Christmas Gift Guide for Runners

The last thing I'll be doing today is shopping.  Yesterday I ran 10 miles in preparation for Thanksgiving dinner.  Usually I run in a race but I just could not do the Detroit Turkey Trot this year and have to get up at 4am and fight the 25,000 people running it.  This year I just decided to run at my normal training grounds at Stony Creek Metropark.  It was nice.

Last year I put together a Holiday gift guide and thought I would update it a bit with things I'm using.  Some of this years items on the list are also from last year too.  Most can be found in the Gear Review section of my blog and can be purchaed at your local running store or online.

Hydration - Clean Bottle.  Ever since I've done a review on this, I've used it.  It's easy to clean, has openings in both ends, does not leak, holds plenty of water for a long run and phone/keys/GU.

Clean Bottle

Fitness Pouch - While I don't wear this often while running, I love the Roosport pouch for short races where I'm not carrying a water bottle.  It fits ID, cash, keys and you can't even tell it's there.  It fits on your shorts.

Illumination - Petzl headlamps.  I shouldn't have to say more than that.  They are the best for running.   Period.  This has been put through Hell and back.  It's comfortable, reliable, and even has a safety whistle on it.  The light is extremely bright and the batteries last a long time.

Safety - 1BandID is my choice.  Any ID is better than none but I love this one because I never forget it.  It's made to fit on your watch and I never forget my watch when running.  Put it on and forget about it.  I've used it the last two years and all my running has been outside.  Still looks like new!

Sunglasses - Tifosi Tyrants are my favorite but all of the sunglasses I've ever tried and all the Tifosi Sunglasses I've worn have been awesome.  The Tyrant 2 has come out as well which look even better than the original but I've not tried them yet(review to come).  I just ordered replacement lenses from Tifosi because I tripped while trail running and my glasses went flying and one of the lenses broke.  For running, I can't live without these glasses.

Clothing - While I use lots of running clothes, these three of my favorite for winter running.  The Pearl Izumi Infinity Windblocking jacket and, of course, the Buff.  The buff keeps your face from freezing off in winter running.  One of the best inventions for runners in my opinion.  I also love the Experia by Thorlos socks and are the only ones have have kept my feet warm enough through an weather.

Electronics - Of course, you don't NEED to run with a Garmin - I have the 310xt but I'm contemplating an upgrade to the 220 or 620, the latest Garmin for Runners.   These have made some vast improvements in technology and keep getting better every year.

Injury Prevention - a foam roller is essential, in my opinion and I love my TP Therapy Grid but also have the Rumble Roller for deep massage and the Pro-tec roller.  A good old Lacrosse ball works well for hard to get spots too.

Medal Holder - While there are lots of companies that sell displays, Allied Medal Display offers stock and custom designed medal hangers.  These are the best and most detailed hangers you can get and they are a great company to work with.  A very nice, high quality product.

Allied Medal Display custom medal holder

Shoes - I've made no bones about it, I love my Saucony Ride 6 shoes.  I love Saucony.  They work for me on the roads so why change up a good thing.  Of course, Saucony has an excellent reputation and are always on the cutting edge of comfort, style and technology.  I just ran my last marathon in them.

Some of these items can be found at your local running store.  If you are from the Detroit area, you can try RUNdetroit for some of these.  I love their store, and go well out of my way to frequent them, because they are experts and know what they are talking about.  You also get to work directly with the owners which is a huge bonus in my opinion.

Of course, if you shop online, I recommend Running Warehouse.  I buy 95% of my running stuff that I buy online from them.  Great service, free shipping and returns, incredible prices.

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

Note:  Some of these items I've done reviews on in exchange for previous blog posts.  All opinions are my own.