12 Perfect Gifts for Runners

The holidays are a joyous, and stressful time. 

There are flights to catch, parties to attend, houses to clean, trees to trim, and gifts to buy. And while admittedly we can’t help you with many of these — we CAN assist you in finding the perfect gift for the runner in your life! Check out our top 12 picks below: 

Preparing for Cold Weather Running - 6 Ways to Suffer Less

There’s no doubt about it, winter is on its way here - but that doesn’t have to mean the end or even slowing of your outdoor training! Check out these cold-weather tips to stay comfortable and competitive all year long. 

5 Reasons to Love Fall Running

Fall is a fan-favorite season for many reasons. Cold fronts bring stunning foliage changes, sweaters leave storage, harvest festivals multiply weekly, and an almost permanent scent of pumpkin spice hangs in the air. 

But cool nights and limited-edition lattes aren’t the only great thing about fall — it’s also the undisputed best season for running, and we have the fast facts to back it up! 

1. Fantastic Foliage: 

Ready, Set, Snack: 6 Easy Homemade Energy Bars

Not many things are better than snacks. 

Unexpected pocket cash, cute cat videos, and a good run all come close, but arguably none can triumph over treats. So preheat your oven, strap on an apron, and check out our favorite healthy and simple 5-star energy bars to restock your pantry!

 

1. No-Bake Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars

6 Hot-Weather Hacks

It’s hot, heatwaves are rising from the pavement, humidity is off the charts, and you’re running. 

Why are you running? 

You may wonder this, mid-footfall, wading through the atmospheric soup of summer, but frankly it’s the wrong question. The right question is “How can I run better … or at least less miserably in this heat?” The answer? Our Hot Weather Running Hacks below! 

1. Be Patient: 

7 Tips to Surviving Your First Marathon

You’ve made it! You put in the time and training for your first marathon and the day is finally here. But before the adrenaline-fueled start, take a moment to review these quick tips to ensure that the big event is a fun first instead of a stressful last.

1. Limit Mental Fatigue

The 7 Best Carbs for Fuel

There once were three bears that lived in the woods. They loved porridge — a complex carb — but apparently weren’t very good at making it. 

How does this story end? In tragedy, with two bowls of porridge gone to waste and Goldilocks running for her life on an assumedly over-full stomach. Terrible. With a little foresight this crisis could have easily been averted, which is exactly why we’re here.

Low-Mo Days: Breaking Through Mental Training Barriers

We feel great when we run, not many things beat that natural high. So why on some days does our motivation dissipate as soon as we look at our running shoes, or before? 

Every runner comes up against mental walls. They pop up when we least expect it, and usually when it’s the most inconvenient. So what can we do? How do we push past the siren song of comfy bed covers or the TV (or chores) calling?

1. Plan Ahead

Solid Ground: 7 Running Myths, and the Truth Behind Them

We’ve all heard it. Well-meaning but ultimately misguided advice on how you really should be running. The actual correct footfall pattern, real training hacks, or my personal favorite — how running really isn’t healthy for you (usually from a cheerfully confident relative, mid-holiday party).

So what’s real, and what do we leave behind as we forge ahead in training?

Go the Extra Mile: 6 Ideas for Extending the Life of Your Running Shoes

Most serious runners invest huge amounts of brainpower and money into finding the perfect pair of running shoes. Many athletes even keep multiple pairs to wear in rotation or for certain types of events or terrain. Follow these useful tips to help protect your investment and increase the longevity of your favorite running shoes.