In an effort to procrastinate further with recapping my four days in Vegas for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half, I hereby provide you a list of some of my favorite products that are perfect for gift-giving!
It’s a bit of a coincidence that all of my favorite running-related companies are based in the PNW (Seattle and Eugene). Aside from that, supporting small and local businesses is the way to go!
FOR THE RUNNER WHO WANTS TO LOOK FLY
- Oiselle Runfinity Scarf: I’ve been wearing my Runfinity scarves everyday since I received them a few weeks ago. I loved my first one in Poppy (an orange color) so much that I just had to have the Sky which is a light baby blue. The Runfinity goes well with every top and is sure to make any gift recipient happy.
- Oiselle Flight Kit: New for holiday 2013, Oiselle’s flight kit brings the best of both worlds! I totally agree with this statement: “Oiselle + Picky Bars + Nuun = #runnerd jackpot.”
- Oiselle Rundies: Who doesn’t love running undies with a different saying every day of the week? From Rest, Fartlek, Easy 6, and Track, etc. your girl is sure to have perfect running undergarments every day of the week.
- Oiselle Mac Jacket: This jacket is so warm, so cozy, and perfect for a rainy or snowy day! This will definitely be my go-to winter running jacket and even my everyday jacket (once washed, of course).
- SPIbelt: I absolutely love my SPIbelt and take it on all of my training runs and wear it during most of my races. It’s the perfect size to fit my iPhone, a key, some cash, ID, and a Gu. Also love that it’s adjustable waist and fits snuggly on my hip with no bounce-age.
- Zensah Running Compression Leg Sleeves: For most of my races, I wear my Zensah compression leg sleeves. They keep my calves tightly compressed and supported and benefits me by aiding in increasing oxygen blood flow to the muscles. They come in a variety of colors if your runner is into color-coordinating their outfits. 🙂
FOR THE RUNNER WHO LIKES TO STAY HYDRATED
- Nuun Hydration Tablets: Every runner needs to properly hydrate during their training runs, races, and everyday. “Less than 1g of carbs, fewer than 8 calories. No sugar. No high-fructose corn syrup. No artificial flavors or colors.” None of that will go into your holiday recipient’s body. My favorite flavors are: Tri-Berry, Strawberry Lemonade, and Fruit Punch. Perfectly refreshing and hydrating without any of the funky sweet factor. Yum!
- Nathan Intensity Hydration Race Vest: I absolutely love my race vest and wear it during all of my long runs and marathon races. I find that during double-digit runs, carrying a hand-held water bottle is too tiring. But, going without any water is out of the picture. Here comes the Nathan Hydration Intensity Vest that holds up to 2-liters of liquid. The plus side is that it also is made for a woman with female-specific shoulder straps and torso length.
FOR THE RUNNER WHO LOVES DELISH FUEL
- Picky Bars: These amazing bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, and amazingly delicious! They’re made of real food by real people – three pro endurance athletes who knows what’s up. You know how some other bars end up tasting super processed and chalky? Not so with Picky Bars! They also have a monthly Picky Club membership available and as a member they’ll send you an assorted selection of bars ready to fuel you for the rest of the month. My very favorite, personally, is the Smooth Caffeinator. Perfect for fuel and snacking!
FOR THE RUNNER WHO WANTS TO SET AND ACHIEVE GOALS
- Believe I Am Training Journal: This is not just any normal training diary – it was created by pro athletes Lauren Fleshman and Ro McGettigan to keep us runners accountable, inspired, and dedicated to working towards achieving our goals. The runner in your life will benefit from this inspirational training tool and come out stronger, more self-aware, and empowered!
FOR THE RUNNER WHEN NOT RUNNING
- Steve Madden Candence Boot: My absolute favorite boot! I wore out my first pair and recently purchased my second one. They’re perfect to pair with a dress or jeans, making for a snazzy outfit during your runner’s rest day. They’re also the boots I wore during my engagement shoot. Just love them that much!
- Oiselle Stripey Long Sleeve Scoop Neck: The Stripey is one of my absolutely favorite long sleeve tees for running and for everyday. It’s the perfect cozy, comfortable tee to dress up and down. Plus, it includes thumb holes! The runner gal in your life will absolutely fall in love and take it from the track to the office (washed between wears, of course). I have the light grey and violet and can’t wait to get indigo.
Hope you enjoy the list and are able to find the perfect gift for that runner in your life. Happy Holidays!
- Oiselle Stripey Long Sleeve Scoop Neck: The Stripey is one of my absolutely favorite long sleeve tees for running and for everyday. It’s the perfect cozy, comfortable tee to dress up and down. Plus, it includes thumb holes! The runner gal in your life will absolutely fall in love and take it from the track to the office (washed between wears, of course). I have the light grey and violet and can’t wait to get indigo.
sarahthefitfoodie 
Question: how do you like the sleeves versus socks? (both compression of course)
Hey Sachie!
Great question. In addition to the Zensah compression sleeves, I also have a pair of CEP compression socks and recently got my first pair of Pro Compression socks.
In my personal opinion, I prefer wearing compression sleeves during running and racing and wearing compression socks for recovery. The main reason for this is that, during race day and generally running, I prefer to wear my tried and true pairs of running socks. I’ve heard that you can still get the same benefit from compression on your calves to stimulate the blood oxygen flow via sleeves, but no need to forego your normal running socks.
I had an experience earlier this year that steers me away from wearing my socks for racing. I ended up getting the worst blister ever on my toe from wearing the socks during the RNR Seattle Half. So painful during last few miles.
I like to wear my compression socks for post-race recovery.
However, I know lots and lots of runners who swear by CEP and Pro Compression for running and racing and have had no problems at all, so I think it’s a matter of personal preference. Try both out and see which on you prefer.
Hope this was helpful!
Awesome list…I want it all! Do you happen to know if Oiselle is coming out with the long sleeved stripey in Fresh Green, or if that colorway already passed? I saw it on a few of Oiselle’s instagram pictures and I MUST HAVE IT!
Thanks! I think you should place all of those on your Christmas wishlist, or gift them to yourself! 😉
I believe that Oiselle is coming out with additional colors for Stripey next year, but don’t have any details. Definitely tweet to Oiselle and let them know you want Stripey in more colors and especially Fresh Green! 🙂 They are always open to suggestions.
Sweet…thanks Sarah!