Christmas is approaching fast, and lots of you with trail running friends and family will be wondering what will bring a huge smile to the face of your loved one when they open it up on Christmas day. Some of you who regularly trail run may also be wondering what to ask for to further your ever-growing kit list and shoe collection. So, to help you all out, below is a compilation of some great gift ideas to meet the needs of any serious trail runner.
***Stocking fillers***
Smartwool PhD Run Light Socks:
Over the winter it's pretty much guaranteed to be cold and wet. Get feet into a decent quality pair of merino wool socks, which retain around 80% of their warmth even when wet, and it makes for a much more comfortable and enjoyable run. No one likes cold feet!
Energy food and bars:
Make sure no one is running on empty this Christmas. With a huge selection of high-energy natural foods, energy cakes and sports-specific bars and gels there is an endless list to choose from. Natural foods such as dried fruit and nuts are cheaper and probably better for your overall health, but sports specific products offer a convenient way to get the recommended energy, protein and electrolytes needed with the demands of high-intensity exercise.
Wild Running book:
Give a gift of inspiration this Christmas with the recently released 'Wild Running' book by husband and wife running duo Jen and Sim Benson. Offering 150 amazing routes of varying distances all over the UK to meet your every running need, this book could lead to new and exciting running adventures of discovery.
***Under the Tree***
Salomon Fellraiser:
This shoe has proved its worth. Its won the World Trail Running Championships on the feet of Ricky Lightfoot, won multiple awards and recommendations from running and outdoor publications across the globe and seen many an everyday runner successfully complete their trail and fell running goals. This is a workhorse with a monster grip, and all this for an RRP of just £85! If wet and muddy trail and fell running is on the cards, and your looking for a durable shoe to see a runner through the winter training and racing season, then these are a must.
Merrell Bare Access Trail:
When the weather isn't too nasty, and the trails ahead are long and hard, the Bare Access Trail is a fantastic choice to see you comfortably through to the end. With slightly more cushioning than some 'natural motion' trail shoes and a grip best suited to harder, dryer terrain, these little gems will suit the longer distance runner looking for a shoe to cover a variety of different trails. Read a review here!
Sports massage voucher:
For the runner banned from the trails due to injury or a need for recovery after a hard training season, a sports massage is a great way to treat the body to a well-earned rest and MOT. Have a look locally for recommended sports-specific massage and treatment centres and get a session or two booked in to speed up recovery and get back to the trails.
***Luxury item***
Suunto Ambit 2R GPS Running Watch:
For those wanting a reliable and stylish way to monitor their runs, routes, distances, splits and much more, the Suunto Ambit range is ideal. The Ambit 2R is a run-specific model, saving you weight and money over the standard Ambits. With 8-25 hour battery life (depending on GPS setting), full route navigation and planning you will never get lost again...hopefully. After your run, connect it to your PC and download seemingly unending run statistics and data to keep on top of your training and PB's.
Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon MR:
Any runner serious about perfecting their technique and form should invest in a pair of FiveFingers and get the hang of natural running. The Spyridon MR are ideal for trail and fell runners due to the improved off-road grip and rock-protection plate. Extremely durable and childishly fun to run in (once you get the hang of it) these should be with you for many fun times to come. Read a review here!
Salomon S-Lab Light Jacket:
Windproof jackets are a definite in British winter weather. In fact, at times they are a must even in the summer months! Never get caught by a chilly breeze again but remain well ventilated and breathable with the new Salomon S-Lab Light Jacket. Magnetic closures around the neck allow the jacket to be worn with the front zip undone for better breathability and laser-cut holes in all the right places act like a racing car engine cooling system to enable you to run at your best in bad weather. Read a review here!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
CavemanClarke
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