The headline is self-explanatory – give or take a few dozen gifts. For this list I consulted a wide variety of friends, acquaintances and semi-strangers, a few of which I caught up with after they appeared in past Training with Tim columns. Let’s do this:
Krista, Running shoe store manager
1) A Nike+ System for your iPod. “I got one last Christmas. Love it.”
2) A box of Gu energy gels
3) Some good socks. “FitSox are fabulous”
4) A bike trainer. “For sure.”
5) The Brooks Element Jacket. “Also fantastic.”
6) “Two words: FOAM ROLLER.”
7) Subscription to Runner’s World or Running Times.
Tyler, Wisconsinstate public servant
8) Medium-weight baselayer. “You can wear three out of the four seasons, for just about any activity.”
Simon, photographer
9) Gym membership
10) iPod Nano armband
Chad, Web developer
11) A National/State Park pass. “With goal of getting them out and walking around the state park system.”
Timothy, hardcore cyclist
12) A kettle bell. “A deceptive little device that will kick your ass, comrade.”
Jason, cyclist and phone guru
13) Cheap and awesome – Buddy Lee jump rope. Best jump rope = only about 4 or 5 IPAs!
14) Mid-price – Newton running shoes.
15) Crazy $ – 2009 Trek Madone 6.9
Maggie, financial advisor and networker
16) Magic Bullet Blend. “What I like about this is it is so much smaller than a blender and easier to clean up. Most of the time when you use a blender to make 8-10 oz drink it doesn’t work as well. My favorite use for the bullet is a smoothie. Delicious and quick. And a great source of protein and your serving of fruit for the day”
Sonya, runner and journalist
17) Exercise ball. “To sit on at your desk. Or whatever exercises you want to do on them.”
Roy, triathlete
18) Edible arrangements
19 Eating For Life
Sally, runner and blogger
20) A massage or gift certificate for one.
21) “Defeetor other goofy, but useful, Drifit-type socks.”
Jen, co-director of Bucketworks
22) “I highly suggest a basket with the ingredients for orange-maple salad. A jar of sliced naval oranges, some homespun maple syrup, a few lemons and fancy cinnamon. Healthy Christmas morning NOMS to last the whole year long!”
Chris Ponteri, co-owner of InStep Running & Walking Centers
23) IllumiNITE reflective running vest ($80)
24) Mizuno Breath Thermo Gloves ($19.99)
25) The Stick massaging tool ($30)
Tim Cigelske, Milwaukee Magazine fitness blogger
26) Me? I couldn’t ask for anything more. Just your comments. Add your own gift ideas below. And thanks for reading.
Training with Tim is arguably Milwaukee’s third most underrated fitness blog. It’s updated semi-daily at trainingwithtim.com.
