Every season, I put new running products, gadgets, fuel and apparel to the test in my Runner’s Report Card. This summer, I’ve tested a number of running products. You deserve the honest truth as you see these in ads, on social media and hear about them from other runners. Although I did receive some of these products for free, I did not receive compensation nor do I receive benefits for writing about any of these products outside of my long-term Run Happy Ambassador relationship with Brooks Running. This summer, I gave out my highest grades ever in any one report card. Let’s get to it!

Here is my grading scale:

Here’s a glimpse at the products on today’s summer 2016 report card:

1. Tiger Tail Curve Ball: A

Tiger Tail makes massage tools designed to relieve sore muscles, speed recovery, help with trigger point release and reduce stress and tension. Their tools are absolutely perfect for runners, triathletes and people who are active … and they are probably fantastic for others who simply need to relieve stress, too. I was first introduced to Tiger Tail back in 2013 when I received their The Classic massage stick as a gift. Earlier this summer, the Tiger Tail team sent me their Curve Ball to try, and I’m not sure how I managed this long without it.

When I first received it, I was a tad skeptical. I wasn’t sure how this would be that different or better than my foam roller. Boy was I wrong! This odd looking little curved surface provides deeper, targeted relief to specific areas. I use it mostly for my glutes and hips, and it gets much deeper into those areas than my foam roller alone. Additionally, since the base is flat and has stationary traction, you can’t roll off it like you can if using a tennis or lacrosse ball to dig into sore areas. I’ve also found it to be great for shoulders and IT bands.

At $27.95, it is reasonably priced and would make a great gift as well. The Tiger Tail Curve Ball is a tool I’m now consistently using to keep my hips and glutes looser, and it will definitely be part of my training regimen when I build back up for a big goal race after Baby rUnladylike arrives.

2. Brooks Running Frontrunner Racer Sports Bra: A-

At nearly 20 weeks pregnant, my boobs have practically doubled in size. As someone who is smaller chested, I’ve always been able to wear tank tops with shelf bras and medium support sports bras. Brooks sports bras, previously known as Moving Comfort, are my favorite, with the Uprise Crossback being my go-to sports bra.

Well, not a single one of my sports bras fits anymore. Luckily, my dear friends at Brooks were kind enough to send me two sports bras in a larger size to keep me running and working out, including one new-to-me model: the Frontrunner Racer.

There’s a lot to like about the Frontrunner Racer. First, the patterns and designs are fun and interesting. There is a thin layer of built-in padding that creates a flattering shape that doesn’t get destroyed in the wash. I give this an A minus for two reasons. First, I think this bra is really made for people with small to medium chests, and would not bode well for a larger endowed woman. The bra is cut a little narrow on the sides, making side boob a total possibility. Second, this is a pretty low-cut bra, so if you are trying to wear it without a shirt or are wearing it with a V-neck tank or shirt, it will show way too much cleavage for a workout. While it provides great support, I find it to be a little on the sexier side, so you just need to be the right body size for it.

The Uprise Crossback remains my favorite. It, too, has a thin layer of padding and gives you a more modest covering while providing so much support. It is the best sports bra I’ve ever run in when it comes to support. The new colors and patterns that are out right now are awesome. I’m loving the black and white pattern with the gold Brooks logo right now.

Going up one size from a small to medium in both bras was adequate from transitioning from normal chest to 20 weeks pregnant chest. Let’s hope I don’t need another size up in a few weeks.

3. Must Have Box from POPSUGAR: A

Are you tired of everything you own and purchase to revolve around running? If you find yourself constantly in workout clothes and most of your social interactions happening while sweating with friends like me, then you will LOVE my current obsession: the Must Have Box from POPSUGAR. For $39.95 per month, you receive a box filled with tons of goodies and surprises that are valued at more than $100. POPSUGAR sent me a box in both June and July, and it is my new favorite thing. It is also the best gift idea in the world. You can sign up for three, six or nine months of boxes for you and/or a friend, and your subscription can auto-renew at the end of your plan. Here is what was in my July box:

How adorable are these emoji cocktail napkins from House of Pom? Now, I just need to find a set with the poop emoji and the new ones coming out featuring porta potties. #unladylike

I also loved this skinny scarf from Michael Stars and this sweet pineapple pin I’ve used to keep it together from Pintrill.

Also in the box last month was a product called Hair in the Sun from Sachajuan, which has a UV-filter formula that’s supposed to keep the UV rays from damaging your hair. Perfect for running outdoors in the summer heat!

Perhaps my favorite find in last month’s box was this brow highlighter from European Wax Center. I’ve been using it every time I wear make-up to add highlights under my eyebrows, in the corner of my eyes and on my cheekbones. A runner needs to feel pretty every once in a while.

I also really loved this little inflatable swan drink holder, which will come in handy at the pool and beach here in Florida.

If you’re interested in trying out the POPSUGAR Must Have Box, you can use code SHOP5 to get $5 off your first box.

4. Alba Botanica Deodorant Stick: D-

Several years ago, I started using all natural deodorant without aluminum exclusively. The reasoning was that I didn’t want aluminum on my body given that some say there may be a link to breast cancer. Unfortunately, most of these products don’t stop you from sweating or stinking. So, what then, is the point, right? I’ve been very unlucky in the all natural deodorant department, but it hasn’t stopped me from trying. So far, Schmidt’s fragrance free is the best I’ve found. My latest purchase, however, of Alba Botanica is by far the worst. I found this at a local grocery store that sells mostly organic products, and they should rename the product Stink Stick because that’s pretty much all it’s good for. I had to resort to using Mr. rUnladylike’s men’s deodorant it was so bad. I just recently purchased another product to try, so I’ll let you know how that goes. Do not, I repeat, do not buy this product if you want it to work like deodorant.

5. For Two Fitness Tank Top: A

Last month, my good friend Sarah sent me two For Two Fitness tops she wore during her pregnancies. I absolutely love my Running For Two racerback tank top. Not only is it adorable and makes both me and others around me smile when they see it, it is so comfortable and also really flattering. The cut of the top covers up all the boob spillage from going up a few sizes in the chest department, and rouging at the sides prevents the bulky look from all your normal tank tops you’re still trying to fit into. It doesn’t ride up while running, cycling or other activities. Sarah also gave me the Sweating For Two Long-Sleeve shirt as well. These will be staples in my workout attire for the next five months to come.

6. Run Signature: A

Last, but not least, I’m really digging Brooks Running’s Run Signature shoe fitting process. I’ve shared a little about it before, but I actually got to try it out in person when I was in Eugene for the Olympic Track and Field Trials. I must say, both the self-test and the professional fit test were accurate and solid for determining the best Brooks Running shoe for you. What I love about Run Signature is that it takes into account way more than how your feet strike the ground. It considers the entire kinetic chain and all the different body parts that are involved in your gait, particularly hips and knees.

Here’s how the process worked:

First, I completed a questionnaire on an iPad, that assessed my running preferences. You’ll answer similar questions if you take the self-assessment online (e.g., Do you run on roads or trails? How much mileage you run? etc.).

Next, a Brooks guru attached sensors above my knee, around my calf and on my heel. I then hopped on the treadmill to run barefoot with these sensors on. Both a computer and the Brooks guru monitored my form, including the way my knees move when I run as well as my feet and ankles.

Next, I received an analysis that the Brooks guru walked me through. My knees rotate outward slightly while I run, and I pronate as well, which I’ve always known.

Well looky there. Guess what comes up as my perfect shoe? Only my beloved Brooks Running PureCadence that I’ve been running in since 2012. You can see my latest review of the PureCadence 5 here.

This of course meant that I needed a new pair. Thankfully, my friends at Brooks were kind enough to send me one of the new colors for the current season. Pink, obviously.

The test also recommended some other shoes in the racing category that I’m very intrigued by. I’m going to look into purchasing some of the racing shoes that are right for me for speed work and 5K running after the baby comes and I’m back to training again.

Mr. rUnladylike recently took the Brooks Run Signature at home self-assessment, and his results were the Launch 3. (This is him doing the squat portion of the test to assess knee movement).

Yes, he took this test while wearing Sauconys, and I’m convinced the Launch 3s may finally convert him to my favorite brand. Be on the lookout for a guest review on these shoes from him soon.