Gift Ideas for Runners

With the holiday season in full swing (sorry I missed you, Hanukkah!), I believe it is now or never for me to share my gift ideas and suggestions.  Most of these are things on my personal wish list, so I am hoping my husband  happens to come across this one –> nudge, nudge!

For the past few holidays, running and fitness gear have been consuming my wish lists.  Is that lame?

Lame or not, these are things I have had my eye on.  Some I want, and some actually I need to get me through.  Like new running shoes.

If you are not a runner, fear not… you can still find a few things you might like anyways for you, or a special someone who likes to hit the gym or dress comfortably.

Ready, Set, Go!

1. Running Shoes

 

This is something you have to do a little bit of research for.  If the person you are shopping for is a serious runner, they will most likely be very specific about what kind of shoe they run in.

It took me a professional fitting at a running shoe store to know what works best for me, so I have every intention of replacing the same shoe year after year.  On my list this year is the new Women’s Mizuno Wave Enigma 2 in a size 8.5, for anyone who’s interested (Scott).  Typically, you want a running shoe about a size bigger than your street shoe size.

A great way to know what a person likes to run in is to take a look at their current shoe.  Try to find out if they like them.  If so, buy the next ones so they have them on deck when the current pair wears down.  Also, it never hurts to switch between two pairs of the same type of running shoe.  If you have no way of finding out their shoe preferences, a gift card for the estimated amount could be the next best thing!

Where to buy:

Track Shack (Orlando), Finish Line, Zappos.

2. BIC bands

I never realized how much headbands can move until I started running in them.  It is tricky to find one that will stay in place for the duration of a run, and this brand is my favorite out there.  They are no-slip, come in a variety of sizes, colors, and patterns and are cute enough to wear out after the gym.

Where to buy:

http://www.bicbands.com.

3. iTunes Gift Card

(Self explanatory.)

You can never have too much music to listen to on a long run.  New music and playlists make me want to test it out on a workout and go for a run!

Where to buy:

Convenience stores, grocery stores, book stores, iTunes application on your computer, Apple.

4. Running Socks

Once you have tried on a running sock, you will never want to go back to the regular ones.  For me, the more cushiony the better.  I like them to be no-shows, but tall enough to protect my ankles from rubbing against the top of my shoe.  I really like these Brooks Running Socks for all of those reasons.

Where to buy:

Any sporting goods store.  Occasionally I will see some sneak into a Marshalls or TJMaxx!

5. Pull Over

I have yet to own one of these.  I have seen them in the gym, at the studio and in a zillion photos with fitness bloggers.  I would bet that any runner or fitness enthusiast would appreciate a cute and comfy pullover.

The feature that excites me the most about these are the extra long sleeves and thumb holes!

Favorites:

*For some reason the links aren’t working. May I suggest a google image search? Sorry!

U-Turn Pullover – lululemon athletica

Pitter Patter Pullover – lululemon athletica

Crossfit 1/4 Zip Warm Up – Reebok

Where to buy:

Any sporting goods store. Under Armour, Nike, lululemon, Marshalls, TJMaxx.

 6. Fitness Monitor/Running Watch

I have been wanting one of these bad boys since the first day of my half marathon training.  Currently, I am using my phone as an iPod and a time and distance keeper, since I do not want to carry two things.  There are tons of running watches to choose from and the main brands are Garmin and Polar.

I am eying this particular watch because of its GPS, interval training settings, and heart rate monitor capabilities.  I just recently found the white and lime green version, and I am swooning.

Upgraded versions also include a touch screen face and the option to track calories burned.  To be one hundred percent confident I am getting the perfect watch for me, I will need to talk to someone in person to help pick it out, but this is my closest guess for the watch that would suit me best for running and training.

Where to buy:

Running or sports goods stores, Garmin, Polar, REI.

7. Running Leggings

Oh leggings.  It is very difficult to find a good pair that you cannot see through.  Running leggings tend to run thicker than most, so you will not come across that problem here.

They are tight, comfortable, and great to have in a fitness wardrobe.

Favorites:

Runder Under Pant – lululemon athletica

All Season Run Fitted Tight – Under Armour

Warm Running Tight – The North Face

Where to buy:

Under Armour, Dick’s Sporting Goods.

8. iPod/iPhone Armband

Investing in an armband for your iPod or phone is worth every penny.  I bought my NATHAN Sonic Boom from Track Shack right before running my half.  Now I wish I had it since day one.

I pictured this Belkin version because of the cute colors and clever key holder slit.  If you cannot find a place in your clothes, this is a great place to stash them.

Where to buy:

Target, Best Buy, Apple.

There is so much more on my running wish list, but those are the essentials.  Since moving up north, I still need to invest in a lot of winter running pieces.  With the holidays basically here already, I figured this week would be a great time to share them.

Look out for the winter edition coming out tomorrow!