back to Dougs Column Christmas Free Pree Column 2006
By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist
12/02/2006
Friends and family should have no trouble finding great holiday gifts for runners if they visit one of their local running specialty shops.
At the New Balance store in Farmington Hills you can find Detroit Free Press Flagstar Bank Marathon gear available. Commemorate the event with an Axis zip neck top for $55. Or pick up a mesh Freep running hat for $20. Want another finishers T? It's only $15. Try on a pair of the NB921's with removable spikes.
Runnin' Gear's several locations, including Brighton, sells many new exciting items for the holiday season that will help make running safe and warm this winter: Look at the Duravision lighting systems such a flashlight with bike mount, cap torch, safety light 180 degree Pro, and the H20 resistant LED clip. For lightweight grippers on ice and snow try Get A Grip and YakTrax.
Ear Bags (bandless ear warmers) are new this year. The store has a large selection of InSport winter clothing for les than $40. They also carry the Mizuno Breath Thermo line for under $60
Total Runner in Southfield or Southgate is a big promoter of the Garmin Forerunners. They carry four different models to suit your budget. For stocking stuffers they offer energy bars, running stickers/magnets, BodyGlide and speed laces. If you can't make up your mind they have gift certificates.
Hanson's Running Shop has numerous stores serving the north and east side of Detroit. Make your runners happy by purchasing a Brooks Wanganui Tights/Pants. Keith Hanson claims it is the warmest pant on the market. They also sell Balega Socks $9.95/pair, running logs, safety arm bands for visibility and pepper spray. Brooks blinking and reflective magnets are popular for nighttime visibility. If you didn't pick up "The Stick" massage tool at the marathon expo it's available here.
Running Fit has many locations to serve you. Check out their X-Static silver fiber, anti-odor technology boxer and brief shorts by InSport, under $30. Nike travel bags are always a great gift. I liked illumiNite's pants, jacket and vests. RF also carries a full line of Brooks reflective gear. For stocking stuffers look at their easy laces or Ice Up canisters.
Gift ideas at Bauman's in Flint include the Nike "Pre", functional long and short sleeve shirts, poly pro fleece mitt cuff running tops. Tune your run with the high tech running iPod and mp3 ready players. Nike + iPod has wireless shoe sensors in some of their models.
The hot selling items at Playmakers in Okemos include: the Pearl Izumi Thermal Fleece Zip Tight at or the North Face Apex Zip Shirt Jacket. The Brooks Aireplex Jacket is an employee favorite. Check out the Ice Breaker Bodyfit 260 or Under Armour Speed Beenie and the Hind 3 Season Glove.
Some fun stocking stuffers include magnets CC, 26.2 and Runner Girl, tree ornaments for $7 or the Chi Running Book.
Gazelle Sports with stores on the west side of Michigan sells a lot of SmartWool products. They also recommended the Life is Good shirts and North Face jackets. Hot new items include the Garmin 205 and InSport stretch X-static wear.
Personal Bests:
26.2m - 2:13:34, 25km - 1:17:58, 13.1m - 1:04:51, 20km- 1:02:37,
10m - 48:33, 15km - 46:01, 10km - 29:44, 8km - 23:25
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