What’s in Santa’s bag for runners, walkers?

Each year, I enjoy giving and getting running related gifts. The best ones are those within a short drive. Here are some of my favorites for this Christmas, usually in the words of runner-friendly business folks.
Ralph Baker Jr. of Ralph Baker Shoes said, “The best gift for any runner is a high-quality running shoe. If they already have a model they love, it’s easy enough to surprise them with fresh new pair. We stock all the best from Brooks, New Balance, Hoka, and Altra. If they’re not sure which model is best for them, I would suggest a gift card so they can be professionally fit. And Feetures running socks are the most comfortable I’ve found and they come in lots of great colors.”
Ralph Baker Shoes offers a professional fit that you won’t get closer than Charlotte or Albemarle. The correct shoe makes me excited about lacing up for my next run. The wrong one will make it dreadful. The store has plenty of replacement insoles and the ability to make custom orthotics.
Back Country and Beyond carries several items that runners can use and lots more that have to do with cycling, camping or other outdoor ventures. Jeff Moose said, “We should definitely include Mtn Ops supplements and vitamins, Garmin GPS watches, Fits running socks, and Groove silicone rings.”
Mtn Ops is a full line supplement and vitamin company. All of their products are gluten free, including their proteins and meal replacements. They have a great variety of flavors in their hydration, energy, pre and post workout supplements.
Garmin is the leader in GPS products including wearables suitable for runners, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Holiday specials include the Forerunner 35, the Forerunner 235 and Vivoactive 3 music, the Vivoactive 3 and Vivoactive 3 Slate & Rose Gold. You’ll find specials on the Instinct, Fenix5, and Fenix 5 Plus line.
FiTS is a premium sock brand made with Merino wool which is anti-microbial, anti-itch, anti- odor and naturally wicks moisture. The socks have a dynamic toe cup, heel lock and are made in the USA with no show and low running socks in a wide variety of sizes to ensure that perfect fit.
Groove Life is a silicone ring company for those that are active or enjoy the outdoors. They are breathable, durable and comfortable with grooves on the inside that allows the ring to breathe. You’ll find a wide variety of styles, colors and sizes including wedding rings. Yikes!
Vac and Dash in Albemarle, the nation’s premier vacuum store that also sells running supplies, has some interesting items. You can find waterproof seat covers, decorative medal displayers and bib number snap-ons so you don’t have to use pins.
The Forum General Manager Rayna Gardner said, “We do three-month memberships that runners take advantage of often during the winter months when it is too cold to run outside. Also, I have been told our cycle classes have helped improve runners’ times. We sell class passes, and the cards do not expire so people can use them whenever without worrying about them running out.”
JF Hurley YMCA Executive Director Richard Reinholz said, “Next one up is our January 1 joining special. It would make a great gift for someone and they can get active at a great price.”
I am hoping to get a pair of lightweight thermal gloves and I plan to give some copies of my latest book, “One Day at a Time,” about my early 2018 run across NC. You can get it at several local businesses.
And of course, a gift entry to a race and membership in a very active running club are hard to beat. Just go to www.salisburyrowanrunners.org and check out the possibilities.
And finally, consider giving the gift of yourself and your time. It’s likely you’ll get back much more. Merry Christmas!