Garmin

Holiday Gift Guide for Runners

This post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Koss.

Each year we compile a list of our favorite running items as a gift guide. We bet most of you have runners in your life and these gifts are sure to make a runner smile. 

Use it as a shopping guide for that special runner in your life, or even better, use it for yourself!

1. Trigger Point Tools -We can't say enough about the tools this company creates. We love their foam roller, called The Grid, and the Ultimate 6 Kit.

2. Koss Headphones - These headphones are great. We've been using them since the summer and are extremely happy with them. They have 2 different types - Fit Buds and Fit Clips. The best part? They fit a woman's ear and don't tangle! Get 'em at Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Walgreens, Kmart, or Sears this season for only $19.99. 

3. Gym Boss - Perfect stocking stuffer for the newbie runner and the workout fanatic. You can set walk/run intervals which is great for the person just starting to run. Easy to use and clips onto your clothes.

4. lululemon Cool Racer Tank - We wear this year round and it's great for all types of working out. Layer it in the winter or use it as a cute running top in the summer. Loads of colors - we recommend anything bright!

5. The Stick - This is every runner's best friend. We love running relays (Ragnar Relay and Hood to Coast) and this little guy is a must have item because it's easy to pack and is the best self massage tool available. We recommend the Marathon Stick.

6. Melt Balls - Another awesome recovery tool for runners. It's like giving your feet a massage. Use it pre and post run to keep feet healthy and happy! Your feet will thank you.

7. Energy Boost sneakers - You feel like you are running on little puffy clounds. The new foam in these shoes provides more energy return than the standard EVA foam. The result? A more comfortable run. Meghan has been rocking these since September. If you have a racer in your life, gift him or her the adizero adios Boost - it won the Chicago and NYC marathons. 

8. Garmin - We recommend the 610 for the serious runner who loves to track everything. The Forerunner 10, 210 and 410 have less features but do what all runners need - pace and distance. Garmin uses satellites to track your distance and pace. Your runner will no longer be beholden to the exact route they pre-planned.

9.  Shoe ID - This is a must have for any runner. It is laser engraved with your emergency contact information and can be strapped to your running shoes.

10. Amphipod - All runners need to stay hydrated and it can be tough on long runs. The Amphipod handheld water bottles solve that problem. They are lightweight and easy to carry. No more annoying fuel belts!

Holiday Gift Guide for Runners

This post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Koss.

Each year we compile a list of our favorite running items as a gift guide. We bet most of you have runners in your life and these gifts are sure to make a runner smile. 

Use it as a shopping guide for that special runner in your life, or even better, use it for yourself!

1. Trigger Point Tools -We can't say enough about the tools this company creates. We love their foam roller, called The Grid, and the Ultimate 6 Kit.

2. Koss Headphones - These headphones are great. We've been using them since the summer and are extremely happy with them. They have 2 different types - Fit Buds and Fit Clips. The best part? They fit a woman's ear and don't tangle! Get 'em at Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Walgreens, Kmart, or Sears this season for only $19.99. 

3. Gym Boss - Perfect stocking stuffer for the newbie runner and the workout fanatic. You can set walk/run intervals which is great for the person just starting to run. Easy to use and clips onto your clothes.

4. lululemon Cool Racer Tank - We wear this year round and it's great for all types of working out. Layer it in the winter or use it as a cute running top in the summer. Loads of colors - we recommend anything bright!

5. The Stick - This is every runner's best friend. We love running relays (Ragnar Relay and Hood to Coast) and this little guy is a must have item because it's easy to pack and is the best self massage tool available. We recommend the Marathon Stick.

6. Melt Balls - Another awesome recovery tool for runners. It's like giving your feet a massage. Use it pre and post run to keep feet healthy and happy! Your feet will thank you.

7. Energy Boost sneakers - You feel like you are running on little puffy clounds. The new foam in these shoes provides more energy return than the standard EVA foam. The result? A more comfortable run. Meghan has been rocking these since September. If you have a racer in your life, gift him or her the adizero adios Boost - it won the Chicago and NYC marathons. 

8. Garmin - We recommend the 610 for the serious runner who loves to track everything. The Forerunner 10, 210 and 410 have less features but do what all runners need - pace and distance. Garmin uses satellites to track your distance and pace. Your runner will no longer be beholden to the exact route they pre-planned.

9.  Shoe ID - This is a must have for any runner. It is laser engraved with your emergency contact information and can be strapped to your running shoes.

10. Amphipod - All runners need to stay hydrated and it can be tough on long runs. The Amphipod handheld water bottles solve that problem. They are lightweight and easy to carry. No more annoying fuel belts!

An Interview with a Runner

Gail DiLisio, is our featured runner this week. We met her this summer while helping her and her partner, Cathy Bolz (on the left), train for the Smuttynose Rockfest Half Marathon in Hampton, New Hampshire. Her dedication and commitment astound us! She's lost over 50 lbs and is on her way to PRs! 

How do you know us - Hot Bird Running?
I heard about Hot Bird Running from the Lean Green Bean blog

What are your current running goals? Are you training for anything? 
My goal is to gain speed and be more efficient when I run, especially on long runs.  I am currently training for the More/Fitness Half Marathon in April.

Who or what inspires you to run?
I get inspiration to run from the challenge of improving my run, whether it be technique, speed etc.  The chance to improve is perfect motivation for me.

What is your favorite running route/place to run?
I love to run anywhere outside, even if it is freezing out.  My favorite route is Central Park - it is the perfect blend of rolling hills along with great people watching!

Who is your favorite person to run with and why? 
My favorite person to run with is my partner, Cathy.  We both started running 2 years ago when we each lost 50 pounds and found running a perfect way to stay fit and provide variety with our workouts.

What is the best piece of running advice you ever received and who was it from?
Well, the best advice came from Jessica Green, of course!  She taught me that if am tired on long runs, I can keep my legs moving just by pumping my arms harder.  Believe me, I have used this technique plenty of times!

What is your favorite running gear/piece of clothing?
My Garmin 310 has been great for training and tracking miles.

10 Great Gifts for Runners

We've compiled a list of our favorite running items as a little gift to all of you this holiday season. These are the items we consistenly reach for when heading out for a run and/or workout or what we use to stay injury free throughout training. No matter what the runner in your life is training for - from a 5k to a marathon - we think they will love the items on this list. Use it as a shopping guide for that special runner in your life, or even better, use it for yourself!

1. Trigger Point Tools -We can't say enough about the tools this company creates. We love their foam roller, called The Grid, and are newly in love with their Ultimate 6 Kit.

2. The No Show Ultimate Sock - Great stocking item. We love them because they stay put, out of sight and wick away the sweat.

3. Gym Boss - Perfect stocking stuffer for the newbie runner and the workout fanatic. You can set walk/run intervals which is great for the person just starting to run. Easy to use and clips onto your clothes.

4. lululemon Cool Racer Tank - We wear this year round and it's great for all types of working out. Layer it in the winter or use it as a cute running top in the summer. Loads of colors - we recommend anything bright!

5. The Stick - This is every runner's best friend. We love running relays (Ragnar Relay and Hood to Coast) and this little guy is a must have item because it's easy to pack and is the best self massage tool available. We recommend the Marathon Stick.

6. Melt Balls - Another awesome recovery tool for runners. It's like giving your feet a massage. Use it pre and post run to keep feet healthy and happy! Your feet will thank you.

7. Make a Break Jacket - Besides being extremely cute, it's water repellent, light (perfect for layering), has a hood, reflective detail for low light visibility and did we mention it's cute and flattering? Buy it in red, 'tis the season!

8. Garmin - We recommend the 610 for the serious runner who loves to track everything. The Forerunner 10, 210 and 410 have less features but do what all runners need - pace and distance. Garmin uses satellites to track your distance and pace. Your runner will no longer be beholden to the exact route they pre-planned. (whichever one - good for what)

9. Yoga classes - Most runners don't stretch enough. Yoga is a perfect excuse to stretch and allow your achey runner muscles to elongate, relax and recovery. If you are in New York City or Brooklyn area, we recommend sending your runner to Mala. Find a studio that offers basic and/or classes geared specifically for runners.

10. The gift of running - Give yourself or your runner one of our training programs or personal sessions. We offer gift certificates! Contact us to purchase your loved one the gift of running.