Walk down any aisle in a big box sporting goods store right now and you will find holiday shoppers looking totally confused. These folks have an endurance athlete on their list but they have no clue what to actually GET for this person.
We are all about helping out these folks (and you too, if you have an endurance athlete on your list). Our writers put our collective minds, laptops and mobile devices to this idea and are proud to present you with the 2011 Gift Guide for Endurance Geeks.
The guide is arranged by athlete type and leveled according to cost. Items under $40 have been labeled Stocking Stuffers and items $40 and up are Big Spenders. Need a stocking stuffer for someone who loves adventure races? Looking for a big ticket item for the special Ironman in your life? Read on!
For the Dedicated and Determined Cyclist
Big Spender: The Gore Oxygen SO Thermo cycling bootie
The outer shell uses Gore’s Windstopper technology to keep frigid gusts out while the inside is thermo lined. This means that my precious tosies will stay warm AND they can also breathe, meaning no more soggy feet. I also love the full zipper in back and the fact that it’s reinforced at the toes, which helps since my current overshoes have holes in the toes that were the result of the stop-and-go nature of city riding. Finally, since the sole is somewhat open, it’s versatile and can be used for any type of riding.
-Adrian
Stocking Stuffer: Serfas USB Cycling Light
Short of following Adrian’s red nose through the fog in the park this morning, the Serfas USB cycling light is the one of the best purchases I’ve made in the past two months. It’s light and compact so it doesn’t take up too much room on my headset. Plus, it recharges via USB, so no wasting batteries. It’s a win for the cyclist and the environment.
-Bill
For the Fun-Loving Adventure Racer
Big Spender: Looxie 2 Cam
Going out for a run or a ride, you can see some pretty killer sights and have a great time. Being able to capture them and share them with others is even better. Whether you are bombing down a trail or speeding down a road, you will now be able to show your pals what they missed. The Looxie 2 gets you 5 hours of storage and an upgrade gets you a little better camera, and double the storage. Please Santa, I’ve been REALLY GOOD!
-Vinny
Stocking Stuffer: Stuffits Shoe Saver Stuffitts
Stuffits Shoe Saver Stuffitts Originals is the most complete portable drying system for shoes with a shaped foam forefoot offering complete toe-box coverage and a detachable carry strap idea for hanging or transporting pairs… Basically you stuff them in your shoes after a day of wet running and they help dry them out!
-Tracy
For the Uber-Chill Long Distance Runner
Big Spender: Sugoi Helium Jacket
This jacket is proof that good things come in small packages. Weighing in at a whopping 3 ounces it packs a lot of wind/rain protection into a small bundle. It’s great for early runs where it will get warm later or winter runs where you need one more layer. When folded up, it easily fits into a pocket. Plus, it has 360 degree reflectivity, so you can be seen day or night.
-Bill
Stocking Stuffer: GU Performance Energy Sampler
Perfect for the newbie (or experienced!) endurance athlete looking to sample flavors and types of nutrition. It includes energy gels, chews, brews and electrolyte tabs in assorted flavors, allowing athletes to personalize their nutritional needs. It contains at least one of every flavor in GU’s extensive offerings, as well as product details for maximizing goal achievement. Sample away!
-Andrea
For the Tough Cookie Triathlete
Big Spender: Garmin Forerunner 910XT
It hasn’t actually been released yet, and I own several Garmins already, but I am lusting for this watch. It’s the 310XT on steroids: The swim function is reported to be vastly improved, the watch is smaller, lighter and black (much sexier than bright orange), they’ve added wireless uploading of data and you can virtually compete with your own past performances. Nothing would make me happier than opening up a gift box containing a picture of this watch with a note saying “this is on its way to you.” Well, nothing other than opening up a box with jewelry in it, of course.
-Lauren
Stocking Stuffer: Triswim Travel Size Shot Set
This stuff is the bomb! It’s the best product out there (I’ve tried tons!) to get the chlorine out! Not only does it clean the pool build up out of your hair and leave it super smooth, but the body wash / lotion combo will keep the dreaded “swim itch” at bay. It’s safe and friendly – no animal testing, no parabens. And no need to worry if your favorite athlete already has it – this is a supply that every triathlete and swimmer needs, there’s no such thing as too much!
-Susan
For the Masters Swimmer
Big Spender: Betty Designs Signature Tanks & Briefs
When you need a badass suit to go to Masters’ practice, you cannot do any better than these. Pro athletes have even rocked these limited edition suits at the Underpants Run in Kona! Color fast, these suits will stand up to hours of sets and still look cool. Full disclosure, these run SMALL and while the design is awesome from the front, her URL is on your tooshie.
-Julie
Stocking Stuffer: TYR Mentor Hand Paddles
I have a love/hate relationship with these suckers. But there’s no better way to know if you’re getting the right catch on the water than swimming with these. If you are, you’ll be Phelps-like with his dinner plate-size hands. If not, you’ll be flailing like a wounded antelope trying to do butterfly.
-Julie
For the (temporarily) Sidelined Athlete
Big Spender: Redfeather Snowshoes
Snowshoeing is a super fun way to cross train, especially when running isn’t an option. The soft surface lessens impact forces and lifting your feet to walk in the snow forces you to engage more muscle groups, resulting in better overall conditioning. Once you get back to your sport of choice, you will find you have better balance and core strength.
-Julie
Stocking Stuffer: The Trigger Point Grid
This roller does it all, and at some point any athlete will need it. It’s the most versatile roller I’ve ever used, and can be used to enhance exercise and core work as well! I use it every single day either on myself or a patient, and have recommended that hundreds of patients buy them for themselves over the past few years. No one has ever regretted the purchase, nor said it didn’t help them!
-Josh
What’s on your list for Santa? Leave us a comment or head over to our forums and let us know what you want. You never know who might be reading!
