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From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
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* '''The Stick'''. No runner should be without [[The Stick]]. This is the best [[Massage]] device I've found and a key way of staying injury free. I use mine every day as a core part of my training. <jfs id="B000P7NWLM" n="" nonl="t"/>.
* '''Foam Roller'''. If your runner already has The Sick, then the [[Foam Roller]] is the other great tool for keeping their legs working. Get a good quality version that will last; I'd recommend <jfs id="B0028KDC82" n="" nonl="t"/>.
* '''Massage'''. While I use the Stick and Foam Roller on a daily basis, they'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. You 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.universityneuromuscularmassage.com/ University Neuromuscular Massage] in Charlotte, who prepares me for races and helps me recover. If you're in Pinebluff Moore County, NC, you have Denise Martin, who is extremely experienced with runners as she volunteers at many local ultramarathons.
* '''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. <jfs id="B002C0I2JW" n="" nonl="t"/>.
* '''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 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.
* '''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!
