Top 5 Last-minute Gifts Under $25 for Runners
Not sure what to get your favorite runner this year? With Christmas and Hanukkah just days away, I’ve compiled a list of last-minute gifts to warm the heart of the runner in your life. Below are the top 5 gifts $25 and under any runner would love to receive.
Gift #1: Inspirational movies about running
I’ll admit it: I’m a sucker for a feel-good sports movie. Who hasn’t wanted to jump off the couch and run the ball after watching Rudy, for example? And there’s no more inspirational character than Rocky. Every athlete longs for the heart of the champion. The music alone has pumped up countless athletes, inspiring them to give all they have. So when a movie comes along that showcases the passion and determination of a runner, we in the running community tend to gravitate towards it. Some of the best running movies include Prefontaine and Without Limits, both of which describe the powerful and tragic life of legendary runner, Steve Prefontaine. Of course there’s Chariots of Fire, the quintessential running movie that will stir anyone’s inner athlete, runner or not. But one of my favorite running movies is the Spirit of the Marathon. This movie chronicles runners from all walks of life on their road leading to the Chicago Marathon. Their inspiring stores, coupled with the energy of one of the most exciting races in the country, are enough to get anyone motivated. In fact, this movie inspired yours truly to run Chicago in 2008.
Gift #2: Books about running
Reading about the running community is a sure-fire way runners stay motivated and encouraged within the sport. Learning about the trials and challenges of average runners and elite athletes alike helps runners gain focus and perspective on why we do what we do. There are hundreds of books out there, so choose one that will suit your runner’s personality. If you’re looking for true inspiration, check out Iron Heart by Brian Boyle. It describes Brian Boyle, his should-have-been-fatal car accident and the awe-inspiring story of how he literally came back from the dead to compete in the Ford Ironman World Championships. Mother runners will enjoy Run Like A Mother by Sarah Bowen Shea and Dimity McDowell. This is an often funny, real-life guide to how even the busiest of women can make running a part of their lives without sacrificing their family or their sanity. Lastly, any runner can appreciate My Life on the Run by Bart Yasso. This is a great book by a true legend in the running community. He's done some amazing things within and around the sport of running, but the best thing you'll get out of this book is how to find happiness by doing what you love. Reading this book has helped me look at running in a different way: it's an adventure and a privilege to be a runner. Written with humor and humility, this book will be appreciated by runners and non-runners alike.
Gift #3: Moisture-wicking socks
You know the importance of wearing moisture-wicking socks. In fact, any item that touches your skin should be made with non-cotton, moisture-wicking fabrics. Cotton absorbs moisture, leading to rough fabric that creates friction, chafing the skin and feeling downright awful. In fact, that wet cotton fabric makes you colder in the winter and warmer in the summer. So, while all of your running garb should be moisture-wicking, socks should top the list. A good running sock could be the difference between a good run and a bad run. My hands-down favorite are Balega socks. They are proof that any old sock just will not do. They are made exceedingly well, with a hand-linked seemless toe to prevent rubbing across the top of the foot and expert construction that keeps your feet cool and dry and prevents blisters while running. They have both cushioned and non-cushioned, no-show and crew. Trust me, the cushioned variety are the best socks in the world. Once you try them, you'll never wear another sock.
Gift #4: Body Glide
There isn't a runner out there that couldn't benefit from Body Glide. They have a great product line, so you can find one product to prevent chafing and blisters, as well as pain management. You don't need to re-apply as you sweat and it won't leave your skin feeling goopy like some other creams and lotions. And it's not just for runners, but anyone that will be working out for a while and may be prone to blisters or chafing. This product may just be the difference between a great workout and a big let down.
Gift #5: Running hat or gloves
Don’t let your runner get cold this winter! By giving a well-made hat or gloves, you’re giving your runner the tools necessary to stay warm while on the roads this winter. Any cold-weather runner would appreciate Mizuno's Breath Thermo hat, or gloves. These products are a must-have for any runner hoping to keep their fitness up this winter without having to resort to the dreaded treadmill. The Breath Thermo system draws the moisture away from your skin with its moisture-wicking fabric and goes one step further by heating that moisture to give you extra warmth for extra cold days.
Happy running!
Jennifer Gill, MPH, is an RRCA-certified running coach and the Founder and President of Sole Health and Wellness, a wellness company based in San Diego, CA. Sole Health and Wellness offers individual, community and corporate-based running programs designed to help individuals get more active, get healthier and live happier lives! For more information, check out www.solehealthandwellness.com or email jenn@solehealthandwellness.com.