I couldn’t resist, I had to do it…. as I scoured amazon looking for what I wanted to ask Santa (aka Mr. Hungry) for Christmas I figured I might as well put together my first ever running gift guide as well!  I mean, I was looking at the stuff anyways right?  Then I super got into making this guide, way more than I thought I would.  I was doing all kinds of research and thinking to myself what would I actually want?  What do runners want that non runners don’t know about?  So that was my thought process in making the guide, I hope it helps out!

Note:  This post contains Amazon affiliate links, if you use them to purchase a product I am eligible to earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.  Thank you for supporting Hungry Hobby Blog!  

2015 Gift Guide For Runners

Gear:

Clothing

• Compression Socks/Sleeves-

  I love my compression gear, I believe it really helps me recover better and faster.  It’s the number one way I prevent and deal with Shin splints, a common running or endurance sport ailment.  I wear the sleeves on my runs and the socks around the house, they are super useful to stick ice packs in them!  Any kind of compression gear is sure to help any endurance athlete out, especially a runner!  Even if you know your runner may have it already, trust me when training, doing laundry just for compression socks happens, the more pairs the better!

• Compression Tights–

  Compression tights would be quite a splurge but they are thought to take compression socks/sleeves to a whole new level by supporting the entire lower half! I know I’d love to have a pair!

• Cute Pullover/Jacket with a LOT of pockets!

  My favorite one I ever got was at Costco (similar to this one) and I saw them again this year!  When picking out a cute active wear jacket for your runner keep in mind a couple of things: the more hidden pockets the better for carrying things like keys, cards, etc… Reflective wear is great for early morning risers! Breathable or activewear material, while a cotton one may be super cute it’s probably not very functional!

• Socks-

  comfy athletic socks that have a bit of compression to them feel like an amazing treat to runners.  Costco wins again, my favorite right now are the Puma socks I got there. I’d love 15 more packs 😉 (Here is the Amazon link if you don’t have a Costco membership)  However, whenever I go to the run store and they make you try on shoes with their super fancy socks, I think how cook it would be to have those, but who wants to pay 15 bucks for a pair of fancy socks? Trust me, your runner would be excited to get socks!

Technology

• Headphones-

  I could never have enough pairs of headphones, I seem to constantly be leaving losing them!  You can splurge on a pair of bluetooth headphones (bonus if they are wireless) if you’r really feeling like giving, but an extra pair is already appreciated no matter how expensive!  My favorites are practically disposable, I’m always running to Walgreens to grab a cheap pair like these (I like the hard ear pieces because they don’t slip out of my ears.)  Maybe though, if I had an awesome wireless bluetooth pair I’d keep better track of them? (Maybe I should title this post- Dear Santa?)

• GPS WATCH/HEART RATE MONITOR-

  Before I got a GPS watch I used the Nike Trainer Ap on my phone.  I probably would have never treated myself to a watch if I hadn’t had to buy one as part of my uniform at the gym.  Of course now I’m hooked, I can monitor my heart rate during my run and know my distance and pace without extra draining on my phone.  I own and love my Garmin Vivoactive not only because it is an awesome running watch but it also has many other functions including walking, swimming and golfing.  Perfect for those who love variety in their fitness routine!  It also doubles as an activity monitor and I get updates from my phone right to my wrist!  I always get asked if it’s an apple watch and I say no but it does a lot of the same things for $400 dollars less… IT’S ON SALE RIGHT NOW FOR WHAT I PAID WITH MY EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT AT THE GYM!  AWESOME DEAL!

• Heart Rate Monitor-

  I also love my Scosche Rhythm+ Heart Rate Monitor Armband, the first and only heart rate strap I’ve ever owned.  Traditional heart rate straps go around your chest, yuck that sounds uncomfortable!  I was totally resistant until the armbands came out, and now I’m diehard.  It helps me stay on pace during my runs instead of pushing myself to the point of having to stop, I can monitor my heart rate allowing me to pace myself better!

• Active Metabolic Assessment-

  Also known as a VO2 Max test, this can be really valuable information for a runner.  This is the one thing I’m so sad I never got a chance to do while I was at Life Time (even though I administered the test and wrote programs based off of the results all the time my injury prevented me from initially doing the test, then I ran out of time.)  It can be a really great tool for runners to learn what fuel source their burning and how to maximize and individualize their training plan for the best results.  I’m not sure where else you can get them other than Life Time, but you do not have to be a member to get the test.  The test costs 109-129 (depending on location and if you are a Life Time member) and it is well worth it information! I plan on paying for one at some point in the near future since I don’t work there any more.

Fuel

• UCAN Tubs and UCAN Bars–  You know it’s my favorite training and race fuel!  Check out What the Heck is Generation UCAN if your wondering what it is!

Promote Post Run Recovery

• Massage-

  They say running is a “free” sport, all you need is yourself to head out the door and run.  As you can see there is a lot of gear (not to mention shoes every 2-3 months for avid runners) and “hidden fees” that come along with running.  Often the last thing to be invested in is a an important piece of recovery that feels like an indulgence.  Help the runner in your life recover and prevent injury by sponsoring massages for them!

• Foam Rollers or Self Massage Sticks

Sentimental

• Bib and Medal Display-

  I never want to throw away my bibs but don’t know what to do with them so they sit on the dresser until I finally throw them away.  This would be great to have!

• Treat Time-

  Every runner has their special favorite treat after a long run, find out what it is and give them that!

• Sponsor The Next Race-

  Race entry fees can add up, especially longer or more popular races.  Offer to sponsor them at their next race and it will mean the world to them!  Just be sure you specify how much you have to contribute race entries can vary between free to $200 +  dollars!

Question of the day:

What do you think?  Anything to add!?!? I’m not super familiar with cold winter gear (#Arizona), what could we add to the list for that?