few miles flew by as I tried to break free of the crowd. By mile 6 my legs felt kind of heavy. Way too early for this! By mile 10 I was getting dizzy. The last time I felt this dizziness was in 2013, my Boston PR and a BQ, but I passed out after the finish and landed in the medical tent. I didn’t want a repeat of that. I had a BQ from a fall marathon at Marine Corp so I decided I didn’t need to push it in this heat. (I also realized I forgot to write my info on the back of my bib. Oops). By mile 12 I was pretty sure I was dehydrated as my vision was getting a bit spotty. I took a Salt Stick, and dialed down my pace. From there on I walked through the water stations and tried to drink a water and Gatorade at each. After about mile 16 or so the temps had cooled and a headwind picked up. At this point I had already decided to forget about my time and enjoy the course and the people. The upside to dialing it down was that I was having a lot more fun. I was high fiving the kids, accepting popsicles from them (these were awesome), and just taking it all in. There is really nothing quite like Boston. This was my 16th marathon, and the only marathon that I have repeated. I hope to return! I have been training for marathons consistently over the last few years. I finished the Majors quickly with Berlin in September, Tokyo in February, Boston and London in April. Then I did Marine Corp in October and now Boston. I was convinced that after this Boston I was taking a break from the marathon...I feel so good after Boston though...the Sharpie sunburn of my name on my arm has not yet faded and I’m already scouting out my next one.
Learn more2015: Year In Review
We hope everyone is off to a great start to 2016! We are excited to share with you some changes RunnerBox is bringing in to the New Year. With the help of the unbelievable team at Inspyre Web Design, we recently launched our new website. As you can see, it is much easier to shop and navigate- we hope you love it as much as we do. We also have a new box design that we've started shipping, as well as new seasonal and holiday boxes that we're rotating. A couple of the biggest sellers are the Birthday Box (you choose male/female edition) and the Race Kit (perfect for any distance)! Keep your eyes open as our Valentine’s Day box will be launching soon. We partnered with some wonderful companies and were fortunate to be able to pass along discounts to you, our subscribers. Spoiler Alert: We have even more great things coming your way in 2016! We've kept busy outside of the office too. Laura cycled all over the world, racing with the US National Team in Europe and then coming home to race for Pepper Palace Pro Cycling in the US and Canada. Pepper Palace had a strong year full of loads of podiums and top step finishes. In general, 2015 was a big year for women’s cycling. With it came the first ever women’s edition of the US Pro Challenge and the return of women’s World Cup race in Philadelphia, both of which Laura was able to participate in. We’re hopeful 2016 will bring more forward progress! Laura has signed with Blue Bicycles p/b the Happy Tooth for the season and is looking forward to another great year. Staci had the goal of the Major Marathons to wrap up. She started with Tokyo in February, then Boston and London in April. London was the 6th and final of the Majors for her. She then went on to run Charlevoix Half Marathon in June, Chicago Half Marathon in July, and Marine Corp Marathon in October. Next up in Boston Marathon in April. We wish you a healthy and happy 2016. To help motivate you in training, check out our Fitness Starter Kit or use the code 2016GO for 50% off your first subscription box of any type. It’s the perfect bi-monthly kick in the pants and comes chock full of reasons to get out the door and #fuelyourphenomenal.
Learn moreA chat with Runner Unleashed on running and the NYC Marathon
We have a pretty great group of ambassadors, one of them being Gelcys Castaneda which some of you may better know as Runner Unleashed or the Scoliosis Runner. Out of everything you could do, why is running your true passion? Running has been my escape. My escape from a life of not being able to do anything. A life stuck in bed witch chronic pain. For that one hour I spend running, it's the only time I am pain free. The only time that my Scoliosis isn't in control of my life. What makes New York Marathon special to you? I had to stop running once I got my first spinal fusion. Doctors told me that it wouldn't be possible to run again because my back is too weak to handle the demands of running. After a few more surgeries, I had had enough! Moved to Orlando,FL and had just had my son after a difficult pregnancy. I started off walking with him in a stroller and worked my way up to running. It took me a year to run a mile successfully. I could only handle 200 meters at a time because the pressure, pain, and the lack of breathing room in my lungs made it hard. I never gave up and kept pushing and fighting until I was back to running again. I decided to run races and told my husband on the first race (local 5K) that I was going to make the New York Marathon MY dream race. I estimated me running that race many many years from now. Not imagining running it on the first time I enter the lotto. To me, nothing compares to the energy of the city, the colors, the weather, and the love I have for NY. What are your biggest struggles when dealing with scoliosis and running? My biggest struggles have gotten a little worse, along with new struggles. My spine has curved an additional 11 degrees on the top (I have a double curve, called the S curve) The breathing is a problem. My spine is putting pressure on my lungs and one has limited space due to the curve so taking a deep breath is tough. From all the surgeries, I have tons of muscle and nerve damage causing my right arm to go numb with ridiculous pain. Since my spine is curving to the left, now my left side has become a problem with deep pressure pain on my chest. MY shorter leg has gotten shorter and my hip is always hurting.(Wasn't an issue before) Sitting and laying down is challenge. I am most comfortable standing up. It's a miracle if I can find a comfortable position now. Have you run a marathon before? If so, which ones? The New York City Marathon will be my 3rd marathon! My first marathon was the runDisney Walt Disney World marathon. The following year(this past January) I did the Goofy's race and a half challenge. And I am proud to say, I successfully finished it. It is a 39.3 miles challenge of running the half and full marathon back to back. What is your favorite product in the October/November RunnerBox? I enjoy getting RunnerBox bi monthly! I have found my favorites through it! It has saved me A LOT of time searching for the perfect snack, energy bar, and gels! This box has the I heart keenwah quinoa cluster which I LOVE! I love quinoa and these are just delicious! I also like the ProTings zesty nacho chips! *UPDATE: Gelcys completed the NYC Marathon. Whoo! We are so proud of her and are ever inspired by her determination and relentless pursuit of her dream!
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An Inside Look at WB Kitchen
One of the best parts of living and training in what we lovingly refer to as the “Boulder Bubble” is that it is bursting with active people. Everywhere you turn you can find someone hiking, biking, running or even hula hooping across an open field. (I’m still working on finding the picture that proves this last one.) With all these health obsessed citizens comes heaps of companies looking to fuel them. Every time I walk into a coffee shop the counter seems to be lined with new energy bars and supplements. Some are terrible, others are average and every now and then you stumble across a gem. Now, let me qualify this. I’m a professional cyclist – what this basically means is that I get paid practically nothing to call 4+ hour training rides and multiple day stage races a common occurrence. Both the amount of time and bars consumed to fuel this endeavor is horrifying. In fact, I have not got the calculation quite down, but the evidence suggests that somewhere between your eight and nine-thousandth bar, the thought of eating another one becomes almost painful. So - the point of all this rambling - if I like a bar, it has to be delicious. Really delicious. Which brings me to WB Kitchen. I was finishing a long workout in the mountains and still had about an hour of riding to get home. And I was bonking. So, I did what all cyclists do and headed straight to the coffee shop to get anything that would help me crawl back to my front door. I ordered an espresso and, in an attempt to use as little energy as possible, grabbed the closest package I could reach. The training gods were on my side because I grabbed a pack of what I soon would discover, were two ever so delicious WB Kitchen Maple Pecan cookies. Now, I’ve tried my fair share of “healthy” cookies. While there are a handful of exceptions, most should not be called cookies. “Protein cardboard” or “circle-shaped whey aftertaste” would be more appropriate. I was sure I was in-store for another dry, chalky excuse for a health food as I opened the package. As soon as I touched the first cookie I knew I was about to stand corrected - it was soft and delicious. Or I thought so at least. Keeping in mind that my bonk-fest had left me only slightly cognizant, I threw the second cookie in my jersey pocket for taste testing while I was fully functional. When I had it for my desert that night, it was just as good. So the research began and I found out that the company’s offices were only located a few miles from my house in Loveland, CO. We met with WBk’s Marketing Director, Mimi and she started to tell us a bit more about the company. After about an hour of chatting over coffee we found out that all of the company’s awesomeness, including the production and packaging, came out of a team of five people. I thought that was pretty cool (especially since RunnerBox is a team of four) and I wanted to go check it out. Then she told me they have a half pipe in their warehouse. Now I REALLY wanted to check it out. We sorted out all the details of getting the bars and cookies in our October/November subscription boxes. (If you are currently a subscriber, you’re welcome!) Then we nailed down a date when I could go check out their offices and production facilities. It’s one thing to like a company’s products, but it’s another to actually like the company. As soon as you get your RunnerBox and try the ONA bar or cookies, I’m sure the liking the product part will be taken care of, but here are a few reasons to love the company. 1. Everything is made in house. By Mitchell. He’s the cool dude in the middle. 2. They’ve nailed work-life balance Exhibit A: The half-pipe. In the warehouse. Exhibit B: The indiscriminate object hiding under the tarp – a grill. As in... Cook-out Fridays. 3. They strive to deliver the best. See that Ziploc on top of the production line? If something isn’t perfect, it’s set aside. There are Ziplocs like this all over the office. Great to know as a consumer, dangerous if you work there. 4. They’re innovative. This Vemag machine is generally used to perfectly portion sausages. They use it to perfectly portion your bars. 5. They are a team of awesome folks who “believe in real food for real people” So if you’re looking for healthy, non-GMO, delicious, real food made by a rad team, give WB Kitchen a shot. You won’t be disappointed. To learn more or order some of their delightful products, visit their website. And don’t forget to use the exclusive RunnerBox discount code WBKRUN20 which will knock a cool 20% off your first order.
Learn moreThe Ultimate Recovery Giveaway!
At RunnerBox, we understand that training and racing can leave you SMASHED so we've teamed up with two of our favorite Colorado companies to give you a chance to win a package of awesomeness that will snap your body back into shape. What's included, you ask? A pair of Recofit compression pants. We were lucky enough to be able to test out a pair of these pants before they were available for sale. WOW! They are the most comfortable compression pants we've tried yet. They're made with a carbon fabric that "breathes and disperses heat and moisture, offers negative ionization, gradient compression and ribbed massage." And guys, don't worry. The initial pair was designed for women, but will look just as flattering on you. To learn more, check them out HERE Colorado Aromatics 'Athlete Care Kit'. Colorado Aromatics is owned by Dr. Cindy Jones, a herbalist and scientist who grows most of the herbs used in her products on a farm which I pass almost every day when I train. Dr. Jones is a highly sought after product development consultant to the natural cosmetic and skin care industry. Her passion for science and her love of herbs is the catalyst behind Colorado Aromatics and the special Athlete Care Kit she formulated for us. It includes: Sole Pleasure Foot Butter Joint Jam, Clear Creek Body Powder Bath Salts Learn more about Dr. Jones great product line HERE. Trust us, your body will thank you. How to Enter: Share a post-workout or post-race photo that shows you in need of some serious RECOVERY. Share in one of three ways, or all three to increase your chances. Tweet your photo, tag @runnerbox, @COaromatics and @recofit with #recoverymode Instagram your photo, tag @runnerbox, @coloradoaromatics and @recofitcompression with #recoverymode Post to our Facebook page at facebook.com/runnerbox tag @runnerbox, @coloradoaromatics and @recofit with #recoverymode Rules: Posts will be accepted during the months of October and November, with a final winner selected on December 5th You can post one entry to each platform per day, so don't be shy!
Learn moreAlly's Bar
We're thrilled to be including Ally's Bar in our June/July subscription boxes! We chatted with creator and professional cyclist Ally Stacher to get the inside scoop: On why she started Ally's Bar: I have always loved the outdoors, almost as much as I love making delicious food. The combination of these two awesome things pushed me to create a bar made from real food. I have been a professional athlete since 2010 and I have always been a firm believer that you get out of your body what you put in it. I started making bars for my health conscious family and friends to fuel all their different adventures. In no time, they became a hot commodity. I brought on a couple of business partners to help me dream big and launch Ally’s Bar. On what makes her bar different than the rest: This is not your average health bar. The uniqueness comes from the sweet potato base combined with dates, quinoa, nuts and other tasty ingredients. Our bar is low in the glycemic index, which helps the body maintain a higher energy level for a longer period of time. It’s loaded with vitamin A and C, beta-carotene, fiber and iron. The quinoa adds high quality protein. You get doses of healthy fats from the coconut oil, cashews, almonds and flax seeds. The original sweet potato bar is certified organic by eco-cert, gluten free, non-GMO and vegan friendly. On When to Use the Bar: Pre-Workout, during workouts, with coffee in the morning and smart afternoon snacking.
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