Since it seems like every blogger and every company does one
of these, I felt I should put together my own list of great gifts for the
runner in your life. (Or for yourself... I'm fully in favor of getting yourself
a Christmas gift!) It's also a good opportunity for me to promote gear that I
use and love. Full disclosure: there is a bias to this list, as some of the
companies sponsor me.
The Clifton is one of my favorite
running shoes of all time. I've worn it to race a fast mile and I was also
planning to wear it for the marathon this fall. But it's also a great shoe if
you're planning to spend a lot of time on your feet (ex: you have a standing
desk at work) and just want more cushioning. Pro tip: If you're looking for
something similar but with better traction, the HOKA ONE ONE Challenger ATR is
the trail equivalent.
2. Rocket Pure - $13-$19
I still need to get around to writing a post just about
Rocket Pure, but that will happen soon… Anyway, a lot of runners are really
careful about what they put IN their bodies, but not as much thought seems to
go into what we put ON our bodies. Rocket Pure is a line of all-natural body
care products for athletes. The foot deodorizing spray is fantastic, but giving
it as a gift kind of says “Hey, friend, your feet stink!” But, with how much
time we spend out in the sun what runner doesn’t need a good sunscreen? Even in
winter, your face needs protection! If your runner friend has a marathon or
other big race coming up, I highly
recommend Friction Therapy Natural Anti-Chafe Balm. Despite the sand and rocks
that found their way into my shoes in Moab, Friction Therapy protected me from
any kind of blister emergency! Honestly, all their products work great AND
smell great, so you should probably get something for your friend and one of
everything for yourself. ;-)
3. Nuun variety pack - $24
I'm a big fan of variety packs. Really, who doesn't get
tired of the same flavor, day after day. Sure, I could probably eat curry every
day of my life and not get bored, but I'm not normal. Plenty of people I know
have a hard time drinking as much water as they should, but Nuun Hydration
makes it easier with light, delicious flavors and an added boost of
electrolights. You can’t lose!
4. Racxers
- $25 for a pack of 4
I wrote about them previously, but Racxers are the magnetic
option to replace safety pins for your bib number. No fuss, and no holes in
your expensive technical running gear!
5. Subscription to Trail Runner Magazine - $7 per
quarter, $22 for one year, $33 for 2 years
If your friend is one
of those crazy types who loves playing in the dirt, a subscription to Trail
Runner might be the perfect gift! They have gear reviews, advice on training and
nutrition, interviews with elites, and lots of gorgeous trail pictures that
will make you start pricing plane tickets.
So, there you have it. Amanda’s suggestions for last-minute
Christmas shopping for your runner friends (or yourself)!
Have a very Merry Christmas, everyone!
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