Fine. If all the websites want to give me useless suggestions for athlete gift guides, I will make my own.
Honestly... never buy another runner shoes unless you know exactly what they want and what size they are. If someone bought me a random pair of running shoes without knowing anything about what I'd like, I'd feign excitement until returning them to get what I actually want to run in...
And running clothes? Seriously? Am I the only picky one out there? I am the WORST when it comes to specificity about how my running tights/shorts fit and from the Pearl Izumi event, I learned that ALL the brands cut their clothes differently so there is a decent chance those $100+ running jackets aren't going to fit like a glove unless you really know the person you are buying for. Plus, how boring! *yawn* If you're going to get something just to likely return it, why not just get a giftcard? NOT HELPFUL, GIFT GUIDES./endrant
Let's be real. Buying for athletes is tough. If you're going to spend some of the most uncomfortable times of your life with something, you better hope it's perfect. Here are some alternative ideas to the cliché running shoes and jacket:
~$10-20
SPIbelt
- It gets a little bouncy and annoying if you fill it up with too much stuff, but not too bad to hold keys/phone/credit card/gels. Especially good for cycling without a jersey.
Feetures! Socks
- Or any awesome athletic socks... I know lots of people who are fans of Balega. Go interest-specific for extra points. I found some super cool Colorado cycling socks this weekend and I had to restrain myself.
Foam Roller
- I'd go with the highest density possible. That said, I'd be ok with a PVC pipe. The softer ones get misshapen and worn out more easily, and they accomplish less.
Foot Roller
- for the runner with knots in his/her feet
Sweaty Bands
- see a review of these here.
Nutrition
- Clif Bars, Picky Bars, Gu, Honey Stinger you name it... everyone needs 'em. Plus, if you just buy one and don't like it, it's not the end of the world.
Camelback Podium Chill Water Bottles
- When it comes to cycling, these things are the best of the best. Sucks if you lose them because they are more pricey than others, but I rarely use anything else.
~$20-50
Ryder's Sunglasses
- I swear by these things. They aren't the most expensive/flashiest you can get, but they are the most reasonably priced, in my opinion
Running Headlamp
- Careful to get one that doesn't bounce too much, but I don't think you need to spend more than $25 on this to get a good one
Athletic Gloves
- I personally love the one's that have removable mitten tops and will expose your fingers because my hands get hot quickly. That said, I would hate having my fingers exposed while cycling. Make sure whatever you get is breathable and cycling gloves and running gloves are GOING to be different.
Camelback Delaney Running/Hydration pack
- Here's the thing: running with a bottle in your hand is annoying, even if it has a velcro holder strap thing, you still probably hit yourself in the hip with it while running. Some packs bounce - think about running with a backpack...how awful is that? I have it on good authority that this one is a keeper.
Road ID
- This can really cost about whatever you want, but we'll put it here. You'll have to know an athlete's emergency contact info... but it's a good one! I don't take mine off unless I have to look formal and I have bands in pink and purple :)
~$50-100
R8 Roll Recovery
- for the athlete who is serious about recovery, no matter how painful
iPod Shuffle
- If you are/know someone who runs with music, the best option has got to be a shuffle. Most runners loathe running with extra stuff to carry. It's uncomfortable and weighs you down/bounces around/irritates you... etc. The shuffle you can just clip to your clothes and go.
~$100 +
Rudy Project Sunglasses/Helmet
- Honestly, I think Rudy is the best of the best when it comes to these accessories. They do what they do and they do it well. Plus they have some sweet customer service that will take good care of you. That said, the picky athlete is going to want to pick his/her own glasses and helmet at that price.
Garmin Watch
- You can't go wrong with gifting a Garmin if you get all the features. For someone who runs exclusively, I'd go the Forerunner 10, unless you also want heart rate (very useful tool), then probably a 210 or 410. For the triathlete, time to spring for a 310 or 910 XT.
Cycloc
- This might be more for you if you live with someone who has a handful of bikes lying around, but it's the COOLEST and I now need em for my place!
