8,153
edits
Changes
no edit summary
* '''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. <jfs id="B0059AJZ84" n="Sugoi Unisex Wind Mitt is " nonl="t"/>.
* '''Sugoi Helium Jacket'''. This jacket weighs less than 3oz, is windproof, water resistant and is my favorite. <jfs id="B00HT43HBO" n="Men's Helium is " nonl="t"/> and the <jfs id="B00HT46I6U" n="Women's Helium is " nonl="t"/>.
* '''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]].
* '''Safety Vest'''. If your runner is likely to be running after dark, then the Amphipod Xinglet will keep them visible. It's reasonably comfortable and highly visible from all directions. <jfs id="B004DKSJAG" n="" nonl="t"/>
* '''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.
* '''RunScribe'''. I'm impressed with [[RunScribe]]'s ability to measure all sorts of useful data about a runner's form. $240 for a pair of [[Footpod]]s from [http://runscribe.com/ http://runscribe.com]. * '''Coaching'''. The advice and support of a professional coach can make a huge difference to a runner. You can find in person or online coaching, and both can work well. The in person training can vary from a low cost running program, such as the [http://www.runforyou.com/ Run For You] coaching offered by my local store, to more expensive one-on-one coaching. Online coaching can provide various levels of support, from customized training plans to intensive one-on-one support. Check out my friend Shannon McGinn's[http://shannon-creatingmomentum.blogspot.com/p/running-coach-based-in-woodbridge-nj.html Creating Momentum coaching service] . She is an accomplished ultrarunner and a certified coach.
=Books=
My book suggestions focus more on entertainment than technical running advice.
=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 [[Running Safety| safety measure]]just in case. There are a number of options available, such as[http://www.roadid.com/c/RoadID Road ID for $20] . However, if they have any medical conditions, I'd recommend going with[http://www.medicalert.org/ MedicAlert] .
* '''Music'''. Small MP3 players like the SanDisk Clip Zip is cheap and ideal for running. <jfs id="B005FVNGRS" n="" nonl="t"/>.
* '''Headphones'''. For better sound quality, the most important factor is the[[Headphones for Running| headphones]], so give a pair of Koss SportaPro. <jfs id="B00001P505" n="" nonl="t"/>.* '''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. * '''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. <jfs id="B00591U8J8" n="" nonl="t"/>.
* '''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!