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All I Want for Christmas is my Garmin 305...

The basic joys of running are pretty simple. Everyone has the ability to do it, you can do it anywhere, and it is free. That is, until you start signing up for races, putting mileage on your shoes and decide to invest in expensive training equipment.

Over the years, the contents of my Christmas list has varied. When I was younger, the N64 was the big ticket item. When I was in college, I wanted a nice winter coat and purse to keep up with the cool rich kids. Now that I am an adult (arguably), my hobbies have changed, and invariably so has the Christmas list.

Instead of handbags or Nintendo Wii games, a Garmin Forerunner 305 tops my list this year. Granted, it is not the most fashionable accessory, but it beats carrying my phone to use my Verizon GPS whilst I run through the sketch scene that is my neighborhood.

And while we are on the topic of running through the neighborhood, an iPod shuffle would do nicely to cover up the sounds of catcalls from passersby. If ever you feel down about yourself, strap on a pair of running pants and run through my neighborhood. Someone is bound to honk at you and offer a friendly, "Hey girl!" That is southern hospitality for you at its finest.

The Lululemon Run Inspire Crop offers a secure zipper pocket for stashing my house key while I am out running and the mesh venting behind the knees ensures a cool, dry finish.

Berry by Superfeet promises the ultimate comfort in women's running. Specifically engineered to address the unique qualities of women's feet and footwear, the Superfeet should definitely help to comfort my arches when I begin to increase my mileage.

And what Marathon runner's Christmas list would be complete without a SPIbelt Energy Belt. Running long distances uses a lot of energy and it is important to remain hydrated and properly fueled. The energy belt promises room for an iPod, cell phone, my inhaler, keys, up to five GU packs, and other small personal items, with the ability to carry an additional six GU packs on the belt for easy access.

You might notice that a new pair of running shoes is missing from this fine Christmas list. I have only put about 50 miles on my current pair. I plan to reassess their condition at about 300 miles.

And there you have the bulk of my Christmas list for 2011. Sure, running has proven to be quite an investment, as this list suggests, but the benefits I receive from my practice far outweigh the cost. And think, if I were not out running, I would likely spend the time, energy, and money on food, video games, and beer.

Comments

  1. Looks a lot like my xmas/bday list! Oh how times have changed lol. I LOVE running w/ my new Garmin, and the iPod shuffle is PERFECT for runs. I have never seen those inserts - something else to add haha!

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  2. I did take some inspiration from your birthday list post! I won't lie to you. There's just so many goodies to be had that involve running. It's like a whole new world!

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  3. I think my entire xmas list this year is running too! I need new shoes and some cold weather gear (I still run on the NCR on the weekends).

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  4. Everytime I see a new running gadget, I think, "Oh I have to try that!" I've been doing most of my running inside these days because of the early sunset. This Saturday will be my first outdoor run in quite a while and I'm really looking forward to it! Not so much the cold though...

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