Difference between revisions of "Gifts for Runners"
From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
User:Fellrnr (User talk:Fellrnr | contribs) |
User:Fellrnr (User talk:Fellrnr | contribs) |
||
| Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
* '''[[Injury_prevention_using_%27The_Stick%27| The Stick]]'''. No runner should be without the best [[Massage]] device. I use mine every day, and it makes a big difference, helping me avoid injuries and easing sore muscles. It's [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FThe-Stick-6628-Marathon%2Fdp%2FB000P7NWLM $32 at Amazon.com]. | * '''[[Injury_prevention_using_%27The_Stick%27| The Stick]]'''. No runner should be without the best [[Massage]] device. I use mine every day, and it makes a big difference, helping me avoid injuries and easing sore muscles. It's [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FThe-Stick-6628-Marathon%2Fdp%2FB000P7NWLM $32 at Amazon.com]. | ||
* '''[[Foam_Roller| Foam Roller]]'''. If your runner already has The Sick, then the Foam Roller is the other great tool for keeping their legs working. It's [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=Foam&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2F36-Inch-Extra-Durable-Hi-Density-Roller%2Fdp%2FB0028KDC82 $25 at Amazon.com] for a good quality version that will last. | * '''[[Foam_Roller| Foam Roller]]'''. If your runner already has The Sick, then the Foam Roller is the other great tool for keeping their legs working. It's [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=Foam&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2F36-Inch-Extra-Durable-Hi-Density-Roller%2Fdp%2FB0028KDC82 $25 at Amazon.com] for a good quality version that will last. | ||
| − | * '''Books'''. The recent bestseller 'Born to Run' is well written and entertaining, as well as thought provoking ([http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=btr&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FBorn-Run-Hidden-Superathletes-Greatest%2Fdp%2F0307279189 $11 at Amazon.com]). | + | * '''Books'''. The recent bestseller 'Born to Run' is well written and entertaining, as well as thought provoking ([http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=btr&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FBorn-Run-Hidden-Superathletes-Greatest%2Fdp%2F0307279189 $11 at Amazon.com]). I've included some other book suggestions below, focusing on entertainment rather than technical advice. |
| + | ** '''Once A Runner''', by John L. Parker. Often considered the best book on running, and a worthy read. [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=x&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FOnce-Runner-Novel-John-Parker%2Fdp%2F1416597891 $10 at Amazon.com] | ||
| + | ** '''Running on Empty''', by Marshall Ulrich. An ultrarunning classic. [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=x&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FRunning-Empty-Ultramarathoners-Record-Setting-America%2Fdp%2F1583334904 $11 at Amazon.com]. | ||
| + | ** '''Eat and Run''', by Scott Jerek. The autobiography of an ultrarunning legend. [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=x&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FEat-Run-Unlikely-Ultramarathon-Greatness%2Fdp%2F0547569653 $17 at Amazon.com]. | ||
| + | ** '''Feet in the Clouds''', by Richard Askwith. On British fell running. [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=x&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FFeet-Clouds-Tale-Fell-Running-Obsession%2Fdp%2F1845130820 $13 at Amazon.com]. | ||
| + | ** '''Bowerman and the Men of Oregon''', by Kenny Moore. The story of the Oregon coach and founder of Nike. [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=x&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FBowerman-Men-Oregon-Legendary-Cofounder%2Fdp%2F1594867313 $13 at Amazon.com]. | ||
| + | ** '''The Silence of Great Distance''', by Frank Murphy. The story of competitive women's endurance running. [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=x&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSilence-Great-Distance-Frank-Murphy%2Fdp%2F0962924326 $18 at Amazon.com]. | ||
| + | ** '''Ultramarathon Man''', by Dean Karnazes. Dean seems to be loved and hated by an equal number of people, but I enjoyed this book. [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=x&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FUltramarathon-Man-Confessions-All-Night-Runner%2Fdp%2F1585424803 $10 at Amazon.com]. | ||
| + | ** '''What I Talk About When I Talk About Running''', by Haruki Murakami. A somewhat rambling tale of running. [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=x&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FWhat-About-Running-Vintage-International%2Fdp%2F0307389839 $10 at Amazon.com]. | ||
* '''Halo Hat.''' This is by far the best [[Running Hats| running hat]] I've found, and I wear mine for every run, regardless of the weather ([http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=halo&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHalo-Headbands-HSHWHITE-Sport-White%2Fdp%2FB0025US29E $22 at Amazon.com]). | * '''Halo Hat.''' This is by far the best [[Running Hats| running hat]] I've found, and I wear mine for every run, regardless of the weather ([http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=halo&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHalo-Headbands-HSHWHITE-Sport-White%2Fdp%2FB0025US29E $22 at Amazon.com]). | ||
* '''Offer to crew'''. A different gift is to offer to crew your runner through a race or training run. Crewing an ultra is a big undertaking, so don't make this offer lightly. Another option is to offer to drive so the runner can do a long point to point run. | * '''Offer to crew'''. A different gift is to offer to crew your runner through a race or training run. Crewing an ultra is a big undertaking, so don't make this offer lightly. Another option is to offer to drive so the runner can do a long point to point run. | ||
| Line 9: | Line 17: | ||
* '''Gloves'''. I've come to love gloves that have a finger cover to make them 'convertible mittens', as they work in a wider range of temperatures. The best I've found are the [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=SauconyUtliMitt&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSaucony-90299-Ulti-Mitt-Black-X-Large%2Fdp%2FB0059CVCME Saucony Ulti-Mitt] which comes with the light and has a place for it to clip on that works well. They're not the cheapest gloves, being [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=Ultimit&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSaucony-Mens-Ulti-Mitt-Small-Black%2Fdp%2FB006ZW6JGQ $50 at Amazon.com], but they are worth it. | * '''Gloves'''. I've come to love gloves that have a finger cover to make them 'convertible mittens', as they work in a wider range of temperatures. The best I've found are the [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=SauconyUtliMitt&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSaucony-90299-Ulti-Mitt-Black-X-Large%2Fdp%2FB0059CVCME Saucony Ulti-Mitt] which comes with the light and has a place for it to clip on that works well. They're not the cheapest gloves, being [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=Ultimit&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSaucony-Mens-Ulti-Mitt-Small-Black%2Fdp%2FB006ZW6JGQ $50 at Amazon.com], but they are worth it. | ||
* '''Sugoi Helium Jacket'''. This jacket weighs less than 3oz, is windproof, water resistant and is my favorite. ([http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=he&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSugoi-Helium-Jacket-Nova-X-Large%2Fdp%2FB001J8CQZY Men's is $54-100], [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=hew&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSugoi-Womens-Helium-Jacket-Black%2Fdp%2FB002IQKW8Y Women's is $65-100].) | * '''Sugoi Helium Jacket'''. This jacket weighs less than 3oz, is windproof, water resistant and is my favorite. ([http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=he&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSugoi-Helium-Jacket-Nova-X-Large%2Fdp%2FB001J8CQZY Men's is $54-100], [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=hew&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSugoi-Womens-Helium-Jacket-Black%2Fdp%2FB002IQKW8Y Women's is $65-100].) | ||
| − | |||
* '''Socks'''. While socks are unexciting, they make a good fallback. Buy the type of socks your runner normally wears, as a different sock can change the way their shoes fit. If you runner is not using good socks, then consider giving them a modern technical sock. See [[Blister_Prevention_and_Socks| Blister Prevention and Socks]]. | * '''Socks'''. While socks are unexciting, they make a good fallback. Buy the type of socks your runner normally wears, as a different sock can change the way their shoes fit. If you runner is not using good socks, then consider giving them a modern technical sock. See [[Blister_Prevention_and_Socks| Blister Prevention and Socks]]. | ||
=Other ideas= | =Other ideas= | ||
| Line 17: | Line 24: | ||
* '''Running light'''. You need to talk to your runner about their preferences for running lights. Have a read of my [[Running_Lights| running light guide]] for more details. | * '''Running light'''. You need to talk to your runner about their preferences for running lights. Have a read of my [[Running_Lights| running light guide]] for more details. | ||
* '''GPS Watch'''. I recommend the Garmin 310XT for any runner, but there are cheaper options and smaller options, so read [[Best Running Watch| Best Running Watch]] before buying. | * '''GPS Watch'''. I recommend the Garmin 310XT for any runner, but there are cheaper options and smaller options, so read [[Best Running Watch| Best Running Watch]] before buying. | ||
| − | * '''Compression Sleeves'''. These sleeves are all the rage, and for [[Why_compression_clothes| a good reason]]. They make a nice gift, but they have to be sized correctly, especially the calf circumference, which makes it tricky for them to be a surprise gift. Of the many calf sleeves on the market, I'd recommend the 2XU Sleeves ([http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=2xun&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2F2XU-Non-Stirrup-Compression-Guard-Medium%2Fdp%2FB00591U8J8 $40-45 at Amazon.com]). | + | * '''Compression Sleeves'''. These sleeves are all the rage, and for [[Why_compression_clothes| a good reason]]. They make a nice gift, but they have to be sized correctly, especially the calf circumference, which makes it tricky for them to be a surprise gift. Of the many calf sleeves on the market, I'd recommend the 2XU Sleeves ([http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=2xun&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2F2XU-Non-Stirrup-Compression-Guard-Medium%2Fdp%2FB00591U8J8 $40-45 at Amazon.com]). |
| + | * '''Race Entry'''. Races can be pricy, so buying your runner a race entry is a nice gift, but make sure it's a race they want to do! | ||
Revision as of 08:16, 7 December 2012
If you're looking for the perfect gift for a runner, here is my list of ideas.
- The Stick. No runner should be without the best Massage device. I use mine every day, and it makes a big difference, helping me avoid injuries and easing sore muscles. It's $32 at Amazon.com.
- Foam Roller. If your runner already has The Sick, then the Foam Roller is the other great tool for keeping their legs working. It's $25 at Amazon.com for a good quality version that will last.
- Books. The recent bestseller 'Born to Run' is well written and entertaining, as well as thought provoking ($11 at Amazon.com). I've included some other book suggestions below, focusing on entertainment rather than technical advice.
- Once A Runner, by John L. Parker. Often considered the best book on running, and a worthy read. $10 at Amazon.com
- Running on Empty, by Marshall Ulrich. An ultrarunning classic. $11 at Amazon.com.
- Eat and Run, by Scott Jerek. The autobiography of an ultrarunning legend. $17 at Amazon.com.
- Feet in the Clouds, by Richard Askwith. On British fell running. $13 at Amazon.com.
- Bowerman and the Men of Oregon, by Kenny Moore. The story of the Oregon coach and founder of Nike. $13 at Amazon.com.
- The Silence of Great Distance, by Frank Murphy. The story of competitive women's endurance running. $18 at Amazon.com.
- Ultramarathon Man, by Dean Karnazes. Dean seems to be loved and hated by an equal number of people, but I enjoyed this book. $10 at Amazon.com.
- What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, by Haruki Murakami. A somewhat rambling tale of running. $10 at Amazon.com.
- Halo Hat. This is by far the best running hat I've found, and I wear mine for every run, regardless of the weather ($22 at Amazon.com).
- Offer to crew. A different gift is to offer to crew your runner through a race or training run. Crewing an ultra is a big undertaking, so don't make this offer lightly. Another option is to offer to drive so the runner can do a long point to point run.
- Foot rubz. While it's not as critical as The Stick or a Foam Roller, massaging your feet with this little ball feels great and is only $6 at Amazon.com.
- Gloves. I've come to love gloves that have a finger cover to make them 'convertible mittens', as they work in a wider range of temperatures. The best I've found are the Saucony Ulti-Mitt which comes with the light and has a place for it to clip on that works well. They're not the cheapest gloves, being $50 at Amazon.com, but they are worth it.
- Sugoi Helium Jacket. This jacket weighs less than 3oz, is windproof, water resistant and is my favorite. (Men's is $54-100, Women's is $65-100.)
- Socks. While socks are unexciting, they make a good fallback. Buy the type of socks your runner normally wears, as a different sock can change the way their shoes fit. If you runner is not using good socks, then consider giving them a modern technical sock. See Blister Prevention and Socks.
Other ideas
These are great gifts, but I'd suggest you ask your runner to find out what they'd like.
- ID Bracelet. Hopefully they'll never need an ID bracelet, but it's an important safety measure just in case. There are a number of options available, such as Road ID for $20. However, if they have any medical conditions, I'd recommend going with MedicAlert.
- Music. Small MP3 players like the SanDisk Clip Zip ($35 at Amazon.com) or iPod Shuffle ($50 at Amazon.com) are ideal for running. For better sound quality, the most important factor is the headphones, so give a pair of Koss SportaPro ($21 at Amazon.com).
- Running light. You need to talk to your runner about their preferences for running lights. Have a read of my running light guide for more details.
- GPS Watch. I recommend the Garmin 310XT for any runner, but there are cheaper options and smaller options, so read Best Running Watch before buying.
- Compression Sleeves. These sleeves are all the rage, and for a good reason. They make a nice gift, but they have to be sized correctly, especially the calf circumference, which makes it tricky for them to be a surprise gift. Of the many calf sleeves on the market, I'd recommend the 2XU Sleeves ($40-45 at Amazon.com).
- Race Entry. Races can be pricy, so buying your runner a race entry is a nice gift, but make sure it's a race they want to do!
