Once again I’ve compiled a selection of inexpensive gifts for the endurance athlete (runner, trail runner, cyclist, mountain biker, triathlete) in your life. We are in small gift or stocking stuffer territory here. Let’s face it your happy, little, exercise maniac needs and wants to make the big purchases themselves.
If you want a bulletproof gift option a gift certificate to your local bike shop or local running store always works. The list below is a combination of products I’ve tried and recommend, items recommended by friends, stuff I’ve heard good things about, and when in doubt I Googled. Links are included below each item for ease of shopping.
(Please note that this post contains affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward me a small commission – at no extra cost for you.)
Shopping for the Sherpa!
This year I’m putting the section for the Sherpa/spouse in your life first. Because we wouldn’t get very far without them, and we desperately need them to be there when we get back.
First Sherpa seating, given that everyone knows we will be out there on the course a long time.
Kimmie from Rocky Top Multisports Club recommended the Moon Lence Ultralight Folding Chair. It gets great reviews, is super lightweight, and has a 110 KG capacity.
The Kijaro Dual Lock Chair was recommended by my friend, Melissa, also from TN. Triathlons, softball season, or camping, I’m told this chair performs.
If you need more seating options check out this list from Outdoor Gear Lab.
Next on the list hydration because if anybody is going to pass out from the heat it should be me. Here I’m picking the Yeti Rambler 26 oz bottle with phrases like Over-The-Nose™ Technology and The TripleHaul™ Cap, their marketing team definitely saw me coming.
Finally, if they are going to stay in contact, Google directions to the medical tent and snap a photo of you crossing the finish line, it’s going to take some serious charging capability like the Anker PowerCore 10000 mAh external battery.
Running/Trail Running
Let’s start out with simple survival. Items that will make winter running a bit more enjoyable or knock the suck factor down an order of magnitude. Followed by a few cool items that every runner needs.
Here are some running glove options most of which are now touchscreen compatible.
Smartwool Liner Tech-Compatible Gloves
Manzella Silkweight Wind Ultra Touchtip Gloves
TrailHeads Power Stretch Convertible Mittens
SIMARI Winter Touch Screen Gloves
On the sock front, I’m listing three of my favorites: the incredibly tough Drymax lite trail run, the oh so comfortable and oh so thin Darn Tough Chase Micro and the Smartwool PhD, and a link to a Runners World roundup of 21 awesome socks.
The 21 Comfortable Socks Article by Runnersworld
While a cold head doesn’t necessarily cause a head cold, everybody needs an adorable beanie to wear on those frosty mornings. Here are three options.
Minus33 Merino Wool Ridge Cuff Beanie
Tough Headwear Skull Cap/Thermal Running Beanie
Since I could not find any running jackets under $50 I’ll include another link to Outdoor Gear Lab.
Outdoor Gear Lab Best Running Jackets
On the topic of running headlamps, yes, you need one. I’m giving you three low-cost options. Two that I’ve tried and liked and a third that is mucho cheap (Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight) but gets great reviews. I plan to get a Foxelli just to see if it’s up to the task. Yes, there are fancier running specific headlamps out there.
Petzl Tikka Headlamp, 200 Lumens
Princeton Tec Remix Headlamp 150 Lumens
Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight 165 Lumens
Once your athlete tries a race number belt they will never go back to safety pins.
Trail Gaiters work great. You never have to stop and shake pebbles or pine cone bits out of your shoes. Check out these Salomon gaiters. Also, take a look at Dirty Girl Gaiters. The designs are amazing.
Runner’s Waistpacks are incredibly handy for carrying a phone and a few extra items. My Amphipod Airflow Endurance currently contains a wrist compass, whistle, and a mini Bic lighter. There is also $11 cash in case I need Gatorade or succeed in ambushing an ice cream truck.
Amphipod AirFlow Lite Waistpack
Every athlete needs a race bib and race medal hanger.
Cycling And Mountain Biking
A few suggestions for cyclists and mountain bikers on your list from cold weather headgear to tools to lights.
Perhaps the most versatile winter cycling hat you can buy.
A new skullcap that I bet will keep my ears plenty warm out on SVR this winter.
The quintessential essential multi-tool for cycling.
Need to install or install a chain quickly?
Wolf Tooth Components Pack Pliers
Move all of your cycling tools from one backpack to another in one motion. Think tool burrito.
Osprey Ultralight Roll Organizer
A great blinking light that can also get you home in the dark.
One bright blinking taillight.
Serfas Thunderbolt 2.0 Tail Light
TrainerRoad software allows you to do an interactive, power-based, interval workout using a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. You can even watch a movie on the laptop and still see and hear the workout at the same time. Check out the review below for a much clearer description of how it works.
Every endurance athlete whether they are a cyclist or not needs a Road ID. Get them a gift card and make sure they follow through with the purchase. Safety first.
Books
If you’re over 35 I recommend Joe Friel’s book Fast After 50. It will change the way you look at your training and planning your training. And yes you should be weight training.
Want to up your mental game? I suggest you read Triathlete EQ. Then fill out your yellow card and red card. Read the chapter on learning twice.
Audio Video
If you need a small, waterproof, speaker to ramp up your workouts or to listen to podcasts while you soak in the hot tub.
Tribit XSound Go Bluetooth Speaker
If you are looking to get better race day photos with your phone.
11 in 1 Cell Phone Camera Lens Kit
Finally, if you are willing to jump up to $100.
Aftershokz AS600 iPhone / Android/Bluetooth Wireless On-Ear Headphones
Thanks, Al! I’m going to get Greg to look at a few of these products!!