Whether you want to add to your wishlist or need help crossing some runners off your list, we put together this holiday gift guide with our fellow runners in mind. Use these gift ideas to make your list, check it twice, and find the perfect presents for the runners in your life…. or yourself!
HEART RATE MONITOR OR GPS TRAINING DEVICE
You probably can’t hire a full-time run coach, but you can still help your runner hit a new personal best in 2014 by updating their training devices. By tracking pace, distance and even heart rate, runners can boost their speed, increase their endurance, and reach new levels next racing season. From the GPS Vibe to the GPS Cross Country, and GPS Mini, the new line-up from Soleus Running let’s you help them reach their personal best without breaking the bank.
RUNNING SHOES
Since runners are advised to kick their kicks to the curb every 300 to 500 miles, a new pair of running shoes can go a long way (literally) and might be just what your runner needs. Here are four of our favorite options (two road and two trail) that will make for happy feet and joyous runs.
Road Shoes: For the perfect blend of support and responsiveness the Saucony’s ProGrid Guide 7 has got you covered. For the minimalist minded runner who likes a bit of flash and doesn’t want to be weighed down, the SKORA Phase X makes the perfect Christmas gift.
Trail Shoes: For the mud-loving trail runner on the hunt for a zero-drop shoe, the Altra Lone Peak 1.5 Trail Running shoe is a mountain munching dream come true. Not ready for the zero drop? Then pick up the Pearl Izumi EM Trail N1 Trail Runner. With an effective heel-to-toe drop that changes as you roll from heel to toe, you’ll find you’re driven forward with an intuitive flow and a natural, no-slap, no-crash, smooth-as-silk feel.
RUN APPAREL
We know that runners can be a particularly demanding bunch with needs and styles as distinctive as their own thumbprints. However, finding the perfect gift needn’t require a PhD in “running apparel” nor a 4-hour death slog through a crowded mall. To make it easier on you, we’ve broken out our favorite apparel by category.
The Gift of Visibility: It’s winter. That means less light and a lot more dark. So why not give the gift of bright. The High-Visibility Line from New Balance not only keeps the runners in your life comfortable, but highly visible. From the High-Visibility Beacon Jacket featuring three levels of visibility details, to the Impact Tights and the Glow in the Dark 1400 road shoe, this apparel line-up ensures ultimate visibility from head to toe.
The Gift of Warmth: Frigid mornings and icy cold evenings are part and parcel to cold weather running. Give her gift of cozy warmth minus the the burdensome weight penalty with Megaheat Hoodie and Ultra Run Thermo running tights from Zoot Sports. Does your runner favor a life on the trail? Then opt for the Salomon Trail Runner Warm Tee and Salomon Trail Runner Warm Pant. Warm enough to cut early morning chill, but breathable enough to stay comfy as you warm up, the Salomon design team made sure this gift will treat the trail runner in your life just right.
The Gift of Wool: As counterintuitive as it may sound to wear wool while breaking a sweat, Icebreaker Merino wool is quick-drying and naturally-antibacterial making this super-soft fabric ideal for any runner. With apparel like the Dart Long Sleeve and the Quantum Plus Long Sleeve, Icebreaker’s attention to design and form-fitting detail, make the run specific layers from Icebreaker functional enough to wear when training or racing but sharp enough to wear when out running errands.
PERFORMANCE & RECOVERY TOOLS
After hitting the pavement for hours each week, a runner’s body endures some serious abuse. Most runners run consistent enough during the week that their body is almost always within 24 hours of a workout (if not less). In this sense, runners are always recovering from one session and preparing for another which makes performance and recovery tools a tremendous gift.
Editors Choice: Helly Hansen Racing Light Jacket
More than just a lightweight jacket that offers protection against Mother Nature’s worst, this jacket will make the runner in your life feel like they made it to the top of Santa’s “Nice List”. Its athletic design and fit is based on input from Olympic and World Cup athletes and is built to help the runner in your lie perform at their highest level. Plus, it looks as good as it performs.
Injinji Compression: Simply put, the injinji Compression Socks are the best athletic compression socks we’ve ever worn. Designed to dampen vibrations during training, provide extra muscle support, and improve blood circulation to promote recovery the injinji compression 2.0 OTC socks deliver top-shelf comfort during workouts and beyond.
Opedix: Pushing the boundaries of compression technology, the KNEE-Tec™ Knee Support Tights from Opedix has been scientifically shown to reduce quadricep muscle fatigue and knee strain by using various fabric tensions to provide dynamic support along the body’s kinetic chain.
GoMoji: From 360 Massage tools to cold compression therapy Moji offers a full line of dynamic massage tools and pain relief products that will help your runner work out the kinks, recover and recharge.
RUN ESSENTIALS
The special runner in your life seems to have it all: fast times, piles of worn shoes, stacks of crumbled race bibs and an enviable collection of finisher’s medals. While this collection is impressive, it’s always nice to receive a new piece of running gear during the holidays, and often times it’s the little essentials can make a big difference for the runner in your life.
Scott Jurek Collection: Looking for a way to help the runner in your life carry everything they need? Look no further than the Scott Jurek Signature Series from Ultimate Direction. With dual 10 oz. water bottles and a stretch mesh pocket, the Jurek Endure is the ultimate lightweight waist pack. Maybe the runner in your life just need a way to stash their phone, keys, gels or other run goodies. For them, the Jurek Essential is the ideal solution when it comes to efficiency and value.
Hoo-Rag: A really useful tool can do more than one thing, which is why any runner will love the Hoo-Rag. What is the Hoo-Rag, you ask? It’s a scarf, a handkerchief, a neckerchief, a headband, a hairband, a wristband, a bandana, and a cap; it’s jack of all trades and the master of a few more. Whether you choose the High Viz Orange, Lolly Pop, or one of the Proper Paisley’s you’re giving the gift of purpose driven versatility and protection from harmful UV rays or cold winds on chilly mornings.
Icebreaker Quantum Glove: No runner enjoys that stinging sensation when their uncovered fingers meet cold air while they’re running. The unisex Quantum Gloves from Icebreaker not only keep that sting away, but are constructed from stretchy, midweight 260gm fabric for breathable warmth and comfort every runner will appreciate.