Last Minute Gifts for Runners
2020 is just about over – but it’s not too late to get a great gift for the runner in your life (even if that runner is yourself!) These gifts for runners work for Hanukkah, Christmas, or all year round! They might even be a great gift for anyone with a New Year’s resolution to run more often or improve their running. Any runner would be thrilled to receive these gifts. Plus, some of them are digital, so you don’t have to worry about fitting it in anyone’s stocking or waiting for the post office!
Fitness Tracker
Fitness trackers have become all the rage for runners and athletes of all types. They are great for tracking your fitness during all types of activities, but particularly running. You can track your mileage and speed, and even see how your running improves over time.
A FitBit is an easy and affordable option that’s available at most major retailers. Especially if someone is new to fitness tracking, the FitBit is a great choice.
The Garmin Pulse OX is another affordable option for runners, and the battery lasts up to 7 days.
Or, for outdoor athletes, the Coros Apex stands up to the elements and offers comprehensive metrics on your running, training, and biking.
This roundup from PC Mag goes even more in-depth so you can pick the best fitness tracker as a gift for a runner.
Mask for Running
One of the many things 2020 taught is how to run in a mask! A good gift for a runner is an athletic mask that keeps everyone safe, but is also easy to breathe in and stays dry.
Our blog about how to run in a mask offers more tips.
A few masks we recommend are a Buff gaiter or other moisture-wicking face covering, which will help reduce moisture and keep you cool. It’s also convenient to keep around your neck, then pull up around your face as needed.
The Zensah performance mask is preferred by many runners and athletes. It is engineered to be “ antibacterial, odor-free, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and ultra-comfortable.”
New Running Shoes
What runner wouldn’t want to receive a fresh pair of running shoes as a gift? As performance runners know, you should replace your running shoes after 300 to 500 miles (or three to six months, depending on how much you run).
Finding the best shoes for runners depends on many things. But to choose a shoe based on arch height and plantar shape, these shoes are usually suggested:
High/normal arch: neutral shoe
Moderate arch drop: stability shoe
Severe arch drop: motion control shoe
Not sure what this means? Check out our blog to learn how to choose the right shoe!
Online Training Program
Know a runner who needs a push to improve? An online training program is a great gift!
How does the training program work? Upon purchase, you’ll be directed to download the Training Peaks app. From there, you can access special training programs monitored by Dr. Davis. You’ll track your runs using any fitness tracker, then the app will help you understand your progress. Each program is available at three difficulty levels, so you can choose the right option for a gift for a runner.
For beginner runners, a 5k/10k training program will help them get started on the right foot.
Those who are more experienced, or are looking to take their running to the next level, will appreciate a 10k/Half Marathon online training program.
These training programs are highly customizable, and can challenge even the most advanced runner. This is a great gift for any high school or college athlete who hasn’t been able to train with their school this year! If you have any questions about these online training programs, please contact us.
Functional Movement Screen
A Functional Movement Screen is the ultimate gift for any runner. If a runner is curious about why they experience injuries, pain, or discomfort, or just want a more thorough understanding of how they run, this is an excellent gift for runners.
FMS was developed to help clinicians and health care professions screen individuals for risk of injury and / or a dysfunctional or performance-limiting movement pattern.
The screening involves putting the runner through a number of specific exercises. It is able to detect what areas of your body are stronger or weaker. You may learn you favor your right foot, making your left foot weaker, which could result in injury. The FMS is a must-have for any elite athlete, as it makes a big impact in understanding your own body and learning how to train properly.