Changes

[[File:GiftImageGift in hands - 41263307 m.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]

* '''[[Injury prevention using %27The Stick%27| The Stick]]'''. No runner should be without [[The Stick]]. This is the best [[Massage]] deviceI've found and a key way of staying injury free. I use mine every day, and it makes as a big difference, helping me avoid injuries and easing sore musclescore part of my training. It's [http:<jfs id="B000P7NWLM" n="" nonl="t"//www>.amazon.com/I've tried quite a few of the clones, but the only one that I've found that comes close to The-Stick-6628-Marathon/dpis the Tiger Tail which uses a single roller. <jfs id="B00ZPMAIO6" n="" nonl="t"/B000P7NWLM $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 [http://www.amazon.com/36-Inch-Extra-Durable-Hi-Density-Roller/dp/B0028KDC82 $25 at Amazon.com] for Get a good quality version that will last; I'd recommend <jfs id="B0028KDC82" n="" nonl="t"/>. * '''BooksStryd'''. The recent bestseller 'Born to Run' is well written most accurate way of measuring pace and entertainingdistance, as well as thought provoking (the [[http://wwwStryd]] footpod will also estimate running power.amazonIt works with a wide variety of running watches.com/Born-Run-Hidden-Superathletes-Greatest/dp/0307279189 $11 at Amazon.com]). IIt've included some s more expensive than other book suggestions belowfootpods, focusing on entertainment rather than technical advicebut it's accuracy makes it great value for money. ** '''Once A RunnerMilestonePod''', by John L. Parker. Often considered The MilestonePod is a cheap and effective way of tracking the best book number of miles your runner has put on runningtheir shoes, and something that can help them avoid an injury. If your runner doesn't have a worthy read. [http://www[Best Running Watch| Good Running Watch]] it will also track their runs.amazonAs if that weren't enough, the MilestonePod will give some fascinating insight into their running form.com<jfs id="B01JLHCRFS" noreferb="true" nonl="t" n="MilestonePod"/Once-Runner-Novel-John-Parker/dp/1416597891 $10 at Amazon.com]>** '''Running on EmptyMassage'''. While I use the Stick and Foam Roller on a daily basis, by Marshall Ulrichthey're not as good as a human massage therapist, so give a gift certificate for a massage. A good therapist can work wonders, but make sure you get recommendations from experienced runners. An ultrarunning classicYou need a therapist who is used to working with athletes and who has a good reputation. For instance, I go to Nicole at [http://www.amazonuniversityneuromuscularmassage.com/Running-Empty-Ultramarathoners-Record-Setting-America/dp/1583334904 $11 University Neuromuscular Massage] in Charlotte, who prepares me for races and helps me recover. If you're in Moore County, NC, you have Denise Martin, who is extremely experienced with runners as she volunteers at Amazon.com]many local ultramarathons.** '''Eat and RunHalo Hat.'''This is by far the best [[Running Hats| running hat]] I've found, by Scott Jerek. The autobiography and I wear mine for every run, regardless of an ultrarunning legendthe weather. [http:/<jfs id="B002C0I2JW" n="" nonl="t"/www>.amazon* '''Foot rubz'''.com/Eat-Run-Unlikely-Ultramarathon-GreatnessWhile it's not as critical as The Stick or a Foam Roller, massaging your feet with this little ball feels great and is only <jfs id="B002QEY6NK" n="" nonl="t"/dp/0547569653 $17 at Amazon.com]>.** '''Feet in the CloudsGloves'''. I've come to love gloves that have a finger cover to make them 'convertible mittens', by Richard Askwith. On British fell running. [http://www.amazonas they work in a wider range of temperatures.com/Feet<jfs id="B019MSSYXA" n="Saucony Ulti-Clouds-Tale-Fell-Running-ObsessionMitts" nonl="t"/dp/1845130820 $13 at Amazon.com]>.** '''Bowerman and the Men of OregonSugoi Helium Jacket'''. This jacket weighs less than 3oz, by Kenny Moore. The story of the Oregon coach is windproof and founder of Nike. [http://www.amazonis my favorite jacket when I don't need something waterproof.com/Bowerman-<jfs id="B00V0CTCN8" n="Men-Oregon-Legendary-Cofounder's Helium is" nonl="t"/dp> and the <jfs id="B013PS87BC" n="Women's Helium" nonl="t"/1594867313 $13 at Amazon.com]>.** '''The Silence of Great DistanceUltimate Direction Ultra Jacket''', by Frank Murphy. The story of competitive women's endurance runningThis jacket is remarkably waterproof given it only weighs about 6oz/170g. They claim it has a [http://www.amazonrei.com/Silencelearn/expert-Greatadvice/rainwear-Distancehow-Frankit-Murphyworks.html waterproof rating] of 12,000mm, and it's breathable to 22,000g/dpm<sup>2</0962924326 $18 at Amazonsup>, but those ratings are often taken in optimal conditions, and sadly a wet jacket does not breathe as well as a dry one.com].** In practice, if you're running you''Ultramarathon Man''', by Dean Karnazesre likely to be wet regardless of the waterproof rating as your sweat will soak your clothing. Dean seems The idea of a jacket like this is to be loved keep the water from making you cold, and hated by an equal number of peoplethe Ultra can seem much warmer than the Helium jacket in cold, but I enjoyed this bookheavy rain. See [[Running in the Rain]] for more details. [http://www.amazonzappos.com/Ultramarathon-Manultimate-Confessionsdirection-Allultra-Nightjacket-Runner/dp/1585424803 $10 indigo Ultimate Direction Ultra Jacket at Amazon.comZappos].** '''What I Talk About When I Talk About RunningSocks'''. While socks are unexciting, by Haruki Murakamithey make a good fallback. A somewhat rambling tale Buy the type of runningsocks 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 [[http://www.amazon.com/What-About-Running-Vintage-International/dp/0307389839 $10 at Amazon.comBlister Prevention and Socks]].* '''Halo Hat.Safety Vest''' This . If your runner is by far the best [[Running Hats| likely to be running hat]] I've foundafter dark, and I wear mine for every run, regardless of then the weather ([http://wwwAmphipod Xinglet will keep them visible.amazonIt's reasonably comfortable and highly visible from all directions.com<jfs id="B004DKSJAG" n="" nonl="t"/Halo-Headbands-HSHWHITE-Sport-White/dp/B0025US29E $22 at Amazon>* '''Buff'''.com])A Buff is a cylinder of fabric that can be used as a neck warmer, hat, and many other combinations. <jfs id="B01GGHAUUK" n="" nonl="t"/>

* '''Foot rubzRunScribe'''. While itI'm impressed with [[RunScribe]]'s ability to measure all sorts of useful data about a runner's not as critical as The Stick or form. $240 for a Foam Roller, massaging your feet with this little ball feels great and is only pair of [[Footpod]]s from http://wwwrunscribe.amazoncom.com/Foot-Massage-Great-Backs-Hands/dp/B002QEY6NK $6 at Amazon* '''Hydration'''.comCheck out my reviews of the [[Best Hydration Systems]]for options to keep your runner hydrated.* '''GlovesCoaching'''. I've come The advice and support of a professional coach can make a huge difference to love gloves that have a finger cover to make them 'convertible mittens'runner. You can find in person or online coaching, as they and both can work well. The in person training can vary from a wider range of temperatures. The best I've found are low cost running program, such as the [http://www.amazonrunforyou.com/SauconyRun For You] coaching offered by my local store, to more expensive one-90299on-Ultione coaching. Online coaching can provide various levels of support, from customized training plans to intensive one-Mitt-Blackon-X-Large/dp/B0059CVCME Saucony Ulti-Mitt] which comes with the light and has a place for it to clip on that works wellone support. TheyCheck out my friend Shannon McGinn're not the cheapest gloves, being s [http://wwwshannon-creatingmomentum.amazonblogspot.com/Sauconyp/running-Menscoach-Ultibased-Mittin-Smallwoodbridge-Black/dp/B006ZW6JGQ $50 at Amazonnj.comhtml 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.* '''Born to Run'''. The recent bestseller 'Born to Run' is well written and entertaining, but they are worth itas well as thought provoking. <jfs id="0307279189" n="" nonl="t"/>. * '''Sugoi Helium JacketThe Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances'''. This jacket weighs less than 3oz, is windproofa comic book on running by The Oatmeal, water resistant and it's a great read. Of course, humor is my favorite. (a personal thing, so check out [http://www.amazontheoatmeal.com/Sugoi-Helium-Jacket-Nova-X-Largecomics/running the online comic]] to get a taste of the book. <jfs id="1449459951" n="" nonl="t"/dp>.* '''Once A Runner''', by John L. Parker. Often considered the best book on running, and a worthy read. <jfs id="1416597891" n="" nonl="t"/B001J8CQZY Men>. There's also the sequel "Again to Carthage" (<jfs id="1439192480" n="" nonl="t"/>), and the prequel "Racing the Rain" (<jfs id="1476769869" n="" nonl="t"/>). * '''Running on Empty''', by Marshall Ulrich. An ultrarunning classic by one of the greatest ultrarunners. <jfs id="1583334904" n="" nonl="t"/>.* '''Eat and Run''', by Scott Jerek. This is $54-100part autobiography and part recipe book from the elite ultrarunner Scott Jurek. I found it fascinating to read about Scott's life, and [[Why Run Ultras| why he runs ultras]]. While Scott includes several bits of ultrarunning advice, [http:it's mostly his life story.<jfs id="0547569653" n="" nonl="t"/>.* '''Feet in the Clouds''', by Richard Askwith. A book more about British fell running, but still worth the time. <jfs id="1845130820" n="" nonl="t"/www>.* '''Bowerman and the Men of Oregon''', by Kenny Moore.amazonThe story of the Oregon coach and founder of Nike.com<jfs id="1594867313" n="" nonl="t"/Sugoi-Womens-Helium-Jacket-Black/dp/B002IQKW8Y Women>.* '''The Silence of Great Distance''', by Frank Murphy. The story of competitive women's endurance running. It's is $65-100]hard to believe how difficult it was for women to compete in the not so distant past. <jfs id="0962924326" n="" nonl="t"/>.)* '''SocksUltramarathon Man''', by Dean Karnazes. While socks are unexcitingDean seems to be loved and hated by an equal number of people, they make a good fallbackbut I enjoyed this book. Buy I think it's the type best thing he's written by far.<jfs id="1585424803" n="" nonl="t"/>.* '''What I Talk About When I Talk About Running''', by Haruki Murakami. A somewhat rambling tale of socks your runner normally wears, as a different sock can change running which many people love. <jfs id="0307389839" n="" nonl="t"/>.* '''Running Through the way their shoes fitWall'''. If you runner Each chapter is not using good socksby a different author, then consider giving them so it's a collection of individual runners experiences in ultrarunning. Not a modern technical sockhuge source of information, but an entertaining read in places. <jfs id="1891369377" n="" nonl="t"/>.* '''The Old Man and the Sea'''. See [[Blister Prevention This may seem like an odd entry in the list of running books running, but I believe that "The Old Man and The Sea" provides greater inspiration and Socks]]insight into the ultrarunning psyche than most books dedicated to the topic. <jfs id="0684801221" n="" nonl="t"/>. 

* '''MusiMusic'''c. Small Sadly I don't have a great recommendation for a small MP3 players like now the SanDisk Clip Zip ([http://wwwis discontinued.amazon.com/SanDisk-Sansa-Clip-Player-Black/dp/B005FVNGRS $35 at Amazon.com]<span style=* '''Headphones''color:#FF0000'>) </span>or iPod Shuffle ([http://www.amazon.com/Apple-shuffle-Slate-NEWEST-MODEL/dp/B0097BEEDM $50 at Amazon.com]) are ideal for running. For better sound quality, the most important factor is the [[Headphones for Running| headphones]], so give a pair of Koss SportaPro ([http://www.amazon.com<jfs id="B00001P505" n="" nonl="t"/Koss-155475-SportaPro-Stereo-Headphones/dp/B00001P505 $21 at Amazon.com])>.

* '''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:. <jfs id="B00591U8J8" n="" nonl="t"//www>.amazon* '''Pedicure'''.com/2XU-Non-Stirrup-Compression-Guard-Medium/dp/B00591U8J8 $40-45 at AmazonRunning can be tough on the feet, so a pedicure can help restore them. (A Pedicure before a race can help prevent blisters by making sure the toe nails are trimmed and rounded.com]).