Great Gift Ideas for the Running Dad

Father's Day is just around the corner! If Dad is a runner, be sure to check out the running gift ideas below!

Knuckle Lights—For $39.99 you get two lights that provide 45 lumens per light, a wide beam, included batteries, free shipping, a 5-year warranty, and a money back guarantee. What more could you ask for? I've tested these lights and they work great. I was worried that them beams may move too much and bother me, but what I got instead was a wide steady beam. They fit securely over your knuckles in a way that you don't have to "hold" them. They just stay in place. They are also very light weight and you forget they are there once you begin your run. So, if day is running in the dark, keep him safe and get him a pair of Knuckle Lights.

Long May You Run—Is Dad a new to running? Long May You Run by Chris Cooper, is a lighthearted book that will motivate and inspire Dad with inspirational quotes, basic training tips, and info on great destination races. He'll also learn "how you can win a race even when finishing last." The book also provides some pretty uplifting stories about "real" runners who've overcome some monumental personal challenges through running.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Barefoot Running—From the best-selling Idiot's Guide® series comes the newest release, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Barefoot Running by Thomas Hollowell and Dr. Craig Richards. This book is perfect for anyone contemplating taking up barefoot running. Starting from page one, you'll learn how to successfully transition to barefoot and minimalist shoe running as you perfect your running form and reduce injury from the ground up. Written by a renowned doctor along with a prominent barefoot running coach, it is filled with the latest scientific research and cutting-edge training methods. Like having a personal coach by your side, you'll discover how to gradually transition into barefoot running, develop efficient running form, engage your "natural springs" and core strength, perfect your landing, stride, and gait, run faster with less impact and more endurance, prevent injuries that plague most runners, use minimalist shoes like Vibram FiveFingers, navigate a variety of terrains with or without shoes, enhance your training & racing experiences, and fuel the barefoot way.

Warrior Training Bracelet—These bracelets are made to wear while running, cycling, working out, sweating, racing...or all day long. Each features a positive and powerful keyword or phrase to help you train, perform and live with greater strength of body and mind. Available in multiple sizes to fit both women and men.

Halo Headbands and Hats—Halo headbands and hats are one of my favorite products. If your dad sweats like I do, then he's probably often annoyed by the constant stream of salty water running into his eyes. Halo Headbands are technically designed to keep sweat and sunscreen out of your eyes and off your glasses while training, working out, racing, or just working hard. He can choose from headbands, caps, and visors!

Arnica Muscle Gel—Arnica Muscle gel is a great remedy for sore or overworked muscles joints. You can use this lightweight gel as a spot treatment wherever you have pain or swelling. The key ingredient, Arnica extract, is known for its natural wound-healing, anti-inflammatory and soothing skin properties, which are excellent for treating bruises and sprains. It also contains willow bark extract which is a natural source of Salicylic Acid and rich in tannins which helps to exfoliate skin and improve its appearance. The menthol in the gel works to instantly cool inflammation. A multi-mineral cocktail of zinc, copper, and magnesium supplies the necessary elements for healthy skin function. It has an immediate heating and cooling sensation that works to repair damage, helping you to recover so that you can hit the trails once again.

Roo Hydration Bottle—The ROO Hydration Bottle is the 1st choice for athletes. It’s foldable, reusable and so portable!  When filled with water it stands upright and it is easy to hold – perfect for runners!  When empty it rolls up and fits easily into pockets, belts or bags.  The ROO bottle holds 16oz of liquid and is safe (BPA –free), washable, reusable and even freezable. We also include a carabineer and a writable area for identification.  The reusable ROO is very earth friendly.

UTag Sports Bracelet—Make sure Dad has identification on the run. UTag Sport Bracelet is a micro DogTag worn on a nylon strap (included) and is designed to be universally recognizable by both first responders and emergency personnel, it is the first reference in case of emergency. Each UTag micro DogTag is constructed out of durable aluminum alloy and embedded with a mini USB chip. It is weatherproof and water resistant up to 1m. Each mico tag has a Windows compatible program for storing and updating your personal information. In addition, there is a secure “private folder” for storing scanned copies of personal important documents. With the click of a button, UTag switches to your choice of 7 different languages for emergencies abroad. The UTag Sport Bracelet and micro Digitial DogTag is extremely lightweight, weighing only 6 grams.

Feetures! Elite Socks—As soon as you try on a pair, you know Feetures! Elite is special. Thanks to the technically advanced Sock-Lock™ support system, your foot and sock become one. The most extraordinary thing happens: the sock fits so well, it’s almost as if it’s not there. The Power Arch  is anatomically constructed to provide targeted support where it’s needed most. Anatomical right and left foot design enhances fit, delivering maximum protection by helping to eliminate blisters. iWick® fibers wick moisture to keep feet dry and odor-free. The PerfectToe™ provides a non-irritating seam.   Ultra thin construction takes up minimal room inside the shoe. These are RunnerDude's favorite socks!

RumbleRoller—Physical therapists, trainers, and athletes use foam rollers to relieve muscular pain and tightness (often called "adhesions", "knots", or "trigger points"). But conventional foam rollers have smooth, hard surfaces that further compress soft tissue. Rolling on top of them improves blood flow and tissue flexibility, but the effect is limited and relatively superficial, unless you spend a lot of time rolling. The RumbleRoller was created to perform this therapy more effectively. It manipulates soft tissue like a massage therapist. The surface of the RumbleRoller contains specially designed bumps that are firm, but flexible, much like the thumbs of a massage therapist. As you roll over the top of the RumbleRoller, the bumps continuously knead the contours of your body, gently stretching soft tissue (muscle and fascia) in multiple directions. This action erodes trigger points, helps restore flexibility, and brings quick relief to common types of muscular pain.

HydroWorx —Does Dad have a pool? Turn his static pool into a highly functional physical therapy pool and exercise pool and make it the ultimate fitness experience by providing gait training, balance enhancements and confidence building. This portable underwater treadmill offers low impact cardio for enhanced rehabilitation and conditioning. The unique fold-up design takes up a small space in your pool. This underwater treadmill can be easily transported and requires no installation.

Prize Drawing from Endorphin Warrior!

Since beginning the blog, I have had contact with many different running and sports related companies. One of my favorite such companies is Endorphin Warrior. Endorphin Warrior makes inspirational jewelry and apparel for the athlete. About a year ago, I purchased a Warrior Training bracelet and I've worn it ever since.

The Warrior Training Bracelets are made to wear while running, cycling, working out, sweating, racing...or just anytime. Each features a positive and powerful keyword or phrase to help you train, perform and live with greater strength of body and mind. My bracelet says "Persevere." That word means so much to me. Whether it's starting my new fitness studio, dealing with health issues, or trucking through the last few miles of a marathon, just looking at that word "Persevere" on my bracelet reminds me of the inner strength I have to make it through.

The thing about Endorphin Warrior that's so cool is that they just don't sell sports themed jewelry. Their true mission and goal is to delight and inspire you – the lifetime athlete, runner, walker, endurance athlete or fitness enthusiast – with content and original products that express the joy and value of working out, endurance training and the body in motion. They realize that you’re passionate about your training and sport, and they're passionate about creating fun, and meaningful products that will help you enjoy your training even more…inspire you toward your true potential…and help you express the active lifestyle you love and live.

Endorphin Warrior is listed in the previous post, "Holiday Gifts for Runners," because of their awesome products and because of their mission. Be sure to check out their website for yourself and for the athletes on your holiday gift list!

Also, I have great news!!! Endorphin Warrior is sponsoring a Prize Drawing exclusive to the readers of RunnerDude's Blog! The winner of the prize drawing will get to choose between a Warrior Training Bracelet or a Warrior Training Ring! To enter, simply send an email to runnerdudeblog@yahoo.com with "Warrior" in the subject line. Also, be sure to put your full name in the body copy of the email. The deadline for email entries is Saturday, December 11th! Each email will be assigned a number in the order that it's received. All the numbers will be entered into the True Random Number Generator to determine the winner. The winner's name will be posted on the blog on Sunday, December 12th!

Good luck and thanks Endorphin Warrior!!

BibFOLIO! A Great Gift for Runners!

I can't believe it. In just a couple of months it will yet again be gift buying time. Runners can often be hard to buy for, especially if they wear a particular shoe or particular brand or cut of clothing. Do they like fitted or baggy? Do they like gels or gus? Powerade or Gatorade?

Well, I discovered a great Website for finding just the right gift for you or your running friends and family. It's GoneForARun.com. They sell running apparel, running lights, hats, jewelry, ornaments, awards and more. They also personalize many of the items they sell.

If you're like many runners, you probably have a drawer, box, or file cabinet stuffed with your old race bibs. For many, the bibs are a symbol of accomplishment, almost a badge of honor. I have a drawer like that. So my curiosity was piqued when I saw a product on the Gone For A Run website called a BibFOLIO. The concept is simple and as you add racing bibs and your collection grows it becomes a great memory and conversation piece of races run. Another cool thing is that the BibFOLIO's can be personalized with photographs and/or a name or a message.

I asked the fine people at Gone For A Run if I could review the BibFOLIO. They were awesome and agreed. They let me chose one in which I put a photo and some text. I chose to put the finisher photo from the marathon for which I set a PR—Chicago '07—and of course I labeled it with "RunnerDude."

Even though the BibFOLIO I selected needed to be personalized, it came very quickly. It was very simple to assemble and add my race bibs. Most of the bibs from more recent races, fit nicely into the 8" x 8" dimensions of the BibFOLIO, but a few of the older ones I added were larger and hung out the sides. Seems like the older bibs also varied in the location of the safety pin holes, so for a few of them I had to punch new holes before adding them to the BibFOLIO, but that was easy enough to do. I was really pleased with the final product. It's a pretty cool gift idea and storage solution.

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To check out all the BibFOLIO design options [click here]. One of my favorites has a brick wall on the front. That would be great to store all those killer races you conquered. The one pictured in this post is the one I had personalized. Except for the picture of scrawny me on the front, I think it looks pretty cool.

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CONTEST!

GoneForARun.com is holding a special contest drawing, just for the readers of RunnerDude's Blog!! They're giving away one free BibFolio. The winner can choose from any of the BibFOLIO designs, even ones to be personalized!! How cool is that?!

To enter, all you need to do is "Like" their FaceBook Fan Page and then send them an email at raffle@goneforarun.com by September 28th. In the Subject line of the email put "RunnerDude Raffle" and in the body copy put your full name and address. That's it!

Be sure to check out all the other great running gift items at www.GoneForARun.com.

Note: Even though GoneForARun.com provided me with a personalized BibFOLIO for free, I was not in any way encouraged to write a positive review of the product or their website. My review is based entirely on my own personal experience using the product and website.

Motivation on the Run and a Place for Your Key Too!

Do you have a mantra that keeps you going from day to day or maybe that inspires you on those long runs or tough interval workouts? Mine is "No fear. Persevere!" I know, kind of hokie, but it works for me. For other runners, thinking of an individual may be their inspiration. Maybe they're running in support of a sick friend or loved one. Or, maybe they're running for an absolute stranger as a part of a fundraising group such as Team In Training.

Doesn't really matter the cause, but having a mantra or a person that you're running for can be a great inspiration. Sometimes that inspiration can be even greater on those tough runs than a Gu packet.

A blog reader, put me in contact with a friend of hers (Ryan Bennett) who has created a cool new product that will help you spread the word about a cause or just help keep you inspired and motivated while your training or running that big race.

Ryan has created Heart on My Arm. Ryan says that Heart on My Arm was created to help people stay motivated while training and performing in athletic events and fundraising activities. Our core belief is that the people we love and are inspired by can help us achieve accomplishments we might have once thought impossible.

What is Heart on My Arm? It's a unique arm band with a zippered pocket and a clear plastic sleeve in which you can insert a photo or your running mantra. Or if you're a running group, you could put the logo for your group or your group's mantra. I've also found it useful for training. I stick my pacing chart in the plastic pocket so I can see my pace times on my long runs. The plastic keeps it protected and dry. Here's some other reasons Ryan says Heart on My Arm is unique:

• Capture your motivation in a picture or quote
• Zipper pocket holds your mp3 player, keys and other items
• Ideal for everyday training and use
• lightweight fabric keeps you cool and comfortable
• Throw it in the washer, air dry, and it's good to go
• Two Sizes to fit every arm
• Customized armbands available for groups and teams

The bands come in two sizes (small and large). I tested both. I have a pretty small forearm for a guy and I found the small a little snug. The large size seemed to work better for me.

Heart on My Arm makes a great treat for the runner in the family or for the members of your running group. The inspiration aspects of the band are awesome, but one of the reasons I like the band is a very practical one--it provides a great place to put my car key!

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Be sure to check out Heart on my Arm at their website and tell them that RunnerDude sent you. At the website you can share your story of how you used the arm band to motivate you on your runs.

Happy Running!

10 Great Running Gifts for Under $20!

Need to do some holiday shopping for a runner, but you're on a budget? Check out the 10 gift ideas below that RunnerDude's dug up. They're great gifts any runner would love and the best part is that they're under $20!!!

The Wrist ID Sport by RoadID—$19.99

Identification is a must have for any runner or cyclist! The wrist ID can be engraved with your emergency information. It's available in six different colors and it comes standard with two 3M reflective stripes to enhance your visibility when training in the dark.

The Shoe Pouch by RoadID—$4.99
At a loss for where to store your key, some emergency cash, or your drivers' license? Then the Shoe Pouch is what you need. It attaches to your shoe laces and will keep the contents dry within it's water resistant ripstop nylon pouch.

Men's Nike Lightweight Running Glove—$17.99

These gloves are made of Dri-FIT® fabric that wicks away moisture to keep your hands dry and warm. The gloves also contain a key pocket in the palm, perfect for the car and/or house key. (Click here for the Women's Nike Lightweight Running Glove)

BudFits Ipod Earbud Holder—$8.99

Are you Ipod Earbuds always falling out of your ears while on the run? These handy little soft flexible attachments mold to your ear's shape and stays put during any activity. Perfect for running!

Adidas Metro Sacpac—$14.99
Perfect for when you don't need a big duffel bag. Great to toss in the car with your dry change of clothes, towel, your wallet, and your phone!

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Ultimate Direction Fastdraw Plus Handheld Water Bottle with Pocket—$16.99
Lightweight water bottle with strap that fits over your hand. Hold 20oz of liquid and the strap contains a zippered pocket perfect for stashing keys, cash or gels.

Foot Log—$19.99

Roll your foot gently over the Foot Log and feel the stimulation throughout your body. Helps relieve stress and tension. Excellent for plantar fasciitis massage.

Inov8 Debrisgaiter 32—$16.95
Have trouble with debris getting in your shoes when running trails? The Inov8 Debrisgaiter is just what you need to keep that debris where it belongs—on the ground.

Amphipod Stretch-Bright Reflective Band L.E.D—$13.95
Perfect for those early-morning or evening runs! The very bright red dual bulb display has three modes: continuous, dual flash, and alternating flash. Battery is included and is easily replaced. The band is a stretch-fit design for a comfortable fit and contains end-to-end high brilliance reflective tape.

Fuel Belt MP3 Armband—$17.50

Do you love to run with music? Then try Fuel Belt's MP3 Armband. It's easily adjusted with one hand so you can tighten or loosen it up without interrupting your workout.

Tis The Season: Great Gift Ideas for Runners!

Okay, today's Black Friday—the biggest shopping day of the year. If you're like some, you've been up since midnight and you're already on your 10th store hitting all the sales with no mercy. Or if you're like me, you're as far away from a crowded shopping mall as you can get.

Either case, it is the time of the year to be thinking of gifts for your loved ones. And, if they're runners, why not treat them to something they can use while pounding the pavement (or the trail) in 2010? Or maybe you're the one who's the runner and you're struggling with gift ideas to pass along to your family members. Whichever is the case, below are some great running gift-buying tips, gift ideas, and websites you may want to check out.

Gift-Buying Tips for Runners:
1. Runners are extremely picky about their shoes (or if they're like my barefoot running friend, Josh, they won't have any need for shoes). Don't buy shoes for runners unless they've specifically expressed exactly what shoe brand and model to buy. If you definitely know that someone needs running shoes, but you're not sure what to get, then a gift certificate to your local running store or for one of the many online running stores is your best bet.
2. Items that meet a runner's fueling or hydration needs are a good bet, but check to see if your runner prefers a handheld water bottle or a hydration belt before making a purchase.

3. Running Apparel is always a good idea, but pay close attention to the types of running clothes worn by your runner. Some runners prefer longer, baggy shorts, while others like them just above the knee, and still others like the shorter racing style of shorts. For colder climates, try to find out if your runner likes traditional-fitting or looser-fitting running tights. Be sure to buy clothes made of technical fabrics that breathe and allow sweat/moisture to be whisked away. Avoid buying anything made of cotton.

4. Is your running friend always complaining of sore muscles? Then maybe a gift certificate for a sports massage is just what he/she needs!

5. If you've racked your brain and you still can't come up with any gift ideas for your runner, think about purchasing the services of a running coach/trainer for an upcoming race your loved one/friend has been talking about. Check around, you may be able to buy a gift certificate for the services that could be used anytime during the upcoming year. To find an certified RRCA running coach in your area [click here].

Great Stocking-Stuffers for Runners:

• Training-related and/or inspirational running books

• Running log or journal

• Sports watch

• Gloves, hats, neck muff, and/or hand and feet warmers

• Sports Gels (Gu, Power Gel, Accel Gel, Hammer, Sports Beans, etc.)

• Energy Bars (Clif, Power Bar, Balance, etc.)

• Gift certificate to a favorite running store

• Running socks

• Identification Jewelry (RoadID)

• Gift certificate to your runner's favorite post-run bagel or coffee shop

Running Gift Ideas:

• RoadID: Identification bracelets, necklaces, and more. A must have for every runner!

• PaceTat: Race pace tattoos for most race distances and any pace!

• CEP Socks: Compression socks are perfect for enhancing performance & aiding in recovery. Use the coupon code "Runnerdude" and receive a 10% discount on your order.

• The Stick: Massage tool great for the relief of muscle soreness, pain, and injury

• Hydration Belts: Perfect for carrying water or sport drink on those long runs

• Handheld Water Bottles: Perfect for shorter runs
• Pocket Pedometers: A variety of pedometers some with PC software

• Inspired Endurance: Jewelry for the endurance runner

• Timex Ironman Watches: One of the most dependable watches a runner can have!

• GPS for Runners: Tracks time, distance...you name it!

• Heart rate monitor: One of the best ways to know you're training at the right intensity

• Hand and Feet Warmers: Perfect for the runner who complains of cold hands and/or feet!

• Custom-made Granola: Perfect for the picky-eater runner

• Custom-Made Granola Bars: Perfect for the picky-eater runner on the go!
• Seat Shield: Waterproof, odorproof seat covers
• Lock Laces: Elastic lacing system
• Running Funky: Uniquely colorful activewear
• Transpack: Athletic backpack
• Running Diva Gift Bag: Loaded with running gear just for her
• Frosty Runner Gift Bag: Loaded with gear for the cold-weather runner
• Marathon Training Gift Bag: Loaded with gear for the marathon trainer
• For U Mothers: Gifts for mothers who run
• Well Baskets: Gift baskets for the nutritional needs of athletes
• Skirt Goddess: Running Apparel for women
• Mission On!: Skin care products for athletes

• Baby Jogger: For the mom and/or dad that wants to take Jr. along for the run
• Cafe Press: T-shirts, sweat shirts, mugs, stickers, etc.

Great Sites for Running Shoes, Apparel, Gear, & More:

• JustFinish

• Running Warehouse

• Kelly's Running Warehouse
• Paragon Sports
• HolaBird Sports
• Desoto Sports
• RaceReady
• SportHill
• Champion
• RoadRunner Sports

• Running Expo