Last Minute Gift Ideas

As Matt and I were rock climbing yesterday, he looked over at me and declared, "The only thing that makes the end of the fall season bearable is knowing that Christmas is right around the corner."  It may not feel like Christmas with the Santa Barbara sunshine dancing across your windowpanes (though the rain has helped), but the holiday of joy, cheer and giving is upon us. The trees are trimmed, the money in my bank account is dwindling (what money?), I have to wear a jacket to walk out to my car (hey! Sixty-one degrees is cold!) and carolers are found on every block of State Street. Someone even requested I play Christmas music in my cycle class! Hmmm... I'll get back to you on that one, Claire.

One thing I love about Christmas is the fact that you get to give gifts to your friends and family! How sensational is it to get a special gift from a special someone?  Working at the best running store in the world does not help matters on my part... I mean, I can't give everyone I love an SBRC shirt, can I? Actually... wait, stop reading this if you are my friend or family! I don't want you to know what is wrapped in the shiny paper under the tree!

Most of you have probably finished all of you Christmas shopping, but if you are still looking for those last-minute gifts, look no further! I have compiled a list of the ten best gifts you could bestow upon your loved ones... all of which happen to be sold at Santa Barbara Running Company. You're welcome.

1. Knuckle Lights

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I cannot tell you how many times I have had to wake up before the sun rose in order to squish a run in. Then there are the days where I work from 5AM-9PM and it's dark by the time I lace up my shoes. So what does one do under such circumstances? Fortunately for me, SBRC carries these wonderful little lights that fit right on your knuckles. My sister got me a pair for my birthday and they have helped me through many a 20+ miler that lasted past midnight. Plus, I bet I could give some guy a shiner if he tried to pick up on me while I was out on the pavement.

2. Nike Thermal Running Tights

Shown in men's. Google.com

For men and women of all shapes and sizes! The fabric is lightweight and does not restrict your movement, whether you are running up Old San Marcos or climbing at the new gym in town. These tights offer protection from the chill and the cool ocean breeze without the threat of overheating.

3. Lole Love Beanie

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These beanies truly were made with oodles and oodles of tender love. Lole is committed to created products for active women on the go. What I love about these beanies is the ponytail hole in the back. No longer do you have to shove your hair up under the cap or worry about sweat dripping from the ends of it as it hangs loose, blowing in the wind. Nope, now all you have to do is tie it back in a ponytail (preferably one of the hair tyes we sell at the store) and pull that hair through the hole! Perfect for those chilly Santa Barbara mornings- and I'm not just saying that because I'm an ambassador!

4. Nike Lightweight Tech Running Gloves

How much do you hate getting a text when you have mittens on? You have two options: Take off your mittens to respond to the text and risk cold fingers OR ignore the text and risk an angry spouse. Am I right? Well, say goodbye to chilly digits and impatient lovers! Nike has produced a running glove that works with your smart phone! I know! It's amazing! You can use your touch screen without taking off your warm gloves. Perfect for the tech-savvy runner. And if you buy a pair for your teenage daughter, she'll have no excuse for not texting you back! (Don't you wish they had come out with these when I was in high school, Mom?)

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5. Endurox R4

Looking for a good recovery drink to take after your hard workouts or races? How about Endurox R4? This powder tastes delicious when mixed with water, plus it offers the 4:1 carbohydrate to protein ratio. It speeds muscle glycogen replenishment and rebuilds muscle protein after exercise to help prevent sore muscles. Antioxidants help reduce post-exercise muscle damage and glutamine helps reduce muscle stress. This recovery powder is all-around a great supplement to add to your post-workout routine.

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6. Brooks Pure Cadence 2

They are here! They are here! Brooks has done it again! The new Pure line is on our shoe shelves! I love the Pure Cadence because it is comfortable, lightweight, travels well and looks great on my feet! I have run through 3 pairs of Pure Cadences now. They work well for all distances, whether you are running across the street to grab milk at the store or competing in a marathon, the extra support of these shoes will keep your feet comfortable and cool. Plus, the new uppers are really well done with a lace very similar to that of the Cascadia and the Brooks logo is reflective! Such a great shoe!

7. Santa Barbara Running Company Fleece

Buy local! I always love wearing my SBRC gear to another city or state because it is guaranteed to start conversation. It helps that SBRC products fit well and don't create any chafing! I love the new men's fleece that we are currently carrying! It is super warm and the material feels great against your skin!

8. Injinji Socks

After middle school, I swore I would never wear toe socks again... until I was introduced to Injinji socks. Amazingly, these socks encourage proper foot function, feel like butter between your toes, help prevent blisters and are used by some of the most avid runners in the world! I used them for the Red Rock race and had absolutely no problems! No holes, no blisters, no sore spots... I LOVE INJINJI! 

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9. The Grid

Kiss those gnarly knots away- more like roll them away- with The Grid. Keep the blood circulating in your muscles and prevent tightness. The Grid is created with less foam than traditional foam rollers, yet still withstands constant, heavy and repeated use without breaking down! It can be used for injury prevention, treatment and core workouts! Everyone should own The Grid. I guarantee you will love it so much, you won't want to give it as a gift (buy two just in case that happens!)

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10. Garmin Forerunner 10

Everything you love about the Garmin 420 and 910XT is now available in a smaller, simpler package: The Garmin Forerunner 10. We have three great colors available at our store: Pink, Green and Black. This watch tracks distance, pace and calories burned. You can hook it up to your computer after and compare your current pace to your target pace! I love the simplicity and the stylish look of those watch! 

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11. Santa Barbara Running Company Gift Card

Can't decide which pair of Oakley's would look good on your best friend's face? Don't remember if your sister wears a pronated or neutral running shoe? Have no idea what size running short your dad wears? Buying for someone who lives in SB but you live in Norway and can't get into the store? No problem! Buy a gift card! Now your special someone can come into the shop and have one of our excellent staff analyze their running form before deciding on the best shoe for him or her! It's a win/win situation!

RICE, Saltines and a Hot Date

The lights from my headlamp and knuckle lights created odd silhouettes on the pavement as I ran down the dark street. I had been jogging for almost 3 hours. I say jogging because I didn't feel like I was pushing. My stride was strong as determination and drive seared through my Brooks Pure Cadence shoes. I had planned to start right after work at 7:15, but Amanda needed a ride home. Thirty minutes after my original goal starting time, I finally laced up my shoes, took in a Hammer Gel and pounded the cement.

Immediately, I began trying map my route in my mind. If I go through town, I'll run into homeless people. Tyler and I did that last week, but he was with me, so I felt safe... I could run out to Cosy's to go see Renee, but then I have to run through the sketchy part of town. I have my pepper spray, but I don't want to risk it... I could go north, but it is so poorly lit and a man was killed out there two years ago... Gosh... I guess I will just do my regular route... In Wyoming, we worry about bears and cougars. Here, we worry about homeless people and drunk college students. I had two cars full of college kids yell and swerve to try to scare me. Yeah, that's a good way to end up in jail, boys. I found myself wishing Grylls was still in town to keep me company.

My route involved a number of climbs. The hills feel easy now that I've been spending more time on the trails. And rock climbing has helped make me more aware of my surroundings. I definitely felt on edge in the darkness though. Every rustle in the nearby brush made me tense up and prepare for flight or fight. On my third climb of the evening, three hours into my run, I could feel a tender spot start to rise up in the back of my left leg. I slowed my pace, hoping that would ease the pain; unfortunately, less than 5 minutes later, I found myself walking the pain out. When I texted Mavel and my family to let them know my location, the throbbing got worse. It spread from my hamstring to my IT Band. Grrrrrr....

9:57 PM. I had 3 minutes to get to the gym before it closed. I was still over a mile and a half away. It wasn't going to happen. My water supply was out though and I was thirsty. Once again, I pulled out my phone, but this time I text Doug to ask if I could stop by and grab some water. When I arrived, he was full of life.

"Let's go," he said after chugging his protein shake.

"Let's go where," I asked.

"Running! I need to get my cardio in!" He hop stepped side-to-side as if he was about to take a kick-boxing class.

"You're going to run with me?" I was a bit surprised.

"Yeah, let's go!"

So we ran back to my house and finished my 19 miles. We talked politics. We talked friends. We talked about girls (his girls, of course). Doug is such a wonderful friend; he is always brimming over with energy. It was great to have someone there taking my mind off my pain (though, I could still feel the twinge throughout the run.

That night, I put my $200,000 education to use and rested, iced, compressed and elevated my leg while watching Hart of Dixie on my cell phone til one AM. The next morning, I taught cycle at 5:30AM, but I took it eas(ier) so I wouldn't aggravate the injury. I had woken up feeling ill- stuffy nose and no energy- so after cycle, I came home, cancelled my other classes for the day and slept until I had to go into the running store. I figured I would teach Pure Awesomeness after work, but when I walked into my house to grab dinner, my body was wasted. Lauren (bless her heart) agreed to sub, so I ate a package of Saltines, my wonderfully amazing housemate made me tea and I slept hard.

This morning, I woke up totally energized and ready to go! I taught cycle at 5:30AM and followed it with an easy trail run to test the leg (=my hot date with Running). There were a few hills that bugged it, but overall, I think I'm recovering nicely! This is the first time I've been willing to cancel classes due to illness (other than the time I had the stomach virus) and it totally paid off! Running and I had a wonderful date to make up for our "fight" on Tuesday night. Ahh... Running. He beats me up and I always come back. It's sad, really. But I know he loves me and I will never regret my time spent with him, even if it leaves me limping.