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From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
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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://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.
* '''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]
** '''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]).
* '''Offer to crew'''. A different gift is to offer to crew your runner through a race or training run. [[Crewing an ultra 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 [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=rubz&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FFoot-Massage-Great-Backs-Hands%2Fdp%2FB002QEY6NK $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://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].)
* '''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 [[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=
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].
* '''Musi'''c. Small MP3 players like the SanDisk Clip Zip ([http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=clip&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSanDisk-Sansa-Clip-Player-Black%2Fdp%2FB005FVNGRS $35 at Amazon.com]<span style='color:#FF0000'>) </span>or iPod Shuffle ([http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=Shuf&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FApple-shuffle-Slate-NEWEST-MODEL%2Fdp%2FB0097BEEDM $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://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FKoss-155475-SportaPro-Stereo-Headphones%2Fdp%2FB00001P505 $21 at Amazon.com]).
* '''Running light'''. You need to talk to your runner about their preferences for running lights[[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 ([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!
