Five Favorite Running Stocking Stuffers | Friday Five

It's early December. That means Christmas is coming but also mean it's time for St. Nicholas day. You may not be overly familiar with this one, but it is one we've always celebrated in my family. It's a very orthodox / European sort of thing. We actually would go see St. Nicholas at my grandmother's, not Santa Clause. If you need some education on St. Nicholas, there's a good VeggieTales on the subject that I watched on Netflix with my daughter the other night. In this week's Friday Five linkup the topic Friday Favorites. The basics of St. Nicholas day is he is a gift giver (the basis for Santa Claus) and children would leave hay and carrots in their shoes as a gift to his horse, and he would leave a present. In our family, it boils down to your stocking being filled. St. Nicholas Day is tomorrow, so this was a very long introduction to get to my topic this week. This week's topic is

Five Favorite Running Stocking Stuffers

1. BondiBand

First on the list is one of my favorite items that I wear each run, a BondiBand headband. It works great to keep the sweat out of my eyes and off my face without getting hot where it is trapping heat. It worked fantastic for me all summer. They come in a ton of colors and even with designs, to fit whatever outfit you have for that day or race. They also offer a ton of other products on their site including sweat wicking hats perfect for the winter running (including ones made for pony tails and pig tails), arm sleeves, neck gators and even stuff for the little ones.

2. Nuun

Second is something I drink after every run, Nuun hydration. It's important to always hydrate, even on cold runs. I prefer to hydrate with more than just water, but things like certain alligator named sports drinks are too heavy and contain extra stuff I don't necessarily need. Enter Nuun, a simple tablet you drop in your water to add flavor, electrolytes and vitamins. If you're like me and like that extra boost, they have a version with caffeine, Nuun Energy. They even offer an All Day blend made for giving you something tasty and healthy to get through the work day.

3. Race Day Energy of Choice

Next throw in their race day energy of choice. I enjoy a Clif Bar pre race and for my long races, GU Gels during. I also don't use them regularly, but ENERGYbits are FANTASTIC as well. The smell isn't great, but their output is. I love being #poweredbybits. There are plenty of options and everyone has their own preferences, so find out what they like and throw it in there.

4. ProCompression

I love compression. My personal brand of choice is ProCompression. I love their sleeves and own several pairs. Their socks look fantastic and they even come in several lengths, including shorter ones that don't offer calf compression, if that isn't your thing. So why not stuff the stockings WITH stockings?

5. Gift Certificate to your Local Running Store

Lastly, when it won't quite fit in a stocking, make it a gift card. This way, they can pick out exactly what they want. In addition, get one for your local running store (my local shout out is for Potomac River Running). They'll generally offer all of the above, as well as safety gear, clothes and shoes.

And finally, for your Friday enjoyment, I'll leave you with the full version of the above. Oh my gawd, shoes! (NSFW language. Use your headphones, people)

Linking Up

Check here for some links out to others sharing, staring with our three lovely hosts: Courtney, Cynthia and Mar. Check their posts (Eat Pray Run DC, You Signed Up for What?! and Mar on the Run to see the full set of links). I will add some others, usually randomly, as I read them to share the love. Go visit and keep reading!


Our hosts:

You Signed Up for What?!

Mar on the Run

Eat, Pray, Run DC

Some other good reads, pulled from the link up:

Courtney @ The TriGirl Chronicles

Coco @ Got2Run4Me

Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner