We Heart Our Runners

So your sweetie is a runner.

I know most of you who are reading this ARE the runner.   But one little e-mail, hyperlink to this post inserted, and I can help a brotha out with some creative Valentine's Day ideas!

1.  A girl's gotta stay hydrated.  Even when she isn't running.  This Pink Girl is never without her BPA free Camelbak water bottle.  I have the 16 and 24 ounce styles.  My water never tastes plasticky and they don't leak. At all.  Get her a red one or a pink one.  She'll love it!

2.  She's gonna get thirsty while she's running too.  Pick up the super cute Nathan pink handheld water bottle.  It's ergonomically shaped; I promise it's comfortable to hold.  The zipper pocket will hold her keys.  I've tried other brands, they leak. Who wants water running down her hand?  No one that's who.

3.Running around in the cold is going to wreak havoc on her lips. Keep them kissable soft and oh so delicious with Cherry ChapStick.  Yumm.

 

4.  Keep her toes warm and toasty with Thorlo Experia socks. These aren't the old school super thick Thorlos, these are only padded in just the right places.  They come in scads of colors, but red or pink would be just right for this holiday of love, right?

5.  After a long run, she's gonna want to soak in a tub. Even the girliest of girls, will forgo a soak in scented bubbles for a healing Epsom salt bath. Epsom salts are a natural anti inflammatory and will help ease her sore muscles.  It's cheap and you can buy it in bulk at Target or any drugstore really.  Not the most romantic gift, but practical and if she hasn't already discovered Epsom salt baths, she'll think you are a genius.  I'll let you take the credit.  ;o) 

6.  It goes without saying that arranging for her to get a Sports Massage is also a welcome relief for achy gams.  A Sports Massage isn't the same as a relaxy massage.  Call your local chiropractor and see if they have a masseuse.  She won't leave in a massage induced coma, but she will leave with all the kinks rubbed out.  Check into it. 

7.  She prolly goes through Gu, Sports Beans or Shot Bloks like they are candy.  Replenish her supply. Red and pink flavors abound. Early on Saturday morning as she fumbles through the junk drawer for nutrition to take on her long run, she'll smile when she once again finds the stash you so thoughtfully provided for her.  Git it boy!

8.  You want her to look cute, right?  Okay, win major points by ordering her a glitter Sweaty Band.  These things are amazing!  Don't be fooled by cheaper drug store version. Don't do it.  They'll fall off her head and end up on the gym floor or the neighborhood streets.  She'll never see them again and she'll STILL have crazy hair.  Get the real deal Sweaty Bands.  Totally worth it.  Pink or Red, natch.

9.  We all know how important safety is.  So pick up a blinky red light so that cars can see your precious pookie bear while she runs. 

10.  Speaking of safety, order her a Road ID.  No one wants to think about WHY she might need this.  But good golly Pete, if she ever did, you'll be so glad she was wearing this.  It has her info on it and YOUR contact numbas.  That way if, heaven forbid, she can't speak for herself, they can call you to her side.  I prefer the kind that Velcros on to my shoe, that way it's one less thing to remember to grab in the morning. The red one is really cute!

11.  Yeah, there is a lot to remember to grab as she heads out the door.  She can keep her phone and nutrition handy in her pink or red Spibelt.  Oooh, this thing is lightweight and stretches like you wouldn't believe.  It might look like a fanny pack, but it's way cooler. Trust me.  All the cool kids wear them.

12.  Body Glide.  Nope, it isn't one bit sexy.  But it's necessary. And it comes in pink for girls! 

13.  We all know that I'm obsessed with my Zensah compression calf sleeves.  I call them Leg Hugs.  And hug my tired legs they do.  I run in mine for runs over about 20 miles.  But I also swear by them for recovery.  They come in fun colors - pick up a pair for your athlete!

14.  Last, but certainly not least, my very favorite long sleeve shirt, the Nike Soft Hand Half Zip. This is the softest shirt you'll ever hug.  (hug her BEFORE she heads out and she'll smell better)  It's like butter.  The half zip is perfect for venting and the sleeves are long enough to pull over her hands when she gets a bit chilly.  She's gonna love this in red!

There you go.  14 ideas to surprise and delight your runner honey this Valentines.  Happy Shopping!