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2014 Holiday Running Gift Guide

Canadian Running’s 2014 Holiday Running Gift Guide, full of gifts for that special runner.

Wearable Tech

The best running-related gifts for the gearhead in your life.

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Adidas Adizero Prime Boost
$200 // Finally, the long-waited knit shoe from Adidas arrives. This speedy racer incorporates both a groundbreaking upper and Boost midsole.

Nikon Coolpix AW120 Camera
$350 // Perfect for on the run. It’s waterproof, drop-proof and WiFi enabled. Pop it in your pack and go.

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Yurbuds Inspire
Limited Edition Wireless
$130 // It’s time to cut the cord while soundtracking your run. These Bluetooth wireless headphones lock in place and sound great.

Petzl NAO Headlamp
$175 // This “smart lamp” will alter its light output and beam pattern dependent on your surroundings.

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RPM2 System
$600 // This is the ultimate information gathering system for runners. Monitor your gait, landing pressure, range of motion and more, all on your smartphone.

Polar V800 GPS Watch
$560 // This fully-featured GPS training buddy does it all. It even has swimming and cycling options.

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Stocking Stuffers

Smaller gift suggestions for that special runner.

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EC3D BHOT Compression Sock
$65 // A merino wool compression sock that will provide warmth and expedite recovery from this Montreal-based company.

Saucony Drylete Ponytail Skull Cap
$22 // The perfect winter running hat to accommodate long locks.

Asics Head Band
$12 // A headband often works far better than a hat on sunny winter mornings. It’ll keep the sweat out of the eyes and the ears warm.

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts
$3 // A great tasting and healthy stocking stuffer alternative to chocolate loonies and maple lollipops.

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Timex Ironman 250-Lap Tapscreen Watch
$125 // Perfect for the runner hitting the indoor track this winter. The tap screen is great for clicking off repeats.

Merrell Micro Crew Running Sock
$15 // What’s a stocking without socks! Merrell makes a durable yet thin trail running sock with MerinoMax fabric.

Merrell Modena Beanie
$30 // The puffy jacket of winter hats, this will keep any runner warm and looking good.

Kahtoola NANOspikes
$50 // When the streets are like an ice rink runners will be happy to have these grippy, lightweight running shoe add-ons.

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PowerBar Nutty Berry and Peanut Butter
$26 (box of 12) // Fan of PB and J? These bars are a tasty throwback to a childhood favourite and a great stocking stuffer.

Asics Plug N Play Armband
$30 // Many runners can’t part with their phone. This stocking stuffer will keep them connected and immersed in music on the run.

Merrell Touch Glove
$29 // For runners, gloves are like socks: you can’t have enough pairs. These warm digit huggers also sport touch screen index fingers.

Saucony Ulti-Mitt
$45 // Canadian runners need tough mitts in winter. The Ulti-Mitt is warm and light, with a useful LED light for visibility.

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Winter Newbie Essentials

For that loved one that is just beginning their running obsession.
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2XU Perform Multi Sport Jacket
$210 // This form-fitting winter jacket includes a well designed hood that fits snuggly around the head so that it won’t bob up and down during a run.

New Balance Chameleon Jacket
$170 // The torso of the Chameleon is extra insulated, while the arms are made of a soft, towel like material to keep the runner’s core temperature up without overheating.

Asics Thermostripe Half Zip
$85 // This stylish stripey winter shirt can work either as a base layer or as outerwear on a warmer winter day. It also looks great as sporty casual wear.

Merrell Ergoluxe Balaclava Top
$85 // A cleverly designed top for a new runner. The hood and mask will keep the face warm warm without looking unfashionable.

 

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New Balance Delightfully Sculpted Running Bra
$58 // When we did our most comprehensive bra review ever earlier this year, this model was a big hit with our testers looking for excellent support.

Merrell Ergoluxe Legging
$75 // This elegant tight will also keep runners warm. The wrap-around double fabric construction looks great in addition to keeping key areas warm.

2XU Men’s Thermal Compression Tights
$130 // This tight is designed specifically to offer compression while running in a cool climate. Works great as a base layer or standalone tight on most winter days.

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Saucony Omni LX Tight

$70 // This is Saucony’s bestselling tight. They’ve perfected the design so that it is stretchy and comfortable yet warm and wind resistant.

The North Face Runners 3 Overmitt
$40 // This mitt liner is a great idea for runners with an abundance of gloves but need something more significant on harsher days.

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Ryders Strider Photochromic Sunglasses
$76 // Ryders have a reputation for making great value sports eyewear. These photochromic sunnies will cut the harsh winter glare.

Helly Hansen Warm Balaclava
$30 // Let’s face it, if you’re a runner in Canada you’re going to need a balaclava at least a few times every winter. It fits snugly and doesn’t get waterlogged.

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Apres Run and Fashionable Runwear

Great gifts ideas to compliment a run and explore running style.

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CEP Calf Sleeves
$40 // Canadian track star and past cover athlete Kate Van Buskirk has made these hot pink sleeves her race trademark.

Oakley ChainLink Sunglasses
$240 // The ChainLink is a great hybrid. Oakley has merged its lifestyle design concepts with its industry-leading technology for a handsome look.

Helly Hansen Classic Loop Winter Hat
$32 // This classic winter toque comes in four fun, wintery colour combinations. Perfect for post-run warmth.

Helly Hansen 50L Duffel Bag
$100 // This classic, sporty weekender has built-in shoulder straps and just enough space for a destination race.

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New Balance 574
$100 // Pay homage to the past with these iconic kicks. The 574s can be customized, adding a personal touch to a great gift for runners.

Skechers GoWalk Interval
$60 // These lightweight, plush walkers are ideal for slipping into after a long hard run or at the end of a goal race.

Adidas Stella McCartney Iconic Small Bag
$170 // The runner’s race bag doesn’t have to look frumpy. This Stella McCartney designed shoulder bag has just enough space for race day or hitting the gym in style.

Polar Loop
$120 // Keep tabs on every step and calorie burned, 24-7, with this fitness tracker.

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MEC Mission Possible LS Top
$55 // MEC has fully embraced the idea that outdoor wear can look as good as it works. This top comes in three great wintery colours.

Saucony Sonic Reflex Jacket
$120 // This sharp winter jacket is durable enough for tough long runs, but also can pass as a casual jacket in a pinch.

Lija Tight
$95 // Vancouver-based Lija produce boundary-pushing running apparel, including this wonderfully patterned tight.

Helly Hansen Verglas Hybrid Insulator Jacket
$220 // This down-filled jacket is great to throw on after a race. It’s got stretchy breathable panelling, making it useful for a warm-up jog as well.

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Ideal Trail Gear

The demands of the trail runner are specific. We’ve compiled some key specs for hitting the single-track.

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Helly Hansen Active Flow Graphic Long Sleeve baselayer
$55 // Helly Hansen makes one of the best baselayers in the industry. This wildly coloured graphic long sleeve will look great on the trails and under the tree.

2XU Elite Compression Alpine Sock
$60 // A high sock is a good idea when cutting through the forest. The Alpine will keep your calves packed in and warm during long efforts in the wilderness.

Garmin Fenix 2
$500 // This is much more than a GPS watch. It provides elevation data, barometric pressure, real-time compass points and much more.

Adventure Medical Kit
$31 // This highly packable kit has everything a trail runner would need, just in case.

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MEC Mercury Tight
$60 // These indestructible tights are a great value and a perfect companion on the trails as the temperature drops.

The North Face Runners ETIP Glove
$50 // This stretchy, close-fitting glove has touchscreen compatible fingers and a high cuff.

The North Face Stormy Trail Jacket
$180 // This is the iconic outdoor brand’s most rugged trail companion. It’s got ample venting for excellent heat management, as well as pockets and a close-fitting yet mobile cut.

Victorinox Swiss Army EvoWood NailClip 580
$60 // This classic little gift will go perfectly in the pack for a trail runner. Swiss Army have somehow figured out how to add a nail clipper!

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