Monday, December 7, 2015

2015 GIFT GUIDE & SKECHERS GIVEAWAY

NOTE: I will not be offended if you want to skip my suggestions, scroll down & enter to win the SKECHERS!


On the day after Thanksgiving, my daughter, Grace, (age 8) handed me her Christmas list.  My reaction?  Wow.  I suppose it could've been worse.  Some of the items on her list include (but are not limited to):
~ a top hat 
~ a magic 8 ball
~ fairy furniture (ie. chairs, tables, pots, pans) for the fairies that come visit her in the night but that she never sees - yes, she believes.
~ a fairy spells book (with real spells, not fake ones) meaning, don't get me a book and write them yourself, mom, because I won't believe that.
~ a giant giraffe stuffed animal (as tall as my room) I asked her what she would do with this.  She told me she'd just hang out and talk to him.  
~ a long hair wig think Crystal Gayle.
Sweet, bizarre, wonderful Grace.  Clearly, this year is going to be a bit challenging in regards to making her wishes come true.  I'll let you know how it goes.  In the meantime,  I do have a few suggestions for the runner in your life.  This list is always a ton of fun for me to put together.  Throughout the year I try out a boatload of running-related products including everything from apparel, food, drinks, shoes, and gadgets and the goodies listed below are the ones I think are worth sharing.   Whether you're looking to give to someone else or you need some ideas for yourself, all of these are, in my humble opinion, totally awesome.  Check them out and have an amazing holiday season! 

RWM 2015 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE



A few years ago Skechers introduced their performance shoe line created specifically with the serious runner in mind. They are now worn by the likes of pro-runners Meb Keflezighi and Kara Goucher among so many other runners of all levels of ability, myself included. This year I had the honor of becoming a Skechers Performance Ambassador.  The GoRun Ultra Road is one of their newer releases and I'm not exaggerating when I tell you that I am totally obsessed.  This shoe does not allow you to sink like it's competitors due to a highly responsive underfoot ride.  It's also insanely light given the high level of cushion with the added perk of a knit upper for breathability.  They are ideal for long runs and recovery days, but will work for almost any type of training.  It is, for lack of a better description, my dream shoe.  It may be a bit strange to put running shoes on your wish list.  But, then, so is a top hat and a long hair wig, so, why not?
RETAIL VALUE: $115*
* Want to try them now?? Yea, you do.  Scroll down to enter the RWM Skechers giveaway.


I love all things Oiselle.  Most of you probably know this.  And there are so many stellar winter items on their site right now.  But this vest is, hands down, my top pick.  Winter weather is a fickle beast, particularly for runners.  We start off cold, warm up, get too hot, then the wind picks up and we get cold again and so on and so forth.  The Gilman vest solves a lot of those problems.  It provides a layer of warmth for your core and a shield from the wind.  But, it's also light and airy, so if you heat up, it's barely there, which is exactly what you want.  Plus, it has a reflective design on it for running in the dark.  Goldilocks comes to mind as I write this as everything is "just right" with this baby.  
RETAIL VALUE: $77


Feetures socks are always on my list.  They are beyond amazing as they have kept my feet comfortable, dry and blister free for thousands of miles.  Literally.  I've run 2,158 miles to date this year and they've all been in Feetures socks.  And just when I didn't think they could get any better, they introduce this funky line of limited edition striped socks.  Proving that running socks can fit well AND have some personality.  This is the perfect way to complete the running outfit you'll be giving or potentially receiving.  If you've been good, of course
RETAIL VALUE: $11.99



When you're feeling like you just can't make a decision or don't have time to deal the elves over at RUNNERBOX will happily do the work for you.  This special edition gift box is filled with fun seasonal flavors and accessories pertaining to your athlete’s chosen field of endurance (run, bike, or swim).  There are so many good treats in these boxes of joy, all hand selected and tested by RUNNERBOX first so they are guaranteed to be awesome.  Added bonus - all orders received before 12 PM EST on December 20th will arrive before Christmas.
RETAIL VALUE:$30


Because so many runners tend to also be coffee drinkers, and because I am a huge coffee fan in general (yes, I might have a small problem), I have added Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee to the list.  This stuff is truly the nectar of the Gods.  The rich bold flavor is likely above and beyond anything you have ever tasted.  Yes, it's pricey, and, yes, it worth every penny.  I'm salivating just thinking about it.
RETAIL VALUE: $34.95


The idea behind this book is so cool.  Poet Kostas Patinios reached out to artist Pola Hadjipapa asking her to "marry" a poem that he'd written to a sketch that she'd drawn and posted on social media.  So she did:
---> Earlier that morning Pola had gone for a run next to the sea - her every step a game with the waves, up and down, back and forth. Her sketch - a simple, playful line with circles and curves - reflected the question that Kostas posed in his poem: "If feet had brushes, what shapes would they draw?"
From that point forward a bond was formed and this project unfurled as they shared drawings and texts, one influencing the other with running as the common subject matter.  Over time it became apparent that, for both of them, running is a way of life and an endless source of inspiration.  Just...wow.
RETAIL VALUE:$24:99

STOCKING STUFFERS

RELIEF: This citrus scented balm is made by the same geniuses who created Body Glide, bless them.  The gentle heat therapy can be used to aid blood circulation and relax muscles and joints.  Roll it on before or after your run for instant warm relief and to help aid with or restore range of motion.  Like Body Glide, it, too prevents chafing and skin irritation.  Awesomeness in a stick.
RUNGUM: With essential ingredients that include caffeine + B-vitamins + taurine, Run Gum is a quick and safe energy solution that works for anyone on the go.  Pop a piece of RunGum in pre-workout for a quick energy boost.  Then chew another piece post-workout for aid with recovery.  Double awesome whammy.
SPORTBEANS: This sweet treat is quick and easy solution for the oft-needed mid-run fuel.  They're soft and easy to chew and they taste as good if not better than the traditional Jelly Bellys.  Be warned...they're slightly addictive.
NUUN: A tube of NUUN is the perfect stocking stuffer for both the runner and for anyone who needs to hydrate on a regular basis, which applies to most of us during the holiday season for many, many reasons.  So many delicious flavors to choose from with caffeine and without.  NUUN is your holiday hydration solution.
PERFORM ATOMIC HEAT: Much like the Relief balm, Atomic Heat cream can be rubbed on muscles and joints to help relieve acute and chronic pain.  Again, good for the runner and any active person who needs support, particularly during the cold winter months.  It should be noted that this stuff is heavy duty (like, don't rub it on and then wipe your lips) and you only need a small dallop for maximum effect.  The heat is instant and insanely intense.  Like, wake up in the middle of the night feeling the heat, intense.  Yep.  That good.
ATHLIGHTS: Keep yourself or the runner you love safe this winter with AthLights, the world's smallest safety lights for athletes.  They are bright, compact and easy to use as they are magnetic.  Just stick them on your clothes and hit the road.  Stay safe.  Be seen.  Run when you want.

************** SKECHERS GIVEAWAY **************


Not only am I in a giving mood.  But the good folks over at Skechers are feeling festive, too.  When I mentioned that I was putting this gift guide together, they jumped in and offered up, not one but two pairs of shoes to giveaway to a couple lucky RWM readers.  I already raved about the GORun Ultra Roads above, but, honestly, I'm a huge fan of the entire line of performance shoes and I feel strongly that every runner should try them.  So, I'm thrilled that I get to offer up a pair of GORUN Ultra Roads and a pair of GORUN 4s.  What better way to kick off the new year than with a brand new pair of sneaks?  Details on how to enter are below.  Huge thanks to Skechers for providing the shoes for this contest.

HOW TO ENTER:
1. Comment below.  Tell us....what's the most unique gift you've ever given or received?  You can also just say you want to try the shoes, but what's the fun in that?
2. Post the following message on twitter: I want to #haveafastday with @runningwmusic & @skechersGO this holiday season.
3. Send an me an email letting me know that you want to #golikeneverbefore with Skechers this holiday season.
The fine print: This contest is open to US residents only.  The winners will be chosen on Wednesday, December 16th.  Colors may vary.  Retail value of the GORUN ULTRA ROADS is $115.  Retail value of the GORUN 4s is $100.  Good luck!

Listen to this:
Light Out - Javelin

45 comments:

  1. my most unique gift was either the Bristol Renaissance Fair tickets or the woodburning kit

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  2. Omg, your daughter's list cracks me up! I love your suggestions for runners as well - the gilman is on my list. Hmm, most unique gift - my husband back when we were dating found a bean plant for me (he calls me bean) that when it sprouted, the beans said "I love you" on them. Very adorable and certainly unique, lol.

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  3. The most unique gift I ever received was sharing a deflated air matter with you during Reach the Beach :) Or maybe the discarded piece of gum you handed me from your mouth during a transition? Either way, I want to try those shoes!

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    1. Those were really good gifts as far as I'm concerned.

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  4. Hmmm my most unique gift was probably something totally random by a clueless but well-meaning relative. At least they tried LOL.

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  5. My most unique runner gift was a bouquet of running socks on Valentine's Day from my wife. :) P.S. I also REALLY want to try the shoes!

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  7. My three year old asked for a remote controlled chipmunk for Christmas. After a lot of googling, I did find one!!!

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  8. Um, definitely YES to the fairy furniture, right?!! :) I LOVE THAT ONE!! Oh, gosh...most unique gift?!! That's a tough one. Well, I bought (and attempted to assemble) a tripod deer stand for my husband once-ha! It didn't go well. Such a fun post, Rebecca, even without the giveaway. ;)

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  9. I love your daughter's wig idea!

    The most unique I've ever been given was a poem written for me by a friend.

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  10. My most unique gift was my engagement ring eons ago! Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.
    Erin
    ErinLoves2Run at gmail dot com

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  11. Tweet:
    https://twitter.com/ErinLoves2Run/status/674051979237199873
    Erin
    ErinLoves2Run at gmail dot com

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  12. A Dyson dustbuster from my husband. Just what every wife has at the top of her xmas list. Though I will say, I am still obsessed with it. Wish I had a holster so I could carry it around at all times

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  13. The most unique gift I ever got ...Has to be a tie between computer monitor wipes and toilet paper. Nothing says Merry Christmas like cleanliness!

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  14. The most unique gift I ever got was a mix CD that contained songs be Seattle based artists but a few of them weren't from the Great Seattle Area. It's the thought that counts!

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  15. My hubby got me three pairs of running shoes for Christmas last year. He's a keeper!

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  16. This year I am bringing to my family Yankee swap a pooping pooches calendar. Hopefully it'll be a hit!

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  17. This year I am bringing to my family Yankee swap a pooping pooches calendar. Hopefully it'll be a hit!

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  18. I like your list of ideas and wished I had seen it earlier for the Loop Secret Santa Exchange. Well, that package is in the mail now.

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  19. My most unique gift was a poem written by my son.

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  20. Can't think of any unique gifts received. Last year my church pastor gave his wife a bathroom scale. She made him take it back.

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  21. My most unique gift I have ever received for Christmas was a porcelain Santa wiener dog that opened up...Apparently you can store hot dogs in it??? I only wish I could make this stuff up! ;)

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  22. My most unique gift was a runnerbox!

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  23. What a fun giveaway! Most unique 'gift'...a bucket full of pennies! It is a great story, I'll tell you sometime!

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  24. The Fairy stuff sounds great! I'm sure you can figure it out :)

    Most unique gift I ever gave someone: I had my husband brew a beer for my stepdad and then I printed out labels for it with my stepdad's name and picture on it!

    Most unique gift I ever received just might be when my husband (bf at the time) bought me a new muffler for my car....ahh, love..

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  25. For years, one of my relatives kept giving me commemorative coins (no, I've never collected them). He stopped when I told him I used the collection of 50state quarters to do laundry. I mean,what else is a college student going to do with a bunch of quarters?

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  26. My MIL is the queen of crazy (yet useful and thoughtful gifts!). For hanukkah this far we have gotten a frost protector for our car window (she is from the south, I am afraid the yankees in boston would make fun of me if I use it), curry paste, and a new yorker giant jigsaw puzzle... can't wait to find out what the next 5 nights bring us!

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  27. What a fun giveaway! I love the GORun 4's, and have been DYING to try the Ultra Roads. Anyway, the most unique gift I've ever received was a set of wooden salad tongs with elephants carved in the handles. They're actually pretty cool, and I use them all the time :-)

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  28. The most unique gift I've ever given was a NASCAR driving experience to my husband. We aren't NASCAR crazies but my husband loved it!

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  29. My husband received an electronic fly swatter (picture an electrified tennis racket) from my aunt. This was after dealing with the monster bugs on a family trip to Austin. The guys all took turns zapping themselves while sitting around the Christmas tree.

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  30. My husband's grandfather used to raise and race homing pigeons. After he passed away, my husband started our own loft. He does not race them, but uses the to train our dogs...the pigeons are put in a trap, the dogs point them and then the pigeons are released and they fly home. Anyway, last year for our family gift exchange, I made a calendar of pictures of the pigeons and included an extra special one of Dan and Grandpa. It was the first time a I'd ever seen Grandma steal a gift from someone! And no one dared take it from her!
    Also, I was pretty proud of myself for giving my husband a framed, signed copy of RW when Lauren Fleshman was on the cover for Christmas last year. She was so nice to write a message to him, and he was super surprised. I'm forever grateful to Lauren for doing that for me!

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  31. I'd be pretty darn happy with anything on that list (even a crystal gale wig!) Most unique gift I've received? How about most consistent...my mom has given me a 3 pack of the same kind of underwear every year since I was in high school.

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  32. Most unique gift is picture mug to take with me everywhere! I would love to train for the Boston Marathon in the GORun shoes!

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  33. Awesome giveaway! Are both pairs going to a single winner, or are they being split among two?

    As for the most unique gift I've ever given, I'm pretty pleased with myself that I'll be giving my mother a first edition of The Father Christmas Letters by J.R.R. Tolkien this year. She's a huge Tolkien fan and an avid reader, so I think this will be one of the more thoughtful Christmas presents I've given her over the years.

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  34. Hmmm. Most unique gift. My husband once gave me those corn cob holder things- I definitely did not ask for them. Since then, I have given a detailed list, just like Grace's. I'm also going to send him the link to this gift guide, because it is fabulous!!

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  35. My most unique gift would probably be a "painting" my son made for me!

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  36. i just got my new gilman vest and your description is perfect. i love it so!!!!

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  37. Does Yankee swap count? Last year at my extended family Christmas I ended up with a life size hasselhoff cut-out. I didn't bring him home ha.

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  38. My most unique gift was shoelaces with my name on them. I was 7 and my sister who gave them to me was 4. "She said I got you a present and it's not shoelaces with your name on them."

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  39. I currently have a pair of GoRuns that I LOVE!
    I got a hat that looks like a boob at my ski patrol party last year.

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  40. I'm not very good at unique, but one year I stole one of many husband's game jerseys from when he played baseball for Notre Dame. I had it all framed up for him to display next to this awesome picture he saved from when they played in the College World Series. I thought it was a good gift!

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  41. Thanks a lot for letting me know about these running gifts. I will select anyone from these.

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