Christmas Shopping for Runners
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

You can narrow your search for Christmas gifts if you have a runner on your family or friends list. Running specialty store owners at Hanson's Running Shop, Total Runner, Running Fit, New Balance and Running Gear were happy to send me there wish list for runners. Start your search here to find the perfect present.

Hanson's is closely tied to the Brooks Company and they have plenty to offer shoppers. The stylish Tienken jacket has special significance because its name is derived from the road where one of the Distance Project homes is located. It's only $45. Their LED Magnet at $15 is still a wonderful stocking stuffer or small gift.

Total Runner continues to consider the Garmin Forerunner watch series as the best new product over the last twenty years. The GPS system watch comes with a rechargeable battery, computer link and optional heart rate monitor starting at $115. Total Runners also sells a ton of running logs, calendars and energy bars during the Christmas rush.

Running Fit stocks plenty of winter gear to keep runners warm. Their Mizuno Breath Thermo gloves, hats, pants and tights are all infused with a type of insulating fabric that generates heat while absorbing sweat.   The insulation process prevents the fabric from cooling when the runner sweats and it reduces the chill often experienced late in a long run or hard workout. The breath thermo gloves are free with a purchase of Mizuno shoes.

New Balance is your store if you want to look pretty in pink for next year's Race for the Cure. They have an entire line of pink ribbon shoes and apparel with ten percent of the sales going to the Komen foundation.

Running Gear carries the Mizuno line as well as many Asics shoes and winter clothes at holiday sale prices. Look for the "Pre" hats and t-shirts or start early with running Christmas cards or tree ornaments.

Check the running shops for some of these great products.

The Firefly Supernova is probably the brightest and most durable safety light and wristband on the market. The rugged construction is built to last with flashing and steady modes using a lithium battery that is waterproof. The light is available in red, green or blue for $15.99

A number of races this year gave away the Wrist ID as raffle prizes. The satin stainless steel finish is stylish and more important could save your life while out on a run. It's available in four colors and can be laser engraved up to six lines of text for $19.99

If there is one book to put on your list, it should be the Runner's Repair Manual by Dr. Murray Weisenfeld. It's straightforward, has good pictures, and answers to many of the common questions that runners with injuries are looking for. Just $12.95.

Google up the Original Endurance Bag, which has the perfect compartments for all your gear. It features zippered fold-down front pockets revealing 8 individual storage areas for things like your energy bars and sunglasses. In also has insulated bottle holders with a mesh compartment for an ice pack and a separate ventilated wet clothes compartment. The padded carrying handles make this the ultimate bag for $44.95.

Go to www.auroralites.com to find some of the best products for running with your dog.   Their collars use electroluminescent technology and represent a quantum jump in safety standards over the traditional, passive reflective gear. About $45.

Contact Doug Kurtis at Detroit Free Press, 600 W. Fort St. Detroit, 48226