A Runner's Christmas List

Have a runner on your Christmas shopping list?  Are you completely clueless what to by your pavement pounding, trail blazing, half (marathon) crazy friend or family member?  Below are a few suggestions for the perfect running gift.

Running in the Mitten’s Top Ten Gift Suggestions:

10) Gift certificate to a local running store
Shopping local is usually the best bet for running gear and shoes.  Specialty running stores, like Gazelle Sports, offer expert advice because their employees are runners too! They understand why we need three or four different pairs of running shoes!  (Trail shoes, race shoes, training shoes, winter shoes…)

9) Yoga/Pilates/Gym trial membership
Cross training is an integral part of any training plan and winter is the perfect time to incorporate this often overlooked component.  A trial membership lets your runner test out some new classes before fully committing to a gym or instructor.

8) Mittens/gloves
I love these Frosty Run Gloves *Reflective from Lululemon.  They are warm and fashionable, but still functional for nighttime running with their reflective accents.  AND they have snaps to ensure the search for a missing glove doesn’t derail an outdoor run!

7) Fuel
Not a gasoline gift card...but whatever gu/chew/food your runner prefers.  I use HUMA gels because I love that I can pronounce every ingredient on the package and they don’t give me ‘race stomach’ like other gels do.  Picky Bars are another favorite...again, all natural ingredients that are thoughtfully concocted by athletes for athletes.  And your runner really is an athlete.

6) Fleeced running tights 
Not all winter running tights are created equal.  Fleecing on the inside adds a layer of warmth for any cold weather run.  Look for tights that have pockets and reflective accents such as the Reflective Locks Run Tight by Oiselle for Title Nine.  Or my personal favorite, the Oiselle Moto Lesley Tights. 

5)  Reflective gear
Winter harkens shorter days and longer nights.  Chances are the runner in your life is pounding the pavement in the dark.  Why not light up their run with some reflective gear to keep them safe?  The Tracer360 Visibility Vest

4) A foam roller 
These are game changers for recovering after tough training runs and races.

3) Socks 
And not your boring white athletic socks!  A nice pair of wool running socks shows that you understand running is tough on feet.  There is nothing worse than running with frozen and soaked feet.  Wool socks wick moisture away and keep feet warm.  

2) Reflective running vest  
A vest offers more versatility than a jacket during winter runs. Runners warm up after a few miles and jackets can be too warm.  A vest is a nice compromise.  Again, reflective details are always a welcome bonus for any winter running gear!  I recently purchased this vest from Athleta.  I wanted something other than the typical neon yellow and pink that is common for reflective gear.

1) A race entry
Longer distance race entry fees can be pricey, so a gift like this is always welcome. Even better if you offer to be there cheering along the sidelines or as a running buddy.

 Good luck with your Christmas shopping!

*All of these suggestions are my own.  I am not receiving any swag or samples from any of the companies or products mentioned above.