A Runner's Christmas Wishlist

Christmas is only a few days ahead and Cebuanos ,including runners, have started christmas shopping. We celebrate the season with gatherings and parties that culminate in exchange of gifts. Do usual gifts satisfy runners? Probably not.

Here are a few tips on buying gifts for runners, Advanced or Newbie, which are available in local running or athletic shops.

Budget is a priority thus are categorized as such.

FREE
1. Foot and Gait Analysis at RUNNR Ayala Center Cebu

2. Nike Running Account at  http://nikerunning.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikeplus/en_PH/?rs=1

LESS THAN P1,000
1. Running socks. Not the thick socks from burlington but the socks from Nike or RUNNR which provide added features like support and cushioning. Price: P150-550

2. Cebu City Marathon Registration. For the ones in training, surprise them with a registration for the biggest running event in Cebu. Price: P250 (5K) / P450 (21K) / P650 (42K)

3. Running caps. These caps are designed with adequate ventilation as well as moisture/ sweat reduction for a drier and comfortable run. Price: P700-900

4. Media Pouch. For your precious iPODs, cellphones, money and keys. Price: P700-800

5. Sport gels or Beans. Nutrition for the Marathoner. Price: P65-75 each

6. Running Apparel (Nike DriFit Singlets and New Balance Shorts). Price: P400-999

P1,000 - P2,999
1. Hydration Belt. For the distance runner. P1,000-2,000

2. More Expensive Running Apparel (Nike Pro Apparel, Adidas Singlets and shorts). Price: P1,200-2,900

3. Phiten Products. For improved muscle performance and recovery. Price: P1,800-2,800

4. Running Shoes. Models released prior to 2008 are usually on sale but are not necessarily inferior. Some may be better than the newer models. Adidas Adizero Racers are a good buy for the advanced light-weight fast runner. Price: P2,000-2,500

P3,000 - P10,000
1. Nike+ Sportband. For the technical runner. Logs mileage, speed and calories. Price: P3,299

2. Timex Running Watch. Some have heart rate Monitors (HRM) for training. Price: TBD

3. More Expensive Running Shoes. Newton Shoes for the midfoot advanced runner. Price: P7,450-8,300

4. Running Tights. CW-X Compression wear for the serious runner. Price: P3,750-4,100

5. Gym Duffel Bag. For equipment storage. Price: P2,499-3,500

 

6. Earphones. Sennheiser earphones provide clear quality sounds for the music-loving runner. Also has noise reduction which can increase the risk for road accidents. Be careful. Price: TBD

MORE THAN P10,000

For your VERY LOVED / SPECIAL ONES
1. Garmin / Polar / Suunto Wrist top Running computers. Logs Mileage, speed, Heart rate and cadence. More expensive models have GPS, stride length and other features we do not necessarily need. Price: P12,000-30,000

2. Oakley Sunglasses. Provides UV Protection. Running in Style. Price: P13,000 - 18,000

3. iPOD Touch / Shuffle or iPHONE. For the Techie Runner. Touch and iPHONE logs mileage and speed. Also syncs with NikeRunning.com. Shuffle for music playback only. Price: P2,000-40,000

PRICELESS: Running Mate

WHEN PEOPLE SAY RUNNING IS CHEAP, THEY NEVER REALLY MEAN IT. 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Published Sunstar Cebu "On the Road" December 12, 2009.