Now that the birthday weekend is done (two birthdays and LOTS of cake for our family), I can finally get focused on the holidays. I’ve done a little shopping here an there for our girls but have yet to buy anything for my husband for Christmas…though it was just his birthday yesterday.
A Few of My Favourite Running Things!
Over the last year I’ve tried a few more “things” that have become regular items for me when I run, play soccer, go to yoga or barre and workout at home. I’ll share them with you! Â I have not been asked to promote these items by the companies, these are strictly my own opinion.
Qalo Rings
At the beginning of the year I came across Qalo Rings online. They are a silicone ring. I was first drawn to their Blue Line which represents Paramedics/First Responders and thought it would be something that my husband would like. Funny enough, it was exactly what he wanted as his wedding ring would get caught on things at work. We each ordered a ring (dark blue below) and realised the sizes were too big. We contacted their customer service and it was extremely easy to exchange them for a smaller size.
My husband then order a second turquoise ring for me that I originally wanted but it was sold out when we went to make our purchase online. You can also have a special note engraved on the inside, which he did. And the best part about the turquoise ring, it glows in the dark! Our girls think it’s really funny. He also got a second one too that glows in the dark.
Why I like these rings: First off, they are super comfortable and easy to put on. I wear it when I run or workout at home with weights as my hands sometimes swell up. It moves with your finger and whatever you are holding or grabbing and doesn’t get caught on anything. They come with a little pouch that I use when I’m travelling. I’m confident my husband and I will have these rings for a long time.
I even wear it when I’m a wannabe-cyclist 😉
Nuun
Nuun are little tablets you add to water to make them an electrolyte enhanced drink. There are various flavours and as you can see below; I have a nice stash. My husband introduced me to Nuun a few years ago. They are gluten free, vegan, dairy (yeah) and soy free, safe for clean sport and made from plant based ingredients.
Why I like Nuun: When I first tried this product years ago, I actually didn’t like it.. WHAT?!?! Crazy, eh! It was about two years ago that I received a sample when I ordered a “bad ass mother running shirt” and I was pleasantly surprised. So I bought a tube and then bought a few more different flavours after a while. I am currently an ambassador for Nuun and no they didn’t ask me to write about their products. I like how convenient it is to travel with these tubes and the tablets don’t break. Plus, we then reuse the empty tubs for snacks for our girls or hair elastics in my bag.
I genuinely like this product and use it often. My favourite flavours are Tropical Fruit, Lemon/Lime and Fruit Punch. I’m hoping my Christmas stocking might have a tube in it this year 🙂
Night Runners 270 Lights
These things are great! I did a review last year you can read here. They are lights that you attach to your sneakers so you can see and been seen when running/walking in the dark. They have different levels of brightness and flashing red lights. They are light weight and I don’t feel them when I’m running.
Why I like these lights: First off, they are easy to use. Second, I’m all about being visible when running in the dark. I also like that I can use them for more then running and that they have different levels of brightness. I’ve worn them running, cycling, raking leaves in my yard (true story) and even in the winter months.
Runners, you’ve got to be seen!
Lululemon Yoga Mat
I don’t know about you but when I stretch after I run, I need to have something under me. I usually do my stretches right away and it can involve my daughters from time to time. I’ve gone through a few yoga matts in the last 10+ years but only recently came across this one from Lululemon, which I won at a Yoga Festival this summer. Oh my, this one is the best!
Why I love this mat: It’s a little thicker then my other mats and very cushioning. It feels good and comfortable under my feet, unlike my other mats that are pretty flat and basic. Basic is good but honestly, until I stepped on this mat I didn’t know what I was missing. When this one bites the dust (hopefully not for a while), I will invest in another one.
Race Entries
You can’t go wrong with this one! Everyone wants a free race entry, so if your significant other, friend or family member loves to run races – buy their race fees for them! Some events have “gift cards” for this type of thing. Or get creative and make them a running card with money in it for the race they want to register for. Trust me, you can’t go wrong.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without?Â
What’s on your list for Christmas?
Ever receive a race entry as a gift? I have 🙂
Piper's Run 
As much as I am sure that said yoga mat is lovely, I currently have 3, no wait, 4 yoga mats in the back of my car. It is ridiculous.
I can’t believe I have three yoga mats but it’s kinda nice because both of my girls take one each – so I still get one 🙂
The things we collect!!! It could be worse 🙂
I love Nuun. Perfect stocking stuffer for a runner! Loved reading your review of the rings. I had wondered about them. And I am loving those lights! However, I think I’d rather have a treadmill than run outside this winter 😉
running event entires are a must haha, I always spend so much money entering races haha. love the blog iv been looking for a good running blog on wordpress for ages and think iv found one 🙂 xx
My boyfriend got me 2 race entries to a 5k for the both of us. He hates running so knowing that he’d put himself through the race made it a million times better.
I received a Lulu yoga mat last Christmas and I really like it! I use it a couple times/week and it’s held up well.
I’d like a yoga wheel for Christmas!
Well….it’s gonna be a running-themed Christmas for me this year. I’ve bought a few things (for myself…no shame), and the husband has already gotten me some stuff. My favorite things? I honestly go through phases with all of my gear, but currently I LOVE arm warmers. They are ideal with a tank top (at a cold start line), and a great extra layer on cold days without the extra bulk of an additional shirt.
Race entries are pretty awesome. I am currently drawing a blank on Christmas wants this year which is making my family cranky, I am usually the one who can give them a list but this year, I can’t come up with anything!
Those sneaker lights look great! I can also use a new yoga mat.
The Night Runner Lights are great! I love them!
Race entries are a great one! I also would love some lights so I can run at night.
The Night Runner lights are awesome!
It tooj me a while come around to nuun but now I love it. Wish there were somw giveaways going on! Great list!
I can’t even remember the flavour I tried first but I’m so glad I decided to try it again. Love it! Giveaways for Nuun would be awesome!
I love Nuun too. Those lights look interesting! Why in the world were you raking leaves in the dark?
I was raking leaves in the dark as it was the only time I could get them done!
I love all these items, race entries are definitely always a great gift for a runner, especially one on a budget.
Race entries are awesome! It’s find it’s a nice motivator!
I absolutely love Lululemon yoga mats! They have them at my favourite yoga studio here in London, and they make such a difference- I don’t spend my entire practice sliding around!
I always thought they were just too expensive but I am amazed and will probably never go back, ha ha!
I think I might have to treat myself to one now!
NUUN! Yes, I’d like more Nuun please. Also I’d like InknBurn gift cards. Also I’d love some of those run lights! It’s dark these days!
The lights are awesome! An InknBurn gift card would be nice too!
Great list! I can’t live without my Garmin tracker, lol. That Lululemon yoga mat looks tempting.
I love my Garmin too, though I need to upgrade by next summer.
OBSESSED with Nuun and my Lululemon yoga mat. Race entries are such an awesome idea too- I may just have to use that idea 🙂
I’m loving Nuun too…and my yoga mat…it was life changing 🙂
Those rings are so cool!
We love them!
race entires are the best!!
They sure are!
My husband just recently got a ring to wear while working out. Time will tell whether or not he likes it!
Hope he likes it!
I love the idea of a race entry for Christmas! I am hoping for a pair of wireless headphones 🙂
Pingback: Year of Running {2016} | Piper's Run
Pingback: Rounding off 2016 – A Year in Review | Piper's Run