Top 10 Gift Ideas

Yes, it is that time of year isn’t it? The mad shopping rush to grab last minute presents and deals. If you are still wondering what to ask for or what to get your favourite multisport athlete, let me offer some practical and useful suggestions. I sure hope my family reads this.

1. Body Glide. $9-$20

- I use this stuff every day and it is my best friend during an Ironman race. This is my go to product to prevent chafing and blisters. It is not messy like Vaseline and can be used safely with your wetsuit to prevent neck burn. It makes for a perfect stocking stuffer.

2. Race Entry to a MultiSport Canada event. $50-$125

- What better way to get a newbie involved running, duathlon or triathlon? Or treat someone to an extra race. Check out www.msctriathlon.com for races and to register.

3. Coaching. $2-10/day

- If you have serious performance goals, need extra motivation, or your training is stagnating, hiring a coach may be the next step. Coaching prices range depending on level of service, length of program, and the profile of the coach. There are lots of coaches out there (including myself of course), so ask around, and contact them (ask lots of questions) to see which one fits you or your favourite athlete the best.

4. Fitness Testing or Bike Fit. $100+

- I have this done several times each year and it helps tremendously. It establishes my training zones to ensure I am not wasting my time during training. 220-age really does not cut it. Where to go? The places I am familiar with are: gas analysis test (imfit.ca) or lactate test (Absolute Endurance, NRGPT, Healthy Results, Endurance Lab). Many of these coaches offer bike fitting services as well. It will be the best money you will ever spend in this sport. Look for a FIST certified fitter.

5. Winter Gear. $20+

- A quality pair of gloves, wind breaking running tights, or a hat is always welcome attire. I really love the Mizuno Breath Thermo gear as a base layer (it generates heat as you sweat). Also, now is a great time to pick up deals on stuff retailers are trying to clear out from the 2009 season.

6. Compression Gear. $60+

- I make use of some kind of compression gear almost every day and because it helps with recovery. I certainly wear them during races too, not to make me faster (although if I go faster I will gladly accept that benefit) but it also reduces soreness the next day too. I’ve tried practically all the sock/calf sleeves brands out there and I am partial to SLS3, Zensah, and 2XU for a lighter compression. The new Sugoi tights and upper body compression gear is well worth a look too, very much along the lines of the Skinz gear. A bunch of choices can be found at www.runningfree.com

7. Acid Zapper. $20+

- I’ve used this since August and it is another great product to improve the rate of recovery. Being recovered for your workouts means a quality training session and improved performance. Acid Zapper works to maintain a healthy pH balance in the body, prevent hydrogen ion buildup by neutralizing acidic wastes, and this all leads to the benefits of reducing muscle soreness, buffer lactic acid, reduce cramping, and increasing endurance. I also found that I no longer have the need to use Tums. Trial packs are available for $20. Check out all the details at www.acidzapper.com

8. Indoor Bike Trainer. $300+

- Don’t goo too cheap here or else you will end up with a useless piece of junk in a few months. Spend at least $300 and get something from Cycle Ops or Tacx. You can spend $1500+ to go with a higher end Tacx model or with my favourite – the Computrainer. They guarantee you will improve or you will get you money back. It does not get better than that.

9. Custom made bike $4000+

- For the ultimate gift, why not ask of or buy someone a bike and custom made at that. By going custom you are sure to get a bike that fits, along with the materials (aluminum, carbon or titanium) and components you want. Take a look at Guru, Litespeed, or Roark. If you are lucky maybe you can score a top notch bike that a shop is clearing out to make room for their 2010 offerings. Just make sure to get a FIST certified fit.

10. Race pictures. $5+

How can I not mention getting race pictures from the greatest photographer in the business – Mike Cheliak. He offers a ton of options and packages. Who doesn’t love a picture of themselves in action? http://mysportsshooter.zoomphoto.ca/

My 20lb Challenge Update – 188 lbs. This is temporarily high. I was 182 for most of the week and then I had a rest day yesterday. For some reason my body likes hiking up the body weight on rest days until my next work out. I suspect I’ll be back down to 182 after my bike ride today or after tomorrow’s workout.

Last but certainly not least, today, I became an Uncle (I found out just seconds before I was going to send this off to Mike to post). My sister toughed out a long labour to have a baby boy. Congrats to her and her husband, and a warm welcome to my nephew Marcus – a future triathlete? Hmmmm…

Have a great week and happy shopping!

Roger