We know why you're here: you're shopping for a gift for a runner. We know you're not a mass runner because you already have what you wanted: runners have been known to buy the expensive things we really want (and then hide the receipt). However, there is no judgment at Christmas, and you, a charming giver, want to get what you really want. Don't give runners a running book (unless otherwise stated and confirmed not to have been read), or just random socks* or sneakers for sale at your local sporting goods store - We've got you covered. you need. This gift guide is for the things every runner would like to have, and if you already have one, you'd like another because, let's face it, we go through them like water if we run more than once or twice a week. So, it's not because the thought of people watching you run fills you with terror because you can't be the best gift giver to your friend/partner/relative/descendant who is weird enough to really enjoy hitting more of you think it's healthy.
- OK, this part was a lie. If you are sure that you cannot get socks, you are very wrong. Runners love socks, and the more expensive they are, in general, the more we will love them. In fact, he freaks out with all the running gear - take the right size and we're glad they're not running shoes.
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music
An excellent entry-level Garmin Plenty of fitness monitoring Spotify on board A bit more expensive No Garmin payment Finally, I might ditch the Garmin Forerunner 235 on this list, although it's excellent (and now much cheaper, so it's a option if you're really on a tight budget), the 245 has emerged, bringing much more functionality. Go for the 245 Music if you can get your hands on it (linked above) as it comes with Spotify integration, which is a bargain if you want to leave your phone at home, and can listen to music on the go. It's a little more expensive, but it's really a great entry-level watch for someone who wants to take the plunge this year - the full fitness monitoring is really great.
Zwift RunPod
An Inexpensive Way To Destroy Your Ordinary Treadmill Low Cost Treadmill Running Improved No Power Measurement I tried Zwift Running last year, and found it to be a very appealing way to break out of a treadmill grind. Place an iPad in front of you on a treadmill (or run in front of a TV with Apple TV) and watch your avatar track your speeds through a virtual world. It was pretty expensive to get into, though, even if you already have an iPad, need a compatible treadmill, or a Stryd footpod, which wasn't cheap. Well, now Zwift has released its own, and for less than some might expect: you get speed and distance data, and a calibration set directly to the Zwift experience. Its popularity is slowly increasing, so if your loved one uses a treadmill a lot and wants to crack, this is an option. The only irritating thing is that you need a monthly subscription to Zwift, and there is no 'runners only' mode. - You also need to get the bike, which you can't use much. At least you also get a gift card.
Hyperice Vyper 2.0
Give your muscles the pleasure they deserve Brilliant for recovery Very different Not super portable It's obvious to me: yes, it's expensive but at the same time it's an indispensable part of my racing arsenal. The vibration can reach incredibly strong levels, and it honestly feels like someone gets into your tired muscles and then washes them over. Look into my deeper gaze to see how much I'm in love. A year later, I still use this whenever I feel like I want to be 'well'. calm down...don't use it upstairs otherwise it will shake the whole house.
Garmin Forerunner 945
Literally everything on the wrist. Spotify indoors Can track just about anything expensive This is the watch I wear on a daily basis, and I wish I had one if I didn't have one. The entry-level model is brilliant, the heart-rate monitor below is now really useful, and the sleek nature means it's a real watch too. I love the fact that Spotify is on board. I use "body battery" to tell me how well rested I am. Garmin Connect is a great app that I use regularly, and it also syncs directly to Strava. GPS connection can be a bit slower than others, but I'm really splitting my hair here. For the keen marathon runner/triathlete/fitness fanatic, this is a first choice (and they've probably already dropped plenty of clues about this).
Aftershokz Aeropex
A brilliant headset for runners So lightweight Improved sound Bone conduction isn't for everyone Okay, I know I did it again - you recommended something a little pricey. I'll give you a choice now - the cheaper Aftershokz Trekz Titanium is probably a good place to start. But if you can, go for the Aeropex models. Oh really. Sound quality is so much better these are the most comfortable bone conduction headphones I've ever worn and man alive it's so great to be able to safely listen outside and listen to podcasts or music The first one podcasting wasn't really an option before Without increasing the volume, but with improved voice clarity, this is a great option.
Nokia 3310
A great choice for robust MP3s and podcasts Can totally play Snake No Spotify compatibility We all need a phone to function, but your future gift probably already has a smartphone and you're not ready to buy them a new phone just to make them work better. However, this Nokia phone is a good choice for three reasons: first, it has a microSD card slot so you can load it with music from this dusty MP3 playlist (unfortunately, this isn't supported by Spotify), and with monster battery life, it can easily cover any running distance without losing charge. Second, it's dirt cheap as you can tell by the above prices - yes it's a secondary phone but it's going to be a great festival too / leave it in the car / damn my iPhone no longer has a battery phone to keep at hand. Third, it's a small and suitably solid unit: accidentally drop it on a mid-road and you won't have to worry about it instantly taking cover.