Santa is Sprinting To Town

Before we even put the turkey in the oven, the stores were already sparkling with holiday decorations, reminding us that Santa is sprinting to town.  The race is on to find those perfect gifts. This is the part of the holidays that most people dread.

That's why I enjoy playing the part of Santa's elf each year by giving you some gift ideas for the runner, biker or triathlete on your list.  Best of all, these items might motivate the couch potato in your family. What could be a better and more lasting gift than health and vitality?

Many of these gifts provide warmth and safety during the cold, dark days of winter.  Furthermore, most can be used for other activities such as hiking, walking and even as supplements to your everyday wardrobe.

Fleet Feet Sports ( 1500 Bardstown Road )

Fleet Feet has a line of sterling silver running jewelry (earrings, necklaces and charm bracelets) from BaySix®, as well as some custom running jewelry pieces. 

The Nike Triax Elite® ($359) is listed as one of the top-ten gadgets that will improve your life.  It combines a heart monitor with a speed/distance monitor.  The data, which is taken from two sensors, is displayed on a watch and can be transferred to your computer.  This is a good way to analyze training progress. Less expensive models include the Nike Speed Distance Monitor ® ($199) and the Nike ACG: Women's Imara Heart Rate Monitor ($99).

Spitfire Pepper Spray ($14.99) is lightweight and comes in a gift box.  Help protect your loved ones during those runs or rides down deserted country roads.  Replacement canisters are available for $5.99.

Besides the usual gift certificates, Fleet Feet also offers a gift registry.  You can put together a wish list so that when your gift buyer comes in, they can pick from your registry.

Swag's Sports Shoes ( 1715 Old Third Street Road)

Swag's offers a variety of reflective vests, ranging in price from $17 to $23. Another option is the Brooks Nightlife Magnetic L.E.D. Light ($14.99). This blinking light would make a perfect stocking stuffer. One piece goes under your shirt and the magnets adhere to your clothes.

If music gets you pumped up, consider the Cap Radio ($20). This lightweight FM radio is designed to go on a hat or collar; the unit is about the size of two quarters and the earpieces clip around the ears.

They also sell the popular Balega® socks ($8.99) that assistant manager Mike Turner swears are the best sock he's ever worn, because they are "super-cushioned and feel like velvet."

Ken Combs Running Store ( 4137 Shelbyville Road ) 

Ken Combs also stocks a variety of reflective clothing, including a line called illumiNITE®.  The jacket ($89.99) and vest ($64.99) light up entirely but don't appear gaudy in daylight. The lightweight, water-resistant shell is a good top layer for blocking wind.   

For stocking stuffers, I suggest their clip-on safety light ($6.99).  It features a very bright LED with six functions and a variety of colors. You might also pick up Speed Laces® ($8.99) or Bungee Laces® ($4.99), both very popular among triathletes for quick transitions.

Mizuno® has introduced an interesting line of clothing called Breath Thermo®. The shirts and pants (around $50) are designed so that when you start to sweat, the moisture interacts with the material so that it warms up.  They also have hats and gloves made of the same material, available in men's and women's sizes.

Fuel Belt® teamed up with Saucony® for a new hydration belt designed to hold four water bottles that encircle the waist for even weight distribution.  A front pocket was added for keys or identification.

When it's time to get out of those sweaty workout clothes, you can dress up with a runner or biker tie (29.99) or dress down with a pair of runner boxers (19.99).

Finally, to keep from slipping and sliding, grab a pair of Ice JoggersT ($31.99).  The lightweight, flexible rubber slips over the toe and bottom of your shoes and the replaceable carbide spikes keep you steady on your feet, available in sizes small, medium and large.

Footworks ( 241 Sears Avenue )

Footworks makes it easy to shop for those on your list by keeping a computerized history of each customer.  You don't have to guess about shoe size or style preference.  They also have one of the best selections of women's clothes that can be worn not only for athletic pursuits but everyday as well.

The Hind® Shakra Hoodie ($75) is lightweight, thermal and very packable.  It would be a smart and essential piece for this time of year.

Hind® also offers the 3-Season Gloves ($25) with a Chamude palm that is perfect for runners or bikers.  The lightweight glove was thoughtfully designed with silicone fingertip appliqués for gripping and a terrycloth piece on the thumbs (for runny noses). 

The Nike key pocket ($8) or arm wallet ($10) would make good stocking stuffers.  The key pocket clips to shoe laces and the arm wallet has an adjustable strap.  Both are reflective and have a place to write emergency numbers.

Scheller's Fitness & Cycling ( 8323 Preston Highway & 11520 Shelbyville Road )

Now if you have been really good, you might ask Santa for a treadmill to log those extra miles when the inclement weather keeps you inside.  I tracked down what I believe is the best treadmill for the price: The Pace Master Pro Plus II, found at Scheller's for a sale price of  $1,695.  This is the only treadmill to be given a "Best Buy" rating by Runner's World Magazine.

Clarksville Schwinn (111 W. Lewis & Clark Parkway )

Moving to our friends across the river, I finally located one of the winter wardrobe pieces that I consider most essential (but have trouble pronouncing): the Balaclava .  It is found in Lycra ($25) here. The key to staying warm is to keep the extremities covered.  The Balaclava covers both the head and mouth, trapping in warm breath during those winter runs, or rides and can be dropped around the neck if you get too warm.

Wooly Bully socks ($12), made of Smart Wool, will keep feet toasty warm and the Pearl Izumi® Therma Fleece tights ($80) without padding can be worn by both runners and riders. 

New Albany 's Pacers & Racers ( 3602 Northgate Court, Suite #19 )

Are your feet aching from all those shopping miles?  Pacers & Racers offers the New Balance Pressure Relief Insole ($29.99), recommended for people with very sensitive feet, particularly diabetics. The insole molds to the foot and adds exceptional cushioning. They also carry Birkenstocks ranging in price from $76 to $149.

Just when I thought I'd heard of all the running fashion trends, I learned about the Injinji,® a toe-sock. Toes are separated to prevent blisters caused by rubbing.  The moisture-wicking sock is available in ankle or crew ($9.99-$11.99).

f all this shopping has left you exhausted, it's time for my favorite weapon: Sustained Energy by Hammer Nutrition®.  This ultra-endurance fuel is a flavorless powder that can be mixed with your favorite beverage and is recommended for use before, during and after competition.  They offer a full line of fuel and nutrition supplements that I can testify work miracles. If you mention my name (sponsored athlete #50051), you will receive 15 percent off your first order.  Call 800-336-1977 or visit www.e-caps.com. Happy Holidays!

Cheryl McGinnis has a B.A. in English from Centre College, where she served as communications associate, cross-country coach and sports information director.  Cheryl was Kentucky 's NCAA Woman of the Year (1993) and National Inspirational Athlete of the year (1994).  She is a member of Team USA , competing most recently in both the 2004 World Triathlon and World Duathlon. She was named All-American in triathlon and duathlon in 2003. Cheryl is also a certified personal fitness specialist and spinning instructor. To contact Cheryl, call 693-7443 or email offrunnin@yahoo.com.