Trail Running Gift Ideas for the Holidays

Having trouble finding the perfect gift for a trail running friend? Here are a few of my favorites that can help get you started - if you know of others, be sure to add them in the comments!

2011 Tribute to the Trails Running Calendar ($23)

Uber-photographer and trail runner Glenn Tachiyama has once again assembled a gorgeous calendar of great photos to raise money for the Washington Trails Association. The beautiful full-page shots (check them all out here) compliment a complete calendar of ultrarunning events. Few things can spice up the drab cubicle life like a constant reminder of epic trail runs hanging on the wall. You can pick one up at ZombieRunner, Rogue Valley Runners, or other stores for $23.

Cryosauna ($85,000)

For the runner who has everything, the Cryosauna is the latest must-have gadget. Jump in and hit the start button, and your entire body is surrounded by air frozen to -120 degrees C for 2-3 minutes for an instant ice bath. Get it in black to match your Alter-G Anti-Gravity Treadmill! Available at...well, if you can afford it, you probably know.

Race Gift Certificate ($25-55)

I don't know about you, but few things get me as excited to hit the trails like a race scheduled in the near future. Get a friend a gift certificate to a race organizer like Pacific Coast Trail Runs, and you are giving the gift of adventure! If your friend is always super busy, couple the gift certificate with an offer to crew/watch the kids/have a celebratory picnic, and it's like giving a box of sunshine. Added benefit - you can buy and send via e-mail in minutes!

Trail Running Coffee Table Book ($15)

If your trail runner is going to open a gift in front of a big group of people, a nice coffee table book is something that can be passed around to get a lot of gasps and admiration. I'm a big fan of Extreme Running by Kym McConnell and Dave Horsely, available at ZombieRunner for $15.

Custom Trail Running Shirt/Tie/Mug/Whatever ($10-40)

Zazzle.com is a custom-making miracle site that can put just about any picture or phrase on a shirt, mug, hat, tie, etc., and ship it to you in days. Create a one-of-a-kind gift for your trail runner! You could also go for a license plate frame.

Framed Photo ($15-50)

Did your trail runner have an epic race experience? Go find the photo service that was at the race, and get them a nice framed photo. I know we all rarely buy these things for ourselves, but honestly, how many good photos of yourself running do you have? Unless you are married to a photographer like me, it's hard to get a good shot that can be blown up into a decent photo. Time to splurge!

ZombieRunner Gift Certificate ($10-100)

I can ALWAYS find something I didn't know I needed until I saw it at ZombieRunner. Definitely will prompt a smile. Also an easy gift to buy and send instantly.

Jackhawk 9000 Knife ($100)

What better gift to give a loved one than the Jackhawk 9000? Available at Wal-mart. (Thank you, Ricky Bobby!)

Fire on the Track DVD ($15)

This is the best Steve Prefontaine documentary out there, with plenty of interviews with those who were there. For those looking at hours of indoor training through the winter, Pre can help keep them company. Available at Amazon.com.

Personal Running Tour (Free!)

My pal Gary Gellins recently took me on a long run tour of the Foothills Park in Palo Alto, CA, a place I had barely set foot in. It was such a treat to have a guided tour! Set the date, make a plan, bring some snacks, create a hand-written card that sums it all up...voila, an instant free gift.

Source: http://runtrails.blogspot.com/2010/11/trail-running-gift-ideas-for-holidays.html

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140.6 Miles: A Dream. A Vision. A Mission


It just seemed like the right thing to do.

I contemplated for a few months the possibility of jumping in head first into an Ironman race. Well, I say head first because at first sight, it may seem like it's jumping in head first. I spoke with all those that would be affected by my decision to do this, mostly my family, a few friends and my coach, all of which I will need on my side supporting me every step of the way.  And together we have come to the conclusion that however crazy it may appear on the surface, it' time to do this.  The time is right.  The time is now.

My family has been very supportive all along the way.  Every crazy adventure I wish to take on, they're there. This will be no different.  My friends have been very supportive of the idea.  This is after all, what we do.  My coach has been very clear and explicit about the commitment that will be required to do this.  He has told me that it will not be easy, but it will be fun.


On Sunday, August 29 along with our friends, Skip and Charlene Alcorn, my wife and I traveled to Louisville to witness what it would be like.  Skip, at that moment, was also contemplating registering for the 2011 version of the IM.  Charlene is an Ironman.  She finished the 2009 Louisville IM.  It was our intention to get a feel for what the atmosphere would be like. We went searching for validation to our decision to do this race on 2011.  We found it.

From the very beginning we found ourselves getting more and more excited about the prospect.  As the day moved on, we traveled around the course to see different stages of the race; the swim, the bike, the run and then the finish line.  We couldn't believe that in just a short year, we would be experiencing what this amazing athletes were experiencing that day.  The temperatures held true to Louisville in late August.  It got hot and humid and windy.  But this did not deterred us.  We would train for these conditions.


I returned home more determined and motivated than ever. On registration day, I was there ready to pull the trigger.  And that I did.  I am now a registered participant in the 2011 Ford Ironman Louisville.


As my coach said, this will be a tough, difficult and sometimes, lonely road.  But I'm holding him to his word that this will be fun.  I have given him my pledge that I will follow his plan to the letter.

I do not know what the year has in store for me, but I welcome the challenge with open arms.  All I know is that my dream of becoming an Ironman has evolved into a vision, and this vision is now my mission.  So, Louisville, here I come!

Source: http://www.triathlonat55.com/2010/09/1406-miles-dream-vision-mission.html

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Treadmill Workouts

I am still a fan of the treadmill.  Sure, I would prefer to run outside but there are times when that is not practical and it isn?t just because of bad weather – although yesterday was a good example where w/out snow shoes not sure how successful a run would be.  There are many times [...]

Source: http://blog.timesunion.com/running/treadmill-workouts/4964/

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Haddon Holiday 5K 2010

Today, in Westmont, NJ:  20:57, #4 female, #1 Masters, #1 AG. 28 degrees for this race.  Everyone got into position early on and after that, there was little movement. I followed this one guy the whole time, passed a couple kids midway but nobody returned the favor. Garmin splits were just where I wanted them: [...]

Source: http://www.girlinmotion.com/haddon-heart-5k-race-report

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The twelve days of Christmas ? runners version

I skipped my morning run this AM in favor of waiting until this afternoon to run in record warmth so I have a little time on my hands and thought I would get us into the holiday spirit a little! On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…A Garmin GPS On [...]

Source: http://blog.timesunion.com/running/the-twelve-days-of-christmas-runners-version/4836/

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Don't Forget - Ironman NBC Special Airs Sat, Dec 18th!

Don't forget to watch/set your DVR's for the broadcast of the 2010 Ford Ironman World Championship on Sat, Dec 18th @ 1pm PST on NBC (check local listings). This year's program will be two hours long, using special 3D and slow-motion effects, and plenty of the usual heart-tugging stories.

I saw the duel between Chris McCormack and Andreas Raelert when I was finishing up the bike segment at the event this year, and it's going to make for a great special!

- SD

PS - In case you need some TV goodness today, check out the gaffe at the local coverage of the California International Marathon (CIM) where the news crew mistakes the last place finisher of the 10k with the first place finisher of the marathon. Good stuff starts at 3:03...oops!

Source: http://runtrails.blogspot.com/2010/12/dont-forget-ironman-nbc-special-airs.html

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Author/Researcher Looking for Inspiring Trail Running Stories from Women

Dr. Alison Boudreau recently contacted me for a new book project, asking if I "knew any women with great trail running stories". Um, yeah...about a few thousand!!!

Below are some details about what she is looking for - be sure to contact her directly if you are interested.

Thx, SD

(from Ali)

My research re: women marathoners was just published in an academic journal, and I am now writing a book re: inspirational trail runner stories (details below). My book features international women trail runners (USA, South Africa, etc.), from half marathon to 100+ milers (first timers to experienced 100-milers), ranging from 18 to 70+ years old.

Thanks for your consideration, and happy trails :)

Ali

--------------------
BOOK DETAILS:

Has trail running changed your life? Have you perceived a positive impact on relationships or community? Has your courage or strength of mind inspired others? Did you preserve through fears, setback s or obstacles? Are you willing to explore and describe your experience to me? I am interested in how your personal and professional life has changed as a result of trail running.

The current popular literature focuses on the technical aspects of road marathoning. First-timers apply new training schedules and nutritional advice, as elite athletes gain speed and improve performance. Over time, road runners may grow weary of aches and pains caused by years of pounding on concrete. They may also view their slower times as a benefit to achieving longer distances on softer, more forgiving surfaces.

Inspirational stories are often shared by Runners? World magazine. For instance, novice and elite athletes have done road races while fighting cancer, being blind or deaf, running with a prosthetic limb, or overcoming odds. However, who are the heroes and inspirational folks in our trail running community?

This book will capture the heart and soul of distance trail running. What does it feel like to run hours in nature, especially in the dark? Why do you run? What benefits do you get from trail running and not road running? For ultra runners, do you hit the wall like road marathoners? What is it like to depend on a crew or pacer? How do you mentally get through 50-100 miles?

Inspirational stories of long-distance trail runners will be collected, told in their own words. Descriptions may include experiences of their first trail race, most memorable training day or race, overcoming personal challenges, and life lessons learned. Runners will be young and old, first-timers and experts, fit and overweight, famous and everyday heroes achieving extraordinary feats.

This book has evolved from my academic research on female marathon runners, regarding their self-discovery and life-changing experiences with endurance exercise.

Does this sound like you or someone you know?

- Primarily a trail runner or ultra runner (who may occasionally run on roads);

- Believes trail running has had a positive impact on your job, home, or community;

- Finished two or more distance events (at least one 26.2 miles road marathon, and one 13.1 miles or further trail race);

- Can describe (in person or by phone) a specific example of how distance trail running changed your life (i.e., related to stress, decisions, relationships); and

- Can schedule one tape-recorded interview (1.5 hours or less), give feedback of draft story edits, and provide a brief bio and running photo.

If you answered ?yes? to all of the above criteria, please respond to accept this invitation to participate by emailing the researcher (myself) at CoachAlison [at]  comcast.net .

Note: If you have a story already written, that's great! Otherwise, we can schedule an phone interview (1.5 hours or less) for taping. A transcription will be emailed to you for approval. The story will be keep entirely in your voice to fully capture your own personal experience.

Source: http://runtrails.blogspot.com/2010/11/authorresearcher-looking-for-inspiring.html

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Never Say Never: The story of a marathon veteran

There it is. My official Marathon resume:  Patrick ?PDaddy? Hatton, 3 time Marathoner, Chicago ?08, ?09, ?10, Retired: 10.10.10, 12:55:50pm Finishing times are not relevant as I never ran the marathon to win an award or impress people with my …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/runaddicts/~3/-ykANr_afNg/never-say-never-the-story-of-a-marathon-veteran

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Today is the day for my weekly rest run -- did 2 miles

When I woke this morning, I didn't feel very energetic. My wakeup heart rate was 57. I hoped to run 5 miles but when I reached 2 miles, I could tell I was getting tired, and I aborted the run and drove home. I could have pushed fore 5 today, but then I would probably be tired on Wednesday. This way, I'll get extra rest today, normal rest tomorrow, and (hopefully) be ready for 6 miles on Wednesday. I did continue running 101 left-foot-steps and walking 66 lfs.

We had rain during the night, and the ground was wet when I started the run. However, by the time I returned to my car, the sky was clearing. There may be rain or snow tonight, though. The temperature during my run was in the high 30s (F).


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OldManRunning/~3/jY6_nFP-O4U/today-is-day-for-my-weekly-rest-run-did.html

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