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Gifts for Runners

955 bytes added, 19:49, 1 February 2016
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* '''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 <jfs id="B002QEY6NK" n="" nonl="t"/>.
* '''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 favoritejacket when I don't need something waterproof. <jfs id="B00HT43HBO" n="Men's Helium is " nonl="t"/> and the <jfs id="B00HT46I6U" n="Women's Helium is " nonl="t"/>.* '''Ultimate Direction Ultra Jacket'''. This jacket is remarkably waterproof given it only weighs about 6oz/170g. They claim it has a [http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/rainwear-how-it-works.html waterproof rating] of 12,000mm, and it's breathable to 22,000g/m<sup>2</sup>, but those ratings are often taken in optimal conditions, and sadly a wet jacket does not breathe as well as a dry one. In practice, if you're running you're likely to be wet regardless of the waterproof rating as your sweat will soak your clothing. The idea of a jacket like this is to keep the water from making you cold, and the Ultra can seem much warmer than the Helium jacket in cold, heavy rain. See [[Running in the Rain]] for more details. [http://www.zappos.com/ultimate-direction-ultra-jacket-indigo Ultimate Direction Ultra Jacket at Zappos].
* '''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"/>
=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 [[C:\Users\fellrnr\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Word\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 [[C:\Users\fellrnr\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Word\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"/>.
* '''Pedicure'''. Running 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.)
* '''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!