A Christmas Message - Make 2009 Your Fittest Year Yet

With 2009 literally just around the corner, why not try to make it your fittest year yet.  Have you thought about your goals for 2009 yet?

I’ve thought about my goals and if I write them down here, that will make them even more concrete.  I want to qualify for the Boston Marathon.  In September 2009 I enter a new age category for running events.  Given my new age category and the adjusted qualifying time, I think that I might be able to qualify for Boston.  It will require alot of commitment and training on my part, but I’m ready.

Having been plummeted with snow over the past week, I find it hard to think about my 2009 running goals at the moment.  The ground is so thick with the white stuff that I can’t even get out for a run.  But, I have been taking advantage of the gym and running on the treadmill.  I have to admit that I don’t love working out on the treadmill, but my driving force is how good I feel after my workout.

Don’t forget to make time for your workouts this holiday season.  Continuing your running or heading to the gym will help with those extra holiday calories and balance your “holiday” lifestyle.  Remember your New Year’s goals. 

• Challenge yourself with a running goal that you haven’t reached before. 
• Mentor someone you know to achieve a more active lifestyle.

I wish you all a VERY Merry Christmas and Good Health and Fitness in 2009.

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.