Stuff I want: happy birthday to me: part 1 (running gifts)
As you probably know, my birthday is coming up in less than a month. I’m sure you’ve been agonizing over what to get me since approximately December 26. (My cat is helping me type this list, so I would like to apologize in advance for any odd errors. He’s pretty smart, but spelling is definitely not his strong point.)
I thought I’d break this down into a few categories & post some stuff every few days, so as to a) not overwhelm you and b) make sure no one misses their chance.
I may have mentioned once or twice that I am, in fact, a runner. Running is supposed to be this awesome pure sport where all you have to do is put on a pair of shoes & take off – no equipment needed.
I suppose that is technically true, but if all I wore on a run was a pair of shoes, I would be likely be in a LOT of pain and possibly in jail (maybe not in that order).
So – besides shoes, which I have, what else does your typical (i.e. me) runner need?
1. Socks! You cannot wear cotton socks from Target. You will get blisters. Every runner has favorite socks. I have a few pairs that I rotate, but there are really two pairs that I love the most. Both of them are in such heavy rotation that they are getting thin on the bottom, which will likely lead to blisters. My running socks of choice: (size small!)
SmartWool PHD Running Ultra Light Micro Socks
2. Capris. I adore my capris. They are perfect for running in spring & fall (and most of winter, unless it’s really cold). However, I have only one pair, and despite my best laundering techniques they are getting….stinky. So – I need at least one more pair, for rotational purposes. I run 4x/week, and this time of year, I prefer to run in capris for most of those runs. These would be awesome (size small):
Nike Women's Distance Tech Running Capris (small)
3. Shorts. Shorts are obviously important. I hate loose shorts, and instead prefer to run in my Under Armour tight shorts. They are super awesome. Comfortable. No chafing. Plus, they highlight my nice runner’s butt. I love these! (size small.)
Women's UA Achieve 7" Shorts (small)
4. Sports bras. Obviously this is key. Really really key. I do not think it is possible for a woman to own too many sports bras. Because I wear two every time I run, and I run four time a week, sometimes I am forced to run in an unclean bra. Because sports bras are expensive! If someone can find me a sports bra that is supportive enough that I only need the one AND is not white or beige (extra bonus points if it also isn’t black) and doesn’t look like actual infrastructure, that would be awesome. In the meantime, I will settle for these.(any color but black or white, 36DD)
Moving Comfort Fiona (36DD)
5. Hat – hats are super important! They keep the hair & sun & rain out of your face. BUT, they also have to let your head sweat so you don’t overheat. Enter Headsweats hat!
head sweats race hat - red
6. Shirt. I have a lot of race shirts – and a lot of great tech shirts. The one thing I really don’t have is a great running tank top. I am not sure if this one is great, but I like the way it looks! (size medium.)
Nike Dri-FIT Pacer Women's Running Tank Top (medium)
7. Running sleeves – I am craving some of those – when it’s not quite cold enough for a full-sleeved shirt! Aren’t they kind of awesome? 
Zensah Arm Sleeves (S/M) NOT PINK - NOT EVER!
8. Night running safety gear! I run at night a LOT – especially during the winter, when night comes early. I have a blinky headlight, but would love to get some more safety gear. Such as this vest (below) or this
LED Runner's Vest
9. Fuel belt. I have a fuel belt, but at least one of the bottles is not usable, and I don’t like the way the bottles snap (or sometimes not) into the holders. Also, the pocket is velcro & doesn’t always stay velcroed – so stuff occasionally tries to fly off. I’ve read a lot of good things about this one.
Nathan Speed 4 Waist Pack with Four 10-Ounce Nutrition Flasks
10. Nutrition…this is definitely a huge part of running and I’m always running out! Orange Shot Bloks, Vanilla Bean Gu, and Hammer Endurolytes.
Don’t worry – there will be more suggestions in days to come. Biking gear, swimming gear, random other stuff I desperately need.
Of course, if you happen to have other runners or bikers or people who like stuff, I suppose you could use my ideas to get them gifts instead. They may not have the same brand preferences as me, but I’ll bet that most runners would like to have at least some of the above stuff!
No related posts.
January 28th, 2010 at 9:57 am
the led runners vest and zensah arm sleeves are fantastic. great stuff. headsweats are fantastic too; i’ll wear anything of theirs. check their skull cap for the bike stuff too.
and really, can you have too many gu’s? i love the vanilla gingerbread flavor.
gazelle reply on January 28th, 2010:
I have the bike skull cap and LOVE it!
I haven’t tried the vanilla gingerbread flavor. That sounds a little too sweet, I think. I’m weirdly picky about flavored stuff, though.
January 28th, 2010 at 10:48 am
Two sports bras??? Seriously?? Wow, we’re basically the same size (I’m a 38) and I only have needed one — I use Moving Comfort’s Maia and I love it. The latest generation has adjustable straps, which made a huge difference for me in terms of limiting bounce. It really is almost like two bras in one.
gazelle reply on January 28th, 2010:
the maia’s are too…I’m not sure what the right word is…tall? for me? they go up too high into my armpits, and are super uncomfortable. With just the fiona bra, I still move when I run, and prefer to not feel one ounce of bounce. I can usually get by with one if it’s brand new, but once it’s a couple of weeks old, I need two. (it takes two….)
January 28th, 2010 at 11:14 am
Haha, I love that you said NOT Pink ever =). I have the Zensah sleeves and I can’t wait to wear them. After that freakishly warm run we had I now keep them with me all the time in my bag.
So many good ideas of birthday gifts…lots of these items are also on my list but sadly my birthday is in July!
gazelle reply on January 28th, 2010:
feel free to recycle my list when your bday gets closer!
Kristen reply on January 30th, 2010:
A – that is what is nice though – you get gifts every six months unlike us who go from Christmas straight to birthday.
January 28th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
Great stuff! I have one pair of Smartwool running socks and sadly, one seems to have been misplaced in the wash…hoping it turns up!
A comment about the Nathan fuel belt…I have the Speed 2 (two water bottles) and that size has been all I’ve ever needed even running a marathon. I also have a fuel-belt brand with four bottles, and I like the belt fine, but I’ve never ever used up all the water in the bottles, even running in Eastern Washington in the summer (of course, I was able to refill every 5 miles). But I think that unless you are going LONG distances with no water availability, you might want to consider the two-bottle kind to reduce weight and bulkiness. Better yet, one of each kind!
gazelle reply on January 28th, 2010:
I ran with 3 bottles all last summer, and that just wasn’t enough for me. I ran out of water almost every time. I’d rather carry more fuel & not need it than ever run out again.
I have my smaller capacity fuel belt now – just need the larger one!
January 28th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
OHH I love my under armour shorts!!
January 28th, 2010 at 6:29 pm
Have you ever tried Injinji toe socks? They ROCK…I used to get bigtime blisters and since I started wearing the Injinji’s I’ve only gotten them once…which is mostly because it was 86 freaking degrees and I ran through every single sprinkler and water hose on the marathon course. But I digress. Wanna try the toe socks? I’d love to send you a birthday present!
gazelle reply on January 28th, 2010:
I have to admit that the idea of toe socks kind of creeps me out. Are they creepy?
Carrie reply on February 1st, 2010:
No way, not creepy! They feel awesome…no way for your toes to rub. The do look a little weird, but only until you put your shoes on.
January 29th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
All great stuff! I need to get something bright for night running as well as I just about got creamed the other night by a car with one headlight not stopping to make a turn….
January 29th, 2010 at 2:57 pm
Atta girl. Post that list loud and proud! I hope you get ever single thing you wanted for your birthday.
January 30th, 2010 at 12:01 am
LOVE those sports bras! Great support for the well endowed.