<p>Calling on all runners...we've drawn names for Christmas and I have an avid runner (male). I'd appreciate any ideas for gifts. Are there any accessories that you just can't be without? Any gadgets to avoid? Limit is $150.</p>
<p>Last year, or possibly the year before, my son was very obsessed with his Nike + Iphone sports kit. It had some sensor that he inserted into a nike running shoe, then he would upload data to his iphone and track his runs. You can google it and see if it’s still a hot item. Also got him reflective gear since I worried when he ran after dark.</p>
<p>You can check out books of interest as well.</p>
<p>[Amazon.com:</a> Garmin Forerunner 305 Variation Parent: Garmin: GPS & Navigation](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-Receiver-Heart-Monitor/dp/B000CSWCQA]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-Receiver-Heart-Monitor/dp/B000CSWCQA)</p>
<p>My husband can’t live without this. It’s $179 on amazon, and that’s a great price but you may be able to find it cheaper Friday.</p>
<p>^YES to the Garmin 305. I’ve had mine for 5 years now, I think. It’s SO wonderful to strap it on and head out the door, and know exactly how far I’ve run. I can take little side streets or trails and keep track of my distance and pace. It also has a heart rate monitor. It is THE best gadget for runners!</p>
<p>You can also map routes you’ve run on satellite images. I got a great printout of a run I took along the coast of South Africa, in Cape Town. So cool!</p>
<p>The Garmin 305 sounds like a big ticket item he may like. (I’ll have to ask his wife if he doesn’t already have one.). If I can’t find one on sale, then I’ll have to keep looking. </p>
<p>Itslfs, I don’t think he has an iPhone so the Nike device may not work.</p>
<p>To those who listen to iPods, MP3s, etc., any suggestions on quality earbuds/headphones?</p>
<p>Stay away from Nike +. Serious runners are not interested. If he doesn’t have a Garmin, the 305 would be a great gift. Otherwise, gift certificate to roadrunnersports.com or a good tech running jacket. Brooks and Saucony make good ones. </p>
<p>Earphones are a pretty personal item. Everyone has their own preferences so it’s hard to buy for someone else.</p>
<p>MOfWC’s advice is spot on. Nike/iPod is a cool toy, but it is not accurate. If your gift recipient is a seasoned runner, chances are high that he already has a Garmin of some sorts. Double-check or buy it from a source that offers easy returns (if you find a reasonably priced one).</p>
<p>A Brooks Nightlife jacket or vest will be welcomed by most runners. </p>
<p>[The</a> ultimate jacket for nighttime runners: Brooks NightLife Jacket II](<a href=“http://www.brooksrunning.com/Nightlife-Jacket-II/210322979.035,default,pd.html?start=34&cgid=mens-apparel-outerwear]The”>http://www.brooksrunning.com/Nightlife-Jacket-II/210322979.035,default,pd.html?start=34&cgid=mens-apparel-outerwear)</p>
<p>If he has an iPhone he can just use an app to map his run using the iPhone’s GPS (I use Runkeeper). It may not be as nice as the Garmin (which I haven’t used) but it’d be one less thing to carry which is a plus for running which is mostly about not carrying a whole lot of baggage with you and if he’s really into it he probably has everything he needs and wants but that leaves you still in search of a gift. Maybe it’s worth looking at other things he likes.</p>
<p>tail lite and L-R turn signals.</p>
<p>I hate runners and bikers that wear dark clothing.</p>
<p>Hummm… I hadn’t considered a runner’s GPS until I read about these here. Which one to get: the 305 or the newer 110?</p>
<p>While checking about pedometers on another CC thread earlier this year I learned about the neat Fitbit device - [url=<a href=“http://www.fitbit.com/]Fitbit[/url”>http://www.fitbit.com/]Fitbit[/url</a>]</p>
<p>It tracks the running data, transferable to computer. It also has a mode to track sleep patterns.</p>
<p>Colorado_mom, a pedometer might be a good gift idea for a walker/recreational runner, but serious runners will prefer a GPS - a pedometer that counts steps will never be as accurate as a GPS device.</p>
<p>limabeans, I recommend going to a store (REI etc.) and “test-driving” both.</p>
<p>Garmin 310 is the one I think is best right now. New 910 is due out but delayed, so 310 prices are going to drop. I love my 310.</p>
<p>I’m going to get a medal hanger “I ran these towns” for my marathoner friend who is running 50 states from this place:</p>
<p>[Running</a> and Marathon Gifts Gone For a Run](<a href=“http://www.goneforarun.com/default.asp]Running”>http://www.goneforarun.com/default.asp)</p>
<p>My H won’t take his iPhone when he runs because it’s too heavy/cumbersome. I bought him an arm strap but he didn’t like it. I worry because he’s had some health problems and really shouldn’t be out without a way to call me if he’s in trouble (or twists his ankle 2 miles from home like he did today). Any suggestions?</p>
<p>BB - Yes, very serious runners would likely prefer a GPS device. </p>
<p>I am not a runner. My comment was based on prior input from a runner in the wellness thread -<br>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/838576-diet-exercise-health-wellness-support-thread-786.html#post13066528[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/838576-diet-exercise-health-wellness-support-thread-786.html#post13066528</a></p>
<p>Post 11781 says, “…the Fitbit pedometer/distance tracking function is surprisingly accurate since I have run with it many times and its distance estimate lines up very well with my Garmin.” </p>
<p>It was a new gadget I had never heard of. Seemed like something worth mentioning, especially since I knew CC readers like internet apps.</p>
<p>A lot of the serious runners I know like to get massages to help with recovery/sore muscles. How about a gift certificate for a massage?</p>
<p>I’m a little late to this thread but I’m the mom of a very serious runner. He would never wear a Garmin in the 300 series because of their size. But, that is supposed to be the best series for triathletes who need a device that’s water proof; but for just for running it’s a lot of function that not everyone wants given the size. He’s actually really happy with his Nike +. If it’s calibrated well, it’s accurate enough for him. For Christmas, he is looking at the Garmin 210 or 610 and the new Nike Tom Tom GPS. </p>
<p>Over30 - I had the phone battle with my son for the longest time. I still wish he would take it, but I know he won’t so we compromised with dog tags with his ID information. There’s an on-line company called RoadID that has different styles of ID (dog tags, wrist, shoe and ankle IDs). They have a 10% discount until Christmas day. Code is pcSanta10.</p>
<p>Over30, I have the same argument with DH. He has RoadID but his weekend long runs are usually out in the state forest on trails and fire roads. He always writes down his route and when he should return. If he’s not home within a reasonable time my plan is to call one of his running buddies who also knows the trails.</p>
<p>S2 is getting a Garmin for Xmas. I don’t know which, DH ordered it.</p>