what's a good gift for my sister who is training for her first marathon?

12/14/2008 9:35:48 AM

running shoes

12/14/2008 10:21:13 AM

gift certificate to a place that sells running shoes.

pack of gu.http://www.allstarhealth.com/f/gu-gu_energy_gel.htm?utm_source=google&utm_medium=GPS&utm_campaign=2489

12/14/2008 10:24:28 AM

a device that projects a mirage onto a wall?

12/14/2008 10:32:18 AM

a device that keeps him from pissing the bed?

12/14/2008 10:42:25 AM

yeah, don't get her shoes - just a gift card. Runners are very particular about what shoes they want.

Does she have a GPS?
Can you afford a Garmin 305 or 405? Maybe you can go in with your parents on a Garmin 405 - that's the ultimate runner's gift, i'd say.
http://www8.garmin.com/learningcenter/training/forerunner405/
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=11039

12/14/2008 10:44:28 AM

i'd love to get her shoes, but i can't afford the kind she'd want

GPS is a little out of the question too

how about a pedometer? are they useful in training?

12/14/2008 11:28:56 AM

heart rate monitor would be more useful if she doesn't already have one.

Shoes are expensive, but find out where she buys them and get her a GC. Might not be able to buy a set, but you can pay for one of the shoes.

12/14/2008 11:44:31 AM

does she have/use an iPod?
Get her the Nike + iPod plugin. It's only $30. It includes a transmitter that she puts in her shoe (may require taking the insole out and digging a bit of material out of the shoe first, unless you get a Nike shoe that has a place for the transmitter) and an attachment for an iPod (Nano, Mini, Classic, Touch). At the most basic level, it's a pedometer and keeps track of how far you've gone. I used one in conjunction with a GPS, and after calibration, it was surprisingly accurate - within hundreths of a mile compared to the GPS. And on top of that, you can program different workouts on the iPod with different music and stuff

http://www.apple.com/ipod/nike/

12/14/2008 12:03:45 PM

do NOT get her running shoes

not only is she probably (if she's smart and cares about her running future) already fitted for a specific kind, but she is probably already in the pair she is going to be wearing on race day, to ensure they're sufficiently broken in and comfortable on her long training runs

i would suggest like others have said, a gift certificate to her favorite local running store (support the small guys if you're into that sort of thing). i can always use more cushioned thorlos or whatever.

if you want to spend $$$ get her a garmin forerunner 405 which is like the maybach of wrist worn running GPSs. it's VERY money.

if she doesnt have one, get her something like a fuel belt or something like that...they are great for the long runs

[Edited on December 14, 2008 at 12:27 PM. Reason : i see agentlion already kinda gave my advice...]

12/14/2008 12:26:02 PM

A 2:48 finish at Boston.

12/14/2008 12:36:21 PM

http://www.runningwarehouse.com

hat, gloves, illuminating something if she runs in the dark, GIFT CERTIFICATE, RoadID (http://www.roadid.com), Runner's World magazine subscription, iPod shuffle loaded with running songs

12/14/2008 4:24:38 PM

yeah, that's true - if she trains in the cold, then running tights and under-clothing (like UnderArmor shirts) is very nice. Just make sure you get the right size, and see if she has any preferences.

12/14/2008 5:00:58 PM

the nike ipod thing is a good idea. you dont have to dig a hole in your shoe though. you can buy a little transmitter holder thingy for like $7 that attaches to the laces of the shoes

bull city running co in durham across from southpoint in the kroger shopping center-- super nice people. i bought a bunch of stuff there when i was home for thanksgiving and they have the ipod transmitter and pouch thingy

http://www.bullcityrunning.com/

their blog is better right now though

http://www.bullcityrunning.blogspot.com/

or if she doesnt already have one, a road id is a nice thing to have ^^ haha beat me to it

http://roadid.com/Common/default.aspx

[Edited on December 14, 2008 at 6:44 PM. Reason : road id]

12/14/2008 6:43:33 PM

im pretty sure theyll need new shoes within a month after christmas time

12/14/2008 6:46:01 PM

you could get her a case of GU

12/14/2008 6:48:23 PM

Quote :

"im pretty sure theyll need new shoes within a month after christmas time"

there are a lot of variables to that assertion that make new shoes a bad idea as a gift for this specific situation.

12/14/2008 7:03:57 PM

12/14/2008 7:07:03 PM

massages / heart rate monitors / gym bag

12/14/2008 7:28:25 PM

shoes, why in the hell would you get her shoes.

she should already have shoes. if she's training for a marathon.

12/14/2008 7:44:04 PM

bananas

12/14/2008 8:22:45 PM

Try Sports at Crabtree... get her a gift certificate, they are on sale 20% off now!

12/15/2008 11:38:36 AM

Quote :

""

12/15/2008 11:44:41 AM

Quote :

"she should already have shoes. if she's training for a marathon."

because while training for one marathon, depending on your mileage, you can easily go through 2-4 pairs of shoes. Runners can always use more shoes. But they just have to be the exact model and size that the runner wants

12/15/2008 12:29:23 PM

check out fleet feet or another store that specializes in running gear. There are lots of other options other than shoes-- name brand, technical running gear is expensive and would probably be greatly appreciated. Lightweight, longsleeve shirts for cold weather or lightweight long pants would be good for winter coming up, as well as hats, gloves, socks. Other ideas: armband GPS to track mileage and pace, motivational books on marathon running, subscription to Runner's world, little 26.2 decal for her car.

Don't buy her running shoes unless you know what pair she already has, and want to get her a backup pair.

12/15/2008 3:18:09 PM

Smartwool running socks.

I am a runner and I discovered them this year. They are the best running socks EVAR. They have specific versions just for women (more narrow, I think). In fact, because I am in love with Smartwool products, you could get her running socks, a hat, and some gloves. Their wool is seriously softer than cotton, it's amazing.

REI carries most of their line, but you can find it for cheaper if you search online.

[Edited on December 15, 2008 at 5:24 PM. Reason : ]

12/15/2008 5:23:38 PM

best buy gift card?

12/15/2008 5:30:35 PM

oooh runner's world. i forgot about that. i got that from my SO for christmas last year and it's been a great magazine/gift

12/15/2008 7:20:42 PM

12/16/2008 9:09:40 PM

get her a new hobby.

12/16/2008 9:40:31 PM

12/16/2008 9:42:48 PM

^hey if you wanna get me a GNC gift card....I'd be very thrilled!

12/17/2008 6:40:49 AM

I would highly recommend the roadid as a gift. Really nice for any runner to have.

12/17/2008 11:25:42 AM

pay her entry fee for said marathon if there is one.

12/17/2008 11:33:29 AM

if she plans on running it and is already training, she may already be registered

road id!!

12/17/2008 3:42:59 PM

Itunes gift card!


HEY WHY DON"T YOU ASK HER. I BET SHE HAS SOME SPECIFIC WANTS RELATED TO MARATHON RUNNING.

12/17/2008 3:50:38 PM

Multi-vitamin for active people
Calcium + Vitamin D supplement
Amino acids (L-Glutamine, branched chain amino acids)

12/19/2008 9:05:52 AM