Holiday Gift Guide: Runners
Runners like toys. There’s no getting around it. Someone that’s into fitness will love getting some running toys for the holidays. Last year Michael’s mom gave me a gift card to a nearby running store for Christmas. Best present ever! I desperately needed a new pair of running shoes.
If you have a runner in your life, here are a few of my favorite things you might want to get for them:
Nathan Speed 2 Waistpack with Two 10-Ounce Nutrition Flasks–I have one and I love it. It worked great for long training runs. I used it when I ran Hood To Coast. It’s a must have for any runner. I like that it doesn’t slosh around too much either.
GUs–A runner needs fuel. I like GU brand personally. I’ve tried almost everything out there and decided that GUs tasted less like chemical burning than most of the “energy” things out there. Get a case for your runner.
Garmin!–Oh my gosh! If you bought this for the runner in your life they will LOVE YOU. When I was running a lot I desperately wanted a Garmin. I was such a nerd about my stats and really wanted one of these babies to track all of it. I never got a Garmin but that leads me to my next item…
Polar Heart Rate Monitor–I never got a Garmin but I absolutely love my Polar HRM. It absolutely changed the way I worked out, for the better. Being able to properly track my calories made a huge difference in my weight loss. I love my HRM and would never go back to not using one.
Running Shoes–New Runners often make the mistake of buying cheap shoes. Sometimes it’s about commitment, we aren’t sure we’ll stick with it, we don’t have the money, etc. But investing in a GOOD pair of shoes will make a world of difference. Bad shoes = injury. Take the time to get fitted for good shoes. And then buy them for cheaper online. 🙂
Tune Belt Sport Armband for iPhone/Blackberry–A cheap little stocking-stuffer that will make your runner happy. I prefer to have my music when I run or workout and this makes it easy.
Smart Wool Socks–I don’t wear anything else when I workout. I love my SmartWool. They feel great, they never give me blisters, I don’t sweat in them. They are the perfect socks in my opinion. I have thick pairs for snowshoeing or hiking, thin pairs for running. Love!
Compression Tights–Finally, my favorite fitness item I own is my compression tights. Michael got them for me for Christmas last year and I love these. They feel so fantastic. Compression tights are a lifesaver for people training for long distance runs or cycling events. They work great during events and also for recovery afterward.
Lots of fun toys for the runner–or great ideas for you to make your holiday wish-list. Enjoy!
QUESTION: What are your favorite running items?
Courtney @ Don't Blink. Just Run.
This is a great list!! I have a Nathan Quick Shot handheld and love it (but not how difficult it is to seal properly). And I have the Tune Belt armband also – it’s perfect! I think these are great ideas for someone to get their running loved ones.
Lisa Eirene
I will look for that Nathan Quick Shot. Sounds interesting.
Rosey Rebecca
Ooo! Compression tights! I love those!! Great list!
Lisa Eirene
I might wear mine all the time…..
Biz
Love all these tips Lisa! I am ashamed to say that I have a Polar heart rate monitor, and never figured out how to use it – I need to fix that!
Have a great weekend!
Lisa Eirene
I’m kinda like that. I got a really really nice flash for my camera for Christmas last year and I’ve kind of taught myself how to use it but I really need to just read the manual…..
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic
Great list! I would also add: foam roller, sports beans, and headphones 🙂
Lisa Eirene
GOOD call! I LOVE my foam roller!