Runner's Corner

December 2006 :: Index of issues

Healthy Holiday Gift Ideas

With the holidays upon us it’s easy to start to feel stressed and overwhelmed especially when it comes to choosing gifts. This year can be different. You can give gifts that are healthy for both you and the receiver and not have to spend hundreds of dollars.

Give Yourself

Many of us spend so much time at our jobs and then shopping, doing errands that we rarely have time to spend with those we truly love and care about. This holiday season, think of giving your time rather than an object or thing. Imagine giving someone a gift that improves their health, well being and lifespan? Give the gift of running (or walking). Introduce your family and/or friends to walking or running by giving them a certificate of X amount of miles or minutes you will spend with them helping them walk/run into shape. Most people need 8-12 weeks minimum to see a training effect so try to give your time for this period. You can even bring the kids or invest in a runner’s stroller, very well worth the investment and most children love the ride.

If your family and friends already run or walk, help them find extra time to get their workout in. Offer to do some extra house or yard work or babysit or do the weekly grocery shopping for a few weeks. Giving someone you care about extra time to themselves not only improves their health and reduces their stress but can improve relationships!

Give a Life Changing Experience—A Marathon Entry

If you are short on time yourself, this idea requires some cash but it can be an experience that changes a life and makes a difference. You can pay one’s entry into the 2007 Columbus marathon and then enroll them in Premierraces MIT training program. Not only will this experience help someone get in shape but being able to say one finished a marathon can build some great confidence and inspire people to reach dreams they have given up on. It can also open doors for new friends and travel opportunities.

For those who may not be able to complete a marathon, consider paying their entry for some shorter races such as a 5km, 10km and in time, they may wish to enter a marathon. A fun set of races to try for are the premierrace events offered at the end of July at Plain Township Aquatic center. Not only are their various running event and an in line skate to choose from, but afterwards, all entrants are treated to excellent food and free entry into the Plain Township Aquatic Center. The center offers a kiddie pool (kids must wear diapers) with a playgym, then a gradual shallow end, lap lanes for swim and then an area with a slide for rafts and one for bodies. It’s a really fun family experience and the courses are flat and fast.

Practical Gifts

For those of you who still prefer to do some shopping and want to give a practical gift, consider some of the following training gear:

1.Technology that tracks training:

Both Nike and adidas now have technology that can attach to your running shoes and record how far you have run, how many calories you have burned and then be able to download it into your computer when you are done and also graph and plot heart rate, miles, pace etc.

Polar also makes various heart rate monitors that track training as well.

2. Ice Grippers costs around $17.99-19.99

For those who must fight ice and snow conditions to run, consider giving ice grippers, they come in small, medium and large sizes and easily fit over your running shoes. They have spikes on the bottom to help with grip.

3. Ice-Up costs around $17.99-19.99

This can be a great small gift, it is a small plastic container that you fill with water and put in the freezer. The bottom can push up so that the ice can be available as you use it. It comes with a nice container and is easy to hold.

4. Body-glide closts around $11.69-12.99

This is another great small gift, it is an all-natural skin protectant and glides on like a deodorant. It is useful in preventing chafing and blisters.

5. Extra-cushion insoles costs $17.99-19.99

These insoles can add motion control, cushioning or support depending on what is needed without having to buy a new running shoe. Just note that high arched feet need cushioning while low arched need stability.

Safety Gear

6. Tikka Plus Headlamp costs $29-32.99

This ultra-light headlamp weighs only 70 grams and provided 150+ hours of LED light for an even, clean white beam. It uses 3AAA batteries. Great for those who must train in the dark.

7. Clip on Led light set costs $26-29.99

This can be seen up to ½ mile away and includes a clip-on set for hat, flashlight, and LED arm strap with batteries. Also great for those who must train in the dark.

8. Twilight Reflective Vest $17-19.99

This lightweight vest offeres 500 candlepower reflectivity from 1200 ft away available in yellow grey and pink/grey.

9. Running log

My favorite is still Marty Jerome’s runner’s log and calendar which has great monthly articles, a place to make a bar graph of weekly miles, record races and weekly training. On-line logs are also available.

(note: Dr. Kitty is not getting any financial benefit by mentioning these products, she is just sharing her ideas)

Notes of Apperciation

Another gift idea is to find some nice cards or stationary and write a letter of appreciation to each special person in your life. So many times we forget to tell people what they mean to us and how much we appreciate them.

Have a Happy Holiday and may 2007 Bring you good health and many blessings.

See you on the roads

Kitty

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