Sadly, there have been so many heartbreaking stories of runners be struck by vehicles when on their runs (and one particular story hitting very close to me earlier this year). Runner safety has become bigger than ever lately and it is so important to make sure you are safe on your run. RoadIDs are so important because they identify you, let health conditions be known, and help contact loved ones in the event tragedy strikes on the run. Even if you are running a race or with a buddy, having your identity be know can be critical when you least expect it. RoadIDs come in various forms from shoe tags, to bracelets, and even IDs that attach to Fitbits and Apple Watches, so there is certainly one that is perfect for your gift giving needs.
I have done a lot of traveling this year for race-cations. From cross country flights to quick weekend road trips, I have had to pack my bags quite a bit. If you have never packed for a race-cation, I will just tell you that it is as stressful as vacation packing multiplied by about three. Having your packing game on point is key for me which is why I absolutely LOVE my Eagle Creek gear. These travel organizers not only keep my stuff organized in my suit case ("pro" tip: I use different colored organizers for each race when doing multi-race weekends), but the Sport collection features Agion® Antimicrobial fabric which helps prevent odor. To check out my full review on a few of the Eagle Pack-It Sport pieces, head to my video here.
If you have a runner in your life that likes a bit of humor about their running, they have some great gift options for them (my absolute favorites are their shirts though). You can show your state pride, share your love of the trails, embrace the Tri, and more! They even have 0.0 shirts for your photographer, sherpa, babysitter, etc that is perfect for cheering you on on race day.
There's no doubt that PRO Compression would be on my list of favorite things. Whether it is their marathon socks or low trainers, you can bet that I always dawning a pair of PRO Compression socks! From over the calf socks ('Marathon socks'), to calf sleeves, to low trainer socks and more, PRO Compression has something for every runner in your life. Seriously, these socks rock!
As much as I wish it was socially acceptable to wear a race medal around my neck every day to commemorate different race and celebrate my accomplishments, however it is not. Thanks to Inspired Endurance, you can commemorate your accomplishments in a stylish piece of jewelry that can be worn whenever and wherever you choose.
I can think of quite a number of occasions that would be perfect for giving some Inspired Endurance jewelry to family and friends. Let's be real, runners can be hard to shop for because we all use different products in running and training, but we all appreciate when others help recognize our accomplishments with us. The best thing is that there are pieces of Inspired Endurance that are simply motivational and not geared towards a particular distance or sport, so they are great for anyone. I mean, we can all use a little extra motivation in our life, right?
The LightSpur RX is great for runners, walkers, and cyclists alike as it provides a bright LED on the back of your shoe via a lightweight shoe clip. The LightSpur RX attaches securely to the heel of your shoe and offers multiple colors and settings for your visibility needs. I honestly never really thought about having lights on the back of me so cars, bikes, and other runners can see me, so this is really cool and is a great gift for anyone heading out for a run, walk, or ride between dusk and dawn.
I had heard of Knuckle Lights for about a year now, but I wasn't too familiar with them until earlier this fall. As I started to plan ahead for the upcoming few months, I started to think of ways that I can keep myself safe while logging my miles in the evenings as it gets dark earlier. Knuckle Lights are huge on the premise of "see and be seen" which is exactly what I was looking for. Not only am I needing a product to help me see the road ahead, but most importantly I want to make sure that cars see me.
To be honest, I do wear a lot of my race shirts. I have a super laid back dress code at work which allows me to wear my race shirt mostly every day. However, I cannot possibly wear them ALL! There are some that are too big or too small, heavy cotton that I don't particularly like to wear, designs that just aren't me, or ones that have precious memories so I don't want the shirt to get ruined. The ones that don't get worn often go into storage tubs after a few months where they just sit and never get seen again. Yes, I know I could donate them, but they all have special memories to me and I can't seem to let them go.
My storage bins of race shirts are getting out of control and they are about to grow when I clean out my drawers this winter. Well, Project Repat to the rescue! Let's be honest, you too probably have a collection of shirts that you can't seem to let go of as well. Maybe they are your old high school sports jerseys (or your child's). Perhaps you were an avid concert goer at one point and have some awesome concert tees. Maybe after the passing of a loved one you held on to some of their clothing as a memory of them. Whatever your shirt collection is, chances are that Project Repat can turn those shirts into a quilt of precious memories for you because they can use anything basically except for leather and jeans.
There is so much value in membership to local running clubs. Seriously, they are a gift that keeps on giving year round! I first became a member of Atlanta Track Club several years ago when I received a membership from my dad for Christmas. At first I didn't understand how valuable this gift would become throughout the year. While each running club offers memberships at different rates and with different benefits, Atlanta Track Club provides its members with race & training group discounts, discounts at local running stores, a membership gift, guaranteed entry to the 2018 Peachtree Road Race 10K, and much more. The training support and benefits that your runner will receive throughout 2018 will definitely be appreciated.
I admit it, I am a huge creature of habit. I get set in my ways and don't explore new things often. How do you know that a product that you use is truly the best option for you unless you try other things every now an then? How do you know that you don't like something?
Since I am stubborn and don't necessarily seek new things to try unless they present themselves to me pretty much, I am stoked when I receive my StrideBox each month.
The concept of StrideBox is pretty easy. They are a monthly subscription box the provides you with various samples of different health, fitness, and weight-loss products. Each month's box provides you with several different samples of products to try. With gift options of one month, three months, or six months, there is an option to fit each budget. Who knows, you could very well help your runner find their new "must have" favorite fuel or gear.
People always calling running a free/cheap sport. Well, those people probably haven't seen my expenditures on gear, travel, gadgets, races, fuel, and shoes!
Buying your runner new shoes is basically impossible since we all have shoes that we are partial to and likely get fitted regularly (plus it can be pricey). A gift card of any value to our favorite running store is always much appreciated. There are always things that we need and that gift card will definitely help us when we go to shop.
Another great gift idea is purchasing your favorite traveling runner gift cards that can be used on their race-cations! If you know that they stay at particular hotel chains often or fly on certain airlines primarily, a gift card for these things will put a smile on their face for sure. Nothing makes buying a airline ticket to a race a little bit easier than using gift cards to help bring down your out of pocket costs.