Cracking Christmas Gifts for the Runner in Your Life (Or For Yourself!)
‘Tis the season to spend money!
Are you struggling to think of gift ideas for that special someone in your life who loves running?
Have you been asked by someone else to help them with gift ideas for you?
Or are you simply looking to treat yourself over the festive period?
Then this article should help you with some ideas.
Please note that if you buy anything using these links I will make a tiny amount of money. But it will not cost you any more than usual. For a full explanation of how I use affiliate links, please click here.
For the Gadget Lover
If you’re feeling particularly extravagant this Christmas and you want to make a good impression on the person you love (or you want to treat yourself), these gadgets will definitely put you on Santa’s ‘nice’ list!
The Garmin Fenix 5 Plus running watch allows you to play Spotify whilst you’re on the move, making running much more enjoyable.
It’s main features include:
A multisport GPS smartwatch, with wrist heart rate technology
Sync with music streaming services such as Spotify to easily store and play your favourite songs right from your watch
Garmin Pay ready. The contactless payment solution lets you make convenient payments with your watch, so you can leave your cash and cards at home
Built-in navigation sensors include three-axis compass, gyroscope and barometric altimeter as well as multisatellite (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) capability to track in more challenging environments than GPS alone
Up to 12 days battery life in smartwatch mode and 8 hours in GPS mode with music
Find out more about the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus using the link below
The Suunto Ambit 3 Run GPS watch is great if you need a watch that is reasonably priced and packed full of great features, including:
The ability to track lots of data points
An easy-to-use interface
A huge battery life (up to 100 hours)
I’ve been using this watch for almost 5 years.
And I’ve just bought a second one to use in my longer races as a backup.
I originally got it for the Marathon des Sables for it's huge battery life.
Find out more about the Suunto Ambit 3 Run GPS watch using the link below
The Plantronics Backbeat Fit Bluetooth headphones are perfect if you don't want the hassle and annoyance of wires when listening to podcasts or music.
They're a great fit and stay in place even when working out at higher intensities.
Plus, they are really great value.
These are by far the best pair of headphones that I’ve ever had.
Find out more about the Plantronics Backbeat Fit Bluetooth headphones using the link below
For the Kit Lovers
If you or your loved ones often find that your kit has more holes than Santa’s sack, these ideas might be the way to go.
The Ultimate Direction Scott Jurek Ultra Running bag is lightweight, but has a huge amount of storage for all your race gear.
There are some really accessible pockets for getting stuff whilst on the move.
And it’s really, really comfortable.
I use this for all my races and it’s been perfect for storing everything I need.
And it’s one of the most popular ones that I see at events, as everyone seems to have them!
Find out more about the Ultimate Direction Scott Jurek Ultra Running Vest 3.0 using the below link.
The OMM Last Drop back pack is great if you need to carry stuff to and from work regularly.
It’s small and compact, yet has enough storage for all the essentials.
Find out more about the OMM Last Drop back pack using the link below.
The Montane spine jacket offers wind and water protection for outdoor activities and has been developed with minimalist design features to reduce weight and enhance packability.
It has a 3mm seam across all seams and a hood that means you’re protected in the fiercest weather conditions.
Find out more about the Montane spine jacket using the link below.
The Montane Prism Gloves are revolutionary because they fit down to a micro-pack size and have a superb warmth to weight ratio.
They are ideal as multi-use gloves that will live unnoticed in your pack or pocket.
They are completely windproof, fast drying and feature an exceptional durable water repellency.
Plus the thumb and index fingers can be used with touch sensitive screens.
Find out more about the Montane Prism Gloves using the link below.
The X Bionic Trick Top allows you to perform at your best for longer, particularly in hot conditions.
I personally used it in the Marathon des Sables where It was incredibly effective and meant that I didn’t feel the hot conditions of the Sahara desert at all.
Find out more about the X Bionic Trick Top using the link below.
It’s definitely worth investing in a good head torch, rather than going for the cheapest one possible.
I’ve switched to the Petzl NAO Headtorch recently and it gives you a very strong beam of light, which means you’re much more confident when running in the dark.
This would make a good present for someone who is prone to getting lost...
Find out more about the Petzl NAO Headtorch using the link below.
For the Food Lovers
Will that special someone struggle to stay away from the mince pies over Christmas?
Or does that apply to you?
These nutritional ideas might help them stay on track for their running goals.
Losing salt and electrolytes is a major problem, particularly in longer distance races.
And so the High Five Electrolyte tablets are an easy, efficient and good tasting way of making sure you rebalance your electrolytes to make sure you perform at your best.
Find out more about the High Five Electrolyte tablets using the below link.
Pip and Nut Sachets are delicious nut butter pastes, which are easy to digest.
They come in a variety of very good tasting flavours, including almond butter and peanut butter.
And they are great for when you are on long training runs or races.
They are the perfect alternative to gels because you don’t get the huge sugar rush and then the sugar crash.
Find out more about the Pip and Nut Sachets using the link below.
Something to Inspire Them
Or maybe that special person in your life needs a bit of inspiration to fulfil their dreams?
Then these books will help them start their journey to achieve their goals.
Mimi is an incredibly inspiring endurance athlete who holds multiple Guinness World Record holder.
This book taught me a huge amount about ultra-endurance events.
And it's one of those rare sports books that's actually entertaining as well!
Beyond Impossible: From Reluctant Runner to Guinness World Record Breaker is her story of how an ordinary mum ran her way into the record books.
I can't think of many better people to get a recommendation from than Bear Grylls!
"If you want to gain insight into the mind of great athletes, adventurers, and peak performers then prepare to be enthralled by Alex Hutchinson’s Endure." – BEAR GRYLLS
Endure: Mind, Body and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance is a great read if your're looking to understand the science behind how you push beyond your limits.
Here's a short overview of what the book is about
"Alex Hutchinson, Ph.D., reveals why our individual limits may be determined as much by our head and heart, as by our muscles. He presents an overview of science’s search for understanding human fatigue, from crude experiments with electricity and frogs’ legs to sophisticated brain imaging technology."
Find out more about Endure: Mind, Body and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance using the link below.
What Gifts Do You Want for Christmas?
Why not help everyone out with their Christmas shopping by telling us what you’d like from Santa this Christmas.
Or tell us your top gift ideas for your loved ones.
Let is know in the comments at the bottom of this thread or on social media below.
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