Holiday Gift-Giving season is upon us! Just in time for shopping season, I’ve compiled a list of runner-relevant gifts. Run happy, and shop happy, too!
Run Bright: Knuckle Lights
Winter running is often done in the dark. Stay visible and see where you’re going with Knuckle Lights! Read more in my recent product review. Even better — get 10% off when you enter code ykaf2288 at check out.
Run Warm: Running Mittens
For those with perpetually frozen hands and numb fingers, just do it: skip the tiny gloves and head straight for the real deal: running mittens.
Run Tech: Garmin vívoactive Black
This multisport compatible, sleek-looking, lightweight watch with compatible webapp is excellent for athletics as well as smart wearable for daily life (phone calls, email, tweets, etc). Full review here and available online here.
Run Festive: Brooks Pacesetter Ugly Sweater Crew Sock
Up your ugly sweater game or go find Frosty on your next run with these festive above-the-ankle (for full ugly sweater viewing!) running socks.
Run Fueled: Honey Stinger Organic Waffle
“Bee Happy” while you enjoy the yumminess of honey to stay energized for your run, hike, bike, or long evenings of family boardgames.
Run Yummy: Run Fast. Eat Slow.: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes
What runner doesn’t like to eat? This new cookbook by Olympian Shalane Flannagan and Elyce Kopecky gives not only delicious, varied recipes but lots of practical running advice on everything from foods that reduce inflammation to best ways to treat yourself (healthfully) when inevitable sugar cravings hit. Recipes are fun, mostly practical, and as far as I’ve made them, delicious. Accompanied by gorgeous food photography, this cookbook is definitely drool-worthy.
Run & Recover: Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salt Soaking Solution 
After logging all those freezing, cold miles, it’s time to help those muscles relax and recover. Visualize your favorite hot spring as you pour yourself a hot bath, add some lavender epsom salts, put on some holiday music (can’t say if this adds to the relaxing experience or not!) and enjoy an après run soak.
Hey Burqueños! Let’s Run Local:
Running shop: Heart & Sole Running Shop
With two locations, Heart & Sole is a local running shop. Questions about shoes, local running locations and groups can be answered by local runner employees. A range of running, walking, and active lifestyle gear fill their stores and provide essentials and splurges for everyone on your list. Mention this blog post when you go in, and get a free pair of running socks with your purchase!
Run Pretty: Stella & Dot jewelry
You have running “jewelry” (see above!), why not splurge on something new and sparkly when you have to change out of those running clothes? Give the gift of style to someone special (including yourself!) this holiday season and shop with local Stella & Dot stylist, Arlene. Shop her local business today by visiting here! (www.stelladot.com/arleneespinoza)
New Years Runsolution: Whether you’re wanting to kick-start a more active lifestyle, need accountability to maintain an exercise program, or you want to hone in on new goals, consider working a coach! Give someone special (including yourself!) the gift of organized running by choosing one of these holiday specials. More info on my coaching options is available here, but check out the holiday deals below.
Start-to-run: New to running or returning to the sport after a hiatus? This option includes 4 months of personalized training geared to those first exploring running. Training includes daily workouts and injury prevention specifically for athletes new to running, a Brooks running t-shirt, and membership in the Donahue Coaching online social networks for dialogue, support and encouragement. ($330 – 10% savings)
Run-to-race: Have the need for speed, or need a carrot to get you out of the door during cold winter months? Keep your motivation going through the spring with entry into a May 5k race.
Receive 4 months of personalized coaching tailored to two races + Brooks running tshirt, and membership in the Donahue Coaching online social networks for dialogue, support and encouragement.
For Albuquerque locals, this option includes race entry for the 2017 Albuquerque 5k or 10k. For non-locals this includes a waived entry fee into a local (to you) 10k – please contact me with questions (below). ($340 – 15% savings + waived race entry fee)
Run Together: Sometimes you need a buddy to get going: this year, embark on the journey to your running goals with your spouse, best friend, sibling, or training partner. For three months, synchronize your training, or work individually towards a joint goal. Receive 3 months training for two training partners plus two memberships in the Donahue Coaching online social networks for dialogue, support and encouragement. ($500 – 15% savings)
Run deluxe: Want the full package? A personal coach, race entry and running outfit? Receive 4 months of personalized coaching, race entry into 2017 Albuquerque 5k or 10k , and + full running outfit including Brooks running tshirt, shorts and socks! Supporting you on your way, gain membership in the Donahue Coaching online social networks for dialogue, support and encouragement. ($400 – 16% discount)
Every runner is unique – other general ideas for runners include race entry into their favorite race, magazine subscriptions, or a carb-heavy pre-race dinner.
Happy Thanksgiving!