Jessy here with a special-edition weekend email for you!
Happy Sunday! We all know November is a busy time of year, with the Holidays, Black Friday, and so much more coming right around the corner.
Today, we're sharing with you the 20 best gifts for runners, whether it's for the holidays, a birthday, or maybe just a gift for yourself, all hand-picked by our editors at Marathon Handbook.
Our Head Coach, Katelyn, loves these and said, "Shokz bone conduction headphones are perfect for getting through intense workouts, long runs, or races. They allow you to stay aware of your surroundings for added safety while still enjoying your favorite playlist."
I love this cookbook for its easy-to-follow recipes. It’s become a go-to resource for many runners I know who want to eat clean without compromising on flavor (plus, you HAVE to try making the spelt banana bread).
Nix Biosensors provide personalized hydration recommendations, helping athletes optimize their fluid intake with scientific precision. For me, as someone who does not fare well in the heat, I've found this to be an invaluable tool for making hot weather training a bit more bearable.
Our Head Coach, Katelyn, loves this product and said, "This foot massager is a fantastic treat for soothing tired feet after logging miles—a small splurge that makes a big difference."
The FlipBelt combines convenience with comfort, letting runners keep their hands free and their pockets light. It’s a minimalist storage solution that offers maximum functionality, keeping everything in place during any activity.
VKTRY Insoles are a game-changer for runners looking to improve performance while protecting their joints. They deliver noticeable energy return, almost like having a “spring” in each step.
The Koala Clip is the ultimate in minimalist storage, allowing runners to carry their phone without adding bulk or discomfort. It’s an innovative accessory for anyone who values simplicity and security on the run.
This watch is a powerhouse for runners who want precise tracking and coaching on their wrist, giving insights into every aspect of training, from heart rate variability to recovery times.
These always seem to bring my legs back to life and have become a daily part of my routine. Whether following a hard workout or on a recovery day, they never let me down.
This hydration vest provides reliable storage and hydration without weighing you down, making it ideal for those who love hitting the trails or running long distances.
"Controversial take: most runners don’t need a dedicated running GPS these days. The Apple Watch does just as good a job (in my humble opinion), syncs automatically with all your favorite apps (Strava, TrainingPeaks, etc), and logs all your daily fitness and activity too."
"These are just awesome-tasting gel alternatives without all the weird stuff in there. It’s just maple syrup and some natural flavors; they pack the same calorific punch as other gels, and the stomach absorbs them just as fast. I find them easier to take when on a long run (and my stomach does too), and their maple-soaked waffles are a great little pre-run treat," our CEO, Thomas, said.
Here's what Thomas, thinks about it: "For anyone who uses a standing desk, it’s a total winner. I’m not going to pretend to know anything about reflexology, but let me tell you: I just stand and idly roll my soles over this little gizmo, and it gives a very satisfying little massage. Especially nice after a run."
Our Editor-in-Chief, Michael, said, "I would say that it’s both a great every day trainer but also something a little different and a little bit special. It’s incredibly comfortable and very gentle and generous underfoot. I think a lot of different types of runner would enjoy this shoe and get a lot of miles out of it."
Our Editor-in-Chief, Michael, said, "This is the ultimate luxury gift. It’s an incredible and extremely rare item to get your hands on, and if you can find a pair and know a runner that has ambitious goal times and wants to try to run really fast. This is a no-brainer gift. It’s like giving someone a luxury product along the lines of a Rolex watch or even a Porsche 911, but on your feet and less than $1000."
Want to become a running coach?Check out our friends at UESCA. They do 100% online, at-your-own-pace coaching certifications for running and ultrarunning. More here.
Running News : Training Tips : Training Plans : Shoes+Gear : YouTube : Podcast Hi runners, Jessy here with newsletter #422! 🎉 Happy Wednesday!Here's what I have for you today: 🏋️♀️ If you’re a runner, chances are you’ve heard that strength training is a must, but new research are making us wonder if it's even worth it? 🥞 Long runs are hard enough, don't make them harder with improper fueling! Here's how to nail you next long run nutrition. 🏆 Your first 10K is an exciting moment: Here's how to...
Running News : Training Tips : Training Plans : Shoes+Gear : YouTube : Podcast Hello runners, Michael here, editor of Marathon Handbook. Tonight (my time at least, as I write this), I felt compelled to share a single piece that we just published on our site, as it's been one year since the death of Kelvin Kiptum, the marathon world record holder, and perhaps the single most talented distance runner ever. Kiptum's death is still troubling for so many reasons, and it is important to take a...
Running News : Training Tips : Training Plans : Shoes+Gear : YouTube : Podcast Hi runners, 👋🏼 Katelyn here with newsletter #421! If there’s one workout I never skip, it’s a threshold run—the ultimate efficiency workout for building endurance and speed for your marathon. Aside from threshold training tips, I’ve got a race profile for you of my favorite stage race, The Coastal Challenge, which is in full swing this week. Plus, we’re diving into cardiac drift, the latest news in running, and how...