The holidays are quickly approaching and if you are looking for some ideas for your favorite runner below are ten items I would put on my holiday wish list. Whether your runner is new to the sport or has been running for years, there should be something for everyone on the list below.



Polar Heart Rate Monitor
(Prices start at $109.95 and up)

My Polar Heart Rate Monitor been an invaluable source in my training since I started running over 2 ½ years ago. Polar, considered the crème de la crème of heart rate monitors, has a legacy that has been around for well over 30 years. Prices vary according to the model and features you are looking for--and if money is no object Polar just released their first heart rate monitor with GPS capability.



SparkPeople Cinch Drawstring Backpack
($7.75)

I love cinch drawstring backpacks. These are great for carrying a change of clothing for after a race as well as for carrying snacks, pins, brush, lip balm, etc. They are lightweight and fit nicely on your back leaving your hands free for stretching, drinking, and eating.



Road ID
($19.99)

Many runners do not carry any form of identification when running due to lack of pockets in their running attire. This is why the Road ID would make a perfect gift or stocking stuffer. All contact information is laser engraved with the runner’s name, address, phone number, emergency contact, and any medical conditions the individual may have. They have models to mount on your shoes, wear on your wrist or ankle, and even a dog tag style necklace. I have owned my wrist Road ID for well over 2 years now and I wear on all my training runs as well as in all my races.



Garmin Forerunner 405
($349.95 price includes chest transmitter and USB ANT stick)

As Polar is to heart rate monitors, Garmin is to the wrist GPS unit. With the release of the Garmin Forerunner 405 last spring, the size of the monitor has been reduced and the simplicity couldn’t be easier, even for those of us who are technologically challenged, such as me. One of the greatest features is the ability to upload all information off the monitor and onto your computer via the USB ANT stick which is included in the cost of the unit. You may elect to include the chest transmission strap (for an additional cost) for use as a heart rate monitor as well. This gadget has totally revolutionized my running.



Nathan Fuel 10K 2-Bottle Belt
($27.95)

I have actually tried several models and the one that is my current favorite is the Nathan Fuel 10K 2 Bottle Belt. This fuel belt allows me to carry not only water, but a sports drink as well on my longer runs. Nathan also carries a 4 bottle system for those runners going out on longer runs or for those participating in marathon or half-marathon distances.



Runner’s World
($12.00)

Runner’s World is one of the world’s premier running magazines. What I like about this publication is that it is geared not only for the beginner runner but also for the seasoned runner and everyone in between. Each issue is chock full of information ranging from training to nutrition. And since you get a new copy in the mail every month, it is like receiving a gift every month for a year.



The Runner’s Handbook by Bob Glover
($ 17.95)

This is truly a runner’s handbook covering such topics as form, pace, motivation, common injuries and remedies, stretches, nutrition, and everything else a new/intermediate runner may need to know. This book has been an invaluable source of information for me. I refer to this book almost on a weekly basis to guide me through my runs.



Brooks Running Night Gear
($9.29-$79.99)

Products range from socks to hats to pants to jackets with prices varying depending on which reflective gear you choose. Reflective gear alerts drivers and/or cyclists that there is a runner ahead of them, especially if one must run early in the morning, in the evening or on a course that is not well-lit. I own the Brooks Nightlight Hat--not only does it have the reflective 3M Scotchlite all around the brim, but there is also a red flashing light on the back that can be activated by triggering the button.



iPod Shuffle
($49-$69)

While many race directors are banning the use of iPods and other listening devices in their races citing safety reasons, I still like to have access to my handy-dandy purple Shuffle to use on the treadmill when I am forced to run inside. Nothing helps break the monotony of a boring run more than a nice tune coming from my Shuffle.



Nancy Clark’s Sports Nutrition Guidebook
($19.95)

This is one of my all-time favorite nutrition books. Nancy Clark, one of the country’s leading sports Registered Dietitians, offers an invaluable source of information regarding the role our diets play in our running. She also gives specifics on training nutrition, pre-race nutrition, proper fueling and refueling methods, and everything a runner needs to know to help them along the way.


As a runner there are literally hundreds of gadgets and gizmos to choose from and if after reviewing this list you find yourself still in a quandary consider a one on one training session with a certified running coach. Many local running specialty stores have a list of running coaches available for personal sessions. You may also want to consider a membership in the local running club. This allows runners to meet others who share a passion for this great sport. I hope this list takes some of the guesswork out of choosing a gift for your favorite runner. I wish you all a very happy holiday and as always--HAPPY RUNNING!

What would you add to the list?