Holiday Gift Guide

Wondering what to get that endurance junkie in your life?? Here are some ideas...

Just an FYI, none of this content is sponsored content or advertisements. This is just a compilation of items I love using and think that any endurance junkie in your life will love them too!!

TriBling 

sweat proof and awesome

I got my TriBling last year and I just love it. I wear it all the time and do not take it off. It is a constant reminder to me of the amazing journey that has been triathlon. I recently added a 140.6 tag to my necklace, courtesy of Old Pool Glassworks. This is a great gift for the male or female on your list because the pendant comes in several different sizes and you can pick from several different styles of chain or choker. 

For the runner, they have a new PACE version pendant that was recently released as well

YURBUDS 

So, music is NOT allowed in triathlon but who says you can't rock in during training or use these to watch movies on your tablet or phone while spinning away the miles on the trainer. These are sweat proof and do not fall out for the most part. I cannot ever go back to regular ear buds after using these. Plus, they come in fun colors. Available online or in big retail stores like Target. 

Pearl iZUMi

Tri Fly IV Carbon 

I have worn many types of cycling shoes and these are BY FAR the most comfortable shoes I have worn...and they hold up very well. I hammered mine this past season and beside the sick smell, they are still in great shape. Light, breathable, quick drying and colorful!! Love love love these!!

The Easy Shot!

Not sure what size or brand to get your giftee? How about a simple gift certificate to your local running store? That way they can get just what they need and/or want! I know I got a very generous GC one year to my local shop-Maine Running Company-and hubbs could NOT have made me happier! It's win/win!!

How about covering the race entry fee for your loved one? I know that when my Dad picked up the tab for my first half Ironman, I was thrilled over-the-moon excited! When you do a lot of races or BIG races, those fees can really add up. Or for the newbie to running/triathlon/fitness, a race on the calendar is a good way to keep motivated and stick with a training plan! 

Amphipod Reflective Vest

I discovered this item this year running the Ragnar Relay...and when I saw they made it in PINK, well of course I fell in love with it. Versitle since you can wear it with anything and it'll keep you safe for those early morning/late day runs in the dar. And you won't feel like a construction worker. Available in yellow too. 

STOCKING STUFFERS

Balega Socks: The Enduro 4 No Show is my go-to long run sock, the Enduro

Injinji Socks-I love these versatile socks for every day wear, trail running and any distance run. I wasn't sure how I would feel about the "toe socks" but I like 'em!

Ava Anderson Non-Toxic Diaper Cream

Ok, so really...don't laugh. Yes, DIAPER CREAM. I was given a jar of this by an Ava representative to try after weeks of me talking about a chafe here and irritation there during training this summer. She would say "I have a cream for that..." and sure enough, she did. I have used this cream on chafe, burns, rashes and skin irritations for myself and Lola. I love this stuff!

luxuriously formulated with organic oils & herbs, rich in shea butter, and packed with vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids  to hydrate, comfort, protect and soften skin. Acts as a gentle barrier cream that moisturizes and protects skin, prevents redness, and soothes diaper rash and irritated skin.

Ava Anderson Non-Toxic Lip Balm

Just good stuff in this lip balm. No petroleum. No junk. Just good stuff and soft lips. 'Nuff Said

You can order Ava Anderson products through Michelle's page or any Ava representative you know. When ordering with Michelle, use party # 19194 during checkout. 

Running Gloves-C9 by Champion

at $15 from Target, these gloves are a great stocking stuffer or gift for your favorite running buddy! The fit is great, I love the little grip dots on the palm AND the "smartphone" fingertips actually work! And I wont cry if I lose these like I would my very nice and very expensive cycling gloves...

what triathlete wouldn't want to find THIS in their stocking on Christmas Morning??

...and you can even "share" it with friends. Crazy. Awesome. 

She Says: It's all about E-Motion

I have long been a fan of the Pearl iZUMi running shoes.
Even before I was lucky enough to be on the Rev3 Team and got to work with them as a team sponsor.

As seen here in Spring 2011 when the Streak II was released

Shortly after the Steak II became part of my shoe repertoire, I tried the tri specific shoe, the ISO Transition and did a majority of my triathlons in that very model in the 2011 season.

I once again rocked the ISO Transition in the 2012 season, as seen here on the Rev3 Maine course.

In January at the Rev3 Team Summit, we had the pleasure of touring the Pearl iZUMi headquarters.
While there, the team was introduced to the VERY NEW line of shoes that PI launched called
E:MOTION

 Inspired by Efficiency, Designed for Motion (EM)

One big bag of colorful sneaks!

The new shoe line is completely different from the previous shoes.
The designs are new.
The names have changed.
There are more options.

This is the new E:Motion Tri N1 (men's) and I just love the colors!

Women's Health magazine even listed the new Pearl Izumi E:Motion Road N2 as one of the 7 Best Running Sneakers

So what is so different about the new Pearl iZUMi line? The thing that stood out to me the most was Dynamic Offset.

So what exactly IS dynamic offset anyway? Well this video does a great job at illustrating it...

The height difference between the heel and ball of foot is continually changing as the foot moves through out the stride. 

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The wait is finally over! The new E:Motion line launched recently and is available on their website and in stores at select retailers such as RunningWarehouse.com and Fleet Feet and more.

I just ordered these and I cannot wait to get my toes in them!! Tim DeBoom was at the PI headquarters the day we were there and it was great to hear him talk about how involved he is in the development of the products.




Working with 2x Ironman® World Champion Tim DeBoom, the Project E:Motion Tri N 2 was built to meet the harsh demands of Kona. The TRI N 2 is the long course model. The Seamless Upper gives chafe-free, sockless comfort while the E:Motion platform provides a smooth, fast transitioning ride all the way down Ali’i Drive.





I will be sure to let you know how awesome these are once I get my little big feet into them!

Wordless Wednesday: SNOWRUNNING

Weekend Snow Runs in Maine

Saturday:

A light snow and it was quite nice...

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Sunday's LONG run was a different story

More snow

Fortunes Rocks Beach covered in ice and snow

...and did I mention, 40mph winds??

ice-crusted eyebrows! eeek

Be safe! Thanks Donna 

snow day fuel

 The wind was so brutal, I was running wearing

a neoprene face mask-a definite first for me. 

Between the Atlantic Ocean and "The Pool" you could literally lean into the winds here
it was  pretty strong and blew us around quite a bit. 

Training buddy, Marc

I swear, this is the first time this boy has worn pants!
He's usually in shorts

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What are some extreme conditions you have subjected yourself to during training?

Do you prefer hot or cold training weather?