No intro required. A list of stuff I liked across this year and you might too. They could make good Christmas gifts.
Below the belt
Products £6, Lubricant £10 (Bundles £12)
I will start off with my favourite product of the year. I have not used this, but the name and the marketing are genius. Your balls are safe in our hands. Class.
Not only is there cream and wash stuff, there is also lubricate for those ever so painful chafing issues that can occur on long runs.
Activbod shower gel
£5 (Bundle offer £10)
Staying on the toiletries theme. I got a sample of Activebod shower gel in a race goody bag this year; I tend to use these samples at work after my bike commute. It’s concentrated so the tube is travel-friendly. A blend of sea minerals, green tea extract and almond oil gives a fresh and zingy feel and will also get the wife’s approval. Their stuff is also aimed at women. Other lotions and balms are available in their range. A good stocking filler gift.
Running Number Magnets
Ever slightly perturbed about feeding safety pins through your favourite top or jacket. Give these a try. Magnets that go on either side of your vest and hold your number in place.
Magnesium – Salts and Sprays
Spray £12, Salts £10 (1kg), (Bundle offer £25)
There is a stat that the majority of people are magnesium deficient. Magnesium is also required for loads of essential chemical reactions in your body. The best way to absorb Magnesium is through the skin, so bath salts or spraying it on to your skin are two good ways to get it.
There are plenty of Epsom bath salts available that are good to use after a hard session or a race to aid recovery. The Better You sprays are handy to get your magnesium fix and are also reported to improve your sleep. A good gift for the crazy trainer in your life.
Under Armour Alter Ego Compression Tops
£20-35 depending on shop
Got a comic book fan, Star Wars fan or just a general superhero in the household? Give them an extra boost in the spring training and racing with Under Armour Alter Ego compression tops. I have a few of these and they’re fantastic. Well fitting, soft, no annoying seams and good compression that feels like a warm hug. It’s scientifically proved that if you wear a Superman t-shirt under your normal shirt in an exam you perform better! Don’t believe me, read this. Available at Sports Direct and Base Layer.
Osprey Backpacks
Talon 22 – £90
I’m on my second Osprey Tallon backpack. It’s not so elegant and can sometimes clash with my suit (on the rare occasion I wear a suit and carry a backpack) but it pretty much ticks all other boxes. Race day bag, bike commute bag, hiking bag, weekend break carry-on bag, need a shopping bag bag. I initially bought my first Osprey Tallon as a run commute bag. It worked really well, there are plenty of straps to pin the pack to your back and ample room for your work gear. A top technical pack that you can stuff loads of gear in!
Run your body Running Tops – Coming Soon
I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting running or exercise tops but was never able to find them. I decided to make a small numbers of tops just for myself. Due to a number of enquires I got about them I thought I would share them and set up a store to do that. The store is here. I’m just getting it up and running at the moment and I will update you when it’s up properly.
Happy Christmas!