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The holiday season is quickly approaching and you may be wondering what to get the endurance athlete on your list — especially the runners! We have complied a dozen affordable runner gift ideas that would be appropriate to give to marathon, trail and obstacle course fans — and sure to be well-received!

It’s the safest bet to let runners buy their own shoes and expensive gear (it’s like a complicated science you don’t want to dive into), but these thoughtful runner accessories, books and nutrition products are sure to please everyone!

Trailblazer Ponytail Hat from Trail Heads: Did you know up to 10% of body heat is lost through the head?! Keeping your noggin, neck and ears warm on winter runs, hiking, skiing or other adventuring is essential and the super innovative Trail Blazer Ponytail Hat makes it stylish and convenient. For me, a major perk was that this running hat is “ponytail compatible.” Yup, you can slip a high pony right through a discreet little slit on the back of the hat and let it fly free – so cute! Also, versatile drop-down ear warmers (which also lay on the back of the neck some) offer protection and can be folded back up as the day warms up. Made of super soft, comfy fleece with a brim to keep sun out of eyes. Machine washable! A very useful gift for marathoners this cold weather season.

Convertible Running Gloves from Trail Heads: The 2-in-1 versatility of these cold weather gloves is so useful — the gloves transform conveniently into waterproof mittens for extra protection. When you don’t want the mitten part, just tuck into the pocket on the cuff. Speaking of cuffs, this comfortable cuff is generously cut, offering enough length to stay tucked under a jacket and protect wrists from the elements. Phone addicts will be happy to know that the thumb and forefinger are made with touchscreen compatible fabric. Features a bit of fleece for a soft brown or nose wipe, this convertible glove can also be machine washed. Convertible Running Gloves available in Men’s and Women’s sizes. A great gift for trail runners this holiday season.

Hybrid Water Shoe from CrossKix.com – The ultimate hybrid shoe takes you from your favorite water recreation (boating, toobing, creek stomping, beach, waterparks) and also multi-functional for workouts, yoga and even running! Even if it’s a little too cold right now to be running around in these, they are perfect to wear to indoor swim practice, the sauna, and the gym in the interim. Also, CrossKix have become my go-to shoe for gardening and après obstacle course race because I can just rinse them off when muddy. Made from soft foam composite for comfort and convenience, great drainage, 100% water submergible, breathable, light, cushioned, unisex-sized, and also available for kids. This pair (the 2.0 in Yellowjacket color) styled with an adjustable instep strap, other colors and styles available.

Kilo Endurance Sunglasses from Tifosi. I love Tifosi sunglasses because they perform 110%, are stylish and affordable. The Kilo is my new go-to model and make a great gift for endurance athletes. This Grilamid TR-90 frame endurance sunglass is perfect for any running or cycling enthusiast and guaranteed to be your new favorite pair of shades. Lightweight and durable with hydrophilic rubber nosepieces, they’re the perfect choice for long rides or runs. The polycarbonate lenses are shatterproof and vented to prevent fogging while keeping you protected at all times. Kilo in Crystal Smoke comes with three lenses – Clarion Yellow / AC Red / Clear – so that you can go the distance! Other Kilo frame colors and sunglass styles available at Tifosi.com

Apex Protein Snacks: Stuff those stockings (and backpacks for hiking) with the deliciously nourishing meat sticks from Apex Protein Snacks. I’m all about getting enough protein through the day, and a meat snack that doesn’t need refrigeration is a convenient way to do that on the go! A great snack when road-tripping to a race, camping, backpacking, adventuring, or just on the go all day running errands. These low-carb, high-protein snacks come in a variety of formats — bars, bites, biltong, and sticks. And, flavors (MOST of which are 0 sugar) include Kansas City BBQ Flavor, Jalapeno and Cheese, Teriyaki, Jalapeno flavor, and original! Beef, venison, elk, boar and bison! SHOP HERE

Jaybird Vista: It’s incredible something this small can go this big. The Jaybird Vista wireless earbuds are my go-to for everything from gym workouts to trail running. They are rugged and “earth-proof” and offer premium sound that goes wherever I do. Everything fits into neat little case that gives a charging case between wearings. When fully charged, the charging case offers up to 10 hours of additional playback time before you have to recharge the case. So, if in a hurry, you can sick the buds in the case for 5 minutes and get an hour of playback time granted! Also, new this year are the Vista 2, that feature all this same great stuff plus Active Noise Cancellation for focus and SurroundSense for spatial awareness and safety. Shop JayBird HERE.

Feeding the Frasers: Family Favorite Recipes Made to Feed the Five-Time CrossFit Games Champion, Mat Fraser. This comprehensive cookbook for athletes features 240 pages filled with 100 terrific recipes of high quality delicious food that promote balance, togetherness, indulgence, and athletic recovery. Written Sammy Moniz, wife of 5-time CrossFit Champion Mat Fraser, to share how she feeds the greatest champion in the sport. But not just for CrossFitters . . .this cookbook as delicious, nourishing meals for anyone with an active lifestyle! I was lucky enough to get an advance copy and the recipes are amazing! Preorder on Amazon, it ships on Jan 25, 2022.

Orange Mud Transition Wrap Extreme – Waterproof Changing Towel and Seat Cover: This very handy product from Orange Mud protects your car seat from sweat, mud and the general funk after a trail run, obstacle course run or sweaty gym session. Upgraded and now waterproof, nothing will make it through to ruin your seats. Also, can be used as a transition area wrap for cleaning up and changing or lay down on the ground like a blanket to catch a quick nap after your race! Microfiber cover measures 30” x 60”, is machine washable, and is available in several fun colors. Sign up for Orange Mud emails and save 10%!

Muscle for Life: Get Lean, Strong & Healthy at Any Age by Michael Matthews. From the best-selling fitness author of Bigger Leaner Stronger and The Shredded Chef, this book reveals a science-based blueprint for eating and exercising that anyone can follow at any age and fitness level. Based on time-proven principles produced by decades of hands-on experience and thousands of hours of scientific research, Muscle for Life will give you a plan for transforming your body faster than you ever thought possible, including how to conquer the “mental game” how to optimize your body composition with strength training, and how to eat “flexibly” and break free of dieting. Available for pre-order on Amazon (ships 1/11/2022)

Save 10% at handful bra with code THEFITFORK10

Handful: Gear up in fashionable fitness wear Handful, one of my favorite companies. I’ve been a super-fan of their bras for 10 YEARS, they flatter (not flatten) and are available in styles for all shapes. You can read my entire post dedicated to Handful Bras and fitness wear HERE. Use code THEFITFORK10 to save 10%!

Feetures Socks: The best running socks EVER, hands down. Targeted compression, seamless, no-blisters and a variety of styles and colors for men and women. I personally love and wear, the Elite No-Show and Mini Crew and the knee-high Graduated Compression.

Energon Performance Gummies from Seattle Gummy Company – Easy to pack in a fuel belt or shorts pocket, these pre and post workout gummies are easy to consume on the go and are easily digestible and won’t upset your stomach like other chews and gels. The POWER UP formula offers controlled-release carbohydrates and caffeine and other active ingredients (like ginseng and vitamin B) to boost and prolong energy levels, and keep you going stronger longer. The RECOVER formula feature BCAA and other important nutrients to help to rapidly recharge muscles, facilitate energy storage, and reduce soreness for accelerated recovery. Use code THEFITFORK10 to save 10% (and is combinable with other offers).

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission for sales generated, however price to you remains the same. Thank you for helping to offset operating expenses for The Fit Fork.

You may have heard rumors about the perfect running bra or even dreamt of a sports bra so magical that would make you look like a goddess and feel amazing and super-powered at the same time. Well, I’ve been wearing bras from Handful Activewear forever-ahhhh and have kinda been keeping it my little secret to being so fabulous – – but now I just need to share (I also have a Handful coupon code at the end of this post)!

So, welcome to my long-overdue Handful Bra review – hopefully it will help give you insights about the best bra for runners (and yogis, and gym, and ! I first met Jennifer, the founder of Handful Activewear, at a national running-niche retailer convention close to 10 years ago. We had a lot in common, besides sharing the same first name – both mothers, both entrepreneurially-spirited, both with a love of running, yoga and all things fitness. She hooked me up with the Handful Adjustable Sports Bra, my favorite to date and arguably the brand’s flagship, based on the years they’ve had it, it’s versatility, and all the core and limited-edition.

I remember the handoff vividly, Jennifer asked me what size I was and grabbed a Handful Adjustable Sports Bra off her sample rack and said, “it’s yours, enjoy!” The handful bra was purple (so fun!), soft and had some nice, natural-looking padding that looked like might help compensate for my lack of curves. I ran to the convention center restroom to try on my new flattering running bra – and WOW, instant love.

*You never forget your first handful bra (10 years ago).*

I wore that purple running bra for every workout – no chaffing, super soft fabric, bands and straps that didn’t pinch, and it was moisture wicking. Three-way adjustable straps so that I could wear with multiple style tops – regular tank or tee, racer back tank and halter tops. I ordered more bras and they became my number one bra not just for workouts but for everyday dressing too (I currently own 19 handful bras, lol). Yes, I do actually get out of fitness apparel and into “real” clothes occasionally and Handful bras are flattering sports bras, super comfy and flatter (not flatten) boobs like typical, tight sports bras.

As an AA-cup kinda gal, I was very appreciative of the natural-looking, subtle curves created by the bra’s removable pads. In fact, I started ordering extra Lights Out™ Bra Pads to add to bras I already owned, they were that magical! This is also how I discovered that Handful Activewear supports breast cancer survivors with a program that offers these and gives 12.5% of revenue from their Battle Cry Pink bras year round to YSC® (Young Survival Coalition) in recognition of the 1 in 8 women (12.5%) who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

*My “go-to” sports bra, the Handful Adjustable!*

Handful Adjustable Sports Bra, as I mentioned, works really well for my not-so-curvy figure and is ideal for A, B and small Cs*.In my opinion, it’s the best sports bra made. In addition, being able to move the straps in three configurations (regular, x-back, halter), the actual straps also adjust in length which helps make the various styles fit better. Plus, I’m the person that always has to adjust the straps upward, I guess I have a small torso or something. The fabric is super soft, I have never chaffed, and the gathering in the front helps hold the bra closer to your chest as not to flash the world more than you want when bending for a toe touch or deadlift.

Handful Bra, save 10% code THEFITFORK10 — The Handful Y-Back Bra in action.

Handful Y-Back Bra is described by Runner’s World as “the right bra for C to D* cups who need a little extra support.” It offers secure support for running and other high impact activities. I also like the Y-Back a lot (despite not being anywhere near a C or D) because it’s very flattering and the slightly higher neckline doesn’t look prudish, but provides a little extra cleavage and chest coverage. I feel like the Handful Y-back bra also makes my very small front look the most filled out, in a natural way. It’s soft, no chaffing either and my only issue has been that it’s not adjustable and the Y-back could be just a teensier “shorter” – but that’s just me, I have a weird body.

Save 10% at handful.com with code THEFITFORK10 — *Handful Double Down Bra (and YES, they make leggings too)!*

Handful Double Down Bra is a newer full coverage sports bra I recently tried and I love the stylish straps and ample coverage on the sides and back that is billed to “help eliminate side boob, spillage, pinching, and other unpleasantries.” It’s true, there is no side boob with the extra wider band and fabric area under the arm and around the rib cage. I know people are thinking “Jennifer, you have NO side boob,” which is technically true. But my back is wide (and specifically my lats are big) which spills over the back of bras often – I call it “lat splat”! The Handful Double Down Bra support and comfort are both A+ and the strap design will get you lots of “ooh where did you get workout top?” compliments. It comes with the “thin” Lights Out™ Bra Pads which probably works well for most of y’all – minimal padding that compliments your natural gifts and also to keep any nipple action from causing a distraction. BUUUUT, with my boy-ish figure, I swapped the pads out for the thicker ones – again, so happy they sell these bra pads a la carte!

Other Handful Bras for your consideration (but I’ve not tried, so can’t properly review):

Handful The Closure Bra: Offers a front zip closure for easy-on/off convenience no struggling post-workout pulling a sweaty bra over your head. Front mesh panel for extra coverage, yet cooler. Made in XS – XL, but looks like it would work for bigger-chested ladies. Read reviews of women who are D and DD who swear by it. Again, the care and comfort of big boobs is outside my personal knowledge base, but this bra sounds like an excellent solution.

Handful FaV Bra: I want to try this new running bra style ASAP! Flattering and functional, the FaV Bra has a deep V in front and cute keyhole design in the back to give you a playful look without sacrificing coverage. With that deeper neckline, I think probably works best for A, B and maybe C cups.

Use my Handful discount code THEFITFORK10 to save on your next purchase at Handful.com

*You will notice that Handful sells their bras by XS – XL sizing, not cup size – so refer to the sizing charts for the best fit. Also, some of the photos here may be of past-season colors. Handful has a core collection of colors, but is always changing up others to fit your style fresh and fun!

Note: This post contains affiliate links – I earn a small commission on each sale and proceeds help to offset expenses for The Fit Fork. Thank you!

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Tag Archives: handful

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