Holiday Gift Guide

I supposed I could also have titled this blog post “Holiday Wish List,” but I prefer to think of it as a “guide” (as in my husband should be reading this;-). I may not be running as much as I’d like, but training is definitely on my mind. I’d like to achieve some pretty hefty PR’s in 2013 which has me thinking about the gear that will get me there. There are items on my list both big (Garmin) and small (FootRubz) perfect for any budget. There are also a few coupon codes to sweeten the deal!

1)For Two Fitness Tank: If you’re expecting this is a must have! You probably heard me rave about their tank top throughout my pregnancy. I purchased the “Running For Two” tank shortly after finding out I was pregnant and proudly sported it at all my races during pregnancy and on many runs around the neighborhood. I love the fit of the tank, the ruching on the side is incredibly flattering, plus they come in cute colors. I’m done wearing my “Running For Two” tank but I really would love to have a couple of their solid color tanks: I love the length, fit and material. They are perfect for any athlete, pregnant or not. For Two Fitness also carries tops in varying sleeve length and has super comfy bottoms for pregnant gals too. And to all my readers they are offering a Holiday Special: 20% off your purchase from now until New Years Day! Just enter the coupon code: RUNFAR at checkout.

2) Saucony Bullet Mesh: The truth is I already own a pair. But I LOVE them. If I’m not wearing my running shoes, I’m often wearing the Saucony Bullet Mesh, which is a slip-on and has elastic “laces” and elastic on the tongue. They are the most comfortable casual shoe I own. And if you do a lot of traveling they are perfect for airports. The elastic “laces” allow you to slip them on and off with ease. I wore them during my marathon to Singapore (it took me two days to get there thanks to a missed flight in Japan that had me staying a night alone and five months pregnant in a hotel near the Tokyo Airport). I easily slipped them on and off in my many trips through security. Plus they are just plain cool and go with anything: jeans, a skirt, leggings, you name it! I have the green ones and the gray ones are on my list, it helps too that they are on sale on the Saucony website!

3) Athleta Space Dye Contender Skirt Capri: I’ve had my eye on these since they debuted in the early fall catalogue. I have some running apparel by Athleta: a running skirt and a hat, both of which I am a fan. They make quality products. I like the idea of an all-in-one skirt and capri and the Space Dye Contender Skirt Capri is perfect. I’ve tried layering my skirt over tights, but it is just too bulky with the tights and the skirt’s under-shorts. Just the other day I wore a pair of running tights out for a walk and then out for errand afterwards. It would have been nice to have a little skirt to cover my butt, seems a little more appropriate for errand running. Plus I really like the space dyed tight, it contrasts nicely with the black skirt. Super cute for errand running or just plain running.

4) Pro Compression Marathon Sock: After my fall marathon last year I wore a pair of compression tights for recovery with great results: my legs felt stronger and less sore the day after than previous marathons. Since that positive experience I’ve been wanting to try a pair of compression socks thinking that they would be a great recovery tool for training runs as well as post-race recovery. I’ve heard great things about Pro Compression socks and their Pink Marathon Socks are on my Christmas list. I think wearing the socks during and after training runs would increase blood flow to my calf muscles and probably help ward off the pesky issues I’ve had with plantar faciitis. Along with knee-high compression socks, which come in a variety of colors (even argyle!), Pro Compression also offers Low Trainer Socks-perfect for daily runs. For a limited time (until December 15th, 2012) Pro Compression is offering my readers 40% off and free shipping! Yep, it’s a smokin’ deal! Just enter the coupon code FIT40 at checkout.

5) Tiger Tail: As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve had issues with plantar faciitis. It usually flares up as my training intensifies or my schedule gets so busy that I have time to run, but not enough time to stretch and foam roll. It starts with tightness in my calf and for some reason foam rolling just doesn’t get the job done. I really need something that can provide targeted pressure, which is why the Tiger Tail is on my list. I’ve used The Stick before and am not really a fan of the rolling “beads.” The Tiger Tail has a slightly cushioned foam roller, which means that your skin won’t get pinched between the beads. This is probably the one item on my list that I actually need, because it if I keep up with it, it has a good chance of reducing my risk of injury.

6) Garmin Forerunner 10: A while back (like six years ago) I had a Polar Heart Rate monitor that came with a foot pod that you clipped to your shoe laces for tracking pace and distance. The foot pod was seriously the size of an Altoids container (OK maybe it wasn’t THAT big), but it was obnoxiously big. I ditched that for a while and used a cheapo watch from Walmart (it didn’t do splits and reset to zero after 60 minutes), then upgraded to a Timex Ironman. It’s time I get a watch that can track not just elapsed time and splits, but also pace and distance. The Garmin Forerunner 10 does that. It’s a low profile watch, unlike some of Garmin’s other models (the wrist laptop) and shows the information I’m interested in: pace, time and distance. It has several other features that allow you to track calories burned and how far off your target pace you are, but I’m really interested in the simplicity. Plus I love the lime green color. This watch will keep me on track during tempo runs and easy runs (holding back can sometimes be as hard as pushing the pace).

7) Keen Women’s Zip Hyperlite Low Sock: I have a pair of these socks and I want more! They are the best wool running sock I’ve found. I’ve worn (I should say worn through) several pairs of Smartwool socks and have been disappointed that after the first long run they inevitably have a hole in them. But I’ve worn the Keen Zip Hyperlite socks on many distance runs and in several races and have been so pleased with the way they have held up. I’ve found them to be the perfect running sock for all weather: they keep my toes warm in the winter and wick sweat away in the summer. I love that they have a left and right sock too, it really improves the fit.

8) Body Glide: I won’t run a race without Body Glide. It should be in every runners gym bag, bathroom cabinet, car, purse…basically you should have a stick stashed everywhere so that you never forget it come race day. I apply Body Glide for Her in all the usual chaffing spots and on my toes, to help prevent blisters. It makes the difference between wanting to quit a race and running comfortably. It is the perfect stocking stuffer for any runner.

9) Foot Rubz: I got a Foot Rubz ball in my stocking last year and it immediately became a post run necessity. Its hard plastic nubs are the perfect massagers for aching and tight arches. It is another must-have tool for injury prevention (sensing a theme here?). I think that rolling my arches after every run has helped keep the fascia pliable and has helped break up old scar tissue from past plantar fasciitis. I have one (its under the desk right now as I type) and it would be great to have a second so I can massage both arches at once.

10) Endorphin Warrior Training Bracelet: I am a big fan of visual cues to help me in my training (and in life), which is why I created my “Wall of Inspiration.” But that wall is in front of my treadmill: not exactly portable for those outdoor runs. I saw the Endorphin Warrior Training Bracelet recently and fell in love with the “Persevere” bracelet. Not only do I love the look of the leather and metal tag, but I love everything that the word “Persevere” evokes in my mind. It makes me think about the challenges I’ve faced both in running and in life. It makes me think about all that the struggles in this race called life produce in us as we face them head on. “Run with perseverance”…that’s my life motto. Maybe THIS is the gift I NEED more than all the others: a little reminder to keep going through the difficulty, through the pain…for on the other side joy awaits. As a special offer to my readers Endorphin Warrior is offering 15% off all Training Bracelets now through December 19, 2021. Please note this discount applies to Training Bracelets only. Just enter the coupon code: WTBracelet150ff at checkout.

Receiving any one of these gifts would make me one happy runner! Hint;-)Hint;-) And if you’re looking to inspire a family member you can always provide them with “guidance” and share the link to this post! With all the coupon codes you can’t go wrong! It will be, as my three year old says a “Harley Charlie Christmas” or as most say a “Holly Jolly Christmas” this year!

What are you asking for? What are your favorite running gifts to give?

-Sarah

I was not compensated by any of the companies mentioned in this post. The endorsements I provided are strictly my own experience and opinion. Thank you to the companies who generously offered coupon codes: For Two Fitness, Pro Compression and Endorphin Warrior.