What’s on Santa’s List?

December 4, 2012 Faux Runner Comments 5 comments

What! Another Christmas gift guide for runners that almost every blogger is writing about?

Yes, sorry. ‘Tis the season of gift giving and you never know what novelty you will find.

Like this Oiselle ‘Fly’ Necklace that has been mentioned in atleast 3 other gift lists. Even though I shop and love Oiselle, I had never looked at necklaces at their site before.

I’m also sharing items from my wishlist/gift list here in the hope that my Santa stumbles on it.

Keep them Smiling – Shoe Charms ($7.99)
My friend Shirley got these at Philadelphia Marathon expo from Gone for a Run and absolutely loves them! Will they make me run faster? I wish! But they look super cute and very blingy.

Keep them Clean – Wipes and Shampoo for the Lunchtime Runner ($6 – $12)
Ever since I started sneaking in runs (not just lunchtime, but any 1hr slot I can get), I’ve fallen in love with these products.
The wipes are not your standard baby wipes, although those work in a pinch too. These are made for (or atleast, marketed for) runners. I have used both Shower Pill and Nathan Power Shower Wipes. And they have been absolute life savers. I’ve even gone on a lunch date like I’ve walked out of the shower.
And girls with long hair (boys too!), a dry shampoo is a god send! I discovered the dry shampoo in my days as a new mom and have continued to love it when I don’t have time to wash my hair.

Hey – no judging!

My secret to rushing from run to fun (or work)! All purchased from amazon.com

Keep them Safe – Lights and Pepper Spray ($10 – $15)
If you’ve been reading my blog, you’d know that I’m big on safety. To the point of being paranoid. I will never run without light or pepper spray when I’m alone in the dark/trail (I usually avoid running in the dark anyway). If not a pepper spray, a bear spray works great. And I’ve been assured that it works great on dogs unleashed as well.
The flashing LED arm band is great when I’m running in a well lit area but with traffic. Yes, even with sidewalks. And the little clip on light (from Amphipod), its my husband’s gift this year. I love how tiny it is and but still is bright.

My running buddies – never out without these in the dark/alone! All purchased from Running Warehouse.

Keep them Motivated – Training Journal ($15 – $25)
Does your athlete like to keep logs and keep track of everything? Even if they are not, a log is a very helpful tool in not just tracking miles/workouts, but also food, rest, mood etc. If they are more inclined to pen and paper, Believe I am Training Journal looks to be a beautiful product to keep notes. (Disclaimer: I do not have this, but intend to get one and try it out). Pink and Pretty not your runner’s style? The more formal (I don’t want to use the word manly!) Runner’s Day-by-Day Log that might work for you.
Of course, if your athlete is more hardcore and tech savvy, a Training Peaks Premium Account might be more useful? Personally, I hate the user interface; because my job in real life is to design simple interfaces for complex interactions. But it cannot be denied that TP has a ton of features that all athletes seem to love. I had a premium account for a short 3 months, and I would’ve continued it if I was working with a coach.

‘Believe I am’ Journal and the ‘Runners Log’

Keep them Singing – Fun Phone Cases ($17 – $25)

This one is on my list (is Santa listening!). I had been debating for a long time, especially as I’m prone to destroying my phone (water damage, cracked screen, water damage – RIP 3 iPhones). But I just love some of the ones I’ve come across and I figured, why not? I’ve surely learnt a lesson from 3 iPhones to take extra care of this one and not to open/use it while on concrete. My favorite is the ‘Just Run’ from Run Pretty Far (I love just about everything from them!). Gone for a Run also has some cool cases like the Dr. Seuss one.

Keep them Proud – Bib Folio ($40) and/or Medal Hanger ($40 – $65)
Have an athlete that loves to race and safeguard all their bibs? I’ve been thinking of this for a long time, but hadn’t seen how they actually looked like. I had the chance to see it at a friend’s house this weekend and this is absolutely going on my list!

Can’t pick b/w these from Gone for a Run – Am leaning towards the first two for some fun. What’ya think?

I can’t say enough about the wonderful choices Allied Medal Hangers have for medal displays, or the wonderful customer service they give. I have 2 of these (one custom), and I can’t wait to fill up the second one to order yet another one! They have all sorts of hangers to accomodate any number of medals.

Never Limit Your Challenges, Challenge your Limits

Keep them Inspired – Apparel, Shoes or gift cards to your runner’s favorite store ($ – $$$)
There is no shortage of apparel gifts – shirts with fun sayings shirts with Motivational sayings or apparel from “boutique” running stores. Winter clothes from jackets/vests to compression socks. Ask your runner their wishlist or give them a gift card so they can get what they want.
And of course, a pair of shoes is always welcome – as long as it is the one your runner wants.
Some of my favorites brands are –

Another Mother Runner (‘Are my kids still chasing me?’ and ‘Its all good. I ran today.’)
Run Pretty Far (‘Run far and eat more cupcake’)
One More Mile (‘26.2 miles and still smiling‘)
Sweatybands (I have way too many of them to mention!)
Sparkleskirts (Black Diamond, Peacock Island, Autumn – The shorts don’t budge and are so FUN!)
Skirtsports & Running Skirts (A big bundle of staples!)
Team Sparkle (Fun skirts for any themed race!)
Lululemon (Wunder Under Crops is a life saver for muffin top syndrome)
Oiselle (Lesley crops and ‘26.2 some go all the way’ T)
Athleta (Wonderful collection for sport and casual wear)

Keep them Challenged – Go Big or Go Home ($150 – $450)

GPS watches need no introduction to an endurance athlete. With plenty of models to choose from, there is one for every athlete in your life. Garmins, Polar, Nike, and more! I’m almost sad that my Garmin 305 is still working (it is only 2.5 years old) because even though I lust after these, I really have no reason to get anything new.