Tuesday, November 14, 2017

12 Days of Running Gifts

Disclaimer: This post contains a few affiliate links.

It's that time of year again! My inbox has been filled with messages from marketing folks wanting me to include their products on my runners' holiday wish list. There have been some really interesting items, like doggy sunglasses and selfie sticks. So fun but so not what this runner is hoping to find under the tree come Christmas.

No matter how you celebrate the holidays, there have to be a few things that you are hoping to receive or at least buy for yourself. Some of these things I actually want, others are items I have and love, which means I hope you will want them for yourself!


I wouldn't buy these for myself, but if someone gave them to me, you bet I'd wear them. These Stance socks feature everyone's favorite runner. If you don't have a selfie with Bart, these would be the next best thing! And if you do, well, hey, consider them a bonus! Almost as good as running with the mayor himself.

Best.socks.ever.
AfterShokz Treks Titanium
I already own a pair of these Bluetooth bone-conducting headphones and let me tell you that if you don't have a pair, you need to get them. They fit around your ears and nestle in front, providing you with great sound but the ability to hear what's going on around you. If you like to listen to music when you run, these are the best!

Rock on.

Mizuno Wave Rider

Of course, my new favorite running shoes made the list. These light as a feather shoes brought speed back to my old legs. Similar to my Asics Gel Nimbus without the weight, I've been running in them for my shorter distances and races. Chase the link and save 25%!

Just add speed.

Sure, I'm an ambassador for Inknburn, but even if I wasn't I'd recommend these or any of their other shorts in this style. The designs are cute and the shorts are functional. There are 2 hidden pockets beneath the wide waistband, which sits just below your navel. If you like your shorts fitted, order true to size, otherwise, size up. Made in the USA.

Badassery not included.
Garmin 235
Last Christmas I received the Garmin 230 and I have just loved it! I'm sure I'm not even using most of the functionality of this device, but I continue to be amazed by all that it does. My new favorite thing is the programmable run/walk intervals. I need to play with it to program 800s so I can properly do my Yassos! The only difference between the 230 and 235 is that the 235 has a heart rate monitor.


Data nerds will love it.


Athleta tights never let me down for winter running. I have a couple pairs of fleece lined tights and they are my go-to for those sub-zero mornings. While I haven't tried these, the reviews are overwhelmingly positive for running in the cold. I LOVE the pattern and these will definitely be on my Christmas list this year. PS There's a variation with a built-in skirt for those who like keeping their buns warm.

No excuses now. Take it outside.
Sarah Michelle Designs Sweatshirt
Do I need to say any more about this? You've seen me in the tank, but I'm thinking I want the sweatshirt too. Because, yeah. Life's short. Run fast. PS Wouldn't it look great with the Athleta tights? Just saying.

Am I right?
And a few stocking stuffers:

Tailwind Stick Packs
The only fuel I run with. These handy-dandy stick packs make it easy. One pack per hour. You got this. Want to try it? I've got you covered. PM me for more info.



Throwaway gloves
What did we do without these gloves? I don't know about you, but I have pairs stashed everywhere! Check out your local dollar store or pharmacy for these. You can buy them for $1 per pair or two. No guilt if you toss them aside at a winter race.


Body glide
You guys get me right? So I don't need to say any more about this product, which has saved me from many a painful shower...


Momentum Wraps
Not only do I love these for running motivation, I use them to get me through a tough day at work! Choose from available mantras and order a custom saying. I LOVE these. You've seen them all over Instagram--why don't you #sharetheSPARK?

Last year from the Panama City Beach Marathon
Life's Too Short to Go So F*cking Slow
Susan Lacke is a writer and athlete. You've probably read some of her work and didn't even realize it. She's also hilarious. Her story about a friendship with a college professor and triathlete who pushes her to go the distance has been on my must-read list for a while now. Released in October 2017, this is my blog book club book for December. Which makes it a natural choice for my holiday gift list!




What's on your holiday gift list? Did I give you any ideas? Got any for me? I could not find a half zip or thermal running top that interested me. Where are all the colors? Who wants to wear black or gray in winter?

I'm linking up late with Tuesdays on the Run: Marcia, Erika, and Patty, Coaches' Corner with Debbie, Lora, and Rachel, and Wild Workout Wednesday with Jen, Nicole, and Annemarie!


47 comments :

  1. THOSE SOCKS!!! I haven't tried bluetooth headphones yet - sounds like Aftershokz are the ones to start with.

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  2. Great suggestions! I love the SMDS T-shirts and tanks but now I think I want the sweatshirt too!

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  3. I love Aftershokz headphones! <3!

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  4. I was working on a gift post this weekend and looking into headphones- I decided if I got a god pair of wireless ones I would try the aftershokz! Im very picky about headphones but these look like they could work for me.

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    1. I was so pleasantly surprised by these headphones--you know I'm a natural skeptic, but they are really great.

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  5. I have been wanting to try the Ink burn shorts for gym days-I love all the patterns you always sport. Are you sure they don't come with your badassery? The cute sweatshirt is on my holiday list as well!

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    1. I think those shorts have built in badassery of their own. Just saying. Love them. I forgot to mention that they have 2 long pockets inside for a phone, fuel, etc.

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  6. You seriously found the best stuff!!!! I'd love any of these!

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    1. There's so much fun stuff out there, it was hard to narrow it down!

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  7. This is a great list of gifts! Those socks are too funny, lol! I really love my Garmin 235 and Aftershokz headphones...I do need to get some new Wave Rider's...maybe give the 20's another chance?

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  8. Our gift guides may look a bit similar (I'm posting mine next week). I pretty much love all the things you listed.

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  9. THOSE SOCKS. I love them! I love pretty much everything else on this list, too. :D

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  10. Those socks are hilarious! I have the Aftershokz, too, and love them! Great list!!

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  11. I am so old school with my earbuds, I'm still wearing the same pair of wired over the ear loops that I got for Christmas in 2010, LOL! I'd love to try the wireless type one of these days...

    Love the cheapie gloves; I have many pairs stashed because my hands are the first thing to get cold when I run. Fun list of ideas!

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    1. I can't believe your earbuds lasted 7 years!!! I think I go through a pair every 6 months or so. The AfterShokz seem to be holding up well.

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  12. I don't actually have a wish list. Oh sure, there is ALWAYS something I want, but Hannukah isn't quite the commercial animal Christmas is (although it can be, of course) & we decided not to exchange gifts this year.

    I really need the long sleeve version of the Skirtsports Wonder Wool tee. The tee works for a lot of situations, but I'm gonna need long sleeves for winter -- even if it already feels like winter!

    I've been buying Athleta for years. Long before they became so popular. I think they've really upped their game; it's just unfortunate that they upped their prices so much too! I live for sales (or birthday money).

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    1. I just saw the Mensch on a Bench at Target--guess he's the Hannukah version of Elf on a Shelf. It's all good fun!

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  13. What a great list! Those Bart Yasso socks are amazing. Lol!

    I have the 230 also and love it. I know I don't use all the features, but I've been playing around with more as of late and I'm finding new stuff about it every day!

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    1. I am continually amazed at all the features on this watch! Could I run without them? Yes. Do I want to? No.

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  14. This is a pretty awesome list. You just can't beat throwaway gloves- that's the best thing $1 can buy. I'm sure if we had legit cold weather here I'd want real gloves, but otherwise I will spend my money on post-race booze and brunch. Those Bart Yasso socks would make a really neat gag gift too.

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    1. The $1 gloves are THE BEST. There's nothing worse than cold hands--I have them stashed everywhere and they've come in handy more often than I can remember!

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  15. Fun socks and leggings are on my wish list too!

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  16. One cannot have too many pairs of warm tights for Chicago winter running. OMG Bart socks! Yes!

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    1. It's nice to have options other than basic black--especially since it gets so gloomy here in the winter!

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  17. What a fun list of gifts! I think I will share the whole thing with my hubby and let him go from there! I'm also compiling my list of ideas. So many great products out there these days!

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  18. Believe it or not, Body Glide is the only thing I have on this list LOL (And I actually won it as a door prize at a race awhile ago and seldom use it). I think those tights look so legit! They would totally rock a hot pink 1/4 zip ;-)

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  19. I need that sweartshirt!!!! <3 <3 <3

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  20. I'll just be copying your list ;)

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  21. These are all really great gift ideas. I love the idea of throwaway gloves- always good for a race that is cold at the start.

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  22. Those socks are totally awesome!

    I've been loving the Skirt Sports Tough Chick quarter zips. They are just a bit heavier than most.

    -MCM Mama

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