You're probably just about hitting panic time for Christmas presents now, but don't fear because we have some more ideas for you. We'd like any of these.
How about some love for your loved one’s feet:
SOLE mouldable footbeds
Give your loved one (and by default you) the gift of non-stinky trainers this Christmas. The new Polygiene material in SOLE footbeds prevents the growth of odour-causing bacteria and fungi at the source. As well as smelling sweet your loved one’s feet will get the support to avoid aching arches, plantar fascia strain and heel pain.
The Active Footbed range is available from
yoursole.co.uk and selected sports retailers for £35.
Oofos
How about some lovely recovery sandals? OOFOS recovery footwear are designed specifically for runners and fitness enthusiasts to soothe and reinvigorate the feet, allowing a faster recovery time.Their patented footbed design cradles your arches and reduces stress on sore feet, knees and backs, enabling more natural motion.
OOFOS are available in nine colours online at
oofos.co.uk and specialist sports retailers, priced at £40.
Some lovely merino goods:
Runderwear
Lots of runners swear by Runderwear to avoid chafing and prevent having to sneakily dislodge your underwear from your butt crack. What could possibly improve Runderwear? How about some lovely snuggly merino ones?
Runderwear is available from
their website in men’s and women’s versions. Price dependent on style.
inov-8 AT/C merino top
This is a lovely warm top with a hood and built-in mittens in the sleeves. Not ‘thumb loops’ but proper full-on warm mitts. It’s a great mid-layer for those cold winter days and feels lovely and soft next to your skin. Any runner would thank you if you bought them this for Christmas.
Pages of inspiration:
We really loved Damian Hall and Daniel Seex’s book
A Year on the Run. It’s a beautifully illustrated book of little stories and would make a great stocking filler. Published by Aurum Press.
And who doesn’t love good food at Christmas.
Renee McGregor’s book is full of great, healthy food to fuel our running, as well as helpful (and qualified) and simple advice about nutrition for training and recovery. Published by Nourish Books.
Functional and stylish:
Flipbelt
This handy little helper will hold a surprising amount of stuff - keys, phone, gloves, iPod etc - and keep you safe and seen at the same time! It’s all in one piece so there’s no fastener - you have to step into it - which feels slightly odd at first but because it’s so snug round your tummy (different sizes are available!) it keeps everything in place with no jiggling. And this version is highly reflective, so it’ll keep your loved one safe on the roads.
Odlo hat and gloves
Odlo do lovely kit. All runners need a hat and gloves. Here’s a lovely, soft, light hat and gloves in a gift set. Easy one.
dhb reflective run jacket
We’ve been really impressed by this one. A super-reflective jacket but it’s not day-glo so you won’t look like you just stepped out of a rave. Clever design, available in blue or black and it’s a very reasonable price.
2XU mid-rise compression tights
Give your loved one a gift that encourages them to go out for really long runs. They get fitter, you get the house to yourself for a few hours, then they can relax in their compression tights. Designed to minimise recovery time, so you can get rid of them again soon.
A gift from leftfield:
Know somebody who could do with a hint? Here’s a big one. The AlcoSense Excel 'Morning After' Drink Drive Breathalyser
It’s the first breathalyser under £100 to use a smaller version of exactly the same sensor used in several UK Police-approved breathalysers, so you can be really sure you’re safe to drive the morning after.
Available from
alcosense.co.uk and in-store and online at Halfords at £99.99
