Gift Ideas for Runners

Any runner who is into gadgets or tracking their distances will love one of these wristwatch GPS systems. They track all kinds of information, including how far you ran, how to get back to your starting point, and lots of statistical data. The Forerunner tracks the amount of calories burned and calculates them over the course of a workout. One of the unique features is a virtual partner -– it allows you to race against yourself or a set pace that you want to follow.

This Nathan Rock Band Music Carrier allows you to bring your iTouch or iPhone along for your runs. The soft, stretchable, moisture-wicking armband is very comfortable and won’t interfere with your workouts. This music carrier also allows you to coil up the wires from your earbuds or headphones, so you don't have to worry about them annoying you while running.

These adorable, comfortable shirts by Life is Good feature a pair of sneakers with the motto, "Gotta run." Your favorite runner will love this shirt so much they'll want another. Available in both long-sleeve and T-shirt styles.

Wearing the right kind of socks means that runners can avoid painful blisters . WrightSock Double Layer socks feature two totally separate layers that allow movement between the layers. As a result, heat and friction stay between the layers, not between the sock and your foot. The socks' Dri-WRIGHT, multichanneled yarns wick moisture away from the foot, which allows the moisture to spread out, giving it a larger area from which to evaporate. So your feet stay dry and, hopefully, blister-free.

Since they need to run fairly high mileage, many marathon runners find themselves running outside in dawn, dusk, or dark . Make sure your runner stays safe with a reflective vest, which will ensure that they're seen.

Fifty marathons in 50 days sounds like an unfathomable feat, but that's exactly what Dean Karnazes, the "quintessential marathoner" did. His book details his journey and describes how he accomplished his remarkable feat. But Dean also shares his advice and secrets, which can be applied to runners of all levels. Packed with practical advice and training schedules, this book will inspire and educate runners, whether they're training for their first or fiftieth marathon.

If you have a long-distance runner on your shopping list, they're running long enough that they need to hydrate on the run. Since finding fluids on the run isn't always easy, many long distance runners use hydration carriers to have their fluids close at hand. Many of the hydration carriers also include pouches that runners can use to carry their food and other long run supplies.

This documentary captures the unique stories of six runners preparing for the Chicago Marathon. Coming from all different backgrounds and levels of ability, the runners each face different challenges and struggles as they train for and run the 26-mile race. In addition to being entertaining, the film is very educational, as it tells the rich history of marathon running through vintage footage and interviews with running legends. This film will definitely inspire your runner to push his or her limits.

The Marathon Stick was specifically designed for runners to help increase flexibility, accelerate recovery time, and reduces muscle soreness, stiffness and pain. Similar to a foam roller, you can roll the stick on your muscles for a self-massage. The stick is small enough to fit into a backpack or small suitcase, so you can easily take it along to races. It's particularly effective at loosening up tight leg muscles.