Difference between revisions of "Gifts for Runners"
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[[File:GiftImage.jpg|right|thumb|300px]] | [[File:GiftImage.jpg|right|thumb|300px]] | ||
If you're looking for the perfect gift for a runner, here is my list of ideas. | If you're looking for the perfect gift for a runner, here is my list of ideas. | ||
| − | * '''[[ | + | * '''[[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://www.amazon.com/The-Stick-6628-Marathon/dp/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 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:// | + | * '''Books'''. The recent bestseller 'Born to Run' is well written and entertaining, as well as thought provoking ([http://www.amazon.com/Born-Run-Hidden-Superathletes-Greatest/dp/0307279189 $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:// | + | ** '''Once A Runner''', by John L. Parker. Often considered the best book on running, and a worthy read. [http://www.amazon.com/Once-Runner-Novel-John-Parker/dp/1416597891 $10 at Amazon.com] |
| − | ** '''Running on Empty''', by Marshall Ulrich. An ultrarunning classic. [http:// | + | ** '''Running on Empty''', by Marshall Ulrich. An ultrarunning classic. [http://www.amazon.com/Running-Empty-Ultramarathoners-Record-Setting-America/dp/1583334904 $11 at Amazon.com]. |
| − | ** '''Eat and Run''', by Scott Jerek. The autobiography of an ultrarunning legend. [http:// | + | ** '''Eat and Run''', by Scott Jerek. The autobiography of an ultrarunning legend. [http://www.amazon.com/Eat-Run-Unlikely-Ultramarathon-Greatness/dp/0547569653 $17 at Amazon.com]. |
| − | ** '''Feet in the Clouds''', by Richard Askwith. On British fell running. [http:// | + | ** '''Feet in the Clouds''', by Richard Askwith. On British fell running. [http://www.amazon.com/Feet-Clouds-Tale-Fell-Running-Obsession/dp/1845130820 $13 at Amazon.com]. |
| − | ** '''Bowerman and the Men of Oregon''', by Kenny Moore. The story of the Oregon coach and founder of Nike. [http:// | + | ** '''Bowerman and the Men of Oregon''', by Kenny Moore. The story of the Oregon coach and founder of Nike. [http://www.amazon.com/Bowerman-Men-Oregon-Legendary-Cofounder/dp/1594867313 $13 at Amazon.com]. |
| − | ** '''The Silence of Great Distance''', by Frank Murphy. The story of competitive women's endurance running. [http:// | + | ** '''The Silence of Great Distance''', by Frank Murphy. The story of competitive women's endurance running. [http://www.amazon.com/Silence-Great-Distance-Frank-Murphy/dp/0962924326 $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:// | + | ** '''Ultramarathon Man''', by Dean Karnazes. Dean seems to be loved and hated by an equal number of people, but I enjoyed this book. [http://www.amazon.com/Ultramarathon-Man-Confessions-All-Night-Runner/dp/1585424803 $10 at Amazon.com]. |
| − | ** '''What I Talk About When I Talk About Running''', by Haruki Murakami. A somewhat rambling tale of running. [http:// | + | ** '''What I Talk About When I Talk About Running''', by Haruki Murakami. A somewhat rambling tale of running. [http://www.amazon.com/What-About-Running-Vintage-International/dp/0307389839 $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:// | + | * '''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://www.amazon.com/Halo-Headbands-HSHWHITE-Sport-White/dp/B0025US29E $22 at Amazon.com]). |
| − | * '''Offer to crew'''. A different gift is to offer to crew your runner through a race or training 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. |
| − | * '''Foot rubz'''. While it's not as critical as | + | * '''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 [http://www.amazon.com/Foot-Massage-Great-Backs-Hands/dp/B002QEY6NK $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 [http:// | + | * '''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://www.amazon.com/Saucony-90299-Ulti-Mitt-Black-X-Large/dp/B0059CVCME 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://www.amazon.com/Saucony-Mens-Ulti-Mitt-Small-Black/dp/B006ZW6JGQ $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:// | + | * '''Sugoi Helium Jacket'''. This jacket weighs less than 3oz, is windproof, water resistant and is my favorite. ([http://www.amazon.com/Sugoi-Helium-Jacket-Nova-X-Large/dp/B001J8CQZY Men's is $54-100], [http://www.amazon.com/Sugoi-Womens-Helium-Jacket-Black/dp/B002IQKW8Y 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 | + | * '''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= | =Other ideas= | ||
These are great gifts, but I'd suggest you ask your runner to find out what they'd like. | 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]. | * '''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]. | ||
| − | * '''Musi'''c. Small MP3 players like the SanDisk Clip Zip ([http:// | + | * '''Musi'''c. Small MP3 players like the SanDisk Clip Zip ([http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Sansa-Clip-Player-Black/dp/B005FVNGRS $35 at Amazon.com]<span style='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/Koss-155475-SportaPro-Stereo-Headphones/dp/B00001P505 $21 at Amazon.com]). |
| − | * '''Running light'''. You need to talk to your runner about their preferences for | + | * '''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 [[ | + | * '''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://www.amazon.com/2XU-Non-Stirrup-Compression-Guard-Medium/dp/B00591U8J8 $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! | * '''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 05:56, 8 October 2013
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!
