The Gift Guide for the Athlete
Got an athlete on your Christmas list? Here are some of the items that many athletes think about getting for themselves, but don’t take the time to do so. Some are a little unconventional, but then again, so is the person that would use them on a regular basis! This is my short list for the both the person who is able to splurge and the thrifty shopper. Some may even be used as stocking stuffers.
Running Shoes–Runners are advised to get new sneakers every 300 to 500 miles. That can be once a season (or even more frequently) so a new pair of running shoes always helps!! Since preferences will vary, as well as fittings, it’s important to know what to look for. Some runners need a more supportive shoe while others need arch support, and still others need cushioning. I like traditional shoes, I’m not really a fan of the new fangled styles. I don’t have any real foot problems but comfort is always my goal. I don’t want to feel like I’m wearing shoes at all, therefore, I always prefer my running shoes to have a wide and spacious toe box, and lots of cushioning. My preference is the Asics Gel or GT series, followed by Saucony’s ProGrid, and the Adidas adiPURE Trainers. These shoes range from $80 to $120 but if you are a bargain hunter, you may find a deep discount at one of the designer discount stores (Marshalls, Ross, etc). Most importantly, your runner may have different preferences. The key is not to be led by a popular brand or well known trademark, it may not have the necessary features, and you will have spent a lot of money just to cause discomfort.
Mini Wallets–Find a small case that holds keys, ID, money or other small essentials that can be clipped onto a shoe, piece of clothing or part of the body. This will take some thought. Fannypacks may work for some people, armband holders for others. Figure out the degree of intensity with which your athlete trains and find their level of comfort with this type of device. My favorite is the Nike Running Shoe Wallet. It attaches to my shoelaces, which takes it out of the way and eliminates any possibility of chafing! This is roughly $10.
Spa Treatments–’cause there’s nothing like a good old fashioned massage. Nuf said!
Nutrition–Our bodies are like cars. They can’t run on empty and won’t perform at their best if not properly fueled. The perfect gift for your athlete could be the gift of nutrition and energy in an easy to take along package. My favorite is the Navitas Power Snacks. These snacks are raw and certified organic whole foods. They are made with a variety of superfoods like goji berries and chia, and are devoid of processed sweeteners or other fats. They are perfect for providing that extra nutritional boost that athletes need. The Citrus Chia is my favorite, but there are a few other flavors if that isn’t to your liking. For the nutrition conscious athlete, this is the perfect alternative to the processed foods and high-preservative bars that are sometimes easier to access. Navitas Power Snacks can be found in some vitamin stores, but usually in food stores that feature organic products. The bags are generally less than $10.
Shower/Body Wipes–Busy athletes try to fit in a workout whenever they can. Having portable, travel size wipes are perfect for freshening up after that workout, when you can’t get home right away. Remember to make sure they’re safe to use on the entire body. The obvious suggestion is baby wipes but I have found that facial wipes work much better! They’re gentle and usually have just a spritz of alcohol which will help eliminate that musty smell caused by the build up of bacteria on the body.
Pepper spray— …and attach it to a wrist band, ’cause by the time it’s needed, no one wants to have to reach into a bag to get it!
Again, this is just my short list. If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear from you! I’m always open to comments or tweets!!
