Injinji Socks, $14
Also known as toesocks, these eliminate toe blisters from forming by providing a layer of material around each toe reducing the friction on the skin. Injinji socks are also useful for flip flop fans.
lululemon Inspire Crop, $86
A smart capri length running tight that fits well, and look even better. The Inspire Crop is made of 4-way stretch power luxtreme? for 'no bounce' muscle support and quick drying, wicking capabilities. There is a back zipper pocket for storage of keys, cash or phone and a continuous drawcord that won't come undone in the wash!
GIFTS FOR THE FUNCTIONALLY MINDED
The GRID, $39.99
An easy to use, inexpensive tool that simulates that of a massage therapist in loosening tight muscles. The GRID'S foam zones enable you to apply varying amounts of pressure to help massage and release muscle tension. It's the perfect compliment to any runner's training toolbox and includes a free how-to video too.
Airex Balance Pad, $59.95
A great way to develop balance, stability and strength the Airex Pad provides a degree of instability to make your every day strengthening exercises more challenging. It is also a great tool to perform barefoot exercises to develop strength from the ground up.
Garmin Forerunner 110, $249.99
The Garmin Forerunner 110 is an easy-to-use GPS (Global Positioning System) watch that will give you speed, distance and time as you run. Out of the box you charge it, press start and you're on the way. Press stop and it automatically stores your running data that you can review on the watch or download via USB connection to a free online log called Garmin Connect. It also includes a heart rate monitor which links to the watch and is an effective way to track your progress and monitor your effort level.
BodybuggSP - $219
A calorie management system that allows you to track your energy consumed and expended both on and off the roads. It includes a free session with a phone coach to get started and learn how to use it and an easy to use web-based program that makes it easy to manage your daily energy and can be used with your iPhone or Android. Whether you're trying to lose weight or optimize your performance, balancing your fuel is easy with the BodybuggSP.
GIFTS THAT ARE JUST PLAIN FUN
Gift Certificate to a Running Store, $25 and up
Whether they shop at a local running specialty store or buy their shoes on Zappos.com, a gift certificate shows your support for their passion to run. It also gives them the opportunity to shop for what they need along the way.
Race Entry, $30 and Up
A race registration can serve as an excellent source of motivation to get through the doldrums of the holiday and New Year. Whether it is a local 5K or a destination event, the gift of a race registration will get them up, out and motivated to train for the start line.
SpaFinder.com Massage Gift Certificate, $80-$120
A massage to a runner is like a mini vacation for the muscles and the mind. And a gift certificate from SpaFinder.com is an easy way to support that habit. Simply click on the amount, print it out and pop it in a card. They can choose from a variety of spa's nation-wide. Voila! Shopping made easy.
ElliptiGO, $2199
The world's first elliptical bike, the ElliptiGO is a new way to explore the roads at the intensity of running without the impact. It's a perfect gift for those who love the Elliptical machine at the gym but want to get outside, for the injured runner who is looking for that running feeling, and for runners who understand the value of cross-training to improve performance. It's the coolest gift for runners this holiday.