This is a time of year when many people plan to start a running and fitness program. Help the new runners in your life along by giving them gifts that will motivate them, prevent injury, keep them warm, and help them stick with their new program. Experienced runners will enjoy these gifts as well.
The Koss Headphones segment of this post is sponsored by Fitfluential LLC on behalf of Koss.
Fitbit Flex
Fitbit makes it easy to track your activities, sync stats, see trends, and reach goals. The Fitbit Flex is worn around the wrist, keeps track of your daily steps, total mileage, and calories burned. You can also set it to track your sleep patterns, calories eaten, even water intake. I was surprised, the first day I wore it, at how easily I reached my 10,000 step goal even on a day that I didn’t exercise, just by moving through my active day. You can track your progress through the Fitbit phone app, or online (where you can even track your heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels). MSRP: $99 (I purchased mine at Roadrunner Sports during a VIP promotion and received 20% off).
Koss Headphones
The female designers at Koss teamed up with Gold Medalist Dara Torres to create the world’s first headphones designed specifically for women, by women. I love the FitClips, which don’t fall out and fit perfectly because of the three different sizes of ear cushions. The FitBuds are sweat resistant, smaller than most other earbuds, and also have three different sizes of ear cushions for a perfect fit. Both headphones usually retail for $29.99, but are available through the holidays for $19.99 at Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Walgreens, Kmart, and Sears. Enter to win a pair of Koss FitSeries EarBuds using the Rafflecopter below.
Athleta Reflective Relay Tights
If your new runner, or, ahem, you, will be running in cold and/or low light conditions, these Athleta Reflective Relay Tights are a perfect gift. They fit beautifully, have a rear zip pocket which is large enough for a gel or two, and have a pretty reflective design. The Pilayo® fabric wicks away moisture, breathes, and provides UPF 50+ protection. I love the way these fit. The waistband is mid-rise and flat, and the banded cuff stays put. MSRP is $89.
Underarmour Cold Gear
The Underarmour Cold Gear Fitted Mock is my favorite base layer (Mens version here). It’s thin enough to wear under another top, but still stands alone when the weather isn’t quite as cold. While it is fitted, it doesn’t feel too tight, it has anti-odor technology and sun protection. MSRP: $50.
Nike Tech Running Gloves
While the Nike Lightweight Tech Running Gloves (Women’s. Men’s are here) are perfect for most of my cold running needs, if you live in a colder climate, you may prefer the Nike Thermal Tech Running Glove (Men’s are here). Either way, you will keep your hands warm, and still have access to your phone screen without taking off your gloves. Available at Roadrunner Sports. MSRP: Lightweight: $22, Thermal: $25.
Garmin Forerunner 10
The Garmin Forerunner 10 is easy to use, comes in a variety of fun colors, and will track your mileage and pace. It is also very affordable at $129.
ProCompression Marathon Socks
Compression socks are a great tool for recovery, and ProCompression Marathon Socks are my favorites. They aid in recovery, help prevent soreness and pain, and they look pretty cool too. MSRP: $50.
Foam Roller
You may as well get your new runner started right away on a foam rolling program that can help prevent injury, reduce pain, and increase flexibility. This High Density EVA Roller is high quality, firm, and perfect for those new to foam rolling. MSRP: $18-$37 (depends on length).
Flipbelt
I just discovered the Flipbelt when I was with Alan at the Malibu Marathon and I purchased one at the expo. As promised, I can carry my phone, several gels, and other small items with absolutely no bouncing. It comes in a variety of colors, slips on easily and comfortably, and really does not bounce at all while you’re running. MSRP: $29. Available at Amazon (affiliate link).
Shoe ID from Road ID
The perfect gift for a new runner. The Shoe ID is laser engraved with your emergency contact information and can be strapped to your running shoes. MSRP: $20.
Mizuno Wave Rider 17
Good running shoes are essential for the new runner, and I admit I am partial to Mizuno’s Wave Rider series. The Wave Rider 17 was just released a few days ago, and it is an amazing, light weight, supportive and cushioned neutral shoe. I received my shoes as part of a sponsored campaign through Fitfluential. MSRP: $115. If you order using my affiliate link, you will receive free shipping (and I will receive a small commission): MizunoUSA.com! Never Settle! Free Shipping On All Running Orders Over $100! Click Here!
Running Books
While there are thousands of great Running Books, a few that I would recommend for a new runner are Runner’s World Complete Book of Women’s Running, a great resource for women just starting a running program; Born to Run, about the legendary Mexican Tarahumara Indians; and Eat and Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness, by plant-based athlete Scott Jurek. These are affiliate links, available from Amazon.
Healthy Surprise
While not technically a running gift, Healthy Surprise is one of many monthly subscription health snack boxes. What makes it different is that all of the products in a Healthy Surprise box are natural, gluten free, vegan, soy-free, corn-free, and wheat-free. I was sent a box to try out and review, and I just received it. I will have a full review, but my initial impression was so positive that I wanted to share it with you now. Prices range from $33-95 per month, but you can also purchase a one-time gift for $50. If you take a look at my box (the mid-priced box, available at $80), you can see it is loaded with a huge variety of healthy snacks.
Win a Pair of Koss Fit Series Earbuds!
Use the Rafflecopter Below:
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Thanks for reading my Holiday Gift Guide! I hope you enjoyed it and got a few ideas for gifts for the runners in your life.
Live from La Quinta - Tales of a Vegan Athlete