Christmas Suggestions for the Runner Who Has Everything

By Barbara Day

ShoeGlove™

Recently, I was on vacation in Florida . When I went out to run one day, it was misting rain. The longer I ran, the more it rained. Finally, there was a major downpour. I had a plastic bag protecting my MP3 player, but my shoes were soaked. Since I had only brought one pair of shoes, I had to try to dry my running shoes the best way I could for the next day's run. But, recently I found a way to help prevent water from penetrating my running shoes. It's called the ShoeGlove™.

The ShoeGlove™ is made of a specially designed high performance material that contains an advanced fabric technology. This technology has laminated together three specific layers. The outer layer is coated with DWR. The middle layer is the Donalson Company's Tetratex membrane. The inner layer is a thin fleece. The ShoeGlove™ material keeps your feet warm by insulating from the cold, repelling water and also resisting wind. Cyclists have had shoe covers that fit over their cycling shoes and are used when riding in the cold and windy weather to keep your feet warm and dry but they are too bulky to run in. The ShoeGlove™'s unique design keeps your feet warm while not impacting the running stride, shoe traction or altering the shoe in any way. The ShoeGlove™ is easy to attach with a strap that wraps around your shoes.

The product sells for $25 at www.runwarm.com . The ShoeGlove™ would make a great Christmas present for the runner in your life to help keep him/her's feet warm while training outside in the cold weather. Available locally at Fleet Feet Sports, located at 1500 Bardstown Road .

Gracie's Power Pouch™

Ever head out for a run and tie your keys to your shoelace, looking down every few minutes to make sure they are still there? Want to carry identification or money with you in case of an emergency but leave them behind because you have no place to put them? Now there's a way for you and other women on the run to carry it all, remain comfortable, and stay focused on your workout.

For women, a sports bra is the most essential piece of apparel you wear during a workout. Gracie's Gear, Inc, has designed the Power Pouch™, which offers unique functionally while providing the total support and comfortable fit of a traditional sports bra. Whether you are carrying keys, an MP3 player, or sports gel, your workout essentials will be secure in the Power Pouch™'s easy-access zippered storage pocket located in the front of the sports bra. The three-compartment construction and spandex/polyester fabric blend ensures minimal movement of items stores in the Power Pouch™. The moisturereleasetransfer™ technology sweeps sweat and heat away for rapid evaporation and maximum ventilation. In addition, the Power Pouch™ contains the Ultra Illuscent Max™ technology, which inhibits odor-causing bacteria.

The Power Pouch™ is designed to provide incredible comfort, convenience, breathability and support. There are a variety of styles to choose from: the long tank, the short top and the cami. All styles come in black, blue, pink and lime. The long tank sells for $38, the short top sells for $33 and the cami sells for $29.10. For more information, go to www.graciesgearandtraining.com . These bras are available locally at Fleet Feet Sports, located at 1500 Bardstown Road and Moxie Activewear for Women, located at 12003 Shelbyville Road .

Barbara Day is also the publisher and nutrition editor of Kentuckiana HealthFitness and Kentuckiana Healthy Woman and a runner, cyclist, hiker and mother/grandmother.