Get Local with Holiday Gifts for Runners

Still shopping for Christmas gifts? Me too. Instead of searching online for the perfect gift, visit your neighborhood running store. You’ll find staff that are passionate about running and can offer good advice on a variety of gift choices. Here in Decatur, we’ve got three terrific options for running gear – One Step at a Time, Fleet Feet and Big Peach Running Company.

I recently stopped by Big Peach Running to get a few recommendations. Here are a few suggestions that were offered:

• Amphipod Xinglet Pocket Reflective Gear – An improvement on the standard reflective vest, the Xinglet provides a better fit and stronger reflectivity. Plus, it features a zipper pocket for i.d., keys or money. My friend Kevin recently bought one and really likes it.
• Black Diamond Sprinter Head Lamp – Safety is always a great consideration for runners’ gifts. This head lamp features lights on both the back and front so cars can see runners in either direction.
• Saucony Epic Run Vest – For the most part, winters tend to be mild in Atlanta. This light-weight vest offers a comfortable alternative to a wind breaker. It also features reflective striping on the front to help keep runners visible to cars.
• Saucony DryLete Ponytail Skull Cap – For those of us with long hair, the ponytail cap is a great gift! It keeps your head warm without having to stuff your hair inside the cap or wear a ponytail at the nap of your neck.

Is your runner already well equipped with gear? Consider these options:

• Sports Massage - Pass on a little pampering to your runner with a gift certificate for a massage. It makes a great gift after a marathon or half-marathon race. Both Massage Envy and Natural Body have locations throughout Atlanta.
• Pedicure - Feet can take a beating from running. Hang nails, ingrown toe nails and black toe are just a few of the problems runners can develop. Stuff your runner’s stocking with a gift certificate to a local nail salon.
• Paid Entry for 2011 Race – Does your runner love to participate in big races? Pre-pay their fee for a running event. Registration is open for the Publix Georgia Marathon and Half-Marathon in March.

Happy holidays and happy running!

Easy Gift Ideas for Runners

Completed your holiday shopping yet? Me neither.

The thought of traffic and mall crowds doesn't necessarily put me in the holiday spirit. If you've got a runner on your gift list, here are a few stocking stuffers that don't require a stop at the mall.

• Pedicure: Taking proper care of the feet is essential for runners. Hang nails, black toe and other common problems can make running a painful experience. Add a gift certificate for a pedicure to your runner's stocking.
• Sports Massage: Does your runner need more pampering? Consider a gift certificate for a massage. Natural Body has neighborhood locations throughout Atlanta.
• Socks: A great pair of socks keep feet comfortable and dry. Avoid the crowds by heading to a local running store. Big Peach Running Co., Fleet Feet, One Step At A Time and West Stride have knowledgeable staff and convenient neighborhood locations.
• Reflective Vest: Keep your runner visible and safe. The local running stores mentioned above can offer lots of options for reflective gear.
• Race Registration: Is your runner training for the ING Georgia or another big event? Race fees often go up after December 31. Pay for their registration online and place the confirmation print-out in their stocking.

Happy gifting!

This week’s running route comes from the Oakhurst Running Club. A map of the course is available at the club's site.

Gift Ideas for Runners

I’m finally catching up on my blog after spending two weeks traveling. Just in time to start thinking about holiday shopping. With gift giving on my mind, I thought I’d share a few ideas for useful and inexpensive gifts for runners. Here are a few items to consider as stocking stuffers:

Pepper spray
Give the gift of safety with pepper spray. You can find runner-friendly spray canisters at sporting goods stores and online retail sites.

Reflective vest
Help runners stay visible on the road with reflective apparel. Vests are an inexpensive way to make sure cars and cyclists see runners during dawn and dusk. And don’t forget the four-legged running partner. You can find reflective dog leashes and collars are available at a variety of online stores.

Sports massage
Running in cold weather can be tough on the body. Give the gift of pampering with a certificate for a massage. Local spas like Natural Body offer a variety of massage choices.

Paid entry for road race
You’ll find a comprehensive list of road races at Run Georgia. This is a great gift option for runners who love to participate in races.

ClifShots or Luna Moons
Cheap and easy stocking stuffers. These are handy to have during long runs to maintain energy levels.

Head Lamp
Along with reflective vests, head lamps are a great item to keep runners visible on the road.

Road ID
Road I.D. provides a variety of wearable identification for athletes. My favorite is the shoe pocket.

I discovered WalkJogRun.net which is a great resource for running routes. This week's feature run is the Highland Bakery Route that loops through Inman Park.

Highland Bakery Route - 3.75 Miles

· Start at the corner of McClendon Ave. and Oakdale Rd.
· Head west on McClendon toward Little Five Points
· Cross Morehead Ave and veer left onto Euclid Ave
· Turn right on Austin Ave.
· Turn right on Elizabeth St.
· Turn left on Highland Ave.
· At the corner of Highland and Sampson, make a sharp right and follow the running path along Freedom Parkway
· Continue on the path as it follows Copenhill Ave.
· Follow the running path back to McClendon Ave.
· Turn right on McClendon.
· End at the corner of McClendon and Oakdale.