Gifts for Runners and Walkers – Gadgets & Books

Technology, Reading Materials, and Gift Certificates

Nov 5, 2009

Runners & Walkers Enjoy High-Tech Gifts, China Guccio

Thoughtful gifts for runners and walkers include gadgets to enhance their training and books, magazines and gift certificates that help them stay motivated.

Runners and walkers are easy to find gifts for, as their athletic interests tend to spill out into other areas of their lives. They may read extensively about their sports, appreciate equipment that improves their performance, or enjoy motivational presents. Whether used to celebrate a holiday, birthday, or an anniversary, or to commemorate a special race event, these gifts show runners or walkers that the gift-giver recognizes their interests and supports them.

GPS Watches

Watches with GPS systems track a range of data, including direction, distance covered, pace, and elevation rates. Some are equipped with heart rate monitors. They are investment gifts for athletes who don’t already have one or who like an upgrade. The Garmin Forerunner series is very popular with runners and walkers, and offers models suitable for cycling as well as running.

Recommendations for GPS Watches:

Garmin Forerunner Series: 201, 205, 301, 305, 405
Suunto T Series

Multi-Function and Heart Rate Monitor Watches

Multi-function watches, including those with heart rate monitors, are often cheaper, simpler, and less bulky than GPS watches. They are a viable alternative for beginning athletes, treadmill users, or those needing a second watch.

Recommendations for Multi-Function Watches:

Garmin Forerunner 50
Timex Ironman
Polar

MP3 Players, The iPod Shuffle and Nano, Plus Sports Headphones

Some athletes enjoy listening to music while running and walking. Portability is an issue when on the move, so the size of the MP3 player is important. Although there are many options, the iPod stands out. With its small Nano and even smaller Shuffle, iPods are highly portable. Both models hold enough music to last through a marathon.

Sports headphones, with sweatproof cords and durable earphones, help make training with an iPod or other MP3 player more comfortable than standard headphones. Sports headphones come in several styles – in-ear, vertical, over-the-ear, and neckband – all designed to help the buds stay in place.

Recommendations for Music on the Road:

MP3 Players: Ipod Shuffle or Nano
Sports Headbands: Sony Sports Headphone, Sennheiser Sport Line or Sports Series

Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus Provide Cross-Training Exercise Fun

These add-ons to the Wii system offer exercises that can encourage runners and walkers to cross train. Jenny Everett, writing for Runner’s World, reviewed Wii Fit’s various options from a runner's perspective, concluding the yoga and balance programs are the best games.

Motiavational Running Books and Running Magazines

Athletes also appreciate gifts that speak to why they run and walk. Numerous books and magazines provide informational and inspirational stories and cover a wealth of topics: training strategies, wellness and nutrition, cross-training and strength exercises, profiles and race reports, injury prevention and recovery, and sports histories. With such variety, gift givers can choose material that best reflects the recipient’s primary interests and reading preferences.

Recommendations for Reading:

Magazine Subscriptions: Runner’s World and Running Times
Training Books: John Bingham, Hal Hidgon, Jeff Galloway, and those published by Runner’s World
Inspirational Books: Biographies and memoirs (e.g. Steve Prefontaine, Alberto Salazar, Dean Karnazes, George Sheehan)

Motivational Gift Certificates & Cards

A gift certificate can easily be tailored to an athletes' interests. Some runners and walkers enjoy hand-on, personal attention from professionals who can offer training tips. Others enjoy post-workout pampering by rewarding themselves with a massage or pedicure.

Recommendations for Gift Certificates & Cards:

Sessions with a personal trainer or running coach
Gym membership or extension on an existing membership
Massage or Manicure/Pedicure
iTunes or Starbucks Card

Runners and walkers appreciate gifts that acknowledge their love of their respective sports. Gadgets, reading materials, and gift certificates are thoughtful options for addressing a range of interests and an athlete’s whole being – body, mind, and soul.

The copyright of the article Gifts for Runners and Walkers – Gadgets & Books in Running & Marathons is owned by Debra Peterson. Permission to republish Gifts for Runners and Walkers – Gadgets & Books in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.