2016 Running and Fitness Christmas Gifts

Merry Christmas! Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year to spend time with family and friends. I love winding down the year relaxing trying to figure out my plan for next year and how I can make next year better than this year.

Every year people ask what I want for Christmas, and I never seem to have much to share as I always find great deals on running shoes, apparel, and more.

This year I really didn’t ask for anything, so I was excited to see what I ended up getting from Santa. Not only will these gifts help me improve my strength, allow me to eat better, and will help protect me while I’m out running at night.

I hope Santa was as good to you as he was to me. Be sure to give back this holiday season by donating your time or goods to others who are less fortunate.

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. I enjoy spending time with family, friends, and spoiling my nieces.

Here are some of my running and fitness gifts from 2016.

1. TRX Suspension TrainingTRX Suspension Trainer

Training for your next running race or cycling race should always include additional workouts than just running or cycling. One of the things that I am committed to doing in 2016 is improving my core and overall body strength.

I was pumped to received the TRX Suspension Trainer for a gift this year so that I could improve my core and overall strength. This easy to use workout system allows you to get incredible workouts in a short amount of time, all with your own body weight.

This affordable suspension trainer is great for a few reasons. First, it is portable. You can simply use this with a standard door or overhead support systems, so you never have a reason to skip a workout. Secondly, the TRX Suspension Trainer is affordable. For around $125 you can pick this up online from Amazon.com or Under Armour.

TRX has a free mobile app which provides workouts and demonstrates the different exercises available with TRX.

Where to BuyAmazon.com | Under Armour

2. Tracer360 Running & Cycling Vest

Tracer360 Vestphoto courtesy of Amazon.com

If you have read my running at night blog post, you know that being seen is one of the most important things for running at night.

Now if you have ran in any larger races, you have seen the Tracer360 vest at one of the booths at the race expo. Typically I walk right by these without paying much attention as I have used a standard reflective vest for years.

As soon as I opened the box, I immediately turned it on and was amazed at how bright this really was. Not only were there a number of different color and flashing options, but when I put it on, I couldn’t even feel it. There are ways to adjust the lights so you have flexibility with how it fits.

This vest retails for around $70, but you can typically find it for less than that on Amazon. The vest is powered by 3 AAA batteries.

I originally thought it would be something I would never pay $70 for, but after seeing how bright it was, I really do think this is necessary for anyone who runs during the early morning hours or at night.

Where to BuyAmazon.com

3. Book: Run Fast. Eat Slow.
Run Fast Eat Slow Book

photo courtesy of Amazon.com

If you are reading this then I am assuming you like working out and staying active. One of the important components of performing well is diet and nutrition. Now I don’t know if you are like me, but after a tough workout, I like to eat something that tastes great and will help me recover for the next days workout.

For Christmas, I received the book Run Fast, Eat Slow by 4-time Olympian Shalane Flanagan and chef Elyse Kopecky.

This book is broken up in to chapters by food type. Some of the different chapters include Thirst Quenchers, Morning Fuel, Snacks and Appetizers, Salads, Soups, Nourishing Mains, Sides, Sauces and Dressings, Wholesome Treats, and Runner’s Remedies.

I am planning on trying a few and will be posting the recipe and pictures for the ones that I try. I will tell you that I already want to try the Soba noodle salad with peanut sauce and the fartlek chili.

You can normally pick the hardcover book up on Amazon for around $15 and the Kindle version for around $8.

Where to BuyAmazon.com

Did Santa get you everything you wanted for Christmas?

 

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