There are a lot of things you simply cannot choose for the runner in your life. Many runner essentials – from shoes to tights, sports bras to rain jackets are a uniquely personal choice. But there are some quirkier gifts that don’t necessitate a try-before-you-buy strategy – here are six of the best I’ve come across this year…
Nathan Sports Reflective Sleeves www.nathansports.co.uk
Arm warmers used to be the domain of cyclists only, but these running-specific ones offer warmth without bulk, extreme visibility (especially if you opt for neon yellow) and reflectivity and are easily stowed when not in use. Visible from 1200 feet away. Available in 2 sizes.£26.99
Stink Free sports detergent www.2tomsuk.com
Now, you might not get much thanks for this seemingly unglamorous gift on Christmas morning, but one wash and you’ll be forgiven. Technical clothing, infamous for hanging on to odours even after washing, will emerge smelling of…. absolutely nothing. And a little goes a long way. £13 for 850ml
Nectar Sports Fuel Concentrate www.nectarfuel.com
Sports drinks play a number of different roles for runners – helping with hydration, electrolyte replenishment and carbohydrate availability to maximize performance, delay fatigue and boost recovery. Nectar Sports Fuel meets all these needs because it’s a concentrate, diluted to create a drink of the appropriate strength for your specific needs, dependent on intensity, duration and timing. One 25ml squirt makes a hypotonic drink, 2 for isotonic and 3 for hypertonic. No messy powder, no mountains of empty plastic bottles. The 2-litre bottle contains 40 servings. £27
Zederna insoles www.zederna.com
These wafer thin cedarwood insoles aren’t actually for running in, but they do address a multitude of runner’s toe woes, from stinky feet to toenail infections and athlete’s foot (cedarwood is a potent anti-fungal). And as a bonus, they help keep feet warm. Various sizes £15.50 a pair.
The GRID foam roller www.physicalcompany.co.uk
Foam rollers are a runner’s best friend, and the GRID is my bessie mate, although it’s a bit of a love/hate relationship when it comes to my ITB and calves! The section with bumps and ridges along its surface really enables you to target specific areas of tightness, or you can use the smoother side for more general easing out and stretching of hard-working muscles. £39.99
Correct Toes www.emperorsnewshoes.co.uk
These silicone toe spacers help realign bunched-up or wonky toes – and have been shown to help prevent and cure foot problems from plantar fasciitis to bunions and hammertoes. I have to declare an interest here, because our natural running store, The Emperor’s New Shoes, is the only UK stockist – but we only started importing Correct Toes because we’d tried them ourselves and found them to be so effective. Three US Olympic Team athletes competing in London this year are fans, too. £45 a pair.