Christmas Stocking Stuffers for Runners

[photopress:green_sock_1.jpg,thumb,alignleft]Stuck for stocking stuffer ideas?  Well if it is a runner that you are buying stocking stuffers for then there is no need to be without ideas.  Being a runner, many of my best friends are runners as well and I have been the giver and the receiver of many running gifts.  One stocking that I have to fill every year is my husbands, who is not only my husband but my ”running partner” as well.  It is so easy to find stocking stuffers for him that are of a running nature.

Number one stocking stuffer that he gets every year (and loves) is a great pair of running socks.  This is something that every runner needs a continuous supply of.  Try a real funky pair or color that they wouldn’t normally buy for themselves.  One year Sugoi put out a pair of Volkswagon running socks.  That was definitely a hit in the stocking stuffer department. 

Another great stocking stuffer is to pick up a few bars or packets of whatever type of nutritional supplements that the runner uses.  Whether it be gel packs or nutritional bars such as Powerbar, Luna or Clif, they all fit nicely into a stocking.  The other great thing about nutritional supplements is that they are consumables so typically a runner is always in need of more supplies.

Other ideas for the stocking are:

• Water bottles
• Body Glide
• Runner’s Sunglasses
• Runner’s Watch
• Thermolite gloves
• Microfleece or Polartec Hat

Other than the running watch or sunglasses, most of these items can be picked up for under $20.00 and are items that any runner would love to have and always need.  Don’t be stuck this Christmas for your runner’s stocking.

The Secret to Warmth and Comfort During Winter Running

Those that love running in the winter-time have probably already discovered the answer to staying warm and comfortable when running in harsher elements and this is….layering.  The best way to wick that sweat off your body and stay dry and warm is to Layer Up.  Depending on what kind of climate you are running in will depend on how many layers you need to wear, but typically you would start with a:

Base Layer - this layer should be lightweight and made of a technical fabric such as Coolmax (not cotton).  This layer should wick that moisture away from your body and deliver it to the outside.

Mid Layer - the mid layer should insulate.  While this layer should continue to move the moisture to the outer layer, it should also trap warm air for insulation.  This layer should be heavier than your base layer, but not too heavy that you may overheat.

Outer Layer - the outer layer should be breathable but waterproof - this could be a vest or jacket.  It will depend on the weather and temperature that you run in as to what you choose for your outer layer.

Last but not least - no winter running attire is complete with a hat and gloves.  The majority of our body’s heat is lost through our extemities, so a simple hat and/or pair of gloves can go a long way in keeping you comfortable on your run.  The nice part about it is that should you overheat during your run, hats and gloves are really simple to remove and either carry or put in a pocket for the remainder of the run.

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