Tag Archives: trail run

A Dozen Affordable Gift Ideas for Marathon, Trail, and Obstacle Course Runners

Posted on by
Reply

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!

Treat the endurance athlete in your life (especially the marathoners, trail runners, obstacle course racers and ultra enthusiasts) with one or more of these affordable holiday gift ideas.

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 Running Socks

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.


Wondering What Type of Race You Should Run?

Posted on by
16

It might take a couple months, a year or even half a lifetime, but eventually most folks who start running on a regular basis decide to take it one step further by signing up for a full-fledged race. Even for those who don’t consider themselves “competitive,” running in an organized race is a great way stay motivated, test current fitness levels, breaking a sweat and bask in personal post-race glory alongside hundreds, if not thousands, other runners on a like-minded mission.

what type of race should I run

But, if you’ve never touched toe to the start line of a race, the sheer variety of endurance events and unfamiliarity of the “scene” can make it overwhelming and even intimidating to click the “register me” button. The best advice is to seek suggestions from seasoned veterans, poke around to find out what local races friends and family have found to be newbie-friendly. Even then, the “type of race,” should suit your own unique personality and running preferences. Read on to get the high-level low down on some popular “types” of races: Continue reading →

6 Tips for a Fun and Safe Trail Run

Posted on by
1

jennifer running on trail

Love to run, but growing weary of the city clatter and chaos on your route or, worse yet, being stuck inside going nowhere on a treadmill?  Well, let me remind you of an “all natural” alternative to these running woes – trail running!  Trail running has become a popular diversion from the everyday road run, is a great way to add new challenges that kick up your road running game, and is a legit sport in its own right. Because the terrain on trails is more rugged than pavement (think gravel, rocks, mud, sand, tree roots), secondary muscles are called into duty to help achieve balance and maximize agility. Due to this extra action, trail running can burn up to 10 percent more calories than running on the street, according Health Magazine. Before you the trail, check out my Six Trail Running Tips to prevent any unfortunate fails!

6 Tips for a Safe & Fun Trail Run

  • Focus on the run, not your pace. No trail is the same; the ups, downs and obstacles vary tremendously. That’s why you can’t measure success on a trail run in hours, minutes and seconds. By leaving your ego at home and forgetting about PRs, you can concentrate on your running form and biomechanical feedback, the inherent joy of running and the sheer beauty of the great outdoors.
  • Keep your feet functional. You’ll probably want to wear shoes that have a bit more stability and cushioning to protect your feet and ankles in rough patches. Also, slightly wider soles with substantial tread will help on muddy, wet and other slippery terrain. Also make sure that you have a little extra room in the toe box so that you don’t end up with bruised or blackened nails from extended downhills. Thin, quick-drying socks help prevent blisters if you sweat profusely or have to run through water. I am loving the Altra Running Superior 2.0  right now — they get a good grip on gnarly, rugged terrain, yet feel light and agile enough to fly fast through any obstacles in my way.
  • Gear up or go home. You don’t need to bring EVERYTHING with you on a trail run, but sometimes additional gear is nice to have (if not life-saving) during an off-road run. For example a cell phone for emergency calls, a GPS watch to track locations and, of course, your own ration of water and snacks. Other useful items to have are sunglasses to protect your eyes from not the sun and also inadvertent run-ins with tree branches, bug spray and knee-high socks to keep away chiggers and other pests, and a headlamp and/or knuckle lights if you are running through dusk into the night.
  • Put Safety Fist. It’s always best to run with a buddy, but at a minimum let a loved one know your route and estimated return time. It’s a worst-case scenario, but research any native wildlife dangers (snakes, bobcats, bears, etc.) that may be lurking and educate yourself on the best way to handle an emergency situation. You’ll want to hear all of the cues that Mother Nature is communicated, so don’t wear headphones. And, again, bring that GPS watch and phone in case you wander off course.
  • Maintain a mind-body connection. Trail running requires the use of multiple senses – sight, sound, feel and so on. While it’s easy to let your mind wander during a road run you’ve been on a hundred times, you need to remain focused on the task at hand in trail running to avoid dangerous situations. In rough terrain, the first instinct is to keep eyes focused downward at the feet – but this doesn’t provide timely feedback about what lies ahead! So, instead, keep your gaze straight ahead, analyze upcoming obstacles, and adjust your form accordingly.  Also, always keep a mental notes of mile markers or other visual landmarks passed (a trail of crumbs, so to speak), so that you can find your way back on an out-and-back course.
  • Don’t Forget to Fuel Up: You’ll likely want to bring your own water, sports drink and snacks give the more spartan running conditions — I’ve yet to see an emergency convenience store pop up like a desert oasis in the middle of a long trail run! There are so many options in hydration gear, it really just depends on the length of your race and personal preference for carrying (eg. hand-held vs. vest, belt or backpack . Also, stash some on-the-go snacks to provide on-going energy –eat before you deplete! Store-bought gus, gels and chews are fine, but I also like to make my own trail run fuel so I can tailor exactly to my needs. These are a few of my favorite trail run recipes:

Chocolate & Cherry Energy Cups - TheFitFork.com

Chocolate Cherry Trail Mix “Cakes”

Hazelnut Pecan Protein Fudge

 

 

 

Hazelnut Pecan Protein Fudge

 

 

 

Ready to Go Off-Road? 6 Tips for Safe and Fun Trail Run #fitfluential

Click To Tweet

What is your must have piece of gear or snack for a trail run? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer 

 

 

Spiralized Cucumber, Grapefruit and Avocado Salad

Posted on by
44

(Edited 1/19/2021)

Spring has really sprung here in Austin, so naaaaaaturally I’m talking spiralized salads . . . . and trail running shoes.  

You'll love this Spiralized Cucumber, Grapefruit and Avocado Salad with Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing. It's vibrant and very convenient, relying on the delicious, juicy grapefruits and other veggies found in the produce department this time of year.

You’ll love this Spiralized Cucumber, Grapefruit and Avocado Salad with Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing. It’s vibrant and very convenient, relying on the delicious, juicy grapefruits still hanging around the product department. Read on to get the spiralized cucumber salad recipe and Altra Superior shoe review.

Pages: 1 2