It’s the most run-derful time of the year! And I’m back with another holiday gift
guide for the runners in your life, but this year’s has a little bit of a
twist. If the runner is anything like the ones I know, they have
everything. So instead of focusing
on things for the runner in your life, I’m focusing on experiences for the
runner in your life.
Running
Tours
If you’re like me, there are many places in your city
that you have yet to explore. One
of my favorite ways to explore a city is by running and so many places have
running tours that will give you a different perspective of where you
live. Here in San Diego, StepXStep
running has tours through various neighborhoods, each with their own history. Another great thing about running
tours—they don't just need to be local.
Is your runner traveling? Find a running tour for wherever it is they
go. Not sure where to start on finding a running tour? Check out your local running store for suggestions.
Self-Care
Running is hard.
It’s hard on your feet and legs.
It can be hard on your spirit. Like most runners, I will tell you that
no matter how hard it is, it’s also one of the best experiences. And one way I love to keep it a “best
experience” is with a little self-care.
For me, that’s pedicures.
So think about a gift certificate to your runner’s favorite salon or
spa. They don’t like pedicures?
Find out what they do like—maybe it’s massages, cupping or acupuncture. And these things aren’t just for
runners—you can join in on the fun too!
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| Notice the black toe nail. |
Beer
Tasting
Okay—so this isn’t running related, unless you consider
it carb loading. But sometimes we
forget that runners like to do things besides run. For me, beer tasting is one of those things. And it can be fun—I’ve been traveling a
lot this year and have discovered local breweries almost everywhere I go. If the runner in your life doesn’t
drink, try visiting local eateries during a restaurant week or create your own
by visiting neighborhood restaurants and ordering appetizers. Try visiting places you’ve never been
to but have always wanted to try.
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| Bitter Brothers Brewery |
“Afoot
and Afield -San Diego County”
Yes—I know I said I wasn’t talking about things in this
year’s gift guides. But as Mick, an advid hiker and trail runner, from Lynx Running said, this book is a “gift with the possibility of
exploration.” The San Diego
edition of this book offers over 200 outings—how fun would it be to go through
the list and check them off with your family and friends as you complete
them. Each trip gives you mileage,
difficulty level and will let you know if it’s dog friendly. It can be fun for everyone! (Don’t live
in San Diego? I found other location versions on Amazon.)
As we venture into the “Season of Giving,” I hope that
we all consider that giving doesn’t necessarily mean things. I won’t lie—if someone wants to gift me
a Garmin Fenix, I will gladly take it.
But what would mean more to me is someone gifting me their time. Spending time with me, whether it be
doing something I love or something we both love, and the memories hold more value than
any item every could.
What are you hoping to receive this year?
Until next time, happy running.
Jenn13.1
