2014 Christmas Gift Ideas for Runners–Fuel for Runners

As the holidays approach, the search for the perfect gift for each person on your list will only intensify. If you are shopping for a runner this year, over the next few weeks I’ll give you hundreds of gift ideas in a number of different running categories.

Today, I will be looking at fuel for runners to use during a long run or race, as well as some options for carrying water with them while they are out on their runs.

If you’d like to download a list of all of the runner safety items listed on this post (with clickable links to make shopping easy) and talked about in the podcast episode, simply click here.

Gifts Focused on Fuel for Runners (and Hydration Too!)

• Energy Bits–By far my favorite source of fuel for runners of all distances/ speeds/goals. I love the fact that Energy Bits are 100% real food, and that the energy you get from a handful of Energy Bits lasts for a while, not a quick high and drop like with the sugar-heavy options on the list. Use discount code Marathon to save 20% on your order.
• Gels–There are many different types of gels out there on the market, none of which taste good at all! That said, many runners think they need them, and the make great stocking stuffers! Power Gels, Honey Stinger Gels,Cliff Gels, GU
• Chews–Basically, chews are the same thing as gels only they have a little bit of pectin/gelatin in them to hold them in place. Think fruit snacks that taste like cough syrup! there are a number of different types of chews available, and in my opinion, they are at least a step or two above the gels. Honey Stinger Chews, Shot Blocks, GU Chomps, Sport Beans
• Hydration–If you’re shopping for a runner that prefers to carry his or her own water, they basically have three options.
  • Hydration Pack–Worn as a backpack with a drinking straw on your shoulder, hydration packs are great for keeping a runners hands free during their run.
  • Hydration Belt–Hydration belts usually have multiple smaller bottles that either clip on or fit into pockets on the belt for another hands free option of carrying water. I recommend the belts with pockets to avoid accidentally losing a bottle due to a faulty clip.
  • Hand Held Bottle–Most hand held bottles come with a strap that fits around your hand to make carrying the bottle easier. These are my favorite ways to carry water when I’m running, for reasons that I discuss in the podcast.
• Electrolyte Replacement–I don’t regularly use any of these products, though I know some runners prefer a flavor to their water on their runs. I have taken gatorade and/or powerade at the races I’ve run, but never carried it with me. Nuun is new to the market, zero calorie, and I know people that love it. I, however, have never tried it.

 Fuel for runners is an important consideration, both before and during, those long runs and races. Find out what type of fuel your runner prefers, and you can pick up something within that category and most running/sporting good stores. And if all else fails, just add them to your Amazon cart to save you a trip from running around town!

Click here for a downloadable list of my favorite items, with clickable Amazon links, to make your holiday shopping as easy as possible!