Buying holiday gifts for runners can be a unique challenge. I feel for my wife, who perhaps has the greatest challenge of all: trying to buy for the runner (me) who has every piece of running gear imaginable. While fitness trackers and other gadgets can make great gifts, avid runners probably already have the ones they know work best for them. But don’t despair — you can get a running-related gift that’s thoughtful and unique. Here are five ideas:
[See: 11 Healthy Holiday Gifts.]
1. Register or pay the race registration fee.
What gesture says you support your partner’s running endeavors more than helping him or her achieve a dream of running a certain race? Race registration fees have risen steadily over the past few years, and they are often not figured into runners’ budgets. Ponying up for the registration cost of a marathon, half-marathon or other race might be a very nice gift. Not only will it be a holiday success, but it will also encourage the runner to think of you on race day. If you’re not sure how to navigate the registration process or how to chose the right race, offer to pay the fee for a race of your runner’s choice.
[See: 10 Themed Races to Make Getting in Shape Fun.]
2. Upgrade race day travel or accommodations.
Similar to race registration fees, travel is an often overlooked part of the running habit. Costs for hotels, airfare, rental cars and meals all add up. In effect, many runners look to save money by putting up with a low-budget motel, driving — rather than flying — to their destination or relying on public transportation rather than renting a car once there. Herein lies the gift opportunity: Offer to pitch in to get your runner a better room, flight or car on his or her next running trip.
3. Buy a consultation with a running coach.
Another way to give your friend a vote of running confidence is to sign him or her up (or offer to pay for) a consultation with a running coach. Runners are often nervous about starting up with a coaching service, but when they do, they typically love the support and guidance they receive. You can find numerous online and local coaching services through web searches for running coaches in your area. You could also consider funding a set of training plans from an online service like TrainingPeaks, which offers hundreds of training plans for all levels and race distances.
4. Purchase a certificate for a massage after a race.
Massage is the ultimate post-race luxury for marathon runners. And often, the quick rub-down they might get at race finish line leaves something to be desired. Plus, massage is more beneficial at least 24 hours after finishing a marathon, when tightness has fully set in. The gift opportunity here, then, is to buy a certificate for a massage to be used after a race or long run. You can look to one of several national massage studio chains so that the recipient has the flexibility to use the certificate in another city.
5. Buy a book about running.
If your runner likes to talk about running, he or she may also like to read about running. Running books span many genres, including fiction, short stories, biographies and education. Some of my favorite reads include the fascinating “Born to Run,” by Christopher McDougall; “Once a Runner,” by John L. Parker Jr., which many consider to be one of the best fiction works about running; ultra-runner Scott Jurek’s autobiography and training manual “Eat and Run;” and the fantastic triathlon-focused short story compilation “Becoming an Ironman,” by Kara Douglass Thom.
[See: These Books Can Actually Transform Your Health.]
This year, take a little different approach toward your running holiday gifts by focusing on experiences and ways to support the runners on your list. They’ll appreciate the gesture — and you won’t have to make any more difficult choices about gear or gadgets.
More from U.S. News
8 Reasons Running Now Will Help You Later in Life
9 Empowering Women’s Races You Should Enter
The 10 Best Exercises You Can Do for the Rest of Your Life
5 Creative Gift Ideas for the Runner on Your List originally appeared on usnews.com
