Gift Ideas for the Holidays (2011)

Having trouble finding the perfect gift for the trail runner in your life? 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!

2012 Tribute to the Trails Running Calendar ($23)

Uber-photographer and trail runner Glenn Tachiyama (along with Wendy Wheeler-Jacobs) has consistently put out the most beautiful trail running calendars to raise money for the Washington Trails Association. The gorgeous full-page shots (check them all out here) compliment a complete calendar of ultrarunning events. This year even includes an entry form for free race entries! Few things can spice up the drab cubicle life like a constant reminder of epic trail runs hanging on the wall. I buy 3-4 each year. You can pick one up at ZombieRunner, Rogue Valley Runners, or other stores for $23.

Unbreakable Western States 100 DVD ($19)

The latest documentary from JB Benna's JourneyFilm captures one of the most incredible races of 2010, as Geoff Roes, Tony Krupicka, and Kilian Jornet obliterate course records in epic fashion. This is newly available this year, and will be a favorite for sure. Pre sales begin 11/25.

Salomon Advanced Skin S-Lab Hydration Pack ($180)

I'm not sure exactly how Kilian Jornet and the gang at Salomon came up with a pack that doesn't bounce at all, but this one has quickly become a favorite of mine. A little on the spendy side, but worth it! Get it at iRunFar.

Moeben Sleeves ($35)

Fun, sexy, colorful, useful...it's hard to go wrong with Moeben sleeves. Now available in kids sizes. Plus it's fun to check out the Web site and see how Shannon pimps out her model-ready boys (Moe, Ben, and now Jet). ;-)

Western States Lottery Tickets ($5+)

Want to challenge a runner to take a leap to the 100-mile? Buy them a handful of lottery tickets to the 2013 Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run and see if fate will put them on the starting line in June, 2013. Go for the premium package by offering to be their crew! Even if they don't win a slot in the lottery, I bet you get them thinking bigger/longer for 2012. Still available via mail until the drawing on Dec 10th. A great stocking stuffer!

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. For those looking to get into ultras, Bryon Powell's new book, Relentless Forward Progress, is a great one. For the ladies, I would highly recommend Kristin Armstrong's Mile Markers, a witty and adventurous reflection on life and running.

Peppermint Gels from GU ($8.99 for Box of 8)

GU's holiday flavor for 2011 is Peppermint, a great stocking stuffer! Someday they will make the alcoholic Hot Buttered Rum gel, and I will be all over it. Available at ZombieRunner.

Myorope Recovery Tool ($20)

Part roller, part massager, the Myorope is a great way to loosen up a tight back, post-race hamstring, or just about any muscle that is giving you trouble. It fits conveniently in a suitcase/briefcase too, far more so than a foam roller. I like it for post-weights recovery, and the "quad" four ball version is best.

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!) I know I posted this last year, but it's just too funny to skip.

Personal Running Tour (Free!)

If you don't have the cash-ola, give the gift of time with a guided trail running tour of your favorite park. Set the date, make a plan, bring some snacks, create a hand-written card that sums it all up...voila, an instant free gift. And one that will certainly be treasured! If you have a friend who is constantly too busy with kids to do those long runs, give him/her some hand made gift certificates for babysitting. They will guard them with their lives.