Would it be the holidays without us spilling a little tea about what we might be gifting our running partners, crew chiefs, and supporters? Or maybe this is just a big *hint hint* *wink wink* to what we hope we find under the tree or in our stockings in just a few weeks? Either way we put our brains together to come up with a holiday twist on our regular “What Our Team Loved” blog – and hope you can take a little inspo for treating someone special in your running life.

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Dylan

Something for the Run

I’m the weird type of person that cuts factory liners out of any and all running shorts. Whether brief or compression, get that stuff out of here. I prefer to buy separate athletic briefs and wear those under my running shorts. It was a strange underwear habit I picked up randomly several years ago that I now view as core to my identity. The best brief I’ve found comes from independent trail brand PATH projects. The Tahoe CL comes in 3, 5, or 8” inseam. I own probably 10 pairs of the 5”.

Something for Recovery 

My only Black Friday purchase this year was a new yoga mat. As an aging pro athlete with a lot of miles on the odometer, I felt the need to invest in a new mat, if only to incentivize myself to spend more time getting properly limber before and after my training sessions. After listening to a recent How I Built This podcast, I chose the Manduka PROLite Long & Wide. I have to say, a fresh mat has definitely encouraged me to spend more time rolling around on the floor. It’s heavy and plush and has the palpable feeling of quality I was expecting after hearing the podcast. Safe to say, I’ve been influenced.

Something for Fun

Alexis Berg is a longtime friend in the trail space. In my opinion, the French photographer and storyteller has captured the spirit of trail running better than anybody in the last decade. This June he published Grands Trails, a new coffee table book replete with incredible images and stories from our amazing sport. I bought a copy from him in Chamonix during UTMB and so enjoy occasionally flipping through, admiring the beauty of the people and terrain he captures. The book is currently only published in French, so I can’t understand a single word on the pages. Luckily his photography alone makes it well worth the investment. Your coffee table will never be more inspiring. 

Harmony

Something for the Run

I used to only wear Stance running socks, which I still love, until we made our own… which I love more! They are my favorite. Silky smooth on your tootsies, yet they don’t slip around in your shoes. These are the perfect ankle length socks that look good and feel good. You can thank me later. Get some for you and your favorite running partner.

Something for Recovery 

I am the self-proclaimed Queen of Sweatpants. Not sure that’s something I should be proud of, but I know a good pair when I see ‘em! And trust me, the new Freetrail sweats are all time. Buttery soft, super warm and cozy, they are perfect for winter. 11/10 can recommend – treat yourself.

Something for Fun

Food is fun, right? At least dessert is. If you want to be crew chief of the year or even just friend / spouse / parent / person of the year, I recommend getting this cookbook and doing a bit of baking. Not saying you should make the Kouign-Amann for a mid-run snack, but also not not saying that ;-). But really, even the basics (read: chocolate chip cookies) are A++ delicious.

Ryan

Something for the Run

I run often with a camera as you may or may not know. If you (or a person on your christmas list) are looking for a small, lightweight one that still cranks out bangers, then look no further! The Fujifilm X-S20 is my go to for all things running. Peep Freetrail’s IG and almost everything on there as of late comes from this camera. Hit me up if you want lens recommendations!

Something for Recovery 

What better way to recover from running than to sit and not run! – Instead of running, build this Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle LEGO set. Treat yourself or give this 2,660-piece buildable display model to adult Harry Potter fans and collectors as a holiday gift. Now that’s recovery (90’s freeze frame smile with thumbs up)

Something for Fun

Lay on the couch. You’ve had a long run. You need the rest. Get a pint of Trader Joe’s Gingerbread ice cream and read this book: Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman. As someone who deeply resonates with Loki, I rather enjoyed this! Fun stories about all of the iconic gods. It was also fun to know more about these gods than my friends that are obsessed with Marvel movies/comics. It takes about as long as a long run to read the whole thing. Please enjoy!

Corrine 

Something for the Run

For the training partner who agrees to meet you at dark o’clock just because they like your company, and perhaps you’ll protect them against large animals – this holiday, get them the best little emergency headlamp ever, the Petzl Bindi. This little rechargeable powerhouse weighs in at only 35 grams and packs a pretty decent punch with 200 lumens in such a tiny package. It hits in a shorts pocket, around your wrist, but honestly you’ll forget it’s on your head once it gets light 30 minutes into your run. While brighter headlamps might be my racing go to, there’s always a Bindi in my running bag. This holiday season make sure your running partner is never stuck out in the dark. 

Something for Recovery 

Maybe this is for you, since we all need a little loving, or maybe this is for the person who “puts up with you” – this holiday book the massage. Do it, book that massage right now, or grab a gift card to the local body magician. While all the tools and gadgets, foam rollers, lacrosse balls, and rolling sticks can go a long way there is just something, shall I say relaxing, when someone else is doing the hard work. Call it routine maintenance, call it a luxury – either way it’s sure to be a winner for your sore quads or their sore back. 

Something for Fun

For the aid station captain in your life who has a box full of costumes, because you know they have a new Alice in Wonderland themed scheme, and who just can’t stop giving – this holiday, give them their very own Uncrustables maker. That’s right, the crustless sandwich pockets of yore are going to be the next big aid station creation. Before you know it they are going to be pioneering grilled cheese instant mashed potato pocket sandwiches that runners from all over the world are going to flock to their aidstation for. Michelin star anyone? 

Cody

Something for the Run

For the running buddy who carries a ton of items on the run but hates wearing a running vest –  this holiday, the Territory Run Co. has your back, with their latest piece of gear, the Long Haul Run Belt. The Long Haul Run Belt has become a go-to piece of gear for all my long runs. It might possibly be my gear of the year! This belt has enough storage space for everything you might need – a hydration flask, a phone, a GoPro, car keys, gels and, if necessary, a rain jacket. The best part?  It can do it all without bouncing or causing chafing. This Holiday season, give the gift of hands-free running.

Something For Recovery

For the life partner in your life that spends way too many hours on their feet training (and you’re looking for an alternative to foot rubs to soothe their tortured toes) this holiday season give the gift of relaxation and relief! The Roll Recovery R3 Foot Roller is designed to soothe tired, achy feet. Its orthopedic design targets pressure points, providing instant comfort and easing foot tension. The R3 Foot Roller has become my recovery best friend. It’s small enough to travel with and allows you to relax your plantar fascia and stretch those tired feet. Don’t let your running partner’s feet down this holiday!

Something For Fun

For the crew chief or pacer in your life that drops everything to support you at your greatest moments and your worst… say when you’re at mile 80 in a race and crying, claiming you’ll never run a race again, but six months later you find yourself back in the same twilight zone of tears. Yes, that group of people deserves fun too! This holiday season give your crew chief the gift of a traveling bar. It’s the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and refined relaxation, making those post-run gatherings unforgettable. Just because you’re suffering on the trails, does not mean everyone back at HQ has to too.

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