Running News Daily

Holiday Gift Guide for All Runners

The holidays are quickly approaching! What are you getting for the runner in your life? 

Runners love new gear. From new shoes to new shorts to new carbohydrate gels, they love trying out the latest and the greatest. Not only does it provide something new to their routine, but it gives them a new experience that may enhance their daily runs altogether. 

But what does the daily runner want? What makes the perfect gift for any runner? From wool socks to foam rollers to medical alert bracelets, here’s the essential holiday gift guide for all runners. 

High-quality running socks

Let’s get real for a moment: cotton is unpleasant for runners. Why? It holds onto sweat and it’s rough to the touch. Ever see a runner with bloody nipples? It’s most likely caused by a cotton shirt. The same goes for cotton socks. Find you’re finishing every run with painful blisters? Your socks may be to blame. 

That’s why runners love high-performance running socks — socks made with blister-resistant materials like mohair and merino wool. Some of the most popular brands include Balega socks and Feetures merino wool socks.

Wind vest, jacket and pants

No one likes a stiff breeze. It’s unpleasant and sends a shiver up your spine. It’s best for runners to avoid them at all times, which makes wind vests, jackets and pants ideal for the daily runner. 

Spikes 

Winter runners are always in need of added traction. Whether on trails or roads, they need to do all they can do to avoid a slip and fall, which could cause serious injury. The best way to avoid them altogether is with a pair of spikes, like Kahtoola NANOspikes Traction System. Worn around the shoe, it increases friction between shoes and the ground, helping to keep slips and falls at bay. 

Illumination vest

Running in the early morning or late at night? You need to remain seen by oncoming motorists. Illumination vests make that easy. The simple construction worker vest can easily solve this, making it easy to stay seen while out on the roads in the dark. 

Headlamps

Similarly, a runner should be able to see where they’re going, too. Headlamps make it easy to see the ground in front of them, from the ends of sidewalks to frost heaves to potholes. Furthermore, they enhance a runner’s visibility to oncoming motorists, as a shining light will capture more attention than a reflective vest or LED-illuminated vest. 

Hydration bottles

Long runs require hydration and no runner wants to hold onto a Poland Spring water bottle in their hand. Instead, let them simply carry it with them. Handheld hydration bottles make it easy to bring water while on the go. Most bottles feature a small strap which wraps around the hand, which saves a runner from having to grip the bottle their entire run. 

Foam roller

Running pains happen. Sometimes it’s a strained muscle, other times it’s a pained knee caused by a tight hip and glute. Foam rollers make it easy to break up muscle knots, as the runner can glide over the roller at their own pace, slowly working out knots so as to loosen muscles. 

Gel packets

Running burns calories, particularly sugars and carbohydrates. After enough time, the body becomes depleted, running out of energy. When that happens, a runner hits the wall. GU Gels are trusted by many runners, as they provide the carbs and sugar they need to continue performing. With gels, every long run gets a little easier. 

Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets

Hydration matters, but sometimes you need some extra energy to keep your pep in your step. Nuun Sport tablets are a great option for runners, as they provide essential sugars, salt and carbohydrates to fuel a high-intensity workout. Simply tossed into a bottle of water, they dissolve over time, infusing with the water to provide the nutrients a runner needs to keep on running. 

Bluetooth earbuds

Many people rely on music to fuel their runs. Traditional earbuds don’t cut it. The wires get in the way and sweat can cause them to short out. Don’t take your chances. Cut the cord and upgrade. Bose Sports Earbuds are a reliable option that many runners love. As bluetooth headphones, they simply connect to a runner’s phone without requiring any cables. Further, they’re designed to be protective against sweat, meaning a runner is able to sweat as much as they like, all with no problem. 

Medical alert bracelet 

You never want to take a risk with your personal safety. Rather than taking your chances, you can carry your personal information with you wherever you go. In the event of an accident, a medical alert bracelet will inform strangers and EMS personnel of your name, information and medical history — which could be a lifesaver in a dire emergency. 

Runners can either wear a traditional bracelet or can get an Apple Watch medical alert bracelet which can take the place of their basic Apple Watch bracelet. 

Polarized sunglasses 

Don’t let the sunshine get you done. Runners can benefit from sunglasses to avoid added fatigue. It can also help a runner see more clearly, whether out on the open road or on a bright, snowy day. Oakley sports sunglasses are a great option for high-end sunglasses, while Goodr running sunglasses are an affordable option everyone can rely on. 

There’s more out there for runners, though. This list is just the tip of the iceberg. From running shoes to GPS watches to recovery sandals to moisture-wicking beanies, you can continue your search for the best gift for the runner in your life. Looking for something quick? One of the above gifts is sure to put a smile on any runner’s face.

(11/28/2021) Views: 1,839 ⚡AMP