Run Faster Mommy 2011 Holiday Gift Guide - Part 1

It's the most wonderful tiiiiimmmeee of the yeaaaarrrr!!!!

I've been getting questions left and right from people wondering what to get the favorite runner in their life for the holidays this year. And while we all know this season is about SO much more than presents, it's still a satisfying feeling to give gifts to those you love.   So I've compiled the first (of probably two or three) lists of my favorite gear of 2011, suitable for both guys and girls!  These are great products that I have personally tested, use frequently, and would totally recommend.  I hope you enjoy!




APPAREL:

YMX by Yellowman

http://www.ymxbyyellowman.com

"Multi-Sport performance wear with a spark of personal style".  Cycling, Running, Yoga, Multi & Winter sport wear for men and women.  Built on an extensive library of original tattoo artwork collected around the globe, YellowMan offers collectible, limited wearable art prints. The idea is that they can transition nicely from your workout to your every day wear...assuming you aren't a hot sweaty mess post workout!  Seriously though, I'd wear some of this out to the mall as soon as I'd wear them out to the gym.  The gear is VERY light weight, and BRIGHT, which in case you haven't noticed, is how I like my workout gear! Check out my review **HERE**  

INKnBURN 

http://www.INKnBURN.com/

Alright alright alright. I lied already. I have NOT personally tested out any INKnBURN products. But I oogle at them daily, and as soon as the bill fairy gets out of town, some INKnBURN will be mine!!! But back to the review:  Moisture wicking, light weight technical gear that stands OUT!  These designs are LOUD, and not the same old Nike shirt that everyone and their mother got from the last Dick's sporting goods sale.  From tanks, tops, shorts, jackets, arm sleeves for men and women, and even sports bras for women.   INKnBURN says "We want to empower you to do your best, and our designs are all about personal strength and performance. Don’t disappear into the crowd... Distance yourself with INKnBURN and the Art of Running"

TOUGH CHIK

    www.toughchik.com

From performance gear to casual wear to bamboo yoga wear, this clothing line is all about the statement.  (Sorry guys, nothing for you here ) "Tough Chik is not just a clothing line, it is an outlook on life. All women have a personal story that makes them tough and our goal is to celebrate that in a creative way."  Designed by women athletes for women athletes, this gear not only looks cute but WORKS and fits well.   Their line is not barbie/girly cheesy, instead awesome sayings like "Trail Blazer", "Run like you are being chased" and "Mom on the Run" empower female athletes...all with a bad a$$ little chicken  As the Tough Chik's say..."THIS is what TOUGH looks like!"

GIFTS:

Book: "Long May You Run" by Chris Cooper

http://www.chriscooperonline.com/

NOT your average "how to run faster, stronger, longer, PR, etc" book.  Long May You Run is a collection of awesome running facts, history, motivating quotes, and "did you know?"s.  A book you can pick up, read a few pages, and put back down, feeling a little more inspired for the rest of your day.  "Long May You Run" is a perfect gift for ANY runner in your life, from the new Couch to 5k'er to the experienced elite. Anyone who appreciates running in their life will appreciate this book!  Click here to read my full review   

book: "Running on Empty" by Marshall Ulrich

http://www.marshallulrich.com/

I have a hard time finding time to read for pleasure.  Between working, training, and, oh yeah, chasing two ridiculously rambunctious preschoolers around the house, sitting still to focus on a book is not on my priority list. But I could not put this one down.  A memoir of Marshall Ulrich's transcontinental race.  Even if you are just a brand new runner, you will be inspired by the amazing feat, combined with pure human emotions described in this book.  I will read this one again and again.  *Click here for my full review*.  

just *some* of my sister's bling! 

ALLIED MEDAL DISPLAYS

http://www.alliedmedaldisplays.com

The *original* medal hangers (for real, I remember about 5 years ago when the creative genius behind these things made the first couple and sold them to his pals on myspace!)  A perfect, classy yet creative way to display those hard earned race medals.  Choose from pre fabricated designs or email the creative team to design your own...and seriously, browse their facebook page to see that theres not much they CAN'T do with designs (they are amazing to work with!)   *click here for my full review*

GEAR (a.k.a. STOCKING STUFFERS!)

FLASHBRITE stick on reflective patches

http://www.flashbriteinc.com/

Favorite running gear lacking any reflective fabric? Then grab a few flashbrite stick on reflective patches and ensure your safety.  At under $4 a package, these are a must have safety item for ANYONE walking the streets in the dark...runners, cyclists, pet owners, kids....the possibilities are endless!  The sticker, made of genuine 3M Schotchlite Reflective Material, comes in over 16 designs and reflects light from over 1,000 feet away.  

Saucony ViZiPRO gear

www.saucony.com

OK it's no secret, I'm in love with Saucony's ViZiPRO line.  But not just because of the epic, flashback to the 90's neon Orange and Pink options.   Because a) their gear WORKS, and b) the ViZiPRO color has purpose above and beyond looking stellar at the roller skating rink.  According to Saucony: "Independent testing by color experts showed ViZiPRO® Orange and ViZiPRO® Pink to have the highest reflectance factor of any color in the industry, including neon yellow and green."  BAM!  Saucony has a wide range of gear from shoes to apparel to a ton of accessories that fit nicely in this stocking stuffer cateogory.  Two of my favorites include the DryLete Arm Warmers and the Saucony Protection Glove (with a flashlight!) 

CEP COMPRESSION

http://www.cepcompression.com/

The Science behind these things runs deep, read for yourself.   CEP claims their compression will help you run 5% faster while exerting 6% less energy. Sounds good to me! My full review is coming very soon, but I have now tested out the full sock and the compression calf sleeve, and I will tell you that these are the BEST compression products I have used by far.  And, they come in hot pink and hot green, haha. Socks, sleeves, apparel, recovery, and accessories.  Look no further for your compression needs.  

FIRST ENDURANCE 

EFS DRINK

https://www.firstendurance.com/nutrition/efs-drink.html

I've tried a TON of different sources of nutrition, fuel, electrolytes, etc over the last 5 years. I stumbled upon the First Endurance line because they were one of the Team Trakkers/Rev 3 sponsors for our last season.  And I'm thankful I did because a) i like it and b) simply put, it doesn't upset my stomach like SO many  other products do.  Here is the detailed nutrition info, but in short, the highest electrolyte content available (attention you heavy sweaters!)  and NO ARTIFICIAL JUNK!!!!! That is a very important one for me.  Seriously, mix it in a clear water bottle...and it's still practically clear.  No neon green or artificial sweeteners.  Want to give it a try? Single serving packs are only $1.60.  Perfect stocking stuffer!

ENDORPHIN WARRIOR -JEWELRY

http://www.EndorphinWarrior.com

Right before I moved, the good people at Endorphin Warrior sent me one of their awesome Warrior Training bracelets.  RELENTLESS it said.  I loved it. LOVED LOVED it. And before I got to review it....I moved. And left the bracelet behind. I'm mega bummed, and hope one day it makes it's way back to me. But until then, I can tell you, this stuff is awesome. Full of inspiration and motivation, while classy and discrete, Endorphin Warrior jewelry will match ANY outfit, guys, girls, or children.  In addition to their jewelry (bracelets, pendants, rings, dog tags, custom work) they sell tech tees, hats, and more!