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in Coaches Corner, Gift Guides, Holidays, Running, Tuesdays on the Run · November 27, 2018

Holiday Gift Guide For Runners 2018

It’s that time of year when everyone is starting to look for holiday gifts and making their own wish lists as well! I do pretty much all of my shopping online now and I love reading gift guides to get new ideas. As I was shopping for others and making a wish list for myself I came up with some items that I thought I would include in this year’s holiday gift guide for runners.

Looking for the perfect gift for a runner? (Or for yourself?) Check out this holiday gift guide, with everything from gadgets to accessories to recovery items and more!

I have been creating these gifts guides since 2014, and some of the items have made it onto previous lists. (That’s because they are THAT good and runners can use them every year!) This years list includes items I’ve tried as well as does that I’ve had my eye on. Please note that this post includes affiliate links.

Holiday Gift Guide For Runners 2018

Koala Clip
I shared my thoughts on this last July when I also hosted a giveaway. I am still loving my Koala Clip! It’s so much more comfortable than a running belt. Not to mention I’m not sure I could have ever worn a belt while pregnant. I am thinking of asking for another one this year because mine is getting a little worn out!
Koala Clip sports bra
 
Run Angel
I received a Run Angel for Christmas last year and I wear it every day. It’s a personal alarm that also tracks your location. If you press a button on the band, it notifies your contacts that you need help, while also making a loud noise.
run angel

Knuckle Lights
A few months ago one of my headlamps died. Then a few weeks later my backup one died. Even with fresh batteries, they aren’t working. So I’ve been borrowing Rob’s Knuckle Lights and I love them. I only have to use one because it’s so bright.
knuckle lights
 
Believe Training Journal
This has made it onto a few other gift guides, but it’s the perfect gift for every year. Not only is it a place to track your workouts, but it also has information and motivation throughout the book.
training journal
Run Fast Cook Fast Eat Slow Cookbook
I have “Run Fast Eat Slow” (which I wrote about awhile ago) and I am definitely interested in trying this new cookbook. I mean who wouldn’t like to have fast meals to cook?
cookbook
CTM Band
I haven’t tried this, but I’ve heard a lot of good things about it. I am all about trying new products for recovery and injury prevention!
ctm band
Running Socks
Runners can always use a new pair of good running socks, right? My favorites are still Feetures.
features
 
Race Bib Album
Looking for a way to store all those race bibs? Maybe try a race bib album. I’ve started hanging some of mine on my medal rack but I’m running out of room. Besides, you can’t see them all when they’re clipped together.
bib album
 
Yaktrax
I’ve had Yaktrax for a few years now and they are really useful for snowy or icy runs. Especially when I just don’t feel like running on the treadmill!
yaktrax
 
Funny Running T-Shirt
There are so many fun t-shirt and tank tops available for runners. I like this one from Sarah Design Studio. (For once I can drink wine again!)
t-shirt
 
Oofas Sandals
I haven’t personally tried these, but they sound perfect to wear after a race or long run.
oofas
Wireless Headphones
Last year I asked for a pair of Aftershokz headphones. The ones I got (the regular ones) were too big and they didn’t have the minis available at the time. So I’m going to try again and see if the smaller version works any better for me. Everyone else who has tried these headphones raves about them, so I’m sure they’re really good!
headphones
 
Handheld Water Bottle
I always rely on my handheld water bottle for medium distance runs, all year long! This one is easy to carry and you can fit some gels, a key, or money/credit card in the pocket.
water bottle
 
Run 365 Calendar
I like the idea of this running desk calendar. It has quotes as well as places for notes and tracking your daily mileage.
calendar
 
Gloves for Touch Screen Phone
A runner can never have too many pairs of gloves, right? I think it’s so helpful to have gloves that work with a touch screen. No one wants to get cold fingers because of taking off gloves to get a picture!
gloves
 
Hopefully you can find the perfect gift for the runner(s) in your life and for yourself!
Check out some of my previous gift guides for more ideas!
2017 Holiday Gift Guide for Runners
2016 Holiday Gift Guide for Runners
2015 Holiday Gift Guide for Runners
2014 Holiday Gift Guide for Runners
 

You may also like:
Training Reflections for the Route 66 Marathon
A Look Back at August 2015
April Runfessions
A Look Back at 2014: Running and Races

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Comments

  1. Wendy says

    November 27, 2018 at 7:04 am

    I hope you’re my Santa this year! Seriously, I have a lot of the things on this list. And last week at CrossFit, Sammy Jo was using a band similar to that CTM band–for the life of me, I can’t remember the name of it–but she loves it!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      November 28, 2018 at 5:12 am

      The CTM band looks really intriguing! I think it would be helpful in a different way than the foam roller or stick.

  2. Ryoma Sakamoto.Japan says

    November 27, 2018 at 7:10 am

    I got my first pair of Oofos earlier this year and I love them! I’m all about recovery stuff! I love my Aftershokz but I will say in winter they don’t fit well UNDER my headband and they slip down if I try to wear them over it.

  3. Marcia says

    November 27, 2018 at 7:11 am

    Whoops that comment about Oofos was mine and I realized right after I hit the comment button Ryouma’s info was still in there.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      November 28, 2018 at 5:14 am

      Its so weird when that happens! I’ll reply to this comment so hopefully you see it. Thats annoying that the headphones dont work well with a headband. Now that I think about it I could see that being a problem.

  4. Maureen @ Maureen Gets Real says

    November 27, 2018 at 7:38 am

    I received a Run Angel last year as well but I think it died so I may have to ask for a second one.
    Sarah Marie Design studio has the best running shirts! I love my wine shirt from there.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      November 28, 2018 at 5:15 am

      I had trouble with mine a few months ago and I reached out to them on Instagram. They helped me trouble shoot and eventually sent me a new one because they couldn’t figure out what was wrong with it. It might be worth reaching out to see if they can help you fix it!

  5. Kim G says

    November 27, 2018 at 9:25 am

    I love the Run365 calendar. I have used it for 2017 and 2018, I still need to order the 2019 one. I keep it on my deak at work to keep me motivated to get in my runs.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      November 28, 2018 at 5:16 am

      The calendar seems like a great way to stay motivated to get in workouts!

  6. Sarah @ Bucket List Tummy says

    November 27, 2018 at 10:05 am

    I like the idea of a run calendar for motivational quotes! And that tank is awesome 🙂

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      November 28, 2018 at 5:17 am

      Both seem like fun gifts for runners, right?!

  7. Lesley says

    November 27, 2018 at 10:47 am

    I got my Aftershokz from REI. If Aftershoz is out of the minis, try there. I shop around on the internet to see if I can get a good deal, and then I had an REI dividend to spend too. I also got the bib display last year and it’s on the mantle most of the year. I had to take it down in October because of all my Halloween decorations!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      November 28, 2018 at 5:18 am

      Thats a good idea to check REI for the headphones! Right now they are available on Amazon.

  8. fairytales and fitness says

    November 27, 2018 at 8:28 pm

    Wait, what? You can drink wine again??? Did you have the baby? Did I miss something??? I have been off social media for a few days. I guess I missed a lot!

    Running socks will be on my list this year! -M

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      November 28, 2018 at 5:19 am

      Haha no, no wine yet and no baby yet! I was just saying that the shirt would be applicable once I can drink wine again. I still have a few more weeks to go!

  9. Kimberly Hatting says

    November 27, 2018 at 9:08 pm

    You haven’t tried the Oofos? They are WONDERFUL!!!!! And the Knuckle Lights. I’ve had some for several years (and was an ambassador this year for the company). Totally LOVE them, even for just dog walks. And I’ve only ever used one at a time because they are so bright.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      November 28, 2018 at 5:20 am

      I also cant believe I havent tried Oofas! They sound amazing. And it would be nice to have my own knuckle lights, although it works out ok since Rob and I can each run withe just one even if were go running at the same time.

  10. Deborah Brooks says

    November 28, 2018 at 8:06 am

    The oofos and the best and cannot have too many pairs of running gloves right?! Hope you get a few things on your list

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      November 29, 2018 at 5:33 am

      Thanks! Its great to hear so many people love the Oofas.

  11. angela @ happy fit mama says

    November 29, 2018 at 1:23 pm

    I’ve never tried the Oofos either but after reading all of the above comments, I may have to! Great list of gifts. I love all of Sarah Marie Design Studios stuff. And the Believe Training Journal makes it on my list every year too.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      December 1, 2018 at 3:12 pm

      I really haven’t heard anything bad about the Oofas! They may be a good idea for those of use prone to foot issues:)

  12. Valerie says

    November 29, 2018 at 5:35 pm

    This is such a great gift guide! I usually run with a headlamp, but would love to try the knuckle light! Thanks for sharing!

    http://roadesque.com

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      December 1, 2018 at 3:12 pm

      I think the knuckle lights are a nice change from the headlamp, which can move around alot!

  13. Cari says

    December 5, 2018 at 3:13 pm

    I just got the new Shalane cookbook as a birthday present to myself. Can’t cook worth shit, but looking forward to trying it.
    Love the BibFolio stuff
    I’m not sure what I think about the Koala Clip — but then I can be slightly sweatphobic.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      December 8, 2018 at 6:17 am

      I hope you find some good recipes to try in the cookbook!

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Life Is What Happens When You're Busy Running Marathons

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Would it even be race week if I wasn’t a ball of n Would it even be race week if I wasn’t a ball of nerves and not able to sleep? This is my first big marathon in 10 years, my first time traveling to a race in 10 years, and my first time spending the night away from my kids. And of course I’m tapering so I can’t run off the nerves 🙃 #marathontraining #taper #richmondmarathon
Looked like fall, felt like summer 🍁 I was definit Looked like fall, felt like summer 🍁 I was definitely overdressed for this run but it was nice to not wear gloves or a headband! This was the run I needed a week before my marathon. After last week’s disaster of a long run it felt great to just run an easy 10 miles. (And these days 10 miles feels like nothing). I think I figured out the fueling and shoes 🤞so nothing left to do but take it easy, carb load, and get in the right mindset! Is it unseasonably warm where you are?

#running #marathontraining #longrun
Yesterday’s long run was not what I wanted it to b Yesterday’s long run was not what I wanted it to be. The plan was to take the day off from work, head to the trail where I could run 10 uninterrupted miles at MP (16 total) and practice my race day fueling while wearing my race day shoes.

What actually happened? All week I was stressed about this run and the condition of the trail. We had lots of rain on Thursday, and Friday was forecasted to be very windy. I tried to get in the best mindset possible, reminding myself that I won’t be able to control the conditions on race day. Meanwhile, I haven’t been sleeping well thanks to my 2 year old waking up every night, and my watch has been basically telling me that I’m losing all my fitness and need a week of recovery.

While I started the run feeling pretty good, after 11 miles (7 at MP) my stomach turned and I almost got sick on the side of the trail. I just couldn’t recover from that. The best I could do was run the rest of the miles easy, and needed some walk breaks. On top of that, my shoe kept rubbing my foot on top and I stopped twice to retie it. This has never happened before and now I’m questioning what shoes I should wear for the race. The trail was also in rough condition with several trees blocking it, lots of wet leaves, and rocks/sticks that I had to look out for.

I just can’t believe how bad I felt for the last 5 miles of this run and I can’t pinpoint the cause. Am I overdoing it with the fueling and can’t handle it on harder effort runs? Was it something I ate recently? The hard part is there’s no time to really try something different before the race, as all I have left is a 10 mile easy run next weekend.

I’m trying to remember that one bad run does not take away from all the good runs this training cycle. I’m using today to reset and move on so I can make the most of my last 2 weeks of training. It’s not the way I wanted my last big long run to go, but I suppose it was good practice for pushing through even when I felt pretty awful.

Who else has had a terrible long run close to your race?

#running #marathontraining #longrun
Spent almost every step of this 21 mile run questi Spent almost every step of this 21 mile run questioning my life choices. Like waking up at 3am to run 12 miles on the treadmill and 9 outside. This was a crazy week with a kid that wasn’t sleeping great and fighting a cold and super busy days at work. My legs were just tired the whole time today. It was really hard to run outside after so many treadmill miles and my pace was much slower than inside.

I reminded myself that this is peak week. It’s supposed to feel hard. If it was easy everyone would do it. I ran 53 miles this week and am not injured. The weather is perfect. I’ve gotten in every planned run of this training cycle so far.  I get to do this. 

And I managed to finish strong with my last 3 miles the fastest of the (outside) run. I owe that to a solid fueling plan and taking all my gels even when I really didn’t want to.

3 weeks to go until race day!

#running #marathontraining #longrun
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