Shopping List for your Runner

If you asked Kyle, he would tell you that I have every piece of running gear I could possible need. Being a runner for the past eleven years, he's probably 95% right. I see posts every year for a gift guide for your runner, but this one will be slightly different. This is a gift guide for the runner who already has everything! Most of the links in this post are amazon affiliate links. So if you buy something I get a few pennies off of it. Definitely check your local running store for any of these suggestions to help support your local businesses. Check out 605 Running Co. if you're in South Dakota!

Shoes
Chances are, your runner has a favorite type of shoe they've ran in for years. Check the brand, type, size and you're well on your way to helping them stockpile shoes in their closet like they're their own shoe store (#goalz). I've been wearing Mizuno Wave Riders pretty religiously for the past 4-5 years, so I have several pairs (that are half OFF on Amazon!) on my list. I always stock up on the previous year's shoe model when the new one comes out to get the best possible deals!






Winter Gear
Unless you live somewhere nice and warm, winter gear is a necessity. I've taken the last couple of years off from running, so I'm in desperate need of a nice running coat. My old ones are teeny, tiny, itsy bitsy, and in order for me to be teeny tiny itsy bitsy again, I need to run through the winter, hence needing a new coat. Bonus points for bright colors, warmth, wind breaking material, and reflective elements.




Night-time Running Gear
Speaking of reflective elements, it's been brought to my attention that perhaps I haven't always been the safest runner. I'm in an awesome group of female runners, and they are always so great about sharing tips for staying safe on the run. My idea of safety is letting Kyle know when and where I'm going running (usually). Everyone else shows up to group runs in full on reflective clothes, headlamps, blinking lights, EVERYTHING. So obviously I need those items as well! At the very least, I'd love a lightweight reflective vest to throw over whatever I'm wearing to run at night, and a handheld light.




Running Books
It should come as no surprise that I love running books. I have read so many training books and tried to absorb as much as I could. Here are a few of my favorites:

Fall Marathon Pros and Cons + Fargo Marathon Race Photos

Last week, my office ex-hubby and I were recapping my marathon and discussing what's next. Prior to Fargo, I had come to terms with the fact that with starting grad school in the fall while still working full time, I was going to have to scale back the running. I thought I'd see how the first semester goes and maybe maybe be able to train for the Green Bay Marathon in the spring if I could balance my life. However, in our conversation, I confessed that I was so bummed in my race in Fargo, that I'd run a race this weekend if my body would allow it (don't worry, I won't/didn't).

Well of course, Tom, being the enabler starts spouting off fall races. While I'd love to run Twin Cities Marathon, there is just too good of a chance for hot and humid weather the beginning of October. And then he mentioned Mankato Marathon.

Well.... shoot.

Time for a good ol' Jeri crafted Pros and Cons list!

Pros

• The race is in late October.  High probability of cool (or even COLD and snowy) weather.  Perfect-o!
• It's far enough after the Sioux Falls half, which was originally my goal race for the fall.
• It's cheap.
• I wouldn't have to train through the whole summer (only about half of it).
• It's semi-close to home. Meaning I could convince my parents and Kyle to come.  (sidenote: while almost in tears at mile 24 of Fargo, I vowed to NEVER run another marathon without massive support on the course. Hah.... drama queen).
• It's far enough out that I can heal, recovery, and repair whatever is wrong with me so it doesn't happen the next go around.
• Without a solid marathon time, Danielle will SURELY beat me in our challenge! ;)

Cons

• I will be working at least 40 hours a week.  Attending classes 6 hours a week.  Studying an unknown amount of hours a week, and training for a marathon takes 7-8 1/2 hours of just running a week (not including stretching, long run prep, ice baths, post long run naps).  Oh and that Kyle guy..... I'd like to see him more than 12 minutes a day.
• Less flexibility in my racing schedule.  I would probably only be able to run the Sioux Falls half in the fall while doing marathon training.
• I will have to train in July and August.  As in, even if I wake up at 4am it's still 85+ degrees and 100% humidity.  :/
• Long runs and long run recovery will surely cut in to my Wild Water West time.  This could be catastrophic.

The jury is still out as of now, but feel free to pipe in with your two cents, especially if you're planning on doing Mankato.  If not, make sure to let me know if you're doing any other super sweet (primarily half marathon) races in the fall in my general area.  If I don't do the Mankato, I'd like to run a half in August, September, and maybe two in October.  :/

And can we talk for a minute about how sweet my running friends are?  When I was originally throwing this idea around, I had asked Danielle to send me a copy of the 12/55 Pfitz training program, because that's what I was toying around with doing.  Imagine my surprise when I get a package from Amazon with the whole g.d. book. Looooooooooooooove you kitten. :)

 

 And now on to some horrendous Fargo Marathon race photos.  I was really bummed.  If you remember, my C goal was to take good race photos if all else went to poo poo.  Well there were very few pictures, and they kind of all sucked.  No money from me this time folks!

Kyle's comment: This must be early in the race. You don't look like you're going to kill someone.

What's that?  Someone took away my birthday??

Saaaaaaaaaaad Panda.

Finish line photo.  Of course they didn't capture the arms in the air exuberance of finishing.  Instead they got me stopping my watch.  Also the left foot kick out.... might you be the stem of my knee hip problems??