Last Minute Gift Idea's for the Runner in Your Life!

      With Christmas only a few days away, many people are frantically looking for that last minute gift.  Since running is on the rise you may be looking for a gift for a person who runs.  So let me try to help you out with some gift ideas for the runner in your life.

1. Compression socks- One of the biggest trends on the scene are compression socks and sleeves. The price range is from 15.00-50.00 depending on the brand and style you like. There is also a wide variety of colors and designs to choose from. Not to mention the purpose of these socks are for faster recovery time and injury prevention, something every runner can appreciate.

2.  Iron man ear pieces- Training is already hard, the last thing you want to do is make it harder on yourself. Having ear pieces for your iPod or phone that fall out can be annoying and distracting. Iron man makes ear pieces for 30.00 that lock into place inside your ear.  Now the runner can stay focused and have one less thing to distract them.

3.  Personalized running shirt- When you are running a race and the crowd is cheering your name, you can be motivated to go faster and harder.  Notice at marathons a lot of the runners will write their name on their shirt or bib so the crowd can cheer for them.  Right after the Boston marathon I made a shirt with my name and a saying on the back for the Pittsburgh marathon and hearing the crowd scream my name really carried me through it.  You can make these online from 20.00 and up depending on the material and the design.

4.  Nike Garmin- one of the most sought after pieces for runners has to be the Nike Garmin. This little piece of technology tracks your runs. Now you can know your distance your pace, and your overall time. The price can range around 150.00. May seem expensive at first but for everything it does it's actually a good price.

5.  Gift cards- I know a lot of people think gift cards are the easy way out but honestly they make a great gift.  There are so many you can buy for a number of things. Store giftcards are great so the runner can use it on clothing or shoes(which we go through very fast). Itunes giftcards are also great so the runner can download music for his or hers iPod.

6. Stocking stuffers-if your need something to throw in a stocking there are many things you can throw in. Powerbars or gels are great and cost only a dollar or two, band aides for blisters, socks,  vasoline,  gatorade drinks or gum.  These are all just an idea for you. I am sure you know who  you would be buying for better and can find out what little things that person may like.

     Once again these are just some ideas for you and most of these can be bought at your local running store.  If another runner has a good idea please comment and let us know.